B.S. in Forensic Psychology
Focused on applying psychological research and evidence-based practices to the legal field, the Forensic Psychology program brings together many of Embry-Riddle’s strengths in areas such as applied psychology, social and behavioral research, and forensic sciences. Outside of the classroom, students have opportunities to mentor juvenile offenders, volunteer within local civil and criminal justice systems, conduct hands-on research, participate in professional networking, and present at scientific conferences.
At the Prescott Campus, the Bachelor of Science in Forensic Psychology provides students with a broad background in psychological and forensic sciences through lab experiences, coursework, and mentorship.
Students combine psychological training with a solid foundation in forensic science and the U.S. legal system. This training focuses on building knowledge of the behavioral and social sciences and the role they play in understanding and predicting human behavior.
Forensic Psychology students also have opportunities to work in the Forensic Science Laboratory, which offers space to learn forensic science techniques and carry out investigations related to criminal and civil cases. In addition, the campus is home to the Cold Case Task Force, where students can participate and partner with law enforcement and other agencies to investigate unresolved cases.
Outside of the classroom, students have opportunities to mentor juvenile offenders, volunteer within local civil and criminal justice systems, conduct hands-on research, participate in professional networking, and present at scientific conferences. Upon graduation, students are prepared to pursue careers in forensic psychology, clinical psychology, psychiatric counseling, and crime analysis, or to continue their education in a master’s or doctoral program in psychology.
Program-Level Student Learning Outcomes
Students will:
- Analyze issues in forensic psychology and the intersection of psychology with the legal system.
- Apply best practice guidelines, legal standards, and ethical conduct in various civil and criminal forensic settings.
- Apply theoretical foundations of psychology, with a focus on the convergence of psychology and the law.
- Apply fundamental research methods to evaluate issues pertinent to psychology and the impact of laws and policies.
- Compare contextual and developmental influences on individual and group behavior and diversity of perspectives when evaluating and intervening with forensic psychology populations.
- Communicate effectively at a level appropriate to forensic audiences.
- Collaborate effectively in multi-disciplinary teams.
- Apply technology proficiently in forensic settings.
Prescott Program Requirements
| General Education Requirements | 36 | |
| Core Requirements | 47 | |
| Specified Electives | 18 | |
| Open Electives | 19 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
Program Details
The Bachelor of Science in Forensic Psychology program requires successful completion of a minimum of 120 credit hours. The program may be completed in eight semesters, or four years, assuming appropriate background and full-time enrollment. Students pursuing this undergraduate degree must earn a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.00 for all work completed at the University. Students are encouraged, but not required, to complete a minor field of study. The courses necessary to earn this degree are listed below.
Students should be aware that many courses have prerequisites and/or corequisites. Students are responsible for ensuring that all prerequisite and degree requirements are met prior to enrollment in advanced coursework.
General Education Requirements
| Communication | 9 | |
| English Composition | ||
| Humanities - Lower Level | 3 | |
| Social Sciences - Lower Level | 3 | |
| Introduction to Psychology | ||
| Humanities/Social Sciences - Lower or Upper Level | 3 | |
| Humanities/Social Sciences - Upper Level | 3 | |
| Computer Science/Information Technology | 3 | |
| Mathematics | 6 | |
| Physical/Life Sciences | 6 | |
| Foundations of Biology I | ||
| Foundations of Biology I Laboratory | ||
| Total Credits | 36 | |
Core Requirements
Common Core
| PSYC 103 | Professional Development in Psychology | 1 |
| PSYC 226 | Statistical Analysis for the Social Sciences * | 3 |
| PSYC 323 | Research Design * | 3 |
| PSYC 323L | Research Methods Laboratory * | 1 |
| PSYC 445 | Tests and Measurements Theory | 3 |
| PSYC 490 | Psychology Capstone | 3 |
| Total Credits | 14 | |
- *
PSYC 226 and PSYC 323 / PSYC 323L are rigorous, foundational courses in the field of psychological sciences. Therefore, both must be taken at ERAU to ensure students receive the highest quality of instruction and benefit from the university's unique academic resources.
Basis of Psychology
| PSYC 310 | Sensation and Perception | 3 |
| or PSYC 335 | Physiological Psychology | |
| or PSYC 315 | Cognitive Psychology | |
| PSYC 345 | Training and Development | 3 |
| or PSYC 350 | Social Psychology | |
| or PSYC 401 | Psychology of Leadership | |
| PSYC 354 | Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 365 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Forensic Psychology Core
| Choose Five of the Following Courses: | ||
| FRSC 220 & FRSC 220L | Investigative Methodology and Forensic Science and Investigative Methodology and Forensic Science Laboratory | 4 |
| PSYC 302 | Victimology | 3 |
| PSYC 306 | Psychology of Deception Detection | 3 |
| PSYC 313 | Psychological Profiling: Theory and Critique | 3 |
| PSYC 336 | Forensic Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 337 | Criminality | 3 |
| PSYC 412 | Drugs, Society, and Crime | 3 |
| Upper-Level PSYC Courses with Forensic Psychology Focus (Approved by Chair) | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
Law and Legal System
| SOSC 200 | Introduction to the U.S. Legal System | 3 |
| SOSC 308 | Courts and Criminal Justice | 3 |
| Total Credits | 6 | |
Designated Electives
| Choose Six of the Following Courses: | ||
| ACCT 329 | Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination | 3 |
| CPSC 304 | Introduction to Computer Forensics | 3 |
| GSIS 342 | Interview Techniques and Tactics | 3 |
| GSIS 352 | White Collar Crime | 3 |
| SOSC 411 | Procedural Laws and Evidence | 3 |
| Upper-Level PSYC Courses * | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
* May take up to six PSYC upper-level courses
Open Electives
| Open Electives | 19 | |
| Total Credits | 19 | |
Suggested Plan of Study
Year One
| Requirements | Credits |
|---|---|
| COMM 122 - English Composition | 3 |
| Mathematics | 3 |
| Humanities/Social Sciences - Lower or Upper Level | 3 |
| Open Elective | 3 |
| PSYC 101 - Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| UNIV 101 - College Success | 1 |
| Semester Hours | 16 |
| Requirements | Credits |
|---|---|
| BIOL 120 - Foundations of Biology I | 3 |
| BIOL 120L - Foundations of Biology I Laboratory | 1 |
| Humanities - Lower Level | 3 |
| Mathematics | 3 |
| PSYC 103 - Professional Development in Psychology | 1 |
| PSYC 354 - Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| Open Elective | 3 |
| Semester Hours | 17 |
Total Credits
Total Hours for All Requirements: 33
Year Two
| Requirements | Credits |
|---|---|
| Computer Science/Information Technology | 3 |
| Physical/Life Sciences | 2 |
| PSYC 310 - Sensation and Perception, PSYC 335 - Physiological Psychology, or PSYC 315 - Cognitive Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 365 - Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
| SOSC 200 - Introduction to the U.S. Legal System | 3 |
| Semester Hours | 14 |
| Requirements | Credits |
|---|---|
| Communication | 3 |
| Open Elective | 3 |
| PSYC 345 - Training and Development, PSYC 350 - Social Psychology, or PSYC 401 - Psychology of Leadership | 3 |
| PSYC 226 - Statistical Analysis for the Social Sciences | 3 |
| Designated Elective | 3 |
| Semester Hours | 15 |
Total Credits
Total Hours for All Requirements: 29
Year Three
| Requirements | Credits |
|---|---|
| Communication | 3 |
| Open Elective | 3 |
| SOSC 308 - Courts and Criminal Justice | 3 |
| PSYC 323 - Research Design | 3 |
| PSYC 323L - Research Methods Laboratory | 1 |
| Forensic Psychology Core | 3 |
| Semester Hours | 16 |
| Requirements | Credits |
|---|---|
| Designated Elective | 3 |
| Humanities/Social Sciences - Upper Level | 3 |
| Open Elective | 3 |
| Forensic Psychology Core | 3 |
| Forensic Psychology Core | 3 |
| Semester Hours | 15 |
Total Credits
Total Hours for All Requirements: 31
Senior Year
| Requirements | Credits |
|---|---|
| Designated Elective | 3 |
| Forensic Psychology Core | 3 |
| PSYC 445 - Tests and Measurements Theory | 3 |
| PSYC 490 - Psychology Capstone | 3 |
| Semester Hours | 12 |
| Requirements | Credits |
|---|---|
| Designated Elective | 3 |
| Designated Elective | 3 |
| Designated Elective | 3 |
| Forensic Psychology Core | 3 |
| Open Elective | 3 |
| Semester Hours | 15 |
Total Credits
Total Hours for All Requirements: 27