Forensic Psychology

How can we explain criminal behavior? What are the contributing factors to a life of crime? How can rehabilitation of an offender be achieved? These are just a few of the many intriguing issues forensic psychology addresses. The Forensic Psychology Program at Bay Path is designed for you to apply the principles and insights of psychology within the criminal justice system. You can become involved in criminal investigations, counseling the incarcerated, facilitating effective re-entry programs, empowering women who have suffered domestic abuse, court advocacy and consultation, and more.

Bay Path is one of the few women's colleges in the United States to offer forensic psychology as a major! The demand for expertise in this field is rapidly increasing, with multiple career possibilities.

A sampling of what you will learn:

• Analyze and interpret criminal behavior
• Legal guidelines and ethical considerations
• Insight into the mentally ill, such as sociopaths and psychopaths
• Complexities of domestic violence
• Art of interviewing and conducting assessments
• Elements of effective re-entry programs
• Unique issues of the female offender 

Bay Path’s dedicated faculty bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the courses they teach, featuring the most relevant and up-to-date information in each field. Special projects and class assignments feature active learning and practical application of concepts. You are exposed to a wide variety of activities, projects, and experiences involving community collaborations and service, which includes working with the Sheriff’s Department, task forces on gang activity, and juvenile offender literacy programs.

A sampling of courses in the Forensic Psychology Program include:

• Survey of Forensic Psychology
• Psychology of Criminal Behavior
• Social Problems
• Introduction to the American Legal System
• Principles of Criminal Investigation

Bay Path values experiential learning, requiring an internship during senior year, in which you can apply the theories and communication skills learned in class to an actual setting. As a student majoring in Forensic Psychology, you will gain valuable experience at various sites including: State Department of Youth Services, prisons, re-entry programs, women’s shelters, police departments, and substance abuse facilities.