Forensic Psychology/Criminal Justice, B.A.

The Forensic Psychology/Criminal Justice major is designed for students with interests in the intersection of these fields.  A strong foundation is provided in both psychology and in criminal justice.  We also focus on the scientific methodology of these two fields. An internship experience in the community is an additional valuable experience.  At the undergraduate level, this major is designed to prepare students for positions in the social, community and human service fields, working as a victim assistance worker or advocate, or in aspects of the field of corrections.  The major also prepares students interested in graduate work for careers including providing therapy to individuals convicted of crimes, determining competency to stand trial, and providing expert testimony in the courts.

Program Mission

The Mission of the Forensic Psychology/Criminal Justice program is to provide students with a foundation to understand human behavior through the lenses of psychology and criminal justice, specifically as these fields are applied in forensic settings to prepare students for success in post-baccalaureate career paths. 

Consistent with this mission, the Forensic Psychology/Criminal Justice program is committed to providing students

1. an active learning environment to develop the needed knowledge base in psychology and criminal justice to understand the applied field of forensic psychology. 
2. hands-on research opportunities that emphasize the intersection of psychology and criminal justice as integrated social science fields.
3. opportunities to develop an understanding of diversity, broadly defined as it impacts the field of forensic psychology/criminal justice.
4. the basis for understanding why we must take an ethical approach to studying and using forensic psychology.   
5. opportunities to develop communication skills applied to the field of forensic psychology/ criminal justice.
6. professional development opportunities related to forensic psychology.
7. opportunities to develop the critical thinking skills required to thrive in our world today.