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 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.
• Benefit from our wide-ranging alumni network.

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. You’ll learn a combination of clinical and research skills – including diagnostic skills, psychological assessment, counseling skills, research and writing skills, court testimony and more. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn from practicing professionals in the field, many of whom are alumni of our program, through field trips and 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. In a proseminar class, you’ll write an amicus curiae brief where you’ll synthesize psychological-based research to address a specific legal issue. You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in an internship to gain professional experience.

Cultural issues are prominent in class discussions. You’ll take special seminar courses in cultural competence where you’ll work with special populations such as homeless and people with intellectual disabilities. Students in the Lifestyle and Career Development course travel to different criminal justice and mental health agencies where they interact with service providers and clients of the agencies.

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.

FORMAT

On Campus – Offered in a 15-week semester format starting in August

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
• Investigative
• Intelligence
• Mental health professional
• Police Officer
• Probation Officer
• Secret Service Agent
• Social services
• Substance abuse social worker
• 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 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.