Courses

This course provides an introduction to legal research methods, including state and federal reported cases, digests, annotated codes, state and federal administrative regulations, and computerized legal research, as well as an introduction to the writing of case briefs and memoranda. This course is also an advanced examination of aspects of evidence acquisition, evaluation, and preservation with special consideration of the legal context including its use in the trial process. This course is designed to provide additional insights concerning the proper use of evidence and its admissibility. (3 Units)

Graduate level course on the nature of criminal law; philosophical and historical development; major definitions and concepts; classification of crime; elements of crimes and penalties using California and federal statutes as illustrations; defenses to criminal responsibility; criminal responsibility. (3 Units)

A study in the traditional and theoretical schools of criminology. Theories relating to individual abnormality and theories relating to cultural influences are examined. Theories of the causes of delinquency and data on delinquent behavior including gangs, minor and major criminal actions and methods of correction are also covered. (3 Units)

This course will examine elements of criminal investigation, including crime scene preservation, evidence collection and interviewing. To bring these two topics (investigation and report writing) together, students will also be exposed to various concepts of criminal law, search and seizure and police procedures. (3 Units)

This course helps graduate students understand the quantitative methods and statistical techniques used in forensic psychological research and peer-reviewed publications. The course provides students with a hands-on opportunity in the practical application of statistical concepts using the SPSS program. Students will learn the theoretical framework of statistical analyses and develop analytical writing skills using APA formatting. The statistical analysis course introduces graduate students to univariate, bivariate, and multivariate statistical analyses. The course reviews correlation and linear and multiple regressions, reliability, chi-square, independent t-tests, dependent t-tests, one-way, factorial, and repeated measures ANOVAs, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), and multiple analysis of variance and covariance (MANOVA & MANCOVA). It also discusses the screening of statistical data, including issues of normality, linearity, homogeneity of variance, and homoscedasticity. (3 Units)

This course examines the nature of the research process emphasizing the formulation of investigative questions and testable hypotheses. The course reviews qualitative methods of data collection, data analysis and report writing. Within a small group setting, students and professors will design and implement field research from topic selection to publication submission. (3 Units)

This course examines the biological bases of behavior and learning through the lifespan, including the fundamentals of neuroanatomy, brain development, neuropsychology, neurophysiology, neurochemistry, psychopharmacology and temperament. (3 Units)

This course is meant to teach graduate students the fundamentals of reconstructing the serial offenders' motives and intent through examination of psychological evidence left by perpetrators at crime scenes. This course incorporates a multifaceted approach to psychological profiling utilizing criminal investigative skills, social psychological principles, and advanced research methodology. (3 Units)

Survey of theory, method, and research results in areas of social psychology, such as attitude formation and change, social perception/ cognition, impression formation, social influence, interpersonal attraction and relationships, aggression and pro-social behavior, and group dynamics. Application in areas such as criminal behavior, legal settings, or neurobehavioral psychology will also be included. (3 Units)

Nature and causes of reactions to social, biological and psychological stress and maladaptive developments with an emphasis on psychopathy and criminality. (3 Units)

This course covers relevant laws and ethical issues affecting forensic psychologists practicing in California. It is designed to instill a broad understanding of the issues/areas within the field of forensic psychology. This broad understanding will include the areas of psychology, law, criminal justice, and forensic mental health. Students will be given the opportunity to gain this basic knowledge and will be expected to critically analyze theories, policies, research, and practices within the field of forensic psychology. (3 Units)

In this course, students join a research group as a part of the Forensic Psychology Research Lab. Students will develop original, empirical research projects under the supervision of a faculty team leader and collaborate with student peers. This project will lead to developing research projects that may be submitted to the institutional review board, presented at an academic conference, submitted to an academic journal, or a textbook. (1 Units)

This course will serve as a supplement to the student's academic and field placement experience. Within a small group setting, students and professors will discuss issues and linkages between their academic work and their field placement experience. This may best be described as a weekly, small group supervision process allowing students to concretize theoretical models utilized within the culture of forensic practice. (3 Units)

A continuation of Forensic Practicum I. (3 Units)

This course is designed to be an in-depth seminar on a selected topic within Forensic Psychology. (3 Units)

This course is designed to be an in-depth seminar on a selected topic within Forensic Psychology with a global experience. (3 Units)

This course prepares the student for a culminating project- either a thesis or comprehensive evaluation of progress. (3 Units)

This course requires the student to engage in the preparation, evaluation, development, and presentation of research in forensic psychology culminating in a thesis. (3 Units)

This course is designed to provide an in-depth review of the core competencies that are required to demonstrate the ability to practice forensic psychology within the acceptable standards of the profession. (3 Units)