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What is Forensic Psychology?

Get a Master's in Forensic Psychology

The Forensic Psychology B.A.

At the intersection of psychology and the law, forensic psychology applies psychological principles and methods to the legal and criminal justice systems.

To understand criminal behavior, forensic psychologists observe, interpret and record how people relate to one another or their environment. They use data analysis, writing, and research skills to examine issues, analyze evidence, and draw conclusions.

One of the first schools to offer a bachelor’s degree in forensic psychology, Florida Tech prepares students for careers that apply psychological theory and research within the criminal justice system and related fields.

The forensic psychology degree provides a strong psychology background and experience in criminology and statistics. You’ll develop crime analysis skills and understanding of crime prevention and what it means to be a community liaison among legal, law enforcement and social services agencies.

Whether you want to become a law enforcement officer, a leader in the field of criminal justice or a crime scene analyst, a forensic psychology degree from Florida Tech can help you pursue your goals.

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Why Choose Florida Tech for Forensic Psychology?

At Florida Tech, you'll thrive in a personalized, close-knit environment while building your knowledge and skills at the leading edge of forensic psychology. Our program offers hands-on experience through a diverse array of internship options, faculty-led research initiatives and applied research projects. Individualized attention and a supportive community will foster your academic and professional growth.

Our low student-to-faculty ratio encourages close collaboration and mentorship among students and faculty, along with individual creativity and leadership.

Students are matched with a faculty advisor who not only assists with selecting courses during their time at Florida Tech, but also offers guidance for career and/or graduate school opportunities.

Our faculty bring research and practitioner expertise in a wide variety of areas to the forensic psychology program, ensuring a comprehensive and enriching educational experience.

You’ll learn from experts in areas such as clinical, experimental, social, criminological, industrial-organizational and multicultural psychology—and thanks to small class sizes, you’ll get to know and work closely with many of them

When students complete their research methodology coursework, professors invite them to participate on faculty research teams that seek to understand and solve complex issues in the field of forensic psychology. These programs serve as valuable hands-on research experiences in preparation for both graduate school and future careers.

As a senior, you’ll undertake a scholarly inquiry project, which includes an intensive field internship and a significant research study.

When it’s time to kick back and relax, we’re just over the causeway from 72 miles of beautiful beaches, a short trip away from the Florida Keys or the Orlando theme parks and minutes away from all the Indian River Lagoon has to offer.  

But you won’t have to travel far for rest and relaxation. We also have a rich campus life with intramural and collegiate sports, over 200 campuswide student organizations and clubs and a wide variety of social activities.

At Florida Tech, you can build leadership and professional experience in student government and a wide array of academic organizations, clubs and honor societies. 

Of special interest to forensic psychology students, the Forensic Psychology and Science Society is an organization for students who are interested in psychology, forensic science and the law. It's a great way to connect with others who are passionate about understanding the psychology and science behind forensics.

Florida Tech offers a program in child advocacy that empowers students to confidently recognize and react to child maltreatment and to respond effectively.

Focusing on ethical, realistic and culturally sensitive content, this program is of interest to forensic psychology students who plan to work with children. Students learn about the various disciplinary responses to child maltreatment and will develop a multidisciplinary understanding of the most efficient responses.

The Child Advocacy Studies Training (CAST) program is a sequence of three courses that can be completed within the forensic psychology B.A. A child advocacy minor is also offered. Having the CAST program on your resume shows employers that you understand the difficulties inherent in these special cases.

Careers in Forensic Psychology

Forensic psychology graduates can pursue a range of careers in criminal justice and in nonprofit and social agencies that coordinate efforts with legal/justice systems, such as domestic violence shelters and victims’ rights groups. Forensic psychology careers include work in areas such as:

Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement

  • Analyze and solve crimes
  • Assist in crisis intervention
  • Provide diagnosis and treatment options for juvenile offenders
  • Work as a court liaison
  • Serve as a police or probation officer

Counseling

  • Perform law enforcement officer psychological fitness-for-duty evaluations
  • Evaluate and counsel victims of domestic violence or other crimes
  • Serve as a victim advocate (e.g., domestic violence shelter, victim rights group)
  • Mediate consultation in family law matters
  • Work with offenders

Research

  • Analyze crimes to help law enforcement identify patterns and trends
  • Study social causes and effects of sexual abuse and domestic violence
  • Develop improved interrogation methods
  • Perform detailed assessment of eyewitness testimony
  • Research public policy (e.g., prisons/correctional facility design)

Employers that have recruited Florida Tech students for internships and careers include the Brevard County Public Defender, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit, Melbourne Police Department, Devereux and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office.

Looking ahead to your future career can be exciting! Keep in mind that certain roles may entail additional prerequisites, such as an advanced degree.

Florida Tech Career Services assists students, alumni and employers in their search for careers and employee candidates. We help students develop career plans and job-search skills. Explore our Career Toolbox to learn more about our services and access additional resources.

The Occupational Outlook Handbook, published by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), provides information about specific jobs, including median annual pay, working conditions and job outlook, among other things. Check the handbook for information on the outlook for forensic psychology careers.

Advanced Degree Options

After receiving their forensic psychology degree, many forensic psychology alumni go on to graduate programs in forensic science, criminal justice, criminology, law or clinical psychology.

Florida Tech programs students choose include:

Explore the Forensic Psychology, B.A., Curriculum

The Forensic Psychology, B.A., Curriculum

Core psychology courses offer a solid foundation in psychological principles and methods, while specialized forensic psychology courses focus on their applications within the legal and criminal justice systems.

Forensic psychology electives let you customize your degree to your interests and goals, with options in crime analysis, forensic behavior investigation, child advocacy and more.

Throughout the program, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of human behavior, including criminality, as well as important skills in data analysis, writing and research. As a senior, you’ll complete an intensive field internship experience that includes a substantial research study.

Courses include:

  • Introduction to American Criminal Justice
  • Psychology of Learning and Motivation
  • Integrated Theories of Crime

Check the catalog for a description of all courses.

Download the Forensic Psychology, B.A. Curriculum now!

Hands-on Experience at the Forefront of Forensic Psychology

Florida Tech forensic psychology students can work with local police agencies, state attorney’s office, public defender’s office or some of the most widely recognized psychology and crime prevention agencies in the nation in specifically designed forensic psychology internships.

All forensic psychology students complete an internship during their senior year with direct experience in the field that prepares them for a career in forensic psychology.

For internships, students often team up with a variety of local offices and have even worked with the FBI’s prestigious Behavioral Science Unit (BSU) and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS). Internship opportunities are found with hosts such as:

  • Local cold case teams
  • Brevard County mental health and drug courts
  • The Florida state attorney’s office
  • Public defenders’ offices
  • Local jails and correctional facilities

Related Programs
(You might also be interested in…)

Choose a B.A. or a B.S. in psychology to align with your interests and goals. Concentrations are available in animal learning and behavior, applied social psychology, clinical/counseling psychology or cognitive and neuropsychology.

The B.A. in psychology offers a solid foundation in psychology and provides a well-rounded liberal arts and sciences education through a blend of core courses and electives.
Psychology, B.A.

The B.S. in psychology is designed for students oriented toward the natural sciences and mathematics, incorporating courses in areas such as lab sciences and calculus.
Psychology, B.S.

Behavior analysis is a scientific approach to the study of behavior, with a focus on functional relations between behavior and environmental events. This program provides a strong background in behavior analysis and hands-on experience in behavioral assessment, behavior interventions and skill acquisition.

Applied Behavior Analysis, B.A.

This 100% online applied psychology degree provides a solid foundation in psychology and the liberal arts, along with depth in the area of forensic psychology. Apply psychology knowledge and skills to assist law enforcement agencies, contribute to criminal investigations and promote justice within the legal system.
Applied Psychology, B.A. – Forensic Psychology

Additional options in applied psychology, all offered 100% online: 

Clinical Psychology: Explore the causes, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of psychological disorders, covering topics such as abnormal psychology, substance abuse and social psychology.
Applied Psychology, B.A. – Clinical Psychology

Child Advocacy: Gain the knowledge and critical-thinking and communication skills necessary for a career dedicated to championing the well-being and development of children.
Applied Psychology, B.A. – Child Advocacy

Organizational Psychology: Learn to create a positive work environment with organizational psychology, gaining the skills needed for leadership success.
Applied Psychology, B.A. – Organizational Psychology

Learn more about Forensic Psychology at Florida Tech on the website.

Build Connections

Career fairs at Florida Tech offer forensic psychology students outstanding opportunities to connect with potential employers and take significant steps toward advancing their careers.

These events enhance job search skills by offering valuable practice in resume building and interviewing. Attending career fairs allows students to refine their professional presentation, communicate their skills effectively, and receive constructive feedback from industry experts.

You'll gain critical insights into career paths and forensic psychology trends directly from experienced professionals. These interactions can help you understand the nuances of different roles and what employers are looking for in candidates.

Meeting with employers who are actively recruiting provides a unique opportunity to make a personal impression. This face-to-face interaction increases your visibility, helping you to stand out in the job market and paving the way for a successful career in forensic psychology.

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