Program Description
All of Vermont State University’s Psychological Science programs focus on understanding the mind and behavior including the influence of biology, emotions, society, and culture. Students learn to apply scientific evidence to explain general behavioral phenomena, while appreciating that we are each unique. The program encourages students to understand the value of diversity, to recognize and discourage inequity, and to foster inclusion toward a just society. Students explore personal biases as barriers to understanding self and others and learn how to use psychology to make positive changes in their lives, communities, and in the world.
Vermont State University’s Bachelor of Science in Forensic Psychology prepares students for further graduate study and career preparation in this field, applying psychological science specifically to the judicial process in courts, law enforcement, corrections, probation and parole, or the general practice of law.
The BS in Forensic Psychology is closely aligned with and built upon the BS in Psychological Science. Students in both programs complete the same set of core coursework and choose from the same menu of breadth courses which provide a shared foundation for their understanding of psychological science. These core and breadth courses are available across the VTSU. Forensic Psychology majors then choose from specialized elective courses in Forensic Psychology.
In their final year, Forensic Psychology students complete a research study or internship that provides real-world experience in the field. Past student internship placements have included the Rutland Police Department, the Vermont Department of Corrections, law offices, and the Rutland County State’s Attorney’s Office, among others. Students have completed research projects examining rape culture on campus, recidivism in the criminal justice system, and topics related to addiction. Every effort is made to tailor students’ senior experiences to their current interests and future goals. Students completing research studies are encouraged to submit their work for conference presentations and/or publication.
Like the VTSU Psychological Science major, the Bachelor of Science in Forensic Psychology can be completed on an accelerated timeline in three or three and a half years with careful planning and some summer coursework. Students interested in pursuing the accelerated degree work closely with their advisors to map out a successful plan for completion.
Program Outcomes
These goals are adapted from the American Psychological Association’s Guidelines for Undergraduate Programs. We use the same broad learning goals for all Psychological Sciences programs, but they are differentially assessed depending on the program.
Goal 1: Content Knowledge and Applications: Students will demonstrate comprehension of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, historical trends, and empirical findings to discuss how psychological principles apply to behavior and mental processes. Students will demonstrate knowledge of key concepts, content, and research methods in the sub-discipline of forensic psychology.
Goal 2: Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking: Students will develop the skills involved in scientific reasoning and investigation including proficiencies in research methods and statistics, knowledge of and sensitivity to diversity-related issues in research design and evaluating the extent to which research findings can be generalized to groups beyond the research sample. NOTE: This outcome is assessed at the foundational level for BA students and at the baccalaureate level for BS students.
Goal 3: Values in Psychological Science: Students will develop ethical reasoning and practices as well as interpersonal and intercultural responsiveness, including developing self-reflection and accountability. Students will recognize ethical violations and/or the risk for such violations, specifically in situations relevant to psychology and the law.
Goal 4: Communication, Psychological Literacy, and Technology Skills: Students will build and maintain effective communication skills in processing and expressing information both in their writing and interpersonal communication. Students will develop psychological literacy, including applying research skills necessary to be an informed consumer of research or critic regarding unsupported claims about behavior.
Goal 5: Personal and Professional Development: The skills in this domain refer to abilities that sharpen students’ readiness for the workplace whether the student’s future involves graduate school or a job following the associate or bachelor’s degree.
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