Discover the Forensic Psychology Certificate - Postgraduate Program
Forensic psychology is a multidisciplinary specialization that blends together law, criminal justice and psychology. Forensic psychologists extract evidence-based data from research studies and apply them to the legal field. The Graduate Certificate of Completion in Forensic Psychology at Grand Canyon University equips students to understand the complexities of legal issues, criminality, crime reduction and criminal rehabilitation.
Offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, this forensic psychology certification is ideal for students with a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as criminal justice, sociology or criminal justice. This program does not directly lead to one becoming a forensic psychologist, but is a comprehensive survey of crime analytics and societal responses to crime. There is an emphasis on scientifically sound research methods and the application of theory in practice, policy development and initiative implementation.
Explore the Psychological and Sociological Factors of Crime with a Forensic Psychology Certificate Online
The forensic psychology certificate, offered online by GCU, allows you to pursue higher education while continuing to meet your current obligations. Our online learning platform is an interactive way to complete your coursework and engage with your peers and instructors. This graduate certificate program is also available via evening classes on campus. It requires a total of 16 credits for completion. The online courses are eight weeks in length.
Students will learn to apply scientific reasoning, demonstrate psychology information literacy and incorporate sociocultural factors in scientific inquiry. Explore theories of criminal behavior and how it affects individuals and communities, and examine diversity issues as they pertain to crime and society. Understand crime causation and preventive strategies that can inform your future practice.
Apply Theories to Real-Life Case Studies
The rigorous curriculum includes a blend of instructional coursework, scientific research and real-life case studies. In Theories of Criminal Behavior, students examine the classic and contemporary theories of crime causation. Students explore the following concepts:
- Victims and victimology
- Developmental theory (life/latent) and critical criminology
- Public order, violent crimes and property crimes
- Social structure and social process theories
- Rational choice and trait theory
The forensic psychology certificate program continues with a close look at the legal foundations of the adult and juvenile criminal justice systems. In Psychology and the Legal System, students examine criminal procedures, pre-trial processes and post-conviction procedures.
In Psychopathology of Crime, students examine the many diverse factors that underlie criminal behavior. These include biological, neurochemical and sociological issues. There is a focus on addiction, brain imaging and future biopsychosocial research.
The graduate certificate program concludes with Offender Rehabilitation and Reintegration. Students closely examine the rehabilitation of convicted criminals and their reintegration into society. There is an emphasis on rehabilitation for specific populations, including sex offenders, drug offenders, juvenile offenders, female offenders and mentally ill offenders.
Find a Career in Law Enforcement and Criminal Forensics with a Forensic Psychology Certification
As long as there are criminals, society will require law enforcement and forensic specialists. As a criminal forensic specialist, you could pursue opportunities that would enable you to make a positive difference in your community. Some examples of employers that may hire individuals with a background in forensic psychology include:
- Government agencies
- Police departments
- National law enforcement agencies
- Correctional facilities
- Juvenile detention centers
- Law firms
- Courthouses
Some graduates may choose to broaden their career opportunities by earning advanced degrees. The Graduate Certificate of Completion in Forensic Psychology builds a solid foundation for pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree.
Program Core Courses
Course Description
This course explores classic and contemporary theories of crime causation, including psychological, developmental, and social causes of crime and theories of punishment.
Course Description
This course provides a psychological perspective for understanding legal issues, an examination of the various roles, functions, strategies, and interagency relationships of the courts, government entities, elements of the crime, and the individual as it relates to due process within the context of crime control.
Course Description
This course requires students to comprehensively examine various psychopathologies behind criminal behavior. Topics such as biological, genetic, neurochemical, cognitive, and sociological factors underlying criminal behavior will be examined. A focus will be placed on addiction, brain imaging, and future biopsychosocial research.
Course Description
This course examines various approaches to rehabilitative treatments in offender populations. A close look at rehabilitative methods within sex offenders, drug offenders, white collar criminals, cyber criminals, female offenders, juveniles, and mentally ill populations will be taken. Students will examine public policy and research based methods for successful prevention and community reintegration.
Online
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere. GCU offers the most experienced leadership in delivering online degree programs. Full-time faculty members and fully trained adjunct instructors, equipped with strong academic backgrounds and practical experience in their fields, support you every step of the way. Designed with the career-oriented professional in mind, our online classes provide an intimate environment that stimulates engaging and challenging discussions. Choose from programs across our distinct colleges, in high-demand employment areas. Classes begin frequently.
Evening
Grand Canyon University’s evening programs cater to the demands of working professionals who prefer an in-person learning environment. Our night classes meet just once per week and offer the interaction and discussion of a typical college classroom. Night classes are designed for a specific number of students, providing a warm and nurturing environment that supports an engaging experience. In an evening cohort, you will progress through your degree program with the same career-minded classmates, providing an opportunity to network and forge relationships that go beyond the classroom. Classes begin frequently at various locations, including our main campus.
* Please note that this list may contain programs that are not presently offered as program availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability of the program.
* The Department of Education defines how an institution must calculate a program's On-Time Completion rate for federal disclosure purposes. The On-Time Completion rate is based on a program's published required number of months to complete all degree requirements as provided in the institution's catalog. Completion statistics are updated every January and are based on the cohort of students who started the program in the same year and then graduated within the published program length .
Online and Evening program disclosures (9 months)* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Program subject to change.