| The University of
Massachusetts Lowell is pleased to announce that its graduate-level
Certificate Program in Forensic Criminology is now available entirely
online. Offered by the University’s Department of Criminal Justice and
the Division of Continuing Studies and Corporate Education, this
certificate is designed for full time graduate students as well as
professionals seeking only this concentration. Interest is expected from
people in the fields of criminal justice, nursing/public health, law and
paralegal studies, psychology, and social work who wish to expand their
expertise in forensic criminology including mental health applications.
Students in this program focus on populations being served by state and
federal court systems, state and federal correctional systems, law
enforcement agencies, mental health facilities, and juvenile facilities.
Students are able to choose from a variety of courses appropriate for
their own specific professional needs, such as children and families in
the legal system, domestic violence, and sexual offenders and treatment.
Intended Audience
This certificate is appropriate for the fields of criminal justice,
nursing/public health, law and paralegal studies, psychology, and social
work. Applicants
must have received a baccalaureate degree with at least a 2.8 GPA, for
acceptance into the certificate program.
Required Courses
(Choose 2 of the following 4 courses):
44.543 Forensic Psychology -
Available Fall 2009!
44.545 Criminal Mind and Behavior -
Available Fall 2009!
44.546 Mental Health & Criminal Justice -
Available Fall 2009!
44.624 Violence in America -
Available Fall 2009!
Elective Courses (Choose 2):*
44.521 Criminological Theory -
Available Fall 2009!
44.522 Victimology -
Available Fall 2009!
44.526 Domestic Terrorism and Hate Crimes -
Available Fall 2009!
44.542 Criminal Profiling -
Available Fall 2009!
44.563 Substance Abuse
44.622 Intimate Partner Violence
44.623 Responding to Child Maltreatment
44.646 Sex Offenses and Offenders
*Please note that not all elective courses are available online
For Additional Information on this program:
See the
Graduate Course Catalog online or
email cjgradadvisor@uml.edu
To Register for a Course:
Call UMass Lowell Continuing Studies at 1 (800) 480-3190
To Apply into the Degree Program
To apply into this certificate program, download the
Application Form
in .pdf file format.
Please note: Graduate students will be
assessed a “First Year Student Services Fee” upon matriculation into a
graduate degree or certificate program. Please see the
Course Descriptions
44.521 Criminological Theory
A detailed examination of the best known and most influential theories of crime causation. Topics include: (1) theory construction, (2) hypothesis testing, (3) theory integration, and (4) the links among theory, research, and policy. 3 credits.
44.522 Victimology
An examination of the characteristics and life styles of crime victims and the impact of their victimization. The treatment of victims by the criminal justice system is examined along with possible reforms in approach. 3 credits.
44.526 Domestic Terrorism and Hate Crimes
This course examines bigotry and hate and how they are manifested in criminal behavior. Various groups who have been labeled as supporting or engaging in domestic terrorism are studied. Focus is placed on federal and state statutory laws and the dynamics of police, court, and corrections based responses to hate crimes and domestic terrorism. 3 credits.
44.542 Criminal Profiling
This course provides an overview of the development and characteristics of violent offenders, some of whom will evolve to be criminal psychopaths. The class will provide an analytical understanding of the unique characteristics of serial type criminals and the methodologies utilized to perpetrate their crimes. 3 credits.
44.543 Forensic Psychology
This course applies psychological theories, principles, and research to issues of concern to the criminal justice system. Specific attention is paid to the intersection of the mental health and criminal justice systems. 3 credits.
44.545 Criminal Mind and Behavior
This course is designed to address a broad range of topics relevant to criminal behavior and the development of the so called criminal personality. Factors that are considered to influence the evolution of criminal mentality are examined and the laws and the past and current response of the criminal justice system to repeat offenders are explored. 3 credits.
44.546 Mental Health & Criminal Justice
The course focuses on how and why individuals with serious mental illness become involved in the criminal justice system, and on how the criminal justice and public mental health systems respond to that involvement. Topics include law enforcement responses, court-based strategies, mental health & corrections, community supervision of individuals with mental illness, violence and mental disorder, and unique challenges associated with female and juvenile populations. 3 credits.
44.563 Substance Abuse
This course examines the dynamics of substance abuse, the interrelationship between substance abuse and crime, and the use of both criminal and civil law to deal with the problems posed by substance abuse. 3 credits.
44.622 Intimate Partner Violence
Examines the causes and consequences of intimate partner violence as well as the latest research regarding the criminal justice response. 3 credits.
44.623 Responding to Child Maltreatment
Introduction to empirical findings and theoretical perspectives concerned with the maltreatment of children and youth. Includes an examination of prevalence rates, risk factors, consequences, and system responses. 3 credits.
44.624 Violence in America
This course provides students with an in-depth analysis of the causes, context, and control of a wide range of violent crimes. 3 credits.
44.646 Sex Offenses and Offenders
This course examines the nature of sex offenses as well as the mind of the sex offender, and focuses on motives, possible victims, and rehabilitation. The responses of the mental health and criminal justice systems are examined and the effectiveness of those responses is assessed. 3 credits.
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