SOPP:FEA students obtain specialized knowledge and training through a series of four (4) forensic-emphasis courses.  These courses address the unique ethical considerations and methodologies related to pre-adjudicative work in the court system, as well as exposure to correctional psychology applications. SOPP:FEA uses a lifespan approach to study the intersection of human behavior and justice involvement by starting with the family courts’ jurisdiction over childhood abuse/neglect and other familial dysfunction, progressing through juvenile justice matters including transfers into adult courts, then culminating with adult criminal adjudication and possible incarceration.  Other applications of psychology and the law are offered, such as police and advanced correctional psychology, trial consultation and other student-directed interest areas.

Throughout the SOPP:FEA courses, students engage in progressive coursework, building upon previously learned material from general and emphasis area classes, examining relevant legal cases, studying forensic assessment instruments and methods, developing forensic writing skills, composing quasi-legal treatment/correctional recommendations, practicing presentations using a depositional testimony format and, ultimately, providing mock expert witness testimony.  By the SOPP:FEA students’ final forensic course, they have begun forming a forensic psychologist identity through simulated, interdisciplinary roleplay from a case’s start to end.

Learn More About Forensic Psychology

Mission

Spalding University’s School of Professional Psychology’s Forensic Emphasis Area (SOPP:FEA) trains future forensic psychologists in the basic skills necessary to be forensically-competent in all legal settings. Not only will SOPP:FEA students develop the attitudes, knowledge, and skills required to provide effective forensic services for legal referral sources and clientele, the SOPP:FEA seeks to instill in students lifelong critical thinking skills regarding the practice and scholarship of forensic psychology application. Ultimately, the SOPP:FEA prepares students for the early careers in legal and clinical/forensic settings, correctional facilities, academia, research, then later pursuit of board certification in forensic psychology.

Courses

• 730 Forensic EA 1 (Required): Introduction to and Ethical Considerations in Forensic Psychology
• 740 Forensic EA 2-3 (pick two): Forensic Assessments and Interventions in Family and Juvenile Courts
• 741 Forensic EA 2-3 (pick two): Advanced Relationship Victimology and Emotional Injury
• 830 Forensic EA 2-3 (pick two):  Forensic Assessments and Interventions in Criminal Courts
• 831 Forensic EA 2-3 (pick two): Advanced Correctional and Police (1st Responder) Psychology
• 850 Forensic EA 4 (required): Forensic Professional Seminar

Practica and Internships

SOPP:FEA encourages students to use generalist and specialized training models when working with court-involved or justice-involved populations. Previous forensic and correctional practicum sites have included private-practice out-patient settings, inpatient forensic units, community outpatient settings, residential placements, federal and state prisons, and local jails. SOPP:FEA students interested in working with children and families in family court have also worked in multidisciplinary placements through educational and social service agencies. Annually, SOPP:FEA students match nationwide to accredited internships in the Bureau of Prisons, at forensic hospitals, and at consortiums with forensic rotations. SOPP:FEA intern applicants and graduates are highly competitive and highly sought after.

Program Sheet
Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology: Forensic Psychology