The Department of Psychology at Texas State University offers a Graduate Certificate in Forensic Psychology to prepare individuals for career advancement in areas where Psychology and Criminal Justice intersect. Forensic Psychologists apply psychological principles to the criminal justice system. Those involved in the criminal justice system - whether they be officers making arrests, detectives interviewing witnesses, attorneys presenting a case or jurors processing information and attempting to reach a unanimous decision - will perform those duties more effectively with a background in forensic psychology. Topic areas in forensic psychology touch on all aspects of the system from more effective interviewing and questioning, the impact of drug and alcohol addiction on crime commission, how jurors function and influence each other as a part of a group, how jurors process information and make decisions, or how attorneys can best present evidence so that jurors can understand that evidence and make informed decisions.
What are the requirements for a certificate?
- PSY 5360G - Forensic Psychology (3 hours)
- Choose one of the following (3 hours) in consultation with the Certificate in Forensic Psychology Advisor:
- CJ 5335 - Advanced Crime Theory
- CJ 5321 - Current Legal Issues in Criminal Justice
- CJ 5380A - Ethics and the Criminal Justice System
- CJ 5380H - Police Problem-Solving Methodologies
- CJ 5380I - Race, Class and Crime
- Choose three of the following (9 hours) in consultation with the Certificate in Forensic Psychology Advisor
(some of these courses may have undergraduate prerequisites, choose carefully in consultation with the Certificate in Forensic Psychology Advisor):- PSY P5310 - Advanced Abnormal
- PSY P5317 - Group Processes and Interpersonal Dynamics
- PSY P5345 - Psychopharmacology
- PSY P5370 - Learning, Cognition and Motivation
- PSY P5385 - Industrial Social Psychology
15 Hours Total
The Declaration of Pursuit of Certificate & Tracking Form is a useful tool for understanding the requirements and tracking your progress in the certificate program.
Source: www.psych.txstate.edu
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You need a bachelor degree, then a masters degree before you can go for a PhD. The masters probably should be in your field of what your PhD is to be in. The bachelors degree could be in psychology and a minor in criminal justice like you said.
Once you get started on your higher degrees, you may be able to get a "fellowship" at one of the more expensive universities and be an instructor part time there to help pay for your PhD, for instance.
Good luck.
You do not need a Masters to be admitted into a PhD program. However, it will be difficult to get accepted to a very competitive program without a Masters because other applicants will likely have more research experience than you.
I forgot to add this when I responded earlier! Clinical Psychology programs are notoriously competitive, but other branches of Psychology are a little less difficult. I'm not sure about Forensic Psychology. I suggest applying to both PhD and Masters programs.