Forensic Psychology

The Forensic Psychology certificate program is designed to provide a basic understanding of Forensic Psychology as a profession and discipline. This certificate program would benefit those currently a junior or senior in high school or working a full or part-time job. The certificate provide students with the foundation to move forward and obtain an Associates of Arts in either Criminal Justice or Psychology at Northeastern Junior College or at any of the other Colorado Community Colleges.

Program Requirements

Total Credits 16

Course Number	Course Title	Credits
PSY101PSY1001	General Psychology I: GT-SS3	3
Focuses on the scientific study of behavior including motivation, emotion, physiological psychology, stress and coping, research methods, consciousness, sensation, perception, learning, and memory. This is a Statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-SS3 category. Prerequisite: College Readiness in English. (3-0)
PSY207PSY2770	Introduction to Forensic Psychology	3
Provides an overview of forensic psychology. This course explores both current research and practice in police psychology, criminal psychology, victimology, correctional psychology, and the interface of psychology and the courts. This course facilitates an understanding of the numerous careers related to forensic psychology and how to prepare for them. Prerequisite: College Readiness in English. (3-0)
CRJ205CRJ2005	Principles of Criminal Law	3
Focuses on common law and statutory law crimes, the Model Penal Code, elements defining crimes and penalties, defenses to criminal accusations, and definitions and distinctions between criminal and civil law. (3-0)
CRJ268CRJ2068	Criminal Profiling	3
Examines the theories of crime causation in relationship to criminal profiling. Studies include the investigation of serial killers, their motivations, behaviors, and identification of psychological and sociological explanations related to criminal acts. (3-0)
PSY249PSY2552	Abnormal Psychology: GT-SS3	3
Examines abnormal behavior and its classification, causes, treatment, and prevention. This is a Statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-SS3 category. Prerequisite: College Readiness in English. (3-0)
HWE117HWE1003	Mental Health First Aid	1
Covers common mental disorders and mental health crises. This course trains first responders to take basic action steps to address mental health issues. This course is not intended to train students as mental health professionals. (1-0)

Courses can be taken out of order.

Degree & Certificate Options

Psychology Designation

Associate of Arts

60 Credits

Curriculum

Psychology

Associate of Science

60 Credits

Curriculum

Certificate

16 Credits

Curriculum

Degree Descriptions

Associate of Arts Degree (A.A.) and Associate of Science Degree (A.S.)

The AA and the AS degrees are traditional 2-year degrees specifically designed to transfer to 4-year institutions for the purpose of completing a BA or a BS. They are often referred to as university parallel degrees. The general education requirements are what actually permit the degrees to be called Associates or Arts or Science. The difference between the AS and AA is minimal, with the AA permitting math courses and a science course that are not recognized under the AS degree. Read Colorado's Guaranteed Transfer Policy here.

Associate of General Studies (A.G.S.)

The AGS degree is, at times, articulated to transfer to certain 4-year institutions and programs. There is more room for flexibility in this degree. Generally, if a student decides to transfer to a 4-year school to pursue a BA or BS after earning the AGS, they may be short some of the general education requirements.

Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)

The Associate of Applied Science degree is rarely pursued by a student who intends to transfer to a 4-year school. It is primarily a degree that prepares a student to go directly into the workforce. It is typically a specific technical career that the student who seeks the AAS is seeking. Again, the general education requirements are less rigid with the AAS degree.

Certificate Programs

Certificates are 1-year technical programs that require no general education courses. Auto Tech, Agri-business, and Cosmetology are Certificate programs. English, math, science, etc. are not required to complete a certificate, although some students choose to take preparatory classes that might help them succeed in the program.