Forensic Child Psychology
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Graduate programs
Certificate In Forensic Child Psychology
Paul Deal, Certificate Program Director
Hill Hall, Room 313; Phone: 417-836-5797
Psychology@MissouriState.edu
Program description
A 12 credit hour Missouri State University Graduate Certificate in Forensic Child Psychology (FCP) is available to nondegree-seeking individuals or as a component of the Masters degree in Psychology, experimental track. The certificate is also offered to support professionals in criminology, social work, medicine, and other related specialties. The certificate will not involve training in how to complete forensic interviews; however, it is offered to support professionals who must interact with children in a forensic setting and must take action to safeguard the integrity and reliability of the child’s memory of their experiences. It is also useful to help these professionals understand the course and purpose of practices associated with children in the forensic environment, including courtroom experiences.
Admission criteria
Submit a Graduate College Application to apply for the program. (For those currently attending MSU as a master’s student, no additional application fee will be required). Admission to the certificate program does not constitute admission to any other Missouri State University graduate program.
Admission deadline
Applications should be submitted at least one month prior to the semester you wish to begin.
Program of study
Following admission to the certificate program, a student should work with the certificate program advisor to determine which courses will be taken towards the certificate. Keep in mind that courses taken for undergraduate credit cannot be used on the Plan of Study for a graduate certificate.
Required courses
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSY 604 | Forensic Child Psychology | 3 hrs |
| PSY 617 | Psychology of Child Abuse and Exploitation | 3 hrs |
| PSY 657 | Forensic Psychology: Child Abuse and the Law | 3 hrs |
| PSY 797 | Directed Research | 3 hrs |
| Total | 12 hrs |
Completion Requirements
During the semester in which the final course requirement is being completed, student's must apply for completion of the certificate (by submitted an online Application for Graduation). This can be done through the Student tab, My Graduate College channel in My Missouri State.
Prior to applying to complete the certificate, the student must complete and pass a comprehensive examination which covers material from the core courses (PSY 604, PSY 617 and PSY 657). A passing score is 70% correct on this examination.