Master of Science in Forensic Behavioral Science

Program Description/Overview

This program incorporates scientifically supported best practices related to the prevention, mitigation, and investigation of violence and conflict.  Students develop competencies and skills associated with the application of forensic behavioral science in a variety of contexts. The program’s curriculum draws on numerous disciplines, including psychology, social work, criminology, victimology, and law. The study of Forensic Behavioral Science has broad applications and is designed to assist those working within law enforcement, law, security, mental health, campus safety, human resources, as well as other fields in which knowledge in forensic behavioral sciences enhances job performance. 

Effective January Term 2024, Alliant International University will not be accepting applications for admission or admitting new students to the 8-week calendar curriculum version.

Emphasis/Concentration/Tracks

This program offers five (5) concentrations as follows:

1. Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies: Designed for students interested in gaining a greater understanding of conflict dynamics and in obtaining evidence-based knowledge and skills to support conflict resolution in multiple contexts.
2. Criminal Behavior: Designed for students interested in understanding offenders from a motivational, psychological and social perspective. Designed to enhance the knowledge base for students aspiring to law enforcement, correctional, investigative or consulting careers.
3. Forensic Victimology: Designed to support those who want a deeper understanding of victim-offender dynamics to aid in safety planning and civil and criminal investigations.
4. Professional Protection & Security Management: Designed for those seeking to enhance their ability to lead in a variety of security and critical incident contexts.
5. Trial Consulting: Designed for students interested in working alongside attorneys in criminal or civil actions and applying behavioral science to legal proceedings, or in applied research designed to enhance the pursuit of justice.

Program Learning Outcomes/Goals

1. Describe the roles of the contemporary forensic behavioral scientist
2. Evaluate judicial processes relevant to the forensic behavioral scientist
3. Analyze forensic behavioral science and research.
4. Demonstrate ethical decision-making in forensic contexts
5. Analyze the impact of bio-psycho-socio-cultural-spiritual and global factors on violence and conflict.
6. Apply forensic behavioral science to real-world challenges.

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

Students choose five courses from one of the concentration options.

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. A part-time option may be available.