The Forensic Psychology Minor provides students with a cross-disciplinary understanding of the relationship between psychology and the legal system. Students explore how psychological principles are applied in criminal investigations, legal proceedings, and correctional settings. Further, our program emphasizes how inequality intersects with crime and criminal justice and covers topics such as criminal behavior, mental health assessments, victimology, the psychological impact of crime, and the impact of structural inequality on criminality and criminal justice. We prepare students to analyze the psychological factors, group and social context as well as structural inequalities influencing behavior and legal outcomes. Ideal for students pursuing careers in psychology, law, criminal justice, or social work, this minor fosters critical thinking and ethical awareness, equipping students to address complex issues within both forensic psychology and the broader criminal justice system.
Student will need to talk with an advisor in psychology to declare the minor
University Core Curriculum Requirements
General Education Distribution Area | Cr. Hrs. |
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Fine Arts (FA)* 2 courses, from at least two of the following areas of study: Art, CMT (Mass Media or Theatre), Music (includes Dance). | 6 |
Humanities (HU)* 3 courses, from at least two of the following areas of study: CMT (Communication), English, Linguistics. Philosophy, Women's and Gender Studies, World Languages and Cultures, (Note: No more than two foreign language courses may be used to fulfill this requirement.) | 9 |
Behavioral/Social Sciences (SB)* 3 courses, from at least two of the following areas of study: African & African American Studies, Anthropology, Computer Science, Economics, Geography & Environmental Studies, History, Justice Studies, Latino & Latin American Studies, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work | 9 |
Natural Sciences (NS and NSL)** 3 courses, from at least two of the following areas of study; one course must have a laboratory component (NSL): Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Physics (Note: If an FYE ANTH that counts as Natural Science is taken, only one Biology course may be used for Natural Science). | 9 |
Engaged Learning Experiences | |
Students must complete, at Northeastern, three courses designated as Engaged Learning Experiences courses. One of the Engaged Learning Experiences courses must be at the 300-level, and one Engaged Learning Experiences course must be designated as "Boundary Crossing". | |
Discipline Specific (ELE-DS) These courses have pre-requisites that are specific courses within a program of study. Discipline Specific courses give students a deeper understanding of how knowledge is created and applied in their field. | |
Boundary Crossing (ELE-X) These are courses that cross disciplinary boundaries and/or cross boundaries through engagements outside the classroom or University allowing students to see how knowledge gained in one field might inform other fields or other aspects of society. | |
Math/Quantitative Reasoning (MA) 1 Math course, that has intermediate Algebra as prerequisite OR is a course listed on the General Education Distributive Learning List of Approved Courses. Any 3 hour college level math course, beyond Intermediate Algebra, meets this requirement. |
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Majors in Fine Arts, Humanities or Social/Behavioral Sciences, may waive up to 6 credit hours of General Education requirements in the corresponding distribution area.
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Majors in Natural Sciences may waive up to 9 credit hours of General Education requirements in the Natural Sciences distribution area.
Students should also be aware of all other university requirements to obtain a degree - NEIU requirements
REQUIRED: 21-22 credit hours
Code | Title | Hours |
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PSYC-200 | General Psychology * | 4 |
PSYC-329 | Criminal Minds: The Psychology Of Criminal Behavior | 3 |
JUST-201 | Introduction To The Criminal Justice System | 3 |
JUST-312 | Theories Of Criminal Behavior | 3 |
SOC-304 | Sociology Of Law | 3 |
SOC-316 | Race And Ethnic Relations | 3 |
1 Elective based on advisor approval | 3 |
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General Psychology/Introduction to Psychology transfers will be accepted and may be 3 credit hours
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
ELECTIVE COURSES | ||
JUST-311 | Women, Crime, And The Criminal Justice System | 3 |
JUST-316 | Crime, Violence And Culture | 3 |
JUST-317 | White Collar Crime & Elite Deviance | 3 |
JUST-318 | Gangs In Chicago | 3 |
JUST-319 | Latinos/as & The Criminal Justice System | 3 |
JUST-326 | Juvenile Justice System | 3 |
JUST-334 | Criminal Law And Procedure | 3 |
JUST-338 | Introduction To Human Rights | 3 |
JUST-357 | Social Justice, Mental Health, And The Law | 3 |
SOC-329 | Sociology Of Violence | 3 |
PSYC-340 | Clinical Psychology And Mental Health | 3 |
PSYC-354 | Seminar In Drug Abuse | 3 |
PSYC-360 | Social Psychology | 3 |