Forensic Psychology

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Discover the Forensic Psychology major at Graceland University

Forensic psychology blends psychology and law to analyze criminal behavior. You delve into why people commit crimes, assess mental health in legal cases, and help shape the justice system. With this expertise, you can pursue various career paths. You might work in law enforcement, aiding investigations by creating profiles of suspects. Or you could assist in courtrooms, evaluating defendants' mental states. Rehabilitation facilities might enlist you to design programs for offenders. Alternatively, you could contribute to academia, conducting research to enhance our understanding of criminal minds. Forensic psychology offers a diverse range of opportunities to make a meaningful impact in the legal sphere.

At Graceland, Forensic Psychology is an elite program with high academic standards and ties to the Graceland Honors Program. You will study a broad range of subjects ranging from multicultural policing and criminal law to abnormal psychology and research methods with concentrated studies in either criminal justice or psychology. This challenging program is intended to prepare you to thrive in what can be a high stress and exceptionally competitive career field.

Offerings
Major
Field of Study
Social Sciences
Format
Lamoni Campus
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The Psychology program is amazing. The professors are dedicated to helping us by explaining things in detail so we really understand, answering questions, and treating us as adults. It is an amazing atmosphere to be in.
Grace Testerman '25 Psychology
Curriculum
  • BA Degree - Forensic Psychology Major

    In addition to the general education requirements, majors in Forensic Psychology must complete 27 semester hours of core requirements and one 9 semester hour concentration (Criminal Justice or Psychology) totaling 36 or more semester hour as listed below. Students in this major must maintain a 3.00 cumulative GPA and 3.50 GPA in the major courses in order to remain in the major. Students GPAs will be monitored each semester and those who fall below the 3.50 GPA requirement will be granted a probationary period of one semester to re-instate back into the major.  Those students who fall below that threshold after a one-semester probationary period will be allowed to transition into a Psychology or Criminal Justice major.

    Core courses (27 s.h.)

    One Concentration Required: Criminal Justice or Psychology

    Criminal Justice Concentration (9 s.h.)

    Psychology Concentration (9 s.h.)

    Course Required for General Education

    Courses Offered
    • CHEM1340Forensic Chemistry with Lab
      CHEM1340 Forensic Chemistry with Lab - 4 s.h.

      This course will expose students to the field of forensic science primarily using chemical forensics and testing. Topics include evidence collection and preservation, drugs and drug chemistry, heat and explosions, poisons and others. The course will cover basic chemical concepts needed to plan, execute, and interpret forensic results. All necessary scientific concepts will be developed in the context of forensic science. Additional fee required. ELO6 Science - World Citizenship, ELO6 Science - Innovation, GE3D Liberal Learning-Natural Sciences

    • CRMJ1200Introduction to Criminal Justice
      CRMJ1200 Introduction to Criminal Justice - 3 s.h.

      A survey of the structure and process of the criminal justice system, including the study of law enforcement, criminal courts, and correctional agencies. ELO5 Social Science - Peace, ELO5 Social Science - Equality and Peace

    • CRMJ1400Introduction to Forensic Psychology (also PSYC1400)
      CRMJ1400 Introduction to Forensic Psychology (also PSYC1400) - 3 s.h.

      Explores the differing, yet varied facets of the field of forensic psychology including landmark legal cases relevant to psychology, potential careers in forensic psychology, police psychology, expert testimony, forensic psychological assessment, psychopathy, homeland security, ethics, correctional psychology, and issues in working in the juvenile justice system.

    • CRMJ2100History of Terrorism (also HIST2100)
      CRMJ2100 History of Terrorism (also HIST2100) - 3 s.h.

      A survey of the concept of terrorism, from the French Revolution to present day. Students will critically interrogate the varied meanings of the term, the use of the term to delegitimize opponents, and the problematic nature of the concept of terrorism.

    • CRMJ2460Multicultural Policing (also SOCI2460)
      CRMJ2460 Multicultural Policing (also SOCI2460) - 3 s.h.

      This course focuses on the challenges present in policing multicultural settings. Issues pertaining to understanding diverse cultures and effective communication across cultures from the standpoint of law enforcement are explored in detail. Recommended prerequisite: CRMJ1200.

    • CRMJ3100Law and the Justice System
      CRMJ3100 Law and the Justice System - 3 s.h.

      An overview of Constitutional law that impacts the American justice system from arrest through trial, punishment to release. Key legal cases and precedents for policing, prosecution, sentencing, and corrections will be covered in depth. Prerequisite: CRMJ2400.

    • CRMJ3220Criminal Investigation
      CRMJ3220 Criminal Investigation - 3 s.h.

      This course is a comprehensive approach to the examination and treatment of physical evidence as it relates to the criminal justice system. Students will be involved in an interactive learning experience tied to the securing and preserving of crime scenes and maintaining the integrity of trace evidence for future court proceedings. Prerequisite: CRMJ1200.

    • CRMJ3240Terrorism and Homeland Security
      CRMJ3240 Terrorism and Homeland Security - 3 s.h.

      A theoretical and conceptual framework of how domestic and international terrorism arises and functions. Topics discussed will include theories of the world's best terrorist analysts, the historical background on the phenomenon of terrorism, the roots of contemporary conflicts, current conflicts shaping the world stage, emerging groups, and US Homeland Security organizations—including controversies surrounding human rights and protecting civil liberties.

    • CRMJ3351Community-Based Corrections (also SOCI3351)
      CRMJ3351 Community-Based Corrections (also SOCI3351) - 3 s.h.

      Study of the history and design of community-based correctional programs, including probation and parole. The nature and variety of community corrections programs are examined and analyzed. +This course is only offered every other year.

    • CRMJ3420Drugs in Society (also SOCI3420)
      CRMJ3420 Drugs in Society (also SOCI3420) - 3 s.h.

      This course provides students with an understanding of United States drug policy, its evolution and current status, and alternatives from throughout the world. Updated with the latest data and research, this course also presents expanded material on cannabis, hallucinogens, the illegal drug business, and global drug policy. This course will explore addiction from a psychological and physiological lens and introduce diversion strategies and restorative justice concepts.

    • CRMJ3500Criminal Law (also POLS3500)
      CRMJ3500 Criminal Law (also POLS3500) - 3 s.h.

      Survey of the history, scope, and nature of criminal law in the United States. Includes study of the legal process and rules of evidence.

    • CRMJ3520Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Justice (also SOCI3520)
      CRMJ3520 Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Justice (also SOCI3520) - 3 s.h.

      Includes an examination of the nature, extent, and patterns of juvenile delinquency, evaluation of theories and causal explanations of delinquency and investigation of delinquent subcultures, as well as an examination of legal processing and treatment programs for young offenders. PREREQUISITE: SOCI1300 Introduction to Sociology. +This course is only offered every other year.

    • CRMJ4700Criminal Justice Internship
      CRMJ4700 Criminal Justice Internship - 1-3 s.h.

      An intensive internship program in appropriate agencies or departments directly related to criminal justice, law enforcement, or corrections. Placements will be supervised by department faculty and developed in conjunction with the interests of the student. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.) Prerequisites: CRMJ2400, minimum 3 s.h. upper division Criminal Justice course, major in Criminal Justice, junior/senior status, a minimum GPA of 2.75 or better in the major, and instructor's consent.

    • HIST2100History of Terrorism (also CRMJ2100)
      HIST2100 History of Terrorism (also CRMJ2100) - 3 s.h.

      A survey of the concept of terrorism, from the French Revolution to present day. Students will critically interrogate the varied meanings of the term, the use of the term to delegitimize opponents, and the problematic nature of the concept of terrorism.

    • MATH1370Statistics for Sciences
      MATH1370 Statistics for Sciences - 3 s.h.

      Data analysis and measures of central tendency, dispersion, and correlation. Introduction to probability. Estimation and hypothesis testing. Bivariate regression. ANOVA. Introduction to nonparametric techniques. ELO6 Math, GE2B Foundational Skills-Mathematics/Quantitative.

    • POLS3500Criminal Law (also CRMJ3500)
      POLS3500 Criminal Law (also CRMJ3500) - 3 s.h.

      Survey of the history, scope, and nature of criminal law in the United States. Includes study of the legal process and rules of evidence.

    • PSYC1300Introductory Psychology
      PSYC1300 Introductory Psychology - 3 s.h.

      An introductory survey of psychological methods and thoughts as they relate to human experience and behavior. Topics include the role of the central nervous system in mediating behavior, learning and memory, states of awareness, motivation and emotion, personality, psychological disorders, and therapy. ELO5 Social Science – Innovation, GE3E Liberal Learning-Social Sciences.

    • PSYC1400Introduction to Forensic Psychology (also CRMJ1400)
      PSYC1400 Introduction to Forensic Psychology (also CRMJ1400) - 3 s.h.

      Explores the differing, yet varied facets of the field of forensic psychology including landmark legal cases relevant to psychology, potential careers in forensic psychology, police psychology, expert testimony, forensic psychological assessment, psychopathy, homeland security, ethics, correctional psychology, and issues in working in the juvenile justice system.

    • PSYC2250Developmental Psychology
      PSYC2250 Developmental Psychology - 3 s.h.

      The study of human development over the entire lifespan. Focus is on the interaction of physical, intellectual, social, and emotional aspects of development. ELO5 Social Science - Equality, ELO5 Social Science - Equality and Peace, GE3E Liberal Learning-Social Sciences

    • PSYC3310Social Psychology (also SOCI3310)
      PSYC3310 Social Psychology (also SOCI3310) - 3 s.h.

      The study of how people think, feel, and behave in social situations. Attention given to research and application to social perception, interaction, and influence. Prerequisite: PSYC1300 or SOCI1300.

    • PSYC3330Behavioral Neuroscience
      PSYC3330 Behavioral Neuroscience - 3 s.h.

      Examination of the biological substrates of behavior. Topics include synaptic transmission and patterns of neural activity, sleep and arousal, learning and memory, motivation, emotion, neurological diseases, traumatic brain injuries. Prerequisites: PSYC1300 and 3 additional hours of psychology. This course is offered every other year.

    • PSYC3340Personality
      PSYC3340 Personality - 3 s.h.

      A study of personality from dispositional, psychodynamic, humanistic, and behavioral perspectives and of the application of personality perspectives to current issues. Prerequisite: PSYC1300 and 3 additional hours of psychology.

    • PSYC3370Cross Cultural Psychology
      PSYC3370 Cross Cultural Psychology - 3 s.h.

      Study of psychological theories and empirical findings relating to variations in cultures. Prerequisite: PSYC1300. ELO4 Global Learning - World Citizenship, ELO4 Global Learning - Equality and Peace.

    • PSYC3380Abnormal Psychology
      PSYC3380 Abnormal Psychology - 3 s.h.

      A study of the disorders outlined in the current diagnostic statistical manual. Emphasis will be on etiology, symptoms, and methods of treatment. Prerequisite: PSYC1300.

    • PSYC3390Cognitive Psychology
      PSYC3390 Cognitive Psychology - 3 s.h.

      Research and theory in areas of cognitive psychology, including attention; memory acquisition, storage, and retrieval; language comprehension; and problem solving. Prerequisite: PSYC1300 and 3 additional hours of psychology. This course is only offered every other year.

    • PSYC3510Research Methods (also SOCI3510)
      PSYC3510 Research Methods (also SOCI3510) - 3 s.h.

      A survey of the principles and practices of social research, including research ethics, experimental design, surveys, in-depth interviews, content analysis, participant observation, and field studies. Students also learn to write in scientific journal style. Prerequisite: 6 additional hours of psychology, sociology, or criminal justice.

    • PSYC3520Research Methods Two (also SOCI3540 Research Methods)
      PSYC3520 Research Methods Two (also SOCI3540 Research Methods) - 3 s.h.

      Development and implementation of an original research project. Prerequisite: PSYC3510 and 6 additional hours of psychology, sociology, or criminal justice.

    • PSYC4360Senior Internship
      PSYC4360 Senior Internship - 1-4 s.h.

      Placement with external agency for application of knowledge, theory, and skills from the major in a professional setting. Pre-requisites: Psychology major, senior standing, 2.0 cumulative GPA, 3.0 GPA in the major, consent of supervising faculty. Students should enroll in 1 credit for every 50 hours that will be volunteered in the sponsor organization (with a maximum of 4 credits). Completion of the Senior Internship application with approval from agency sponsor and supervising faculty.

    • PSYC4430Theory and Practice of Counseling
      PSYC4430 Theory and Practice of Counseling - 3 s.h.

      A course designed to explore characteristics of counselors, characteristics of clients, basic counseling techniques, and current theories of counseling. Prerequisite: PSYC1300 and 6 additional hours of psychology.

    • SOCI2460Multicultural Policing (also CRMJ2460)
      SOCI2460 Multicultural Policing (also CRMJ2460) - 3 s.h.

      This course focuses on the challenges present in policing multicultural settings. Issues pertaining to understanding diverse cultures and effective communication across cultures from the standpoint of law enforcement are explored in detail. Recommended prerequisite: CRMJ1200.

    • SOCI3310Social Psychology (also PSYC3310)
      SOCI3310 Social Psychology (also PSYC3310) - 3 s.h.

      The study of how people think, feel, and behave in social situations. Attention given to research and application to social perception, interaction, and influence. Prerequisite: PSYC1300 or SOCI1300.

    • SOCI3351Community-Based Corrections (also CRMJ3351)
      SOCI3351 Community-Based Corrections (also CRMJ3351) - 3 s.h.

      Study of the history and design of community-based correctional programs, including probation and parole. The nature and variety of community corrections programs are examined and analyzed. +This course is only offered every other year.

    • SOCI3420Drugs in Society (also CRMJ3420)
      SOCI3420 Drugs in Society (also CRMJ3420) - 3 s.h.

      This course provides students with an understanding of United States drug policy, its evolution and current status, and alternatives from throughout the world. Updated with the latest data and research, this course also presents expanded material on cannabis, hallucinogens, the illegal drug business, and global drug policy. This course will explore addiction from a psychological and physiological lens and introduce diversion strategies and restorative justice concepts.

    • SOCI3510Research Methods (also PSYC3510)
      SOCI3510 Research Methods (also PSYC3510) - 3 s.h.

      A survey of the principles and practices of social research, including research ethics, experimental design, surveys, in-depth interviews, content analysis, participant observation, and field studies. Students also learn to write in scientific journal style. Prerequisite: 6 additional hours of psychology, sociology, or criminal justice.

    • SOCI3520Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Justice (also CRMJ3520)
      SOCI3520 Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Justice (also CRMJ3520) - 3 s.h.

      Includes an examination of the nature, extent, and patterns of juvenile delinquency, evaluation of theories and causal explanations of delinquency and investigation of delinquent subcultures, as well as an examination of legal processing and treatment programs for young offenders. PREREQUISITE: SOCI1300 Introduction to Sociology. +This course is only offered every other year.

    CHEM1340Forensic Chemistry with Lab CRMJ1200Introduction to Criminal Justice CRMJ1400Introduction to Forensic Psychology (also PSYC1400) CRMJ2100History of Terrorism (also HIST2100) CRMJ2460Multicultural Policing (also SOCI2460) CRMJ3100Law and the Justice System CRMJ3220Criminal Investigation CRMJ3240Terrorism and Homeland Security CRMJ3351Community-Based Corrections (also SOCI3351) CRMJ3420Drugs in Society (also SOCI3420) CRMJ3500Criminal Law (also POLS3500) CRMJ3520Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Justice (also SOCI3520) CRMJ4700Criminal Justice Internship HIST2100History of Terrorism (also CRMJ2100) MATH1370Statistics for Sciences POLS3500Criminal Law (also CRMJ3500) PSYC1300Introductory Psychology PSYC1400Introduction to Forensic Psychology (also CRMJ1400) PSYC2250Developmental Psychology PSYC3310Social Psychology (also SOCI3310) PSYC3330Behavioral Neuroscience PSYC3340Personality PSYC3370Cross Cultural Psychology PSYC3380Abnormal Psychology PSYC3390Cognitive Psychology PSYC3510Research Methods (also SOCI3510) PSYC3520Research Methods Two (also SOCI3540 Research Methods) PSYC4360Senior Internship PSYC4430Theory and Practice of Counseling SOCI2460Multicultural Policing (also CRMJ2460) SOCI3310Social Psychology (also PSYC3310) SOCI3351Community-Based Corrections (also CRMJ3351) SOCI3420Drugs in Society (also CRMJ3420) SOCI3510Research Methods (also PSYC3510) SOCI3520Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Justice (also CRMJ3520)
    Course Descriptions
    CHEM1340 Forensic Chemistry with Lab - 4 s.h.

    This course will expose students to the field of forensic science primarily using chemical forensics and testing. Topics include evidence collection and preservation, drugs and drug chemistry, heat and explosions, poisons and others. The course will cover basic chemical concepts needed to plan, execute, and interpret forensic results. All necessary scientific concepts will be developed in the context of forensic science. Additional fee required. ELO6 Science - World Citizenship, ELO6 Science - Innovation, GE3D Liberal Learning-Natural Sciences

    CRMJ1200 Introduction to Criminal Justice - 3 s.h.

    A survey of the structure and process of the criminal justice system, including the study of law enforcement, criminal courts, and correctional agencies. ELO5 Social Science - Peace, ELO5 Social Science - Equality and Peace

    CRMJ1400 Introduction to Forensic Psychology (also PSYC1400) - 3 s.h.

    Explores the differing, yet varied facets of the field of forensic psychology including landmark legal cases relevant to psychology, potential careers in forensic psychology, police psychology, expert testimony, forensic psychological assessment, psychopathy, homeland security, ethics, correctional psychology, and issues in working in the juvenile justice system.

    CRMJ2100 History of Terrorism (also HIST2100) - 3 s.h.

    A survey of the concept of terrorism, from the French Revolution to present day. Students will critically interrogate the varied meanings of the term, the use of the term to delegitimize opponents, and the problematic nature of the concept of terrorism.

    CRMJ2460 Multicultural Policing (also SOCI2460) - 3 s.h.

    This course focuses on the challenges present in policing multicultural settings. Issues pertaining to understanding diverse cultures and effective communication across cultures from the standpoint of law enforcement are explored in detail. Recommended prerequisite: CRMJ1200.

    CRMJ3100 Law and the Justice System - 3 s.h.

    An overview of Constitutional law that impacts the American justice system from arrest through trial, punishment to release. Key legal cases and precedents for policing, prosecution, sentencing, and corrections will be covered in depth. Prerequisite: CRMJ2400.

    CRMJ3220 Criminal Investigation - 3 s.h.

    This course is a comprehensive approach to the examination and treatment of physical evidence as it relates to the criminal justice system. Students will be involved in an interactive learning experience tied to the securing and preserving of crime scenes and maintaining the integrity of trace evidence for future court proceedings. Prerequisite: CRMJ1200.

    CRMJ3240 Terrorism and Homeland Security - 3 s.h.

    A theoretical and conceptual framework of how domestic and international terrorism arises and functions. Topics discussed will include theories of the world's best terrorist analysts, the historical background on the phenomenon of terrorism, the roots of contemporary conflicts, current conflicts shaping the world stage, emerging groups, and US Homeland Security organizations—including controversies surrounding human rights and protecting civil liberties.

    CRMJ3351 Community-Based Corrections (also SOCI3351) - 3 s.h.

    Study of the history and design of community-based correctional programs, including probation and parole. The nature and variety of community corrections programs are examined and analyzed. +This course is only offered every other year.

    CRMJ3420 Drugs in Society (also SOCI3420) - 3 s.h.

    This course provides students with an understanding of United States drug policy, its evolution and current status, and alternatives from throughout the world. Updated with the latest data and research, this course also presents expanded material on cannabis, hallucinogens, the illegal drug business, and global drug policy. This course will explore addiction from a psychological and physiological lens and introduce diversion strategies and restorative justice concepts.

    CRMJ3500 Criminal Law (also POLS3500) - 3 s.h.

    Survey of the history, scope, and nature of criminal law in the United States. Includes study of the legal process and rules of evidence.

    CRMJ3520 Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Justice (also SOCI3520) - 3 s.h.

    Includes an examination of the nature, extent, and patterns of juvenile delinquency, evaluation of theories and causal explanations of delinquency and investigation of delinquent subcultures, as well as an examination of legal processing and treatment programs for young offenders. PREREQUISITE: SOCI1300 Introduction to Sociology. +This course is only offered every other year.

    CRMJ4700 Criminal Justice Internship - 1-3 s.h.

    An intensive internship program in appropriate agencies or departments directly related to criminal justice, law enforcement, or corrections. Placements will be supervised by department faculty and developed in conjunction with the interests of the student. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.) Prerequisites: CRMJ2400, minimum 3 s.h. upper division Criminal Justice course, major in Criminal Justice, junior/senior status, a minimum GPA of 2.75 or better in the major, and instructor's consent.

    HIST2100 History of Terrorism (also CRMJ2100) - 3 s.h.

    A survey of the concept of terrorism, from the French Revolution to present day. Students will critically interrogate the varied meanings of the term, the use of the term to delegitimize opponents, and the problematic nature of the concept of terrorism.

    MATH1370 Statistics for Sciences - 3 s.h.

    Data analysis and measures of central tendency, dispersion, and correlation. Introduction to probability. Estimation and hypothesis testing. Bivariate regression. ANOVA. Introduction to nonparametric techniques. ELO6 Math, GE2B Foundational Skills-Mathematics/Quantitative.

    POLS3500 Criminal Law (also CRMJ3500) - 3 s.h.

    Survey of the history, scope, and nature of criminal law in the United States. Includes study of the legal process and rules of evidence.

    PSYC1300 Introductory Psychology - 3 s.h.

    An introductory survey of psychological methods and thoughts as they relate to human experience and behavior. Topics include the role of the central nervous system in mediating behavior, learning and memory, states of awareness, motivation and emotion, personality, psychological disorders, and therapy. ELO5 Social Science – Innovation, GE3E Liberal Learning-Social Sciences.

    PSYC1400 Introduction to Forensic Psychology (also CRMJ1400) - 3 s.h.

    Explores the differing, yet varied facets of the field of forensic psychology including landmark legal cases relevant to psychology, potential careers in forensic psychology, police psychology, expert testimony, forensic psychological assessment, psychopathy, homeland security, ethics, correctional psychology, and issues in working in the juvenile justice system.

    PSYC2250 Developmental Psychology - 3 s.h.

    The study of human development over the entire lifespan. Focus is on the interaction of physical, intellectual, social, and emotional aspects of development. ELO5 Social Science - Equality, ELO5 Social Science - Equality and Peace, GE3E Liberal Learning-Social Sciences

    PSYC3310 Social Psychology (also SOCI3310) - 3 s.h.

    The study of how people think, feel, and behave in social situations. Attention given to research and application to social perception, interaction, and influence. Prerequisite: PSYC1300 or SOCI1300.

    PSYC3330 Behavioral Neuroscience - 3 s.h.

    Examination of the biological substrates of behavior. Topics include synaptic transmission and patterns of neural activity, sleep and arousal, learning and memory, motivation, emotion, neurological diseases, traumatic brain injuries. Prerequisites: PSYC1300 and 3 additional hours of psychology. This course is offered every other year.

    PSYC3340 Personality - 3 s.h.

    A study of personality from dispositional, psychodynamic, humanistic, and behavioral perspectives and of the application of personality perspectives to current issues. Prerequisite: PSYC1300 and 3 additional hours of psychology.

    PSYC3370 Cross Cultural Psychology - 3 s.h.

    Study of psychological theories and empirical findings relating to variations in cultures. Prerequisite: PSYC1300. ELO4 Global Learning - World Citizenship, ELO4 Global Learning - Equality and Peace.

    PSYC3380 Abnormal Psychology - 3 s.h.

    A study of the disorders outlined in the current diagnostic statistical manual. Emphasis will be on etiology, symptoms, and methods of treatment. Prerequisite: PSYC1300.

    PSYC3390 Cognitive Psychology - 3 s.h.

    Research and theory in areas of cognitive psychology, including attention; memory acquisition, storage, and retrieval; language comprehension; and problem solving. Prerequisite: PSYC1300 and 3 additional hours of psychology. This course is only offered every other year.

    PSYC3510 Research Methods (also SOCI3510) - 3 s.h.

    A survey of the principles and practices of social research, including research ethics, experimental design, surveys, in-depth interviews, content analysis, participant observation, and field studies. Students also learn to write in scientific journal style. Prerequisite: 6 additional hours of psychology, sociology, or criminal justice.

    PSYC3520 Research Methods Two (also SOCI3540 Research Methods) - 3 s.h.

    Development and implementation of an original research project. Prerequisite: PSYC3510 and 6 additional hours of psychology, sociology, or criminal justice.

    PSYC4360 Senior Internship - 1-4 s.h.

    Placement with external agency for application of knowledge, theory, and skills from the major in a professional setting. Pre-requisites: Psychology major, senior standing, 2.0 cumulative GPA, 3.0 GPA in the major, consent of supervising faculty. Students should enroll in 1 credit for every 50 hours that will be volunteered in the sponsor organization (with a maximum of 4 credits). Completion of the Senior Internship application with approval from agency sponsor and supervising faculty.

    PSYC4430 Theory and Practice of Counseling - 3 s.h.

    A course designed to explore characteristics of counselors, characteristics of clients, basic counseling techniques, and current theories of counseling. Prerequisite: PSYC1300 and 6 additional hours of psychology.

    SOCI2460 Multicultural Policing (also CRMJ2460) - 3 s.h.

    This course focuses on the challenges present in policing multicultural settings. Issues pertaining to understanding diverse cultures and effective communication across cultures from the standpoint of law enforcement are explored in detail. Recommended prerequisite: CRMJ1200.

    SOCI3310 Social Psychology (also PSYC3310) - 3 s.h.

    The study of how people think, feel, and behave in social situations. Attention given to research and application to social perception, interaction, and influence. Prerequisite: PSYC1300 or SOCI1300.

    SOCI3351 Community-Based Corrections (also CRMJ3351) - 3 s.h.

    Study of the history and design of community-based correctional programs, including probation and parole. The nature and variety of community corrections programs are examined and analyzed. +This course is only offered every other year.

    SOCI3420 Drugs in Society (also CRMJ3420) - 3 s.h.

    This course provides students with an understanding of United States drug policy, its evolution and current status, and alternatives from throughout the world. Updated with the latest data and research, this course also presents expanded material on cannabis, hallucinogens, the illegal drug business, and global drug policy. This course will explore addiction from a psychological and physiological lens and introduce diversion strategies and restorative justice concepts.

    SOCI3510 Research Methods (also PSYC3510) - 3 s.h.

    A survey of the principles and practices of social research, including research ethics, experimental design, surveys, in-depth interviews, content analysis, participant observation, and field studies. Students also learn to write in scientific journal style. Prerequisite: 6 additional hours of psychology, sociology, or criminal justice.

    SOCI3520 Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Justice (also CRMJ3520) - 3 s.h.

    Includes an examination of the nature, extent, and patterns of juvenile delinquency, evaluation of theories and causal explanations of delinquency and investigation of delinquent subcultures, as well as an examination of legal processing and treatment programs for young offenders. PREREQUISITE: SOCI1300 Introduction to Sociology. +This course is only offered every other year.

Exceptional Faculty

Why Choose Graceland's Forensic Psychology Major?

  • Graceland is one of only a few schools in the nation offering an undergraduate degree in Forensic Psychology. When combined with Graceland’s unique Transformational Leadership major, you will be well positioned to excel after graduation.
  • The Forensic Psychology program is intentionally rigorous with high academic standards to prepare you to enter graduate programs and to help open doors for internships at the federal and state levels – FBI, Homeland Security, state Bureaus of Investigation, court systems, juvenile courts, and child advocacy agencies.
  • Faculty have extensive experience in law enforcement and psychology.
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Career Growth Ahead

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts up to an 8% increase in job demand for this field over the next 10 years. Increased numbers of individuals served by the legal system requires increased numbers of forensic psychology-trained individuals to assist in providing professional assistance in insanity pleadings, guardianship cases, child custody disputes, criminal investigations, criminal conduct proceedings, expert witness testimonies, false confessions evaluations, jury selection, and prison psychology issues.

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Tuition & Aid

99% of students on the Lamoni campus receive financial aid.

As you consider college, you want a simple, easy-to-understand formula designed to ensure that the one-of-a-kind Graceland Experience is within reach for your family. Undergraduate tuition includes our unique Transformational Leadership major, and we offer generous financial aid and scholarships to all of our students, making Graceland as affordable, if not moreso, than most public universities.

Find out more!
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