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Forensic Psychology, Certificate

In this interdisciplinary program, you will be trained in court-related skills and techniques, including how to be an effective expert witness. 

Earn a certificate in Forensic Psychology at St. John's University in New York City!

The field of forensic psychology has grown significantly over the last few years. It is now more likely than ever that practitioners will need to testify about their patients or render expert testimony. Without adequate preparation for the court environment and decision-making process, psychology professionals may commit errors that negatively impact their clients and the execution of justice. In response to this need, the Office of Postgraduate Development Programs working in close collaboration along with St. John’s University’s Department of Psychology, Center for Psychological Services, and selected members of the legal community offer a unique interdisciplinary program to train psychologists in court-related skills and techniques, including how to be an effective expert witness.  We cover topics such as: how to conduct an efficient and proper forensic evaluation; how to prepare forensic reports; and how to testify in court.

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Degree Type
Certificate
Area of Interest
Law, Policy & Government
Associated Colleges or Schools
Program Location
  • Queens Campus
Required Credit Hours
39

Apply now, if you are a psychologist interested in:

  • Acquiring new skills in forensic psychology, growing your practice, and substantially increasing your earning capacity.
  • Learning from our dynamic, experienced, interdisciplinary, and nationally-renowned faculty.
  • Becoming a more effective expert witness.
  • Completing a postdoctoral certificate in forensic psychology through a flexible program of study.
  • Preparing for the American Board of Forensic Psychology’s diplomate examination.
  • Getting continuing education credits for Psychologists approved by the APA or the NYSED as part of the forensic certificate fee.

We offer foundational and advanced certificate programs, both of which fulfill didactic requirements for the American Board of Forensic Psychology’s (ABFP) diplomate examination. If you are interested in pursuing full board certification from the ABFP, we encourage you to become familiar with the other requirements, especially the practicum hour requirements, listed on the ABFP website.

You can complete our certificates through three to four long weekend or week-long sessions spread throughout the course of the year that fit your schedule. Please e-mail [email protected] for a full schedule of workshops.

Veteran students enrolled in the foundational or advanced certificate programs and covered under the G.I. Bill may be certified with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and apply veteran educational benefits to their tuition. 

Admissions

To qualify for the program, you must hold a doctoral degree in psychology and be licensed or license-eligible.

To apply, submit the following:       

  • A completed application with a $55 nonrefundable application fee
  • Verification of a doctoral degree in psychology (e.g., official copy of graduate degree transcript)
  • A copy of your psychology license and registration or application
  • Three letters of recommendation (for first-time applicants only)

Courses

Both the foundational and advanced certificate programs develop your ability to analyze and articulate forensic issues affecting your clients in an ethically and culturally sensitive manner: 

  • The foundational certificate program (PDF) introduces forensic behavioral science, forensic report writing, subpoenas, court communications, and expert witness testimony. The foundational certificate requires the successful completion of 39 hours of instruction and is a prerequisite for the advanced certificate program. 
  • The advanced certificate program in criminal law (PDF) emphasizes the selection of appropriate forensic assessment tools, effective expert testimony, issues of competency, and rules of evidence for criminal courts. Successful completion of 62 hours of instruction qualifies the candidate for this certificate.
  • The advanced certificate program in civil/family law (PDF) addresses matters that arise in civil courts, especially pertaining to family law. Successful completion of 54 hours of instruction qualifies the candidate for this certificate. 

​For more information about program offerings and workshop schedules, please e-mail [email protected]

Fees and Refund Policy

Course NumberCourse TitleCourse Hours2021-22 Fee
PDFP 900The Forensic Ethic and Mindset7$595
PDFP 901Forensic Ethics and Other Sources of Authority7$595
PDFP 902Evidence and How It Shapes Process and Presentation of Work, Data, and Opinions7$595
PDFP 903Assessment of Response Style7$595
PDFP 904Presenting Opinions via Report Writing and Testimony11$990
PDFP 910Criminal Competences21$1,785
PDFP 911Criminal Responsibility14$1,190
PDFP 912Sentencing/Disposition7$595
PDFP 913Risk Assessment and Management14$1,190
PDFP 914Moot Court6$510

For information about accommodation, please contact [email protected].

Refund Policy

The registration fee is non-refundable. Tuition reimbursement requests received in writing up to six weeks prior to the beginning of the program will be honored in full, subject to a $75 administrative fee. Written requests for tuition refund received two weeks prior to the beginning of the program will receive 50 percent reimbursement. No refunds are available for requests received thereafter.

Contact Us

Rafael Art. Javier, Ph.D., ABPP

Professor and Director 

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