Forensic Psychology, Bachelor of Arts
The Forensic Psychology major is designed for students who are interested in the relationship between psychology and the criminal justice system. The mission of the Forensic Psychology major is to enhance students’ understanding of individual behavior, in terms of its biological, cognitive, social and emotional components and their interaction, and its effects on the broader community. Students will learn to employ an empirical approach to understand human behavior. The major prepares students for a number of careers and graduate work in psychology, social work, law enforcement, or other criminal justice professions.
Credits required. 40-46 (or more depending on math placement)
Coordinator. Professor Darryl Wout, Psychology Department, Deputy Chair for Advising, (646.557.4652, dwout@jjay.cuny.edu@jjay.cuny.edu)
Advising resources.
Requirement checklist
Sample Four-year Plan of Study
Prerequisite. PSY 101, which does not count toward the 40 credits required in the major. This course fulfills the College’s general education requirements in the Flexible Core: Individual and Society area. The prerequisites for the required statistics course, STA 250, are MAT 105 and/or MAT 108 (or MAT 141).
Internship program. Students can receive practical experience in forensic psychology by enrolling in PSY 378, which offers fieldwork placements in such settings as hospitals for emotionally disturbed offenders, prisons and agencies related to the family court or otherwise offering treatment services to youthful offenders.
Baccalaureate/Master’s Program in Forensic Psychology. Qualified undergraduate students may enter the BA/MA Program and thereby graduate with both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in forensic psychology. For additional information, contact Professor Jennifer Dysart, Department of Psychology (212.484.1160, bamadirector@jjay.cuny.edu).
Additional information. Students who enrolled for the first time at the College or changed to this major in September 2011 or thereafter must complete the major in the form presented here. Students who enrolled prior to that date may choose either the form shown here or the earlier version of the major. A copy of the earlier version may be obtained in the 2010-2011 Undergraduate Bulletin.
Part One. Core Courses
Required
Total Credit Hours: 22
Part Two. Core Electives
Select two
Total Credit Hours: 6
Part Three. General Electives
Select two
Total Credit Hours: 6
Part Four. Capstone Requirements
Select two
| PSY 421 | Forensic Social and Experimental Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 425 | Seminar in Forensic Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 430 | Clinical Topics in Forensic Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 476 | Seminar in the Psychological Analysis of Criminal Behavior and the Criminal Justice System | 3 |
| PSY 485 | Advanced Undergraduate Research Experience in Psychology | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: 6
Part Five. Honors Thesis in Psychology (Optional)
| PSY 4XX | Honors Thesis I | 3 |
| PSY 4YY | Honors Thesis II | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: 0-6
Total Credit Hours: 40-46