COURSE CURRICULUM

The M.A. in Community Psychology with a concentration in Forensic Psychology is designed to prepare students for careers involving the assessment, management, treatment, and rehabilitation of individuals within forensic and criminal justice settings. The program combines psychological theory, applied research, community intervention, and professional fieldwork to help students understand the social and psychological factors connected to crime, mental health, and offender behavior. The curriculum includes required core courses such as Foundations of Community Psychology, Statistics for Psychological Science, Research Methods, Program Evaluation, Intervention Fieldwork and Seminar, Consultation Fieldwork and Seminar, and Social Inequalities in Organizations. These courses provide students with strong foundations in community psychology, data analysis, social systems, and evidence-based intervention practices. Students also complete two elective courses selected from related disciplines including psychology, counseling, sociology, criminal justice, public administration, or public health, allowing for interdisciplinary academic development. The Forensic Psychology concentration specifically focuses on preparing students for professional roles in forensic mental health facilities, correctional institutions, law enforcement agencies, court systems, rehabilitation programs, and community-based prevention and treatment organizations. The concentration is also valuable for professionals already working in criminal justice or legal environments who wish to expand their expertise in psychological assessment, offender treatment, and mental health issues related to the justice system. Specialized coursework includes Forensic Psychology, which examines the relationship between psychology and the legal system; Forensic Treatment Models, which focuses on intervention and rehabilitation approaches for offenders; and Mental Health Law, which explores legal and ethical issues involving mental illness, criminal responsibility, competency, and public safety. Through academic study, research training, and supervised fieldwork experiences, students develop professional skills in assessment, intervention, consultation, and program evaluation within forensic settings. Graduates are prepared for careers in correctional counseling, offender rehabilitation, victim advocacy, forensic mental health services, community supervision programs, and related social service or criminal justice fields where psychological expertise and community-based intervention skills are essential.