Regardless of the career a criminal justice major wishes to enter, there is a direct connection between psychological sciences and their work within the criminal justice system. In fact, many career’s operate directly underneath the realm of psychology. For example, law enforcement officers must understand human behavior and psychology in order to make a sound decision regarding the offenders threat to himself and to the officers. Even those seeking a career within the court system will utilize psychological sciences throughout their daily duties. Therefore, it’s imperative criminal justice degree students understand the role of psychology and how it alters their daily professional life.
PSYCHOLOGICAL STUDIES WITHIN A CRIMINAL JUSTICE DEGREES
While the level of psychological coursework within a criminal justice degree program will vary, all programs (ranging from an associate’s degree to a master’s degree) will utilize some level of psychological studies within the program. The most common courses offered, as well as coursework you should ensure you take, include:
- General Psychology – This entry-level coursework explores the various concepts and theories regarding psychological function and how it translates into behavior. Regardless of your career goals, this is an essential area of study.
- Human Growth and Development – In order to understand the erratic behavior of offenders, or to simply understand why people are they way they are, you must delve into how the growth and development of the human mind alters behavior. Throughout this course offering, students explore the various concepts and theories related to human growth and development and how this cultivation of behavior affects the likelihood of offender rehabilitation.
- Adolescent Psychology – Those wishing to enter the field of juvenile justice must take this psychology course. Throughout its topics, students uncover the various elements responsible for behavior and actions within a growing mind. Even those wishing to work in adult correctional facilities should take this course offering. By understanding the role external and internal influences have on adolescent growth and behavior helps deepen the understanding of adult actions.
- Social Psychology – The role society plays in the cultivation and development of individuals is paramount for any professional entering the criminal justice system. Throughout this course, students delve into the theories revolving around society and cultures and how specific external influences, shapes the growth and behavior of children and adults.
- Cognitive Development – Regardless of the field a criminal justice major wishes to enter, the influences of cognitive development will make a heavy impression. This advanced-level topic discusses how the cognitive, or mental function, of humans is developed as well as what influences this development. In order to provide true human services to a community, criminal justice system professionals must understand how behavior and actions are cultivated. This, and other, topics are covered within this coursework.
For more on this visit us on WaterDamageRestorationSeattle.com