CRIM 400: Applied Criminal Psychology

CRIM 400-004: Applied Criminal Psychology
(Fall 2026)

07:20 PM to 08:35 PM T

Merten Hall - Hybrid

View the schedule of classes

Section Information for Fall 2026

CRIM 400 Applied Criminal Psychology
CRIM 400 examines how psychological science and behavioral evidence are applied to criminal justice, investigative, and forensic questions. Students explore criminal behavior, investigative psychology, behavioral profiling, interviewing, eyewitness memory and identification, violent and sexual offending, serial crime, and selected criminal and national-security cases.

The course emphasizes disciplined analytical reasoning rather than unsupported profiling or speculation. Through case studies, discussions, and applied exercises, students learn to distinguish documented evidence from interpretation, develop and test reasonable inferences, identify assumptions and bias, consider competing explanations, recognize information gaps, and communicate carefully qualified conclusions.

A central principle guides the course:

The strength of a conclusion should never exceed the strength of the evidence.

This is a hybrid section with face-to-face meetings and asynchronous online coursework.

View 3 Other Sections of this Course in this Semester »

Tags:

Course Information from the University Catalog

Credits: 3

Uses overview of psychological and criminological theories to apply behavioral science theory to practical application in forensic settings. Focuses on analysis of various crime scenes and characteristics of offenders. Offered by Criminology, Law and Society. Limited to three attempts.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes.