Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology, Public Policy and Law

Program Description/Overview

The Doctor of Philosophy, Psychology, Public Policy, and Law is designed for public and private health and safety professionals who have earned a master’s degree and who want to enhance their skillset and advance their careers or consultancies. The doctorate provides an opportunity to deep dive into the psychology of violence and of the laws related to it in a variety of sectors - such as criminal justice systems, social services, security, and media - in national and international contexts. Graduates serve in law enforcement, security, humanitarian organizations, government agencies, human resource and compliance departments, and in private consultancies.

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.

Students must choose one of these concentrations on admission to the program. PLEASE NOTE: Availability of particular concentrations depends on student demand at any given time. Please check with the program director about availability before enrolling in the program.

Program Learning Outcomes/Goals

The PhD in Psychology, Public Policy and Law supports students to attain the following program learning outcomes:

1. Psycho-Legal Knowledge:
   1. Describe major concepts in mental health law.
   2. Examine the intersections between psychology and the criminal and civil legal sectors.
   3. Critically assess psycho-legal constructs and their impact on forensic practices and public policy.
2. Forensic Practice:
   1. Apply knowledge of psychology and law to a variety of forensic contexts.
   2. Evaluate the bio-psycho-social and cultural bases of conflict and violence.
   3. Demonstrate skills associated with competent forensic practice. 
3. Applied Research:
   1. Conduct psycho-legal research that advances just solutions to national and international social challenges.
   2. Assess the impact of culture, diversity and worldview on the adoption and enforcement of laws and public policy related to 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: 60

Total Core Credit Units: 42

Total Elective Credit Units: N/A

Total Concentration Credit Units: 18

Emphasis/Concentration/Track Requirements

Students choose six courses from one of the concentration options. As stated above, not all are available at any given time; please check with the program director prior to making a choice.

Curriculum Plan