Forensic Psychology

(AS General Studies with Concentration in Forensic Psychology)

(Transfer Option)

Dr. Aletta Williamson, Department Chair
256-352-8389
aletta.williamson@wallacestate.edu

 

At a Glance

The focus of this degree is an examination of the interaction between the disciplines of psychology and the criminal justice system. This degree explores how human behavior is directly related to the legal process. The Forensic Psychology degree is designed for students who wish to pursue a four-year degree in forensic psychology or related fields such as victim advocate, court liaison, crime analyst, forensic case manager, probation officer, psychological assistant and/or investigative researcher. Associate level positions are as follows: Classification officer, corrections, victim services shelter assistant, child advocacy center, and entry level counseling positions at mental health facilities. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment for psychologists in the U.S. is expected to increase by 6% between 2021 and 2031, which is the average growth rate for all jobs in the country. Alabama ranks number 32 out of 50 states nationwide for Forensic Psychologist salaries, with an average salary $77,009 ($37.02 hourly). This is the equivalent of $1,480/week or $6,417/month. While ZipRecruiter is seeing salaries as high as $124,175 and as low as $37,162, the majority of Forensic Psychologist salaries currently range between $53,000 (25th percentile) to $100,600 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $116,924 annually in Alabama.

General Education Core courses and professional core courses are taken at WSCC and then transferred to a four-year institution. As students progress through the curriculum, contact must be made with the four-year institution to ensure that guidelines are met before transfer.

Alabama Transfers will provide specific transfer information to specific majors at each state-funded four-year institution. Once a student chooses a major and a place of transfer, an individualized guide and contract can be created. The Alabama Transfers website can be accessed from the Wallace State homepage.

AS FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY - Guided Pathway/Map

1st Semester

Item #
Title
Credits
SOC 200CreditsProgramDownload as PDFIntroduction to Sociology3.00This course is an introduction to the vocabulary, concepts, and theory of sociological perspectives of human behavior.
Sub-Total Credits
16

2nd Semester

Item #
Title
Credits
ENG 102CreditsProgramDownload as PDFEnglish Composition II3.00English Composition II provides instruction and practice in the writing of four (4) formal, analytical essays, at least one of which is a research project using outside sources and/or references effectively and legally. Additionally, English Composition II provides instruction in the development of analytical and critical reading skills in the composition process.
SOC 210CreditsProgramDownload as PDFSocial Problems3.00This course examines the social and cultural aspects, influences, incidences and characteristics of current social problems in light of sociological theory and research.
Sub-Total Credits
15

4th Semester

Item #
Title
Credits
ENG 252CreditsProgramDownload as PDFAmerican Literature II3.00This course is a survey of American literature from the middle of the nineteenth century to the present. Emphasis is placed on representative works and writers of this period and on the literary, cultural, historical, and philosophical forces that shaped these works and that are reflected in them. Upon completion and in written compositions, students will be able to interpret the aesthetic and thematic aspects of these works, relate the works to their historical and literary contexts, and understand relevant criticism and research.
MTH 112CreditsProgramDownload as PDFPrecalculus Algebra3.00This course emphasizes the algebra of functions - including polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions. The course also covers systems of equations and inequalities, quadratic inequalities, and the binomial theorem. Additional topics may include matrices, Cramer’s Rule, and mathematical induction. CORE
CRJ 238CreditsProgramDownload as PDFCrime Scene Investigation3.00This course examines the fundamentals of crime scene investigation. Measuring and sketching the scene, photography, evidence collection and preservation, and courtroom procedures are considered.
Sub-Total Credits
16
Total credits:
63

Overview

Program

Type

Associate in Science with Concentration