Program Overview:
Forensic Psychologists apply their psychological expertise to the legal and criminal justice fields. Already an interdisciplinary field, the forensic psychology major at Saint Rose brings together two of the college's programs: Psychology, and Criminal Justice, Behavior and Law. The field of forensic psychology is immense, ranging from assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of criminal and civil forensic populations, courtroom process, and organization analysis to policy studies. If the student is appropriately prepared, they can skillfully work among those in the psychotherapeutic management and advocacy communities. Specifically, forensic psychologists examine issues, controversies, social problems, psychological state, and other complex phenomenon within juvenile and adult populations in criminal, civil, family, mental health, and many other domains of practice.
The Departments of Psychology and Criminal Justice, Behavior, and Law offer a wide variety of elective courses for the Forensic Psychology major. Students are strongly recommended to consult with their faculty academic advisor when selecting their elective CJS, PSY, and law courses in order to assure that all courses meet program requirements.
Students must earn a C- or better in all courses used to satisfy requirements for the major. Except in special cases where a student receives written approval from the department of Psychology chairperson based on a decision made by the members of the Forensic Psychology Steering Committee, no student may repeat a course offered for the major more than once. Two failures of a core course will result in the dismissal from the major. Majors may not take courses required for the major (except internships) on a pass/fail basis. Once having declared the Forensic Psychology major, students must satisfy all remaining core, distribution, and other courses applicable to the major at The College of Saint Rose.
Program Contacts:
Dr. Robert Flint
Chair, Psychology Department
Email: flintr@strose.edu
Program Webpage: Forensic Psychology, BS
Program Requirements:
Major in Forensic Psychology (73 Credits)
Core Courses (49 credits):
All Forensic Psychology majors take the same Core courses:
- PSY 310 Social Psychology fulfills the liberal education diversity requirement.
- Students may apply 3 credits of CJS 493 toward the major.
- Students may apply 3 credits of CJS 494, 3 credits of PSY 490, OR 3 credits of FPY 491 internship toward the major.
General Concentration (24 Credits):
Forensic Psychology Degree with General Concentration - The Forensic Psychology degree is comprised of a core set of classes and selections from courses focusing on criminal justice, psychology, and law. Students have considerable flexibility in the basic degree which focuses on breadth within the field.
Criminal Justice Courses:
Select 4 courses (12 credits) from the following:
Psychology Courses:
Select 3 courses (9 credits) from the following:
Law Courses:
Select 1-2 courses (3 credits) from the following:
Clinical Concentration (24 Credits):
Forensic Psychology Degree with Clinical Concentration - The Clinical concentration emphasizes the applied clinical psychological components of Forensic Psychology. Students still select courses with criminal justice and legal content, but are required to take more courses in psychological science. Students completing the Clinical concentration will be especially well-prepared for graduate programs in Forensic Psychology leading to careers in criminal assessment, assessment in other forensic settings, clinical practice or counseling within a correctional, criminal or other forensic settings, police consultation and counseling, and to serve as expert witnesses.
Criminal Justice Courses:
Select 2 courses (6 credits) from the following:
Psychology Courses:
Select 4 courses (12 credits) from the following:
PSY 365 is strongly recommended for students completing the Forensic Psychology Major with Clinical Concentration.
Required:
Law Courses:
Select 1-2 courses (3 credits) from the following:
Developmental Concentration (24 Credits):
Forensic Psychology Degree with Developmental Concentration – The Developmental concentration emphasizes the application of developmental psychological theories to the criminal justice system. Students still select courses with criminal justice and legal content, but are required to take more courses in psychological science. Students completing the Developmental concentration will be especially well-prepared for graduate programs in Forensic Psychology that have particular focuses on research concerning areas involving juveniles in the legal system. Potential careers in this area of Forensic Psychology include juvenile justice programs, advocacy, program evaluation, academic research, and serving as an expert witness.
Criminal Justice Courses:
Select 3 courses (9 credits) from the following:
Psychology Courses:
Select 1 course (3 credits) from the following:
Required:
Students must select two of the following courses:
| PSY 250 | Developmental Psych: Childhood | 3 |
| PSY 252 | Devel Psy:Adoles & Emerg Adult | 3 |
| PSY 254 | Devel Psy: Adulthood & Aging | 3 |
Law Courses:
Select 2-3 courses (6 credits) from the following:
Law Enforcement Concentration (24 Credits):
Forensic Psychology Degree with Law Enforcement Concentration – The Law Enforcement concentration emphasizes the use of criminal justice, psychology, and law focusing coursework in preparation for careers in law enforcement. Students completing the Law Enforcement Concentration will be prepared for careers with a variety of different law enforcement agencies as well as corrections.
Criminal Justice Courses:
Select 3 courses (9 credits) from the following:
Psychology Courses:
Select 2 courses (6 credits) from the following:
Law Courses:
Select 3-4 courses (9 credits) from the following:
Legal Concentration (24 Credits):
Forensic Psychology Degree with Legal Concentration - The legal concentration emphasizes the practice of Forensic Psychology within the context of being an attorney. Students still select courses with criminal justice and psychological content, but are required to take additional courses to assist them in preparing for law training. The legal concentration is designed to accommodate those forensic psychology students who are interested in continuing their education by attending law school.
Criminal Justice Courses:
Select 2 courses (6 credits) from the following:
Psychology Courses:
Select 2 courses (6 credits) from the following:
Law Courses:
Select 4-5 courses (12 credits) from the following:
Social-Cognitive Concentration (24 Credits):
Forensic Psychology Degree with Social-Cognitive Concentration – The Social-Cognitive concentration emphasizes the application of social and cognitive psychological theories to the criminal justice system. Students still select courses with criminal justice and legal content, but are required to take more courses in psychological science. Students completing the Social-Cognitive concentration will be especially well-prepared for graduate programs in Forensic Psychology that have particular focuses on research concerning areas such as jury decision making, false confessions, interrogations, and eyewitnesses. Potential careers in this area of Forensic Psychology include policy evaluation, program evaluation, trial consulting, academic research, and serving as an expert witness.
Criminal Justice Courses:
Select 3 courses (9 credits) from the following:
Psychology Courses:
Select 2 courses (6 credits) from the following:
Required:
Law Courses:
Select 2-3 courses (6 credits) from the following:
Internship/Field Experiences/Service:
Internships at The College of Saint Rose are strongly encouraged. Not only do internships assist the student to determine their career goals, it also serves other purposes:
- They provide the students with the opportunity to get a “foot in the door” at an agency they wish to be employed
- They provide the agency with the opportunity to observe and review the skills, strengths and weaknesses of interns before deciding whether or not to hire them.
- They give interns the opportunity to gain valuable hands on experience to gain valuable hands on experience.
- Achieve firsthand knowledge of an agency
- Meet people working in the field
- Make a good impression on future supervisors
Culminating Academic Experiences:
Required Course:
| FPY 498 | Senior Seminar: Research FPY | 3 |
Suggested 4 Year Course Plan:
This suggested plan is designed to give students an idea of how to balance their coursework over 8 semesters and to graduate within 4 years. Most students will need to take a minimum of 30 credits each year in order to meet the graduation requirement of a minimum of 120 overall credits. It should be used along with your Degree Works worksheet and in consultation with your faculty advisor. It is meant as a guide, not a definitive list of courses that must be taken as written. Your faculty advisor will help you make any necessary adjustments during advisement.
Fall of Year 1:
|
Course Prefix/Number
|
Course Title
|
Credits
|
|
ENG 105
|
Expository Writing, Speaking, & Research Techniques (Core C1)
|
4
|
|
PSY 101
|
General Psychology (Core C8)
|
3
|
|
CJS 110
|
Introduction to Criminal Justice
|
3
|
|
FPY 262
|
Introduction to Forensic Psychology
|
3
|
|
CJS 111
|
Criminal Behavior
|
3
|
|
|
Total Credits
|
16
|
Winter Immersion of Year 1: OPTIONAL
|
Course Prefix/Number
|
Course Title
|
Credits
|
|
|
|
|
Spring of Year 1:
|
Course Prefix/Number
|
Course Title
|
Credits
|
|
ARA, CHN, FRE, GRK, ITA, POR, RUS, SLG, or SPA
|
Study of World Languages and Cultures (Core C3)
|
3
|
|
ENG
|
Literary Studies (Core C2)
|
4
|
|
CJS 112
|
The Court Systems
|
3
|
|
ECO, POS, or SOC
|
Social Scientific Knowledge and Inquiry (Core C8)
|
3
|
|
FPY Concentration Course
|
Psychology, Criminal Justice, or Law Course (3 of 27 Required Credits; See Course Catalog for Concentration Courses)
|
3
|
|
|
Total Credits
|
16
|
Summer of Year 1: OPTIONAL
|
Course Prefix/Number
|
Course Title
|
Credits
|
|
|
|
|
Fall of Year 2:
|
Course Prefix/Number
|
Course Title
|
Credits
|
|
MAT
|
Mathematical Reasoning (C6)
|
3
|
|
PSY 295
|
Research Methods & Statistics 1
|
4
|
|
PSY 310
|
Social Psychology
|
3
|
|
FPY Concentration Course
|
Psychology, Criminal Justice, or Law Course (3 of 27 Required Credits; See Course Catalog for Concentration Courses)
|
3
|
|
FPY Concentration Course
|
Psychology, Criminal Justice, or Law Course (3 of 27 Required Credits; See Course Catalog for Concentration Courses)
|
3
|
|
|
Total Credits
|
16
|
Winter Immersion of Year 2: OPTIONAL
|
Course Prefix/Number
|
Course Title
|
Credits
|
|
|
|
|
Spring of Year 2:
|
Course Prefix/Number
|
Course Title
|
Credits
|
|
BIO, CHM, ESC, or PHY
|
Laboratory Science (Core C5)
|
4
|
|
PSY 299
|
Research Methods & Statistics 2
|
4
|
|
PSY 363
|
Abnormal Psychology
|
3
|
|
Any Extra PSY, Lib Ed, or Gen Ed
|
Open Elective – May be used for within-major concentration, minor, or second major
|
3
|
|
|
Total Credits
|
14
|
Summer of Year 2: OPTIONAL
|
Course Prefix/Number
|
Course Title
|
Credits
|
|
|
|
|
Fall of Year 3:
|
Course Prefix/Number
|
Course Title
|
Credits
|
|
CSC
|
Computational Logic and Reasoning (C7)
|
3
|
|
HIS
|
Historical Knowledge, Analysis, and Perspective (C9)
|
3
|
|
PSY 320
|
Biopsychology
|
3
|
|
PSY 320L
|
Biopsychology Lab
|
1
|
|
FPY 400
|
Advanced Forensic Psychology
|
3
|
|
Any Extra PSY, Lib Ed, or Gen Ed
|
Open Elective – May be used for within-major concentration, minor, or second major
|
3
|
|
|
Total Credits
|
16
|
Winter Immersion of Year 3: OPTIONAL
|
Course Prefix/Number
|
Course Title
|
Credits
|
|
|
|
|
Spring of Year 3:
|
Course Prefix/Number
|
Course Title
|
Credits
|
|
FPY 300
|
Forensic Mental Health Law
|
3
|
|
PSY 410
|
Psychometrics
|
3
|
|
FPY Concentration Course
|
Psychology, Criminal Justice, or Law Course (3 of 27 Required Credits; See Course Catalog for Concentration Courses)
|
3
|
|
FPY Concentration Course
|
Psychology, Criminal Justice, or Law Course (3 of 27 Required Credits; See Course Catalog for Concentration Courses)
|
3
|
|
Any Extra PSY, Lib Ed, or Gen Ed
|
Open Elective – May be used for within-major concentration, minor, or second major
|
3
|
|
|
Total Credits
|
15
|
Summer of Year 3: OPTIONAL
|
Course Prefix/Number
|
Course Title
|
Credits
|
|
|
|
|
Fall of Year 4:
|
Course Prefix/Number
|
Course Title
|
Credits
|
|
Any Extra PSY, Lib Ed, or Gen Ed
|
Open Elective – May be used for within-major concentration, minor, or second major
|
3
|
|
PHI, RLS
|
Philosophical and Religious Traditions (C4)
|
3
|
|
FPY Concentration Course
|
Psychology, Criminal Justice, or Law Course (3 of 27 Required Credits; See Course Catalog for Concentration Courses)
|
3
|
|
FPY Concentration Course
|
Psychology, Criminal Justice, or Law Course (3 of 27 Required Credits; See Course Catalog for Concentration Courses)
|
3
|
|
Any Extra PSY, Lib Ed, or Gen Ed
|
Open Elective – May be used for within-major concentration, minor, or second major
|
3
|
|
|
Total Credits
|
15
|
Winter Immersion of Year 4: OPTIONAL
|
Course Prefix/Number
|
Course Title
|
Credits
|
|
|
|
|
Spring of Year 4:
|
Course Prefix/Number
|
Course Title
|
Credits
|
|
FPY 498, PSY 497 or 498, or CJS 496, 497, or 498
|
Senior Seminar
|
3
|
|
FPY 490
|
Senior Seminar Lab in FPY
|
1
|
|
FPY Concentration Course
|
Psychology, Criminal Justice, or Law Course (3 of 27 Required Credits; See Course Catalog for Concentration Courses)
|
3
|
|
FPY Concentration Course
|
Psychology, Criminal Justice, or Law Course (3 of 27 Required Credits; See Course Catalog for Concentration Courses)
|
3
|
|
Any Extra PSY, Lib Ed, or Gen Ed
|
Open Elective – May be used for within-major concentration, minor, or second major
|
2
|
|
|
Total Credits
|
12
|
Summer of Year 4: OPTIONAL
|
Course Prefix/Number
|
Course Title
|
Credits
|
|
|
|
|
Career Opportunities and Graduate Study:
Over the last 20 years, the field of forensic psychology has maintained a steady growth rate. It is expected that over the next ten years, consultation, research work, and clinical practice in psychology and the law will continue to grow. Positions working with lawmakers, attorneys, and the courts are predicted to have the highest demand. It is also expected that jobs working in colleges and universities, teaching and doing research, will continue to increase. Changing laws and the development of new and innovative ways to deal with juvenile offenders has become popular subjects of exploration amongst forensic psychologists. Their expert advice can be vital to the decisions made regarding such delinquents.
There are also a number of positions within the realm of forensics that graduates would be able to hold; most of these require a bachelor’s degree: Correctional counselor, Correctional casework specialist, Correctional care and treatment worker, Court liaison, Juvenile corrections officer, Mental health case manager, Probation counselor, Victim assistance worker, Victim advocate
Some forensic psychologists choose to focus their careers exclusively on research, which ranges anywhere from learning how to improve interrogation methods to the detailed assessment of eyewitness testimony. Public policy is another area of interest for forensic psychologists. In this line of work forensic psychologists act as researchers helping to design prisons and other correctional facilities. Most often Forensic Psychology includes areas between the conventional options of criminal justice (i.e., law enforcement, academic training, and corrections).
According to the Occupational Information Network (O*Net), the projected growth of several areas that graduates of this program would be prepared to pursue is faster than average: (a) the growth of clinical psychology is faster than average (14-20%) and it has been marked as an “in demand” job, (b) the growth of both substance abuse counseling and mental health counseling is labeled as much faster than average (>21%) and these areas have also been marked as “in demand” jobs. These aforementioned jobs would require graduate training to obtain a masters degree or doctorate.
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