BS in Criminal Justice: Forensic Psychology

Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

The online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a Forensic Psychology emphasis area at Kaplan University provides students an opportunity to examine the role of psychology in law enforcement, including effectively mediating crisis and hostage situations and providing psychological service to police officers. Students can gain a basic understanding of psychological disorders, such as mood and psychotic disorders, depression, and anxiety, as well as various methods for assessing, diagnosing, and treating such disorders. Coursework examines the criminal justice system as a whole, the role of ethics and morality in applied criminal justice, the nature of criminal behavior, the criminal procedure from arrest to sentencing, and crime scene investigation and preservation. Students can also take courses such as investigating terrorism, white-collar crime, organized crime, and managing criminal justice organizations. The program culminates with a capstone project.

What Are the Prerequisites?

Applicants to the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a Forensic Psychology emphasis area should have a strong interest in psychology and criminal justice. Applicants to Kaplan University's programs should have a high school diploma or GED and be a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S. Since the program is offered online, applicants should have access to a computer.

What Are the Course Requirements?

The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a Forensic Psychology emphasis area consists of 180 credit requirements. Requirements include 33 core credits, 59 open elective credits, and 88 major credits.

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a Forensic Psychology Emphasis Area Requirements

• Eight Skills of the Effective Criminal Justice Student
• Introduction to the Criminal Justice System
• Criminology I
• Criminal Investigation
• Computers, Technology, and Criminal Justice Information Systems
• Criminal Procedure
• Criminal Law for Criminal Justice
• Applied Criminal Justice Ethics
• Research Methods in Criminal Justice
• 300/400 Major Electives
• Bachelor's Capstone in Criminal Justice
• Choose one of the following:
  • Crime Prevention
  • Exploration of Computer Crime
  • Introduction to Forensic Psychology
  • White-Collar Crime
  • Deviance and Violence
  • Investigating Terrorism
• Choose one of the following:
  • Comparative Criminal Justice Systems
  • Supervisory Practices in Criminal Justice
  • Organized Crime
  • Managing Criminal Justice Organizations

Forensic Psychology Course Requirements

• Psychology for Law Enforcement
• Crisis Intervention
• Abnormal Psychology
• 300/400 Criminal Justice Elective

What Are My Post-Graduation Opportunities?

Career Opportunities

After successful completion of Kaplan University's Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a Forensic Psychology emphasis area, you could pursue entry-level positions in law enforcement, courts, and social service agencies. Positions that you could pursue include:

• Police officer
• Probation officer
• Correctional officer
• Legal assistant
• Forensic technician assistant

Advanced Degrees

The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a Forensic Psychology emphasis area at Kaplan University can help prepare you to pursue an entry-level position in forensic psychology. However, a graduate degree is often required for more advanced or challenging positions. Obtaining a master's degree in a related field can enhance your understanding and skills in forensic psychology while preparing you for additional career options. Master's degrees you may wish to pursue could include:

• Master of Science in Criminal Justice
• Master of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management