The George Washington University Announces New Graduate Program In Forensic Psychology
New Master's Program Addresses Growing Need for Forensics Professionals Trained to Understand the Criminal Mind
Jan 26, 2012
WASHINGTON— Agencies involved in homeland security, law enforcement and the criminal justice system increasingly rely on professionals skilled in forensic psychology to help solve crimes and prevent future criminal behavior. To address this critical need, the George Washington University is set to launch a new graduate program in forensic psychology in fall 2012 to train the next generation of criminal profilers, competency experts, psychological evaluators and counselors.
“Serial criminals, terrorist agents, psychopathic individuals—the desire to understand why these people commit crimes is reflected in the popularity of the CSI television series and movies like Silence of the Lambs,” said Richard Cooter, J.D., Psy.D., the program’s lead faculty member. “This graduate program will help meet the demand for a workforce skilled in forensic psychology.”
The M.A. in Forensic Psychology will offer two tracks: applied forensics, which prepares students for employment in law enforcement or homeland security; and applied psychology, which prepares students for careers as providers of direct services to clients in organizations such as correctional facilities and community action organizations. Internships tailored to each student’s professional interest at a law enforcement agency, treatment site, correctional institution, public defender’s office, prosecutor’s office or other similar setting will be offered.
Courses will touch on topics relating to psychopathology and psychological assessment, ethical and family law issues, evaluation and treatment of offenders, consultation and criminal testimony, psychological profiling and interrogation and counterintelligence and counterterrorism. The program will be part of the GW Columbian College of Arts and Sciences Professional Psychology Program.
“To remain relevant, colleges must be nimble enough to adapt to the needs of our times,” said Peg Barratt, dean of GW’s Columbian College of Arts and Sciences. “The creation of a master’s program in forensic psychology is an example of our commitment to educating a work force that is responsive to the challenges of the 21st century.”
Established in 1821 in the heart of the nation’s capital, the George Washington University Columbian College of Arts and Sciences is the largest of GW’s academic units. It encompasses more than 40 departments and programs for undergraduate, graduate and professional studies. Columbian College provides the foundation for GW’s commitment to the liberal arts and a broad education for all students. An internationally recognized faculty and active partnerships with prestigious research institutions place Columbian College at the forefront in advancing policy, enhancing culture and transforming lives through research and discovery.
For more information on the Master’s Program in Forensic Psychology, visit http://programs.columbian.gwu.edu/forensicpsychology/.
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MEDIA CONTACTS:
Angela Olson - 202-994-3087 - olsona@gwu.edu
Jill Sankey - 202-994-6466 - jpsankey@gwu.edu
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