In this course, learners examine the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of various forms of psychopathology throughout the lifespan. Learners review the etiology of psychopathology; examine theories and research of psychopathology; and explore current methods of psychological interviewing, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Learners also discuss the politics of mental disorders, emerging diagnoses, and ethical and multicultural issues associated with psychopathology.

This course focuses on essential concepts, principles, applications, and social and theoretical issues of psychological testing. Learners gain understanding in the construction of tests; analyze the development and use of tests in measuring aptitudes, achievement, attitudes, interests, and personality; and identify underlying theories of various tests. Learners analyze the characteristics desired in psychological and educational tests, with particular emphasis on reliability and validity, and examine best practices and professional standards for educational and psychological testing, including test bias and fairness. In addition, learners study the role of technology in delivery, administration, scoring, and interpretation of tests.

This course emphasizes the fundamental theoretical, empirical, and ethical bases of forensic psychology and prepares learners for the advanced practical training covered in PSY8350 and PSY8360. Learners focus on developing forensic assessment methodology skills and study psychology’s role in the judicial system, the differences between clinical and forensic psychological practice, and parameters of ethical practice in forensic psychology. Other topics include basic functions of forensic practice in civil, criminal, juvenile, and family law contexts and basic principles of testimony. Prerequisite(s): PSY6210.

The primary focus of PSY8350 is on the methodology and mechanics for performing different forensic activities including training in methodology. The course also focuses on practical applications and skill-building in different forensic practice areas. The course presents forensic evaluation methodologies including competency to stand trial, insanity defense, child custody, fitness to parent, mitigating defenses, and recidivism. Evaluating malingering and understanding the guidelines for ethical practice are emphasized throughout the course. Prerequisite(s): PSY8340.

Learners in this course analyze current forensic psychology issues and examine appropriate application of scientific methods to forensic situations. Topics include eye-witness identification, legal decision making, forensic assessment and reporting, criminal defenses, profiling, polygraphy, risk assessment, jury composition, scientific jury selection, and other selected topics of interest to both the psychology and legal fields. Prerequisite(s): PSY6210, PSY8340, PSY8350.