The The Forensic Psychology major is designed for students who are interested in the relationship between psychology and the criminal justice system. The program offers training in psychological theory, research methods, and the application of psychological principles to specific areas in the legal system. The major provides an interdisciplinary background appropriate for students who intend to pursue careers in psychology, social work, law enforcement, or other criminal justice professions.
Here you will find:
● Key information about your major
● How and when to meet with your major advisor
● Planning tools that will help you track your progress in the major
● Ways to explore career opportunities related to the Forensic Psychology major
Take a few moments to look at the information below. It will help you plan effectively and avoid surprises during your studies at John Jay.
Forensic Psychology Requirements
You are responsible for the major requirements that were in effect when you declared the major. To confirm the requirements you should be following, go to the Undergraduate Bulletin for that academic year. For example, if you declared the Forensic Psychology major in Fall 2015 or Spring 2016, you would click on the 2015-2016 Undergraduate Bulletin. If you declared the major and then left the College for more than one full semester, you’re responsible for the major requirements in effect when you return, if they have changed. Not sure when you declared the major? Find out here.
Below, find the Undergraduate Bulletin that was in effect when you declared the major.
PSY 101 is a prerequisite for the major and counts toward your Individual and Society General Education requirement.
Major Advising
Departmental Advisor: Dr. Daryl Wout
Email Dr. Daryl Wout for assistance with course selection, overtallies, transfer psychology credits and requirements for the psychology major. Be sure to include your full name, your EMPL ID number and a detailed description of your request.
Departmental Advisor: Dr. Daryl Wout
During summer you can email Dr. Daryl Wout for assistance with course selection, overtallies, transfer psychology credits and requirements for the psychology major. Be sure to include your full name, your EMPL ID number and a detailed description of your request.
Sophomores with 45-59 credits may have a major hold placed on their registration. The hold will be removed when they have an appointment with a major advisor. This discussion will encourage wise planning and allow students to ask any questions they may have about the major.
How do you know if you have a major hold? Go to CUNYfirst and complete the following steps:
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Check the Holds box of your CUNYfirst Student Center. If "Advisement Required" appears, click on “details.”
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Click on “Advisement Required.”
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See which type of advisement you need. If you must see a major advisor, then make a major advising appointment following the steps preferred by this department.
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Plan Ahead: Graduate on Time
The Forensic Psychology major has course sequences that require careful planning. In order to complete the major in a timely manner, keep the following sequence in mind:
Many additional courses throughout the major require prerequisites, so be sure to look ahead at course descriptions and consult with your major advisor. While there is some flexibility in course planning for the Forensic Psychology major, you may find the following guidelines helpful:
Freshman Year: Complete at least PSY 101 and your math foundation course(s). You must complete MAT 108 or MAT 141 before taking STA 250. If your math placement is MAT 105, the necessary sequence would be MAT 105, MAT 108, STA 250, PSY 311, and Capstone course (five semesters). Transfer students who need to start with MAT 105 should strongly consider summer coursework to speed up the process and avoid delayed graduation.
Sophomore Year, Fall: Focus on 200-level Part 1 courses, especially STA 250 and PSY 200. STA 250 is a prerequisite for PSY 311 and for all Part 2 Core Electives in the major. PSY 200 is a prerequisite course for PSY 311 and for many of the PART 2 Core Electives in the major.
Sophomore Year, Spring: Complete PSY 311 and PSY 370. They are prerequisites for almost all of your Forensic Psychology Capstone course options.
Junior Year: Focus on Part 2 Core Electives and Part 3 General Electives in the major.
Senior Year: Focus on Capstone Courses.
We encourage you to take a research course (PSY 385/387) or a course that involves fieldwork (PSY 378/379) in settings such as hospitals for emotionally disturbed offenders, prisons, agencies related to the family court, and agencies providing a range of services to youthful offenders. Talk with your major advisor about these opportunities early so you can work them into your overall academic plan.
Remember that you will need at least a 2.0 GPA in the major and at least a 2.0 overall GPA to graduate.
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DegreeWorks degree audit - Use this online planning tool to track your overall progress toward graduation. You will see which of your general education and major requirements are completed, in progress, or still needed. Refer to the DegreeWorks FAQs to better understand how to use this helpful tool. Note: be sure to confirm the accuracy of your degree audit with a general advisor and major advisor.
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Sample Four Year Plan - See an example of how you could complete all your degree requirements (major, general education, electives) and graduate in four years! Remember that this sample plan shows just one possible way to combine your requirements. Transfer students in particular should work with advisors to determine a plan that works best for them.
A General Academic Advisor will confirm what general academic requirements you still need, make suggestions about smart course planning that will help you graduate without delays, discuss your interest in adding a minor or second major, inform you about opportunities such as study abroad, discuss general questions and concerns, and make helpful referrals. Visit the Academic Advisement Center's webpage for more information.
Forensic Psychology and Careers
The Center for Career and Professional Development is a great resource for all questions related to job searches, internships, and career preparation. CCPD staff are available to meet individually with students and alumni in L72.00 New Building. To request a 45-minute counseling appointment, log on to John Jay Careers Online. 15-minute drop-in sessions are available all day Mon-Fri. (Stop by in person earlier the same day to schedule a drop-in session.)
