Career Paths
- Criminal Investigators
- Forensic Mental Health Clinician
- Victim Advocate
- Forensic Psychologist
Behavioral Forensics, also known as forensic psychology, will prepare students to understand human behavior in the context of criminal investigations. Students will be qualified for careers in probation and parole, community-based corrections, institutional corrections, case management, and law enforcement.
This concentration will educate future professionals with an understanding of human behavior, particularly when faced with mental health disorders and/or drug and alcohol dependencies, through courses such as Psychopathology, Psychology of Criminal Behavior, Violent Behavior and Offenders, and Correctional Psychology.
Graduates of this program will be educated in and have the proficiency to evaluate offenders’ risk through various risk/need responsivity instruments and bridge the gap between the criminal justice system, mental health agencies, and substance abuse treatment. This program will also prepare those who seek advanced degrees in criminal justice and criminology, psychological science, counseling psychology, or a Juris Doctorate. Advanced degree holders may evaluate competency to stand trial, criminal responsibility, or advise attorneys regarding offender diagnoses.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 64,500 annual openings for law enforcement officers and another 7,400 positions for individuals interested in a career as a probation officer or correctional treatment specialist. Employment projections are greater for graduates seeking a career in human services, such as rehabilitation counseling and social work. The BLS projects an 18% increase in job outlook for substance abuse or mental health counselors. Indiana maintains a similar outlook, indicating an additional 10,000 positions will be needed over the next ten years.
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