2025-2026 Academic Year

Fall 2025

PSYC 480 Advanced Forensic Psychology
This advanced course delves into the intricate relationship between psychology and the legal system. Students will explore the theoretical foundations and practical applications of forensic psychology in civil and criminal jurisdictions, focusing primarily on the assessment of individuals that come before the court. Cases will examine issues of consent, competency, dependency and delinquency, risk of harm, custody, parental competency, termination of parental rights, determination of serious mental injury, decertification of juveniles from adult court, personal injury, intellectual property, and mitigating psychological factors in defense or sentencing decisions. Through case studies, simulations, field trips, interactive discussions, and writing exercises, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how psychological principles are applied in legal contexts. This course is designed for students with a foundational knowledge of psychology who are interested in pursuing careers in forensic psychology, applied psychology, clinical psychology, or related fields.

Spring 2026

PSYC 475 Seminar in Comm Psychology
This course is an advanced seminar that focuses in depth on special topics in the field of community psychology. The practice of community psychology is typically directed toward the design and evaluation of strategies aimed at preventing psychological disorders, promoting self-help, mutual aid and empowerment for marginalized communities and promoting social justice and change. The goal is to optimize the well-being of individuals and communities with innovative and alternative interventions designed in collaboration with affected community members and with other related disciplines inside and outside of psychology. Topics may include substance abuse and addiction, serious mental illness, delinquency, stress and coping, prevention vs. intervention, and social support. This is service learning course. Students will develop their understanding of topical issues by reading and synthesizing primary and secondary sources, participating in class discussions and applied exercises, and participating in a service learning project in partnership with community service or advocacy agencies. Prerequisites: 210 & 211.