Master of Science in Forensic Behavioral Science

Program Description/Overview

This program combines theory, the latest research and innovation, and knowledge of scientifically-supported best practices to provide advanced knowledge and skills that supports the assessment and management of risk. The curriculum draws on numerous disciplines, with a heavy emphasis on forensic psychology, and criminal law. The study of Forensic Behavioral Science has broad applications, and is designed to assist those working within law enforcement, security, human resources, college administration and other fields in which forensic behavioral science generally, and risk assessment and management specifically, are integral to job performance and competency.

Emphasis/Concentration/Tracks

This program offers six (6) concentrations as follows:

1. Criminal Behavior: Designed for students interested in understanding offenders from amotivational, psychological, social perspective. Designed to enhance the knowledge base for students aspiring to law enforcement, correctional, investigative or consulting careers.
2. Forensic Victimology: Designed for students interested in applying research related to victim-offender dynamics to the prevention, investigation, and intervention of circumstances involving conflict and violence. Special considerations and required competencies for working in both criminal and civil contexts are explored.
3. Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies: Designed for students interested in understanding and mitigating the impact of various crises, such as hostage or other barricade situations, and conflicts that may give rise to volatile and potentially violent situations. The courses in this concentration focus on reducing the potential for violence; engaging in quick, strategic assessment and problem-solving, and responding to and managing threats to personal or public safety.
4. Trial Consulting: Designed for students interested in working within the court system, and particularly in working with attorneys in criminal or civil actions. Witness preparation, jury selection, and argument and rhetoric improvement are emphasized.
5. Forensic Linguistics
6. Professional Security & Protection

Program Learning Outcomes/Goals

Upon completion of the program students will be able to:
1. Describe the fundamental theories associated with forensic behavioral science.
2. Analyze the various contexts in which forensic behavioral science is applicable.
3. Apply forensic behavioral science to real-world problems that require the assessment and management of risk.
4. Research, synthesize, and critically evaluate laws and policies related to risk and violence prevention.
5. Conceptualize and evaluate programs aimed at reducing the impact of conflict and violence on society.
6. Demonstrate an awareness of the role of culture in conflict and violence.

Professional Behavior Expectations/Ethical Guidelines

Respectful Speech and Actions: As an institution of higher education, the University has the obligation to combat racism, sexism, and other forms of bias and to provide an equal educational opportunity. Professional codes of ethics and the academic code shall be the guiding principles in dealing with speech or actions that, when considered objectively, are abusive and insulting.

Professional Behavior: This program is a graduate-level professional program, and each member of the program, both students and faculty, are expected to engage in professional behavior and conduct. Students should always display empathy, self-control, friendliness, generosity, cooperation, helpfulness, and respect in all of their interactions with other students, staff, and faculty. Students will strive to exemplify professional behavior in all aspects of their participation in this program, to be on time in all engagements, to thoughtfully and diligently complete activities and assignments, and to treat all other program members with respect and dignity.

Credit Units

Total Credit Units: 36

Total Core Credit Units: 21

Total Elective Credit Units: N/A

Total Concentration Credit Units: 15

Emphasis/Concentration/Track Requirements

Curriculum Plan

The following curriculum plan is a sample and serves only as a general guide. Curriculum plans and course sequence are subject to variation depending on a student’s start term. Students must complete all coursework required for their program as set forth in their individual master plan of study.