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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 in Forensic Psychology at Grand Canyon University teaches you about the complexities of legal issues, criminality, crime reduction and criminal rehabilitation.
Offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, this certificate is designed for those who have a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as sociology or criminal justice. This certificate 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.
You will be taught 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. The curriculum covers crime causation and preventive strategies that can help inform your future practice.
The graduate certificate in forensic psychology, offered online, 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.
The curriculum includes a blend of instructional coursework, scientific research and practical case studies. The program continues with a close look at the legal foundations of the adult and juvenile criminal justice systems.
In Psychology and the Legal System, you will examine criminal procedures, pretrial processes and post-conviction procedures.
In Psychopathology of Crime, you will be taught about 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 forensic psychology certificate program concludes with Offender Rehabilitation and Reintegration. You will be taught about 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.
In Theories of Criminal Behavior, you will examine the classic and contemporary theories of crime causation. You will also explore the following concepts:
As long as there are criminals, society will require law enforcement and forensic specialists. As a criminal forensic specialist, you could pursue opportunities that can enable you to make a positive difference in your community. This certificate teaches you core competencies that are helpful for pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree.
Some examples of employers that may hire individuals with a background in forensic psychology include:
Government agencies
National law enforcement agencies
Correctional facilities
Juvenile detention centers
Juvenile detention centers
Law firms
Courthouses
If you aspire to pursue a career in this subfield, then the forensic psychology certificate may fit your needs. Before taking the next step in your academic and professional journey, explore the answers to some commonly asked questions.
There are several types of professionals who are responsible for responding to, processing and analyzing crime scenes, including police officers and crime scene examiners. However, forensic psychologists aren’t likely to be requested to be present at a crime scene. Instead, their work centers on assessing individuals involved with the justice system, designing and implementing treatment programs, conducting research studies and testifying in court.
A forensic psychology certificate is a non-degree program that teaches core competencies in this subfield of psychology. Certificate programs do not lead to professional licensure. However, they can teach you the foundational knowledge and skills you will need to pursue a non-licensure position in the field, or to pursue further education.
Forensic psychology professionals generally work on a variety of case types, including both violent and non-violent offenses. Some criminal psychologists do indeed work on cases that involve serial killers. However, these cases are relatively rare. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) estimates that, out of all of the murder cases that arise during any given year, less than 1% of these cases are attributable to serial murderers.1
Forensic psychology and criminal psychology are closely related. Both subfields support the work of law enforcement and the justice system as a whole. However, there are key differences. Criminal psychology focuses exclusively on criminal law and criminal cases. In contrast, forensic psychology encompasses both criminal and civil cases, as well as academic research and at-risk population counseling. Because forensic psychology is broader in scope, earning a forensic psychology certificate may help you position yourself to pursue a broader range of career opportunities.
Apply for admission to the forensic psychology certificate online program at GCU. Applications are reviewed and considered throughout the year — there is no application deadline! Take the first step toward acquiring core competencies in forensic psychology by filling out the form on this page.
1 Behavioral Analysis Unit 2. (n.d.). Serial Murder: Multi-Disciplinary Perspectives for Investigators. Federal Bureau of Investigation. Retrieved June 14, 2023.
Online: $600 per credit [More Info]
The University will accept one course of the total certificate requirements in transfer.
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Master's)
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
* Degree must be from an accredited college or program that has been approved by GCU.
** Combined verbal/quantitative, after August 2011 (1,000 combined verbal and quantitative, prior to August 2011).
