The field of forensic psychology examines the intersection between human behavior and the law. In partnership with SDSU's Department of Psychology, and the Homeland Security Graduate Program, SDSU Gobal Campus offers a comprehensive online forensic psychology program specifically designed for professionals at the forefront of dealing with all aspects of criminal behavior. A key focus is on the populations being served by state and federal court and correctional systems, law enforcement agencies, mental health facilities, and juvenile facilities. The criminal justice system increasingly relies on professionals skilled in forensic psychology to help solve crimes and prevent future criminal behavior, and this certificate provides students with the knowledge and skills being sought by employers.
Estimated Cost
Min. Completion Time
Course FormatAuthorized by SDSU’s College of Sciences. Students earn 3 Professional Development Units per course.
About This Certificate
The forensic psychology certificate program gives professionals who work in fields related to criminal behavior, a look at the community-oriented goals of law enforcement, and the tools to help build trust and social capital on both sides, with the goal of generating real solutions. It also offers proven tools to boost resilience in the wake of natural disasters and other community traumas. Students interested in becoming a forensic psychologist will gain critical insights into legal issues and policies relating to criminality; the biological, genetic, and chemical factors involved in criminal behavior; and society’s role in fostering and preventing criminal behavior.
Program Highlights
- Fully online
- $699
- Eight-week courses
- Authorized by SDSU's College of Sciences. Earn 3 Professional Development Credits per course.
- Complete in as few as eight months or take up to two years
Who Will Benefit
This certificate program is designed for professionals at the forefront of dealing with all aspects of criminal behavior. This includes social workers, intelligence officers, first responders, correctional officers, community organizers, and those working in the fields of nursing, public health, paralegal, and psychology. Those interested in forensic psychology, homeland security, public safety, and disaster-response humanitarian assistance will also benefit.
Certificate Requirements
To earn the Professional Certificate in Forensic Psychology, you must successfully complete two (2) core courses and three (3) electives. If your background is unrelated to forensic psychology, we highly recommend you begin with the core courses.
| Core Courses (complete both*) |
Instructor | Spring 2021 |
Summer 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSY 0050: Fundamentals of Forensic Psychology | Dr. Katherine Turner | 3/8-5/2 | 7/12-9/5 |
| PSY 0051:Mental Health and Criminal Justice | Dr. Katherine Turner | 1/4-2/28 | 5/10-7/3 |
| Elective Courses (complete 3) |
Instructor | Spring 2021 |
Summer 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSY 0052: Police and Correctional Psychology | Anthony J. Ewing; Dr. Jessica Mueller |
7/12-9/5 | |
| PSY 0054:Cyberpsychology | Dr. Jessica Mueller | 5/10-7/3 | |
| PSY 0055: Expert Witness Courtroom and Deposition Testimony | Dr. Anna Kafka | 5/10-7/3 | |
| PSY 0056: Forensic Psych-Active Shooter (FPAS) | Michael F. Owen | 7/12-9/5 | |
| PSY 0057:Forensic Assessment | Dr. Anna Kafka | 1/4-2/28 | |
| PSY 0058:Forensic Report Writing | Dr. Anna Kafka | 3/8-5/2 |
Dates and prices subject to change.
*If you’ve completed relevant forensic psychology coursework at other schools and/or have three years of related professional experience, one of the courses can be waived.
For more information, email forensic.certificate@sdsu.edu or call (619) 594-1188.
SDSU Global Campus is a State-approved provider for the Federal Workforce Investment Act for this program.