If you’re considering a career in forensic psychology, a PhD degree program can provide the rigorous and stimulating coursework you need to make your mark in this rewarding field.
The best PhD in Forensic Psychology programs offer multiple specializations that allow you to align your goals and interests with your degree. In Walden University’s forensic psychology PhD program, specializations include Crisis Response, Criminal Justice Self-Designed, Crisis Leadership Management, Victimology, and Legal Issues in Forensic Psychology.
As a student in Walden’s online PhD in Forensic Psychology degree program, you’ll learn from top faculty members who have deep experience in their fields. Walden’s program director for the MS and PhD in Forensic Psychology programs is Dr. Kristen Beyer, an esteemed professional who began her forensic career as a violent crime resource specialist working with the FBI’s former Child Abduction and Serial Murder Investigative Resources Center.
And you’ll study up-to-the-minute coursework that takes you inside the varied fields of forensic psychology. Here are some of the exciting courses you might take on your way to a PhD in Forensic Psychology:
Victimology
What is the relationship between victims and those who commit crimes against them, and how does the criminal justice system protect and respond to victims of crime? This PhD in Forensic Psychology course answers these and other questions through a comprehensive assessment of victimology, a relatively new discipline in the field of criminal justice. You’ll learn how victims interact with the police and the legal system, and how factors of class, race, and sexual orientation affect the perception of the victim.
Understanding Violence, Risk, and Threat Assessment
This course explores the various assessment techniques and instruments used within the forensic psychology arena. Assessment areas covered include risk assessment, juvenile evaluations, child custody evaluations, and capital punishment, as well as the various psychological instruments that are used in these types of evaluations.
Advanced Issues in Forensic Psychology
In this seminar-style course, you’ll apply problem-based learning to cases and scenarios such as juvenile delinquency, terrorism, and human trafficking. You’ll examine current trends and issues in forensic psychology and form a consultative group with other doctoral degree students. You’ll also develop skills and expertise necessary to serve as forensic consultants and expert witnesses and address the ethical challenges faced by forensic psychology professionals.
Disaster, Crisis, and Trauma
This course investigates how natural and human-made disasters impact the psychology of individuals and groups. Students assess traditional and current literature and complete practical exercises to learn about theories of trauma; actions and behaviors following a disaster; stress, coping, and adjustment difficulties; psychological disorders; and available resources to deal with trauma.
Police Psychology
In this course, you’ll learn about the roles and responsibilities of forensic psychology professionals working with and in police departments. Students analyze and discuss common issues and challenges, including crisis situations, psychological risks of police work, and stress management. You’ll also explore the less common roles of psychology professionals working with police, such as training in hostage negotiations and the selection of special officers (SWAT, snipers, and tactical commanders).
Choosing a PhD in Forensic Psychology Degree Program
At Walden, you have plenty of choices. If you have a master’s degree in forensic psychology, you’ll follow Track I. Career-changers are welcome, too. Track II is the program of study for students who have a master’s degree in a discipline other than forensic psychology.
In Walden’s online PhD in Forensic Psychology degree program you can choose from the general program or six specializations—including two self-designed options. You’ll find the education and training you need to make inroads in the forensic psychology field of your choice.
If you’re considering a career upgrade or career change, choose a forensic psychology degree program that prepares you to make a social impact as a researcher, teacher, or consultant.
Walden University is an accredited institution offering a PhD in Forensic Psychology degree program online. Expand your career options and earn your degree in a convenient, flexible format that fits your busy life.
Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, www.hlcommission.org.
The PhD in Forensic Psychology is not a licensure program and does not prepare an individual to become a licensed psychology professional.