Academics


Bachelor of Science in Forensic Psychology

A magnifying glass is shown over evidence
Forensic Psychology Degree Overview
As one of the few traditional forensic psychology bachelor of science programs in the country, students in the forensic psychology major at Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences develop an extensive knowledge of the discipline as a science, including its modes of inquiry and major schools of thought.

Unique to our program, students complete a core set of forensic psychology courses (e.g., Child and Adolescent Forensic Psychology, Forensic Neuroscience, Forensic Mental Health Law, etc.), in addition to many courses in both psychology (e.g., Abnormal Psychology, Social Psychology, Human Sexuality, etc.) and criminal justice (e.g., Criminal Profiling, Sex Crimes, White Collar Crime, Scientific and Expert Opinion Evidence, etc.). Students also have opportunities to earn course credit by participating in UAlbany’s Cold Case Analysis Center and may compete as a member of our Mock Trial Team.

There are many opportunities to conduct research, helping our students position themselves as highly competitive applicants for graduate school or other professional training in fields such as psychology, law enforcement, corrections, and law.
Lawyer represents incarcerated client in court before judge
What is a Forensic Psychologist?
Forensic psychologists apply their psychological expertise to the legal and criminal justice fields. The field is immense, including assessment, diagnosis and treatment of individuals involved with the legal system who may have a psychiatric diagnosis; courtroom process; organization analysis; and policy studies.
A cop speaks on walkie talkie while in vehicle
Hands-on Learning in the Forensic Psychology Program
There are also many opportunities for internships in forensic psychology. Students have interned at agencies around the state including:

• New York State Police Crime Laboratory
• St. Anne Institute
• State and federal courts
• Correctional institutions
• Federal Bureau of Investigation
• State and local police
handcuffs and gavel on table
Jobs Requiring a Bachelor of Forensic Psychology Degree
Students with a bachelor's in forensic psychology are well prepared for advanced training in areas like psychology, criminal justice and law, whether at a police academy, law school or other graduate program. There are many career options involving legal consultation, establishing mental state and competency, treatment of offenders, public policy, prosecution and defense, research, law enforcement and corrections.
Two people sit together and study at a table with notepads and books
Forensic Psychology Degree Coursework
The BS in forensic psychology is developed with guidance from the five undergraduate learning objectives recommended by the American Psychological Association:

• Knowledge base in forensic psychology
• Scientific inquiry and critical thinking
• Ethical and social responsibility in a diverse world
• Communication
• Professional development