Course Descriptions

PSYC 6001 Foundations for Graduate Study in Psychology (1 cr.)
This course introduces students to Walden University and to the requirements for successful participation in an online curriculum. It provides a foundation for academic and professional success as a scholar-practitioner and social change agent. Topics include the relation of mission and vision to professional goals; development of the Program of Study and Professional Development Plan; strategies for online success; introduction to the online library; and introduction to critical thinking, professional writing, and academic integrity. Course assignments focus on practical application of writing and critical-thinking skills and promote professional and academic excellence.

FPSY 6101 Introduction to Forensic Psychology (5 cr.)
This course provides students with an overview of the areas covered by a broad definition of forensic psychology. In doing so, this course introduces the basic tenets of forensic psychology and the criminal justice system. Topics of study include criminal profiling, police psychology, psychology in the criminal courts, correctional psychology, and others. Assignments focus on providing the student with a broad basic knowledge of the forensic psychology field.

FPSY 6720 Abnormal Behavior (5 cr.)
This course is an overview of what is commonly referred to as abnormal psychology; however, what constitutes normalcy is considered from multiple perspectives. Students explore the application of diagnostic criteria in various mental health work settings, such as schools, rehabilitation facilities, community agencies, and private practices. Environmental and biological factors contributing to behavioral disorders are considered using the scholar-practitioner model. Techniques are reviewed for the diagnosis and treatment of cognitive, emotional, and developmental disorders, as well as for psychophysiological and psychosocial problems. Multicultural factors that complicate diagnosis are reviewed.

FPSY 6115 Understanding Forensic Psychology Research (5 cr.)
This course aims to help the student better understand how to be an astute consumer of forensic psychology research. Basic principles of statistics, such as reliability and validity, are covered. However, this course places emphasis on teaching the student how to critically read forensic psychology research and how best to apply research results to forensic clinical settings.

FPSY 6125 Assessment in Forensic Psychology Settings (5 cr.)
This course covers the varied assessment techniques and instruments used in the forensic psychology arena. Some of the assessment areas covered include risk assessment, juvenile evaluations, lie detection, custody evaluations, and many of the psychological tests and instruments that are used in these assessments. The course will provide a solid foundation of the knowledge of forensic psychology techniques and assessment rather than specific skills in administering and interpreting psychological tests.

FPSY 6135 Criminal Behavior (5 cr.)
This course provides students with contemporary views and theories of maladaptive and criminal behavior. A broad conceptualization of criminal behavior, such as that which comes from the sociological and anthropological perspectives, is discussed. Theories and application of criminal profiling will be discussed. Additionally, more specific views of criminal behavior germane to groups such as psychopaths, serial offenders, and sexually violent predators will be addressed.

FPSY 6145 Ethical Issues and Professional Responsibilities in Forensic Psychology (5 cr.)
This course provides students with the contemporary knowledge needed to apply ethical practice and professional responsibilities while working as a forensic psychologist. The American Psychological Association’s Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct as well as the American Psychology-Law Society’s Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychology are mainstays in this course. Additionally, the various roles and responsibilities of a forensic psychologist are covered.

PSYC 6245 Social Psychology (5 cr.)
In this course, you will use the lens of social psychology to examine both social cognitions and social behavior—nearly all phenomena that pertain to the individual in society. You will explore the topics of perceptions, attitudes, relationships and attraction, the motivation to help others, prejudice and aggression, conformity and obedience, group behavior, and the influence of culture, and consider how knowledge of these topics can be used to effect positive social change. Your application of what you learn in this course culminates in a final project in which you develop a plan for using social psychology research to address a significant social problem. Moreover, your learning in this course will extend to your personal and professional life and truly enable you to effect positive social change as a scholar-practitioner committed to doing so.

PSYC 6305 Statistics 1 (5 cr.)
This course provides students with a thorough analysis of basic descriptive and inferential statistical methods commonly used in the social sciences and the skills with which to write, analyze, and critique social science research. Methods include computation and analysis of frequency distributions, measures of central tendency, and statistical hypothesis testing. Statistical tests (and underlying assumptions) include z-score, single-sample, independent-samples and related-samples t tests, analysis of variance, correlation, regression, and chi-square tests. This course includes an introduction to and use of the software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS).

PSYC 6310 Research Design (5 cr.)
This course provides students with a foundation in the design of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method approaches to psychological research. Students learn the strengths and limitations of each method and under what circumstances each approach would be the most appropriate research design. Students learn how to identify a topic for research, how to conduct a literature search, and the importance of scholarly writing. Students learn to write a research proposal, addressing the following key elements: researching, writing an introduction, stating a purpose for the study, identifying research questions and hypotheses, using theory, defining the significance of the study, and collecting and analyzing data. Students are exposed to legal and ethical issues associated with human subjects’ protection. (Prerequisite: PSYC 6305.)

PSYC 6311 Qualitative Analysis (5 cr.)
This course focuses on five major traditions of qualitative research methodology: phenomenology, grounded theory, ethnography, biography, and case study. In the context of each of the traditions, varying approaches to proposal planning, research design, data collection, data analysis, aspects of quality and verification, ethical and legal issues, and interpretation and presentation of results in the narrative report are examined. Emphasis is on how to design a qualitative research project that could serve as the foundation for thesis or dissertation work. (Prerequisite: PSYC 6305 and PSYC 6310.)

PSYC 6314 Program Evaluation (5 cr.)
This course introduces students to evaluation research. Topics include the history and theory underlying program evaluation; approaches to evaluation; procedures and techniques for entering a group for which one would provide evaluation services; selecting appropriate quantitative and/or qualitative models and techniques used to perform the evaluation; strategies for getting gatekeepers to be invested in the development of the research and in the outcomes; demonstration of program effectives; and dissemination of results to stakeholders. (Prerequisites: PSYC 6305 and PSYC 6310.)

PSYC 6331 Interviewing and Observational Strategies (5 cr.)
This course focuses on principles and skills related to interviewing and observation as well as related legal, ethical, and cultural issues. Students gain practice in conducting interviews, making behavioral observations, collecting and interpreting data during an interview, and developing written reports of findings. In addition to the course materials listed by the university bookstore, this course also requires that students have access to a video recording device, a tripod, and an audio recording device, which they will begin using the first week of class.

FPSY 6511 Treatment of Forensic Populations (5 cr.)
This course provides students with the basic knowledge necessary to evaluate and subsequently treat many different forensic populations. Various forensic populations such as sex offenders, substance abusers, victims of crime, and employee assistance to law enforcement personnel will be covered. The use of traditional forms of intervention, such as individual and group psychotherapy, as well as recent developments in intervention, such as restorative justice, will be addressed.

FPSY 6512 Juvenile Justice, Delinquency, and Development (5 cr.)
The focus of this course is on the various aspects of the juvenile justice system and the population that it serves. As such, a thorough understanding of normal juvenile development is provided as a backdrop in which to better apply current juvenile justice codes and case law. The changing landscape of the juvenile justice field based on current research with its population will be covered.

FPSY 6520 Psychology in the Courts (5 cr.)
This course covers the major roles that a forensic psychologist could have within the court system. Issues such as expert testimony, jury selection, eyewitness testimony, and consultation with attorneys will be covered. Additionally, practical skills such as documentation and report writing will be addressed.

FPSY 6521 Police Psychology (5 cr.)
The focus of this course is directed at the various roles a psychologist might have when working within a police department. Issues such as officer selection and training, stress management, critical incident stress debriefing, and upper-management consultation are mainstays of the police psychologist and will be covered. Additionally, less-well-known roles such as training in hostage negotiations and the selection of special operations officers (S.W.A.T., snipers, tactical commanders) will be reviewed.

FPSY 6530 Forensic Applications in Community Settings (5 cr.)
This course is directed at the application of forensic psychology to various community settings. An emphasis is placed on working with offenders upon re-entry to the community and offenders who receive nonincarceration community placements. However, this course will also explore less-common applications such as restorative justice and community crime prevention.

PSYC 6723 Multicultural Counseling (5 cr.)
This course is designed to increase students’ awareness and knowledge of, and skills related to, multicultural counseling and the delivery of psychological services. Students explore diversity and identity issues and discuss their impact on the therapeutic relationship. The application of traditional theoretical orientations and current multicultural theories to culturally diverse groups is addressed. Topics include race and ethnicity, sex and gender, sexual orientation, social class, and age and ability.

PSYC 6728 Substance Abuse Therapies (5 cr.)
This course examines psychological aspects of addictions involving alcohol, prescription medications, and illegal substances. Current research in the field of dependency and addiction is explored. Topics include diagnosis, models of treatment, treatment planning, use of group and family treatment plans, and efficacy of treatment. Strategies to promote change, including the transtheoretical model of behavior change, are discussed.

PSYC 6740 Disaster, Crisis, and Trauma (5 cr.)
This course defines natural and human-made disasters (e.g., war, violence, genocide, terrorist activities), and reviews how they impact the psychology of individuals and groups. Topics include theories of trauma; actions and behaviors following a disaster; stress, coping, and adjustment difficulties; psychological disorders (e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder); and available resources to deal with trauma. The course emphasizes the importance and development of culturally appropriate service delivery programs and interventions for individuals affected and traumatized by disasters.

PSYC 6741 Psychology of Terrorism (5 cr.)
This course examines the history, philosophy, and techniques of terrorism as well as countermeasures to terroristic threats to public safety. Topics include aspects of international and domestic terrorism with an emphasis on terrorism’s roots, viewed from the broadest possible political, sociological, and cultural perspectives; factors and catalysts attributed to the terrorism phenomenon—including poverty, psychology (e.g., motivational factors, antisocial behaviors), social injustice, oppression, and religion; and the impact of media and technology in aiding and countering terroristic activities.

PSYC 6742 Conflict, Conflict Resolution and Peace (5 cr.)
This course represents a study of conflict, conflict resolution, and peace from psychological and social psychological perspectives. Students examine the concept of conflict and methods of addressing it, including management, resolution, and transformation; theories related to conflict resolution; approaches to conflict resolution, including negotiation and third-party interventions; and social psychological factors that influence conflict and conflict resolution. Students also consider the influence of culture in conflict and conflict resolution; the role of ethics; intractable and international conflicts; the concept of peace; and how third-party approaches can contribute to the peace process. Students apply conflict resolution approaches to conflicts at all levels, from interpersonal to those involving whole nations.

COUN 6785 Prevention, Intervention, and Consultation (5 cr.)
This course is designed to prepare students for their roles as counselors in prevention, intervention, and consultation endeavors with specific populations in specific settings. Using an action research model, students will prepare a blueprint for a prevention, intervention, or consultation project for a community, agency, or organization.

PSYC 6810 Community Psychology (5 cr.)
This course introduces students to the basic concepts and practice of community psychology. Guiding values and assumptions of the field, basic ecological concepts, and models of intervention are examined. Topics include diversity in community psychology, social change, primary and secondary prevention, community mental health, empowerment, stress, and resiliency.

PSYC 6912 Mental Health Law (5 cr.)
This course examines several different aspects of the law related to mental health issues. Laws and court decisions that affect the practice of psychology—such as the Tarasoff ruling, mandated reporting, and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)—are addressed, as are the many areas of law that constitute forensic psychological practice, including civil matters (such as personal injury and civil competency issues) and criminal matters (such as competency to stand trial, criminal responsibility, diminished capacity, and death penalty issues).

FPSY 6915 Field Experience (5 cr.)
This is a 12-week practical field experience in a setting specific to the degree and the student’s anticipated employment setting or service population. Students choosing this option will work a specified amount of time per week in the setting and participate in this weekly field experience course with peers. In the course, students will discuss their experiences in the setting and how they fit with the knowledge learned throughout the program.

Note on licensure:
The M.S. in Forensic Psychology is not a licensure program and does not prepare an individual to become a licensed psychology professional.