Program Overview
Bachelor of Forensic Psychology in Birmingham AL - Faulkner University
Overview
The degree in Forensic Psychology will provide students with the core set of education and skills common to an undergraduate degree in psychology. It is specifically designed for students who desire to work in areas of law enforcement, legal systems, or with rehabilitation and correction of juvenile and adult offenders. The degree includes a selection of courses in criminal justice to provide students with knowledge in the area of forensics and criminal justice to apply to the core psychology learned in the program.
Degree Plan
Admission Requirements
- Must be a high school graduate with a regular or advanced diploma or have a GED certificate
- If out of high school for less than five years, ACT (minimum 18 composite) or SAT (minimum 970) scores are required. ACT or SAT scores are not required for anyone having graduated high school more than five years ago.
- ACT or SAT scores are not required for transfer applicants with a minimum of 24 transferable hours from a regionally accredited college or university.
Tuition
2025 - 2026 Financial Information
Tuition | $335 per semester hour |
---|---|
General Fee | $350 per semester ($250 if 11 hours or less) |
Online Course Fee | $75 per semester hour |
Applicable Course Fees | see full tuition and fee schedule |
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
- Overview: The Bachelor of Forensic Psychology degree provides students with a foundation in psychology and criminal justice, equipping them for careers in law enforcement, legal systems, or rehabilitation and correction of juvenile and adult offenders.
- Objectives: The program aims to develop students' understanding of human behavior, mental processes, and social interactions within the context of the criminal justice system.
- Description: The degree combines core psychology coursework with specialized courses in criminal justice, providing students with a comprehensive knowledge base in both fields. The curriculum includes topics such as criminal profiling, forensic interviewing, juvenile delinquency, and restorative justice.
Outline:
- Content: The program covers a wide range of topics, including:
- Psychology fundamentals (e.g., developmental psychology, social psychology, personality theory)
- Criminal justice principles (e.g., criminology, criminal law, corrections)
- Forensic psychology specialties (e.g., forensic assessment, forensic treatment, expert testimony)
- Structure: The program typically consists of 120 semester hours, including:
- Core psychology courses (60 hours)
- Criminal justice courses (30 hours)
- Elective courses (30 hours)
- Course Schedule: The course schedule varies depending on the institution, but typically includes:
- Introduction to Psychology
- Introduction to Criminal Justice
- Abnormal Psychology
- Criminal Psychology
- Forensic Assessment
- Juvenile Delinquency
- Restorative Justice
- Modules: The program may include specific modules or concentrations, such as:
- Forensic Assessment and Treatment
- Criminal Profiling and Investigation
- Correctional Psychology
Assessment:
- Assessment Methods: Students are assessed through:
- Exams (written, oral, practical)
- Projects (research papers, case studies, presentations)
- Class participation
- Criteria: Assessment criteria may include:
- Knowledge of psychological and criminal justice concepts
- Ability to apply theories to real-world scenarios
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Communication and presentation skills
Teaching:
- Teaching Methods: The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures
- Discussions
- Simulations
- Case studies
- Guest speakers
- Faculty: Faculty members typically have expertise in psychology, criminal justice, and forensic psychology.
- Unique Approaches: The program may incorporate unique approaches, such as:
- Hands-on experience in forensic settings
- Internships with law enforcement agencies or correctional facilities
- Research opportunities in forensic psychology
Careers:
- Potential Career Paths: Graduates of the program may pursue careers in:
- Law enforcement (e.g., police officer, detective)
- Legal systems (e.g., paralegal, legal assistant)
- Rehabilitation and correction (e.g., probation officer, parole officer, correctional counselor)
- Forensic psychology (e.g., forensic psychologist, expert witness)
- Opportunities: The program prepares students for various professional opportunities, such as:
- Conducting forensic assessments and providing expert testimony
- Developing and implementing treatment programs for offenders
- Working in juvenile justice systems
- Conducting research in forensic psychology
- Outcomes: Graduates of the program have a high success rate in securing employment in their chosen field. The program provides a strong foundation for further education, such as graduate programs in psychology or law.
Tuition $310 per semester hour General Fee $350 per semester ($250 if 11 hours or less) Online Course Fee $70 per semester hour Applicable Course Fees see full tuition and fee schedule