5 credits

Professionals in forensic psychology use assessments to gather data from different sources to arrive at conclusions and make decisions involving cases or issues. In this course, students examine assessments in various areas, including violence risk potential, competency to stand trial, insanity, pathology, and child custody. They examine the varied assessment instruments and procedures used in forensic settings with adults and juveniles. They also assess factors impacting assessments and related challenges, such as ethical issues and multicultural considerations. Students are provided with a foundation in the knowledge of forensic assessment rather than specific skills in administering forensic assessment instruments and interpreting results. Students demonstrate their knowledge as they apply concepts presented in the course to assess a forensic situation case study.