Forensic Psychology

The field of forensic psychology is both dynamic and growing. Only about 20 schools offer a bachelor’s degree in forensic psychology, and Tiffin University has become a leader in the field with our top-level, American Psychological Association-recognized program.

Our forensic psychology major is designed for students who are interested in examining the relationship between psychology and the criminal justice system. In this program, you will develop knowledge in the treatment of offenders, victimology, crisis intervention, counseling, psychopathology, personality assessment and research methods.

You’ll also study the application of psychological principles to the resolution of problems in the administration of criminal justice, such as jury selection, police stress and rehabilitation program design.

Forensic psychology graduates can begin careers in either a clinical setting where they work directly with offenders and victims, or in a research setting where empirical answers are sought to crucial issues affecting the administration of criminal justice.

Professional Forensic Psychology Training

• Small class sizes make possible an unmatched student focus and individualized attention.
• You’ll engage in a wide range of out-of-class experiences, including internships, field trips, conferences and more.
• A professional internship – whether at the federal, state or local level – will equip you with valuable experience, skills and connections.
• The program provides access to a diverse and expansive alumni network.

Note: The ability to practice as a professional psychologist or as a professional mental health counselor is highly regulated in all states. Graduate study and licensure is required for practice as a forensic psychologist. TU’s program will prepare you for a variety of entry-level careers or graduate study.

In our program, you’ll learn about real-world forensic psychology from real-world practitioners – via faculty who are forensic psychologists; field trips to various agencies; guest speakers who are working professionals; hands-on internships, both domestic and abroad; and more.

As part of a practitioner-focused program, you acquire the most current, relevant field knowledge. And, you’ll develop professional, career-ready skills, including clinical skills, research skills, communication skills, legal and agency management skills and more – all of which you’ll use immediately in employment upon graduation.

Ohio Police Officer Training Academy (OPOTA)

To be a sworn police officer in Ohio, you must successfully complete the Ohio Police Officer Training Academy (OPOTA). Tiffin University partners with Terra State Community College to include the cost of the academy in tuition and can be earned in just one semester.

This unique training academy is state mandated for all police officers and covers firearms, legal administration, human relations, traffic, patrol, driving, subject control, investigations, civil disorder, physical conditioning and other aspects of law enforcement. Students apply direct, hands-on practice in the crime lab, firing range and police cruisers. With experienced, certified instructors and hands-on application, our students consistently achieve passing rates on the state-certified exam. Once graduates of the program earn the certification, they are immediately eligible for full-time employment.

Experiential learning lies at the foundation of our program, as all forensic psychology students benefit from a learn-by-doing education. Current event issues in the field of forensic psychology are front and center in our classes. You’ll address these issues through application and problem-solving projects, group projects, research projects, policy development projects, site visits and more.

The internship requirement will provide you valuable hands-on experience in the field. You’ll have the opportunity to engage in a federal internship via the Washington Center. You can also choose to pursue an internship with a state or local agency, or even internationally.

Bringing Knowledge to Practice

• Create, present and publish your own original empirical research – presenting at TU’s research conference as well as local, state, national and international conferences.
• Collaborate on projects that can immediately be applied to problems in the field.
• Travel to visit federal and state agencies.
• Participate in field trips to observe forensic psychologists and their working environments.
• Attend professional conferences to gain insights from thought leaders in the field.
• Interact with guest speakers, who are current working professionals.
• Engage in service learning and community-based learning, which are always embedded in our programs.

CURRICULUM

Core Curriculum of the School of Criminal Justice = 18 hours

Forensic Psychology Major = 45 hours

Tiffin Campus and Online & Extended Learning major courses, 3 hours each (to be taken in addition to Criminal Justice Core):

• FOR105 Victimology
• FOR310 Threat Assessment
• FOR344 Psychology of Violence and Aggression (w)
• FOR430 Crisis Intervention Strategies
• FOR460 Psychology and Law (w)
• JUS461 Capstone Senior Seminar in Criminal Justice (w)
• PSY101 Introduction to Psychology
• PSY250 Social Psychology
• PSY360 Introduction to Counseling
• PSY362 Abnormal Behavior
• SOC101 Principles of Sociology
• SOC360 Multicultural Issues in Society (w)
• SCS471 Internship II
• One of the following:
  • COR420 Agency Management
  • FOR347 Psychology of Sex Crimes
  • FOR365 Drugs and Society
  • FOR485 Death and Dying
  • PSY269 Human Sexuality

Total = 42 hours

Total Bachelor of Criminal Justice hours = 121

This is a sample course sequence to illustrate course offerings for this major. Consult the official Academic Bulletin for detailed registration and advising information.

SAMPLE COURSES

Victimology (FOR105) – This course focuses on the victims rather than the offenders; why they have been recently rediscovered, why they often do not report crimes to police; how some victims might share responsibility for the crimes with the offenders; how they can be repaid for their losses through offender restitution and government compensation; and what new services are available to help victims prevent crimes and resist attacks. The social and emotional responses of victims to crime are examined.

Psychology of Violence and Aggression (FOR344) – Course examines the changes in the methods, patterns and meanings of violence. Special attention is paid to individual and collective violence in the streets, in schools, at home, within the media, by the police, by terrorists and by the military. The major theories explaining the causes of violence, and important research about attitudes toward violence and the showing of force to bring about change are reviewed. This is a writing intensive course.

Crisis Intervention Strategies (FOR430) – Focuses on the theory and practice of intervention in various acute situations common in work with criminal justice clients, e.g., domestic violence, suicide threat/attempt, physical or sexual abuse and acute chemical dependency episodes.

Psychology and Law (FOR460) – Course studies the psychology assumptions that the law makes and the differences between law and psychology regarding models of behavior, theories of change, morality and values. Role of psychology in the legal process, the rules of procedure, the jury system and the psychologist in the courtroom are examined in depth. This is a writing intensive course.

Social Psychology (SOC250) – Study of the influences that people have on the beliefs and behaviors of others. Topics will include social perception and attribution, self-presentation, attitudes and attitude change, aggression and violence, group dynamics and their relationship to selected fields.

FORMAT

On Campus – Offered in a 15-week semester format with start dates of January and August

Students graduating with a forensic psychology degree have a wide range of opportunities. Previous forensic psychology graduates have pursued advanced degrees and have gone on to be accepted to law school; master’s programs in criminal justice, forensic psychology, mental health counseling and school counseling; and doctoral programs in forensic psychology and clinical psychology.

CAREERS

• Attorney*
• Behavioral Disorder Counselor*
• Case Manager
• Correctional Treatment Specialist
• Court Diversion Program Worker
• Criminal Investigator
• Detective
• Graduate or Law School
• Intelligence Analyst
• Investigator
• Local, State or Federal Law Enforcement
• Mental Health Counselor*
• Parole/Probation Officer
• Researcher
• Residential Treatment Specialist
• Substance Abuse Counselor
• Victim Advocate

*Indicates advanced training or schooling is needed beyond an undergraduate degree

WHERE TU GRADS HAVE WORKED

While it is extremely competitive to obtain such appointments, TU alumni have gone on to careers in these agencies:

• Adoption Connection, PA
• Capital Police
• Crosswalk, LLC
• Department of Public Defense
• Drug Enforcement Administration
• Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Federal Bureau of Prisons
• Foundations for Living
• Local, State and Federal Police Agencies
• Local, State and Federal Prisons Systems
• Municipal Courts
• Office of National Drug Control Policy
• Ohio Attorney General’s Office
• Ohio County Sheriff’s Offices
• Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections
• Oriana House, Inc.
• S. Marshals
• Victim Advocate Positions