Forensic Psychology

Forensic psychology is the formal intersection between the criminal justice system and the scientific field of psychology. In Tiffin University’s M.S. Forensic Psychology program, you’ll study a wide range of courses in the field, including psychology and the law, victimology, legal and ethical issues in forensic psychology, psychopathology and criminal behavior, substance abuse, forensic counseling, research design and analysis in forensic psychology and more.

With the program’s research-based emphasis, you’ll get opportunities to conduct original, empirical research and present at Tiffin University research conference, Ohio Council of Criminal Justice Education research conference as well as other regional, national and international conferences such as Midwest Criminal Justice Association and American Society of Criminology.

Professional forensic psychology Training

• Ours is the only master’s program in forensic psychology in Ohio.
• Classes are held on Saturday, enabling you to work during the week.
• The program combines research in clinical and experimental forensic psychology.
• You’ll learn marketable skills that are used in agencies.
• Become eligible to obtain your Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant (CDCA) certification in Ohio. Check your state for certification requirements.
• Benefit from our wide-ranging alumni network.

We offer discounts for Military, FOP, ODRC and OPBA members and you may earn credit for CLEE, PELC and STEP. 

In the M.S. Forensic Psychology program, you’ll learn about real-world forensic psychology from real-world practitioners. Our faculty bring years of executive, operations-level, clinical, academic and research experience in criminal justice. Instructors use their experiences to help explain concepts, spark debate and foster insight.

All content within the program is practitioner focused, providing the in-depth knowledge and career-ready skills you’ll need to excel in the field. The curriculum covers current topics such as substance abuse, sex crimes, criminal thinking errors and more. Explore the intersection of psychology, law, and human behavior. Build a strong knowledge base of clinical concepts, psychological assessment principles, diagnostic frameworks, and counseling theories. Develop applied skills in interviewing, research, professional writing, and courtroom communication, gaining the knowledge and perspective to explore the diverse educational and career pathways within forensic psychology. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn from practicing professionals in the field, many of whom are alumni of our program, through guest speakers on campus.

Experiential learning plays an important role in the practitioner-focused M.S. Forensic Psychology program. You’ll engage in case studies, group work and role play. You’ll participate in student class presentations, debates, and mock trial. You’ll conduct original research projects and present at conferences. You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in an internship to gain professional experience.

Cultural issues are prominent in class discussions. Through this program, you’ll learn to work with various populations and cultures.

This is an immersive program that will equip you in every way – to be an astute critical thinker, effective collaborator, innovative problem solver, clear communicator and leader in your field.

Fellowships

At TU, students have the opportunity to pursue an honors-level educational experience beyond the traditional classroom through one of our Fellowships. A Fellowship program is a unique experience for you to explore your passions and build on your skills while working with like-minded peers and community and regional partners. Previous M.S. Forensic Psychology students have participated in the Violent Crime Research Fellowship to build on the skills and knowledge of the program, but there are a variety of fellowship topics available to pursue.  

To participate in a Fellowship program, you must meet the requirements of your desired program, be accepted, and have the ability to meet the time commitment that requires on-campus participation. 

FORMAT

On Campus – Offered in a 15-week semester format starting in August. Students are required to take courses in the fall, spring, summer and fall to complete the degree requirements.

SAMPLE COURSES

Psychology and Law (PSY511) – This class examines the theoretical and empirical bases for the field of forensic psychology. Students will explore how psychologist interacts with offenders, victims and criminal justice agencies.

Introduction to Forensic Psychology (PSY512) – The class is designed to present students with a broad overview of the field of Forensic Psychology. The course will explore the various applications of theories and research in psychology to aspects of the criminal justice system.

Victimology (PSY525) – This course will cover the broad views of the study of victims at the social, legal, individual and psychological level. The course is designed to broaden the understanding of victims. The student will be given the history of how victims have been treated over time, how the interface of victim-offender dynamics has changed in the criminal justice system, how society treats victims and the psychological processes, services and therapeutic remedies that are available for victims. Various types of victims/crimes will be covered. Legislative and social movements geared at advancing public awareness for victims will be discussed.

Legal and Ethical Issues in Forensic Psychology (PSY530) – Forensic Psychologists encounter ethical conflicts when called upon to function in the criminal justice system. This course will focus on various ethical, legal and professional controversies and dilemmas. Analysis and resolution of these controversies and dilemmas will be explored. Topics include the psychologist-examinee relationship, the retaining party-examiner relationship, legal limits on confidentiality, the psychologist as expert witness, forensic psychology records, etc.

Sex Crimes and Paraphilias (PSY620) – This course explores the wide net that the term sex crime casts. In exploring the many different types of sex crimes that exist, detailed focus will be placed on the typology and etiology of the offenders who commit these various crimes and the effect that these crimes have on their victims. The legal system has put in place many policies governing sex offenders based upon an underlying assumption that sex offenders pose a greater risk to society than other types of criminals. We will discuss the various legal issues that surround sex offenders and explore empirical research to determine if this underlying assumption is valid. Topics of treatment effectiveness, therapeutic jurisprudence and the challenges of managing sex offenders in the community will also be discussed.

All MSCJ concentrations offered:

• Crime Analysis
• Crime Science
• Criminal Behavior
• Forensic Psychology
• Homeland Security
• Justice Administration

The M.S. Forensic Psychology program is primarily research based and will prepare you for careers in the criminal justice system and/or mental health service agencies.

CAREERS

• Addictions Counselor
• College Professor
• Correctional Treatment Specialist
• FBI Agent
• Forensic Case Manager
• Investigative Intelligence
• Mitigation Specialist
• Police Officer
• Pretrial Services Officer
• Probation Officer
• Reentry Specialist
• Secret Service Agent
• Social Services
• U.S. Marshal
• Victim Advocate

what is forensic psychology?

Forensic psychology is the application of clinical specialties as well as research and experimentation in other areas of psychology and the legal system.

What Forensic Psychology IS: 

• The study of human behavior as it relates to crime, victimization, investigations, courts, corrections and rehabilitation. 
• The study of psychological factors that may contribute to criminal and antisocial behavior. 
• The study of offender behavior, including violence, aggression, sexual offending, substance use and other behavioral concerns. 
• The study of victimization, trauma, and the psychological effects of crime. 
• An examination of interviewing, interrogation, eyewitness memory and factors affecting the reliability of statements and identification. 
• The study of psychological assessment concepts used within legal and correctional settings. 
• An examination of competency, criminal responsibility, risk assessment and other forensic mental health issues. 
• The study of correctional psychology, rehabilitation, treatment, reentry and recidivism. 
• An interdisciplinary field combining psychology, criminal justice, criminology, law and behavioral science. 

What Forensic Psychology IS NOT: 

• It is not forensic science. Students should not expect a primary focus on DNA, fingerprints, ballistics, toxicology, bloodstain pattern analysis or crime laboratory procedures. 
• It is not primarily crime scene investigation. Students will not be trained primarily to collect and process physical evidence at crime scenes. 
• It is not criminal profiling. Profiling may be discussed, but forensic psychology is much broader than determining offender characteristics from crime scenes. 
• It is not the study of serial killers. High-profile offenders may be used as examples, but the field is not centered on serial murder or unusual crimes. 
• It is not a “true crime” major. Courses approach crime scientifically and academically rather than primarily through entertainment-oriented crime analysis. 
• It is not exclusively focused on people who commit crimes. Victims, witnesses, justice professionals, families, organizations and communities may also be studied. 

what is a master’s in forensic psychology?

A master’s in forensic psychology prepares students for careers in the criminal justice system and/or mental health service agencies. Students study a wide range of courses in the field, including psychology and the law, victimology, legal and ethical issues in forensic psychology, psychopathology and criminal behavior, substance abuse, forensic counseling, research design and analysis in forensic psychology and more.

what can i do with a degree in forensic psychology?

With a degree in forensic psychology, you will be qualified for a variety of career opportunities, including addictions counselor, college professor, correctional treatment specialist, FBI agent, mental health professional, police officer, probation officer, secret service agent, social worker, victim advocate and more.

Is Forensic Psychology a good fit for me? 

Forensic psychology is a good fit if you are interested in understanding human behavior within the criminal justice and legal systems. You will study why people behave as they do, how psychological principles apply to offenders, victims, witnesses and justice professionals, and how psychology informs investigations, courts, corrections, treatment and rehabilitation. If you are primarily interested in collecting physical evidence, laboratory science or crime scene processing, forensic science may be a better fit. If your primary goal is providing therapy or becoming a licensed psychologist, you should understand that additional graduate education and professional licensure will be required.