Bachelor of Science in
Forensic Psychology

This program prepares students for range of career options by blending psychological training with a solid foundation in forensic science and the U.S. legal system.

The Bachelor of Science in Forensic Psychology focuses on applying psychological research and evidence-based practices to the legal field. The Forensic Psychology program brings together many of Embry-Riddle’s strengths in areas such as applied psychology, social/behavioral research and the forensic sciences.

This degree is one of only a handful of forensic psychology bachelor’s programs in the nation. It is also one of only a few programs of its kind with courses taught by faculty (not graduate students or TAs), small classes and a wide range of hands-on activities.

In this program, students will learn how to:

Inform legal arguments and judicial decision making
Aid criminal investigations
Aid persons in troubling situations (e.g., victims of crime)

Outside of the classroom, students have opportunities to mentor juvenile offenders, volunteer at local civil/criminal justice systems, conduct hands-on research, participate in professional networking and present at scientific conferences. Students are also encouraged to join the Psych Club (open to all majors without restriction) and PSI CHI (Honor’s Society).

Forensic psychology students graduate ready to enter careers in:

Psychology
Legal systems
Law enforcement agencies
Government security agencies
Aviation
Law firms

Graduates are also prepared to pursue postgraduate study in master-level and doctoral programs.

DETAILS

About Forensic Psychology at the Prescott, AZ Campus

Students in the Bachelor of Science in Forensic Psychology program receive a broad foundation in the psychological and forensic sciences through lab experiences, coursework and mentorship.

Psychological training is focused on gaining knowledge of the behavioral and social sciences and the role they play in understanding and predicting human behavior. Students combine their psychological training with a solid foundation in forensic science and the U.S. legal system.

Through courses in Perception & Cognition, Personality & Profiling, Training & Development and more, students improve their understanding of the science of psychology and become prepared to enter the industry.

Forensic Psychology students also have opportunities to work in our Forensic Science Laboratory, which offers space to learn forensic science techniques and carry out investigations related to criminal and civil cases.

Upon graduation, students can put their Forensic Psychology degree to use in a variety of areas, including:

Evidence collection
Psychological assessment
Risk assessment
Crime scene investigations
Counseling
Victim advocacy

The Bachelor of Science in Forensic Psychology degree is housed in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Learn more about the Prescott, AZ Campus

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will:

Apply technology proficiently in forensic settings.
Make positive contributions on multi-disciplinary teams.
Communicate effectively at a level appropriate to forensic audiences.
Apply best practice guidelines, legal standards, and ethical conduct in various civil and criminal forensic settings.
Apply fundamental research methods to evaluate issues pertinent to psychology and the impact of laws and policies.
Apply theoretical foundations of psychology, with a focus on the convergence of psychology and the law.
Analyze issues in forensic psychology and the intersection of psychology with the legal system.
Compare contextual and developmental influences on individual and group behavior and diversity of perspectives when evaluating and intervening with forensic psychology populations.

Degree Requirements

Students in Forensic Psychology take 120 credits. The Bachelor of Science in Forensic Psychology can be earned in eight semesters, assuming appropriate background and full-time enrollment. Students are encouraged, but not required, to choose a minor field of study.

Program Requirements

General Education

Embry-Riddle degree programs require students to complete a minimum of 36 hours of General Education coursework. For a full description of Embry-Riddle General Education guidelines, please see the General Education section of this catalog.

Students may choose other classes outside of their requirements, but doing so can result in the student having to complete more than the degree's 120 credit hours. This will result in additional time and cost to the student.

Communication Theory and Skills		9
Computer Science/Information Technology		3
Mathematics		6
Physical and Life Sciences (Natural Sciences)		6
Humanities and Social Sciences		12
3 hours of lower-level Humanities
3 hours of lower-level Social Science
3 hours of lower-level or upper-level Humanities or Social Science
3 hours of upper-level Humanities or Social Science
Total Credits		36

Program Curriculum (33 Credits)

The following course of study outlines the quickest and most cost-efficient route for students to earn their B.S. in Forensic Psychology. Students are encouraged to follow the course of study to ensure they complete all program required courses and their prerequisites within four years.

Courses in the core with a # will satisfy general education requirements.

BIO 120 & 120L	Foundations of Biology I and Foundations of Biology I Laboratory ^#	4
COM 122	English Composition ^#	3
General Education - Communication Theory and Skills ^#		6
General Education - Computer Science/Information Technology Elective ^#		3
General Education - lower-level Humanities ^#		3
General Education - lower-level or upper-level Humanities or Social Science ^#		3
General Education - Mathematics Electives ^#		6
General Education - Physical and Life Science (Natural Science) Elective ^#		2
General Education - lower-level Social Science ^#		3
Total Credits		33

Common Core (17 Credits)

PSY 101	Introduction to Psychology ^#	3
PSY 103	Professional Development in Psychology	1
PSY 226	Statistics for Organizational Analysis and Research ^{^}	3
PSY 322	Research Design ^{^}	4
PSY 494	Tests and Measurements Theory	3
PSY 496	Capstone in Psychology	3
Total Credits		17

Basis of Psychology (12 Credits)

Biological
PSY 311	Sensation, Perception, and Cognition	3
or PSY 335	Physiological Psychology
Social
PSY 345	Training and Development ^#	3
or PSY 350	Social Psychology
or PSY 401	Psychology of Leadership
Normative
PSY 354	Developmental Psychology	3
Non-normative
PSY 365	Abnormal Psychology	3
Total Credits		12

Forensic Psychology Core (12 Credits)

Choose a total of four (4) courses from the list below:

PSY 306	Psychology of Deception Detection	3
PSY 313	Personality and Profiling	3
PSY 336	Forensic Psychology	3
PSY 337	Criminality	3
Upper-level PSY courses with a Forensic Psychology Focus (approved by Chair)		3

Investigations and the Law (13 Credits)

PSY 320	Aviation Psychology	3
SIS 200	Introduction to the U.S. Legal System	3
SIS 220	Investigative Methodology and Forensic Science	4
SIS 308	Courts and Criminal Justice	3
Total Credits		13

Designated Electives (18 Credits)
Choose a total of six (6) courses from the list below:

ACC 329	Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination	3
BA 201	Principles of Management	3
BA 319	Managerial and Organizational Behavior ^*	3
CS 304	Introduction to Computer Forensics	3
SIS 340	Security Investigations and Interview	3
SIS 342	Interview Techniques & Tactics	3
SIS 352	White Collar Crime	3
SIS 411	Procedural Laws and Evidence	3
SS 327	International Relations	3
Upper-level PSY Courses		3

Open Electives (15 Credits)

Open Electives

Total Credits

120

*: Offered in Fall Only
**: Offered in Spring Only
#: General Education Courses
^: PSY 226 and PSY 322 are rigorous, foundational courses in the field of psychological sciences. Therefore, both must be taken at ERAU to ensure students receive the highest quality of instruction, as well as benefit from the university's unique academic resources.

All Army ROTC students are required to complete SS 321 - U.S. Military History 1900-Present (3 credits) in order to commission.

Suggested Plan of Study

Freshman Year
Fall		Credits
COM 122	English Composition	3
	Mathematics Elective	3
	Open Elective	3
PSY 101	Introduction to Psychology	3
	Social Science Elective	3
UNIV 101	College Success	(1)
	Credits Subtotal	15.0
Spring
BIO 120 & 120L	Foundations of Biology I	4
	Humanities Lower-Level Elective	3
	Mathematics Elective	3
PSY 103	Professional Development in Psychology	1
PSY 354	Developmental Psychology	3
PSY 320	Aviation Psychology	3
	Credits Subtotal	17.0
Sophomore Year
Fall
	Communications Elective	3
	Computer Science/Information Technology	3
	Physical and Life Sciences (Natural Science)	2
PSY 311	Sensation, Perception, and Cognition	3
or PSY 335	Physiological Psychology
PSY 365	Abnormal Psychology	3
	Credits Subtotal	14.0
Spring
	Communication Elective	3
	Open Elective	3
PSY 226	Statistics for Organizational Analysis and Research	3
SIS 200	Introduction to the U.S. Legal System	3
SIS 220	Investigative Methodology and Forensic Science	4
	Credits Subtotal	16.0
Junior Year
Fall
	Open Elective	3
	Open Elective	3
PSY 322	Research Design	4
PSY 336	Forensic Psychology	3
SIS 308	Courts and Criminal Justice	3
	Credits Subtotal	16.0
Spring
	Designated Elective	3
	Humanities or Social Science Upper-Level Elective	3
	Open Elective	3
PSY 345	Training and Development	3
or PSY 350	Social Psychology
or PSY 401	Psychology of Leadership
PSY 337	Criminality	3
	Credits Subtotal	15.0
Senior Year
Fall
	Designated Elective	3
	Designated Elective	3
PSY 306	Psychology of Deception Detection	3
PSY 494	Tests and Measurements Theory	3
PSY 496	Capstone in Psychology ^*	3
	Credits Subtotal	15.0
Spring
	Designated Elective	3
	Designated Elective	3
	Designated Elective	3
PSY 313	Personality and Profiling	3
	Credits Subtotal	12.0
	Credits Total:	120.0

*: Based on student interests, PSY 496 Capstone in Psychology may be taken in the Fall or Spring semester.

For course descriptions, education requirements, curriculum, and suggested plan of study, please see the Bachelor of Science in Forensic Psychology in the Prescott Catalog.