This course presents a broad overview of the field of forensic psychology, including applicable work settings, the types of tasks forensic psychology professionals perform, and required training. Learners determine the ways in which psychology intersects with the legal system in both criminal and civil cases, with particular emphasis on how the law takes mental health into consideration. Additional course topics include abnormal behavior and the application of ethics.

The focus of this course is abnormal behavior, which learners investigate using the framework of mental pathology. Learners evaluate scientific, empirically based analyses of mental disorders and deviant behavior. Learners also examine the range of psychological disorders and assess the disorders’ biological, psychological, and social consequences. In addition, learners demonstrate their knowledge of abnormal psychology treatment methods. Prerequisite(s): PSYC1000.

In this course, learners gain a basic understanding of the impact criminal psychology and criminal behaviors have on the law, police, and communities. Learners also examine the uses of criminal psychology relative to criminal behaviors, and theories surrounding these behaviors. In addition, learners analyze popular criminal defenses relative to criminal psychology and behaviors, and explore examples in well-known criminal cases.

This course introduces victimology and the impact crime has on victims and society as a whole. Learners gain an understanding of the effects and financial costs relative to victimization in the United States. Learners also assess various victims’ rights, as well as the issues and social policies that surround victims’ rights.