Master of Science in Criminal Justice Curriculum
Forensic Psychology Concentration
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Victimology
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.
Research Design and
Analysis in Forensic Psychology
Students in this course will receive an in-depth examination of the
application, construction and design of research as it applies to
Forensic Psychology. Content includes discussion of philosophy of
science, reliability, validity, questionnaire construction,
sampling, and a variety of research designs commonly found in
Forensic Psychology research. Each student would be responsible for
designing and implementing an original, empirical research
project.
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.
This course explores the link between psychological disorders and different types of criminal behavior. It will provide an in-depth examination of the etiology, symptomology, and dynamics involved in personality deviation, and emotional disorder. Disorders from DSM-IV will be covered. Psychological assessment using the DSM-IV and intensive case material will be used.
Holistically explores the interrelationships among personality, lifestyle, career choice and career development, and considers the ethical implications of these issues, especially as a person’s career affects the lives of other people. Participants will be involved in a variety of individual and group experiences designed to raise and promote a personal commitment to self-awareness and an understanding of how this affects lifestyle and career development. This course is offered in a weeklong seminar format, as needed.
Cultural
Competence Seminar
Students
will work to increase awareness of and appreciation for cultural
differences. The course will require that participants consider and
examine their own values, attitudes and biases; reflect upon
personal life experiences that have contributed to their
understanding of differences and diverse cultures; examine how
mental health/forensic issues are viewed in the context of the
value systems embraced by different cultures; apply analysis to
understand organizational barriers that interfere with providing
culturally competent services; develop an action plan for
addressing culturally competent services and agencies.
Thesis is an original, empirical research project. The student will work closely with an advisor, producing a work corresponding to the guidelines of the Publication Manual of the American Psychology Association. Students can register for this course in any of the semesters and continue till completion.
Psychology
of Sex Crimes
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.
This course will introduce students to the psych-legal issues in mental health law. The course will study the needs and rights of individuals with mental illness and mental retardation, the delivery of mental health services, the regulation of mental health professions, and the concerns of society for persons with mental disability. Other topics to be considered include competence, commitment, the right to treatment, the Americans with Disability Act, restraint and treatment issues, advanced psychiatric directives
and natural supports in the community.
Applied
Advanced Psychological Assessment
This course will
explore the various assessment instruments used in clinical and
forensic psychology that assess individuals. It will address the
psychological factors to be assessed, clinical tools, interviews,
projective tests, TAT, WISC-R, and other psychological tools. The
course will review the gamut of approaches to assessment and
treatment. Goal evaluation (of offender/victim/client) will be
discussed. Goal plans (evaluation of the entire context/course of
treatment) will be examined. Concepts such as the therapeutic
alliance, transference, resistance, clarification and
confrontation, interpretation, and termination will be covered.
This course provides an in-depth examination of the areas of Advanced Clinical and Experimental Forensic Psychology. Students will conduct analyses of contemporary topics in these two areas as they impact the criminal justice system. The source would include both intensive small group analysis, as well as, individual examination of topics.
Examines the types of abusable substances, the symptomology, etiology, and treatment of substance abuse. The relationship of substance abuse to criminal behavior and emotional functioning are examined. Regulation, prevention strategies, and treatment strategies are examined. The entire spectrum of substance abuse is examined.
This course will cover the theories and practice strategies involved in counseling juvenile and adult offenders. Emphasis is on the evaluation and the development of effective models and treatment oriented interventions for counseling clients in a correctional or community environment. Focus is on development of effective knowledge and skills in working with legally involved and court committed adult and juvenile offenders.