Behavioral Forensics, Post-Baccalaureate Advanced Certificate

General Information

The Graduate Certificate Program in Behavioral Forensics is a fifteen credit hour, non-degree, certificate program designed to integrate principles of human development, cognition, and behavior with various facets of the criminal justice system. The program focuses on the relationship between behavioral science research and the criminal justice system. Course work for the certificate would most likely be completed over a period of two to four semesters. Individuals who complete the program will understand how being human relates to our perceptions and behaviors in matters of justice — as justice system professionals, human services providers, or persons whose actions have resulted in justice system involvement.

The Graduate Certificate Program in Behavioral Forensics will allow students to obtain a comprehensive, authentic learning experience in behavioral forensics. Elective courses are selected under advisement to address each student’s interests and goals. Each student is required to participate in a 3 credit internship.

Admissions

The student must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with ⅓ of total undergraduate credits from the social, behavioral or natural sciences. The student’s undergraduate grade point average should be 3.0 or higher. The following materials can be submitted any time throughout the academic year, admission is on a rolling basis.

A. Prospective students should submit to the Graduate Studies Office:

• Undergraduate academic record and any completed graduate coursework.
• Two letters of reference, at least one of which is from an academic source.
• Student statement about goals, prior related experience, and future plans.
• Professional resume.

B. All credentials must be submitted and then reviewed by program staff prior to the completion of nine hours of graduate study in the program.

C. Credentials are viewed in a holistic manner such that strength in one area might offset a weakness in another. The holistic review of each individual’s materials helps avoid the exclusion of qualified students who may not meet all of the admissions credentials.