Clinical Major Area of Study: Forensic
The Forensic Psychology major area of study at Fordham is part of an APA accredited program designed to promote education and training in legal applications of clinical psychology. This is achieved through a systematic series of coursework, research and clinical experience in a variety of forensic settings.
The forensic psychology major area of study at Fordham is consistent with the goals of APA Division 41/the American Psychology-Law Society. These goals seek to advance the contributions of psychology to the understanding of law and legal institutions. Forensic psychologists conduct basic and applied research to inform the public and legal communities about research, provide expert consultation, and provide educational and service activities in the field of psychology and law.
Requirements of the major area of study include completion of the clinical psychology core curriculum, along with a minimum of three courses within the forensic psychology major area of study, one externship in a forensic setting, and predoctoral or doctoral research in a topic related to forensic psychology.
The primary goal of this program is to develop competent clinical psychologists with particular major area of study in matters of the law and legal system. Our students have the opportunity to work and train with forensic psychologists throughout NYC in a variety of settings from the forensic evaluation settings to correctional institutions and psychiatric hospitals. They participate in risk assessments and competency evaluations, as well as observe court cases and forensic consultation. Ultimately, we see our students developing careers in academia, research, and forensic clinical settings, and encourage our alumni to pursue board certification in Forensic Psychology.
Faculty
Our Forensic Psychology faculty includes primary, affiliated, and adjunct faculty. Consistent with APA Division 41 guidelines, our students have the opportunity to work with outstanding forensic psychologists, including board-certified forensic psychologists.
Primary
Barry Rosenfeld, PhD, ABPP
Keith Cruise, PhD, MLS
Affiliated Faculty
Celia Fisher, PhD
Andrew Rasmussen, PhD
Adjunct/Other Faculty
Brian Belfi, PhD
Ali Khadivi, PhD
Forensic Psychology Major Area of Study (Any three courses are required; 9 credits)
| PSYC 6030 | Trauma and Family Violence | Year 2 or 3 | 3 Credits |
| PSYC 6190 | Forensic Assessment | Year 2 or 3 | 3 Credits |
| PSYC 7010 | Psychology and Criminal Law | Year 2 or 3 | 3 Credits |
| PSYC 7020 | Psychology and Civil Law | Year 2 or 3 | 3 Credits |
| PSYC 7030 | Psychology and Juvenile Justice | Year 2 or 3 | 3 Credits |
| One externship specializing in forensic psychology | Year 2 or 3 | ||
| Predoctoral or doctoral research in forensic psychology |
Primary Faculty: Drs. Keith Cruise and Barry Rosenfeld; Affiliated Faculty: Drs. Celia Fisher and Andrew Rasmussen
Online Resources
Professional Organizations
American Academy of Forensic Psychology
American Academy of Forensic Sciences
American Academy of Psychiatry and Law
American Psychology-Law Society (APA Division 41)
European Association of Psychology and Law
International Association of Forensic Mental Health Services
Law and Society Association
Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues (APA Division 9)