At Cedar Crest College, students participate in both the scientific and applied aspects of psychology. A small student-faculty ratio allows for close personal instruction. Students have the opportunity to do research, and enroll in special topics courses such as Forensic Psychology, Health Psychology and Industrial/Organizational Psychology. Students may choose to earn their degree through daytime, evening, weekend and accelerated classes.
The forensic psychology minor was designed for students interested in applying psychology to the criminal justice and legal systems. The program is offered in collaboration with the criminal justice major. The term “forensic” comes from the Latin word “forensis,” which literally means “of the market or forum.” The word derives from the public forums of Ancient Rome where the law courts were commonly held. Today, forensic psychology is a generic term covering the diverse clinical, applied, and research activities which make up the combined area of psychology and law.
This program provides an in-depth analysis of the interface between Psychology and Law in relation to the Criminal Courts, as well as Family and Civil matters. The program covers all stages of the Criminal Justice system from investigation and interview through to pre-trial psychological assessment, involvement at the pre-sentencing stage and the treatment of convicted offenders. There is an emphasis on the Scientist-practitioner approach.
This program is also designed to provide education, knowledge, training and clinical skills in professional psychology to meet the requirements for State registration as a psychologist.