Forensic Psychology, MA

MASTER OF ARTS IN

Forensic Psychology

California Baptist University

College of Behavioral and Social Sciences calbaptist.edu/grad

College of Behavioral and Social Sciences

“At the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, we believe every student is called to a purpose greater than themselves. Our programs are designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills and Christ-centered perspective needed to serve your community and make a lasting impact in the world. We invite you to join us on a transformative journey — one that prepares you not just for a career, but for a life of meaningful service and leadership.”

Brian Distelberg, PhD Dean, College of Behavioral and Social Sciences

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California Baptist University

Program Distinctives

01

Designed for the Working Professional

02

Work in the Field

03

Get an Interdisciplinary Perspective

Forensic psychology classes are scheduled to allow working professionals the opportunity to pursue their education. Classes focus on the theories, evaluation, adjudication and potential treatment of adult and juvenile offenders, while also addressing the rights and treatment of victims of crime.

In the second year of study, students are involved in field experience and on-site supervision in a forensic setting. This may include working with police departments, district attorney’s offices, rape crisis centers, probation or parole.

Graduates come away with the interdisciplinary knowledge to shape laws and policies that reflect human behavior. Students also develop an understanding of research methodology and its application to forensic psychology.

calbaptist.edu/grad

College of Behavioral and Social Sciences

Program Details at a Glance

Program Length

Program Cost*

Program Start Term

48 units

$43,315

4 semesters, full time

$870 per unit

Fall (September) Spring (January)

(part time options available)

$365 per semester general fee $95 exam fee

Class Format

Accreditation

Classes are offered Monday through Thursday during the evening

WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

*Based on current academic year. Subject to change.

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California Baptist University

Be the Difference: One Culture, One Community, One Person at a Time

calbaptist.edu/grad

College of Behavioral and Social Sciences

About the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences The College of Behavioral and Social Sciences (CBSS) is widely recognized and highly respected by public, private and faith-based agencies throughout the Inland Empire community.

As one of the oldest and largest colleges at California Baptist University, the CBSS is well known for its variety of program offerings, research and scholarship, practicum and training sites and service to the community.

The vision of the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences is to develop quality graduates who are equipped to face the challenges of the world and serve at the highest caliber in their fields. Our distinct philosophy includes a significant student-professor interaction, an intentional integration of a mature, biblical worldview, a holistic, interdisciplinary approach and an emphasis on sound academic instruction to prepare students to compete with others in academia and in the job market.

As a faculty, we strive to exemplify the cooperative, relational aspect of our field as behavioral scientists in order to best model successful integration and cross-disciplinary partnership. Our vision is to graduate students of strong, mature faith who are academically and professionally prepared for real-world application of their skills. One of the greatest advantages of training

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California Baptist University

at the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences is undoubtedly the holistic method with which we approach learning and application.

While theoretical frameworks are explored alongside historical perspectives of each discipline, it is the direct application of knowledge that sets us apart from other programs. The College of Behavioral and Social Sciences offers students many opportunities to put their skills into practice in a setting that provides individual attention and faculty guidance.

calbaptist.edu/grad

College of Behavioral and Social Sciences

Faculty Spotlight Ana M. Gamez, PhD, MBA Program Director, Forensic Psychology

My journey into forensic psychology began when

I am a tenured professor of psychology and

I worked as a jailer for the LA County Sheriff’s

program director at California Baptist University,

Department. Like many first-generation students,

with 20 years of teaching experience. However,

I worked full time while attending college. By

my role extends beyond the classroom. For the

the time I had completed an MS in Forensic

past 18 years, I have served as the practicum

Psychology at CSULA, I had found my professional

coordinator for the forensic psychology program,

calling to become a police psychologist and

a position that has allowed me to mentor, train and

help first responders deal with the aftermath of

guide students in their professional development

traumatic situations involving officer-involved

and community service. I am deeply committed to

shootings, critical incidents, substance abuse and

helping all students live their purpose, and as an

family issues.

immigrant, I have a strong appreciation for culture and diversity, which I believe enriches our learning

I am a licensed clinical psychologist with a

environment.

specialty in forensic and police psychology. I

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completed an APA-accredited internship with the

My journey in the field of psychology has also

Department of Veteran Affairs and a postdoctoral

led me to serve as a national grant reviewer, a

fellowship in police and public safety psychology.

published author and a dedicated researcher.

I am a retired police psychologist with over two

I am deeply passionate about advancing our

decades of experience providing extensive

understanding of forensic and police psychology,

organizational consultations to executives, program

trauma, ethics, police misconduct and corruption,

development, training, employee wellness,

substance abuse, immigration, diversity, inclusion

curriculum development, emergency response and

and leadership. Through my research, I strive to

clinical services to sworn personnel. I also conduct

contribute to the knowledge base of our field and

immigration evaluations for federal cases.

to foster positive change in our society.

California Baptist University

Degree Requirements Coursework

45 Units

CJUS 5100 Legal Research and Reasoning

3

CJUS 5200 Advanced Criminal Law

3

CJUS 5300 Theories and Perspectives of Criminal Behavior

3

CJUS 5600 Criminal Investigation

3

FPSY 5000 Statistical Analysis I

3

FPSY 5050 Qualitative Forensic Research Methodology

3

FPSY 5100 Biological Bases of Behavior

3

FPSY 5200 Criminal Profiling

3

FPSY 5300 Advanced Social Psychology

3

FPSY 5350 Advanced Psychopathology and Criminality

3

FPSY 5400 Forensic Psychology

3

FPSY 5550 Forensic Research Lab - Elective

1

FPSY 5600 Forensic Practicum I

3

FPSY 5650 Forensic Practicum II

3

FPSY 5950 Special Topics OR FPSY 5950G Special Topics Lab

3

FPSY 5960 Forensic Evaluation I

3

Final Requirement FPSY 5980 Forensic Evaluation II (Exam)

3 Units 3

Total 48 Units

calbaptist.edu/grad

College of Behavioral and Social Sciences

Admissions Requirements Application for admission with a $45 application fee.

Official transcript from an accredited college or university reflecting the completion of a baccalaureate degree.

Minimum 2.75 GPA cumulative or last 60/90 unit GPA. Additional opportunities may be available for a student to overcome an unsatisfactory GPA. Written statement of purpose OR in-person/virtual program interview (student’s choice). Written statement (500-word maximum) or interview will address: - What are your educational goals?

- How will this program help meet those goals?

- What makes you a good fit for CBU? Additional requirements may be requested.

Prerequisites Prerequisite coursework (outstanding prerequisite coursework must be completed within the first two semesters of graduate enrollment):

General Psychology Abnormal Psychology Methods of Research

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California Baptist University

How to Apply

01

Submit a graduate application at

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Send official college or university transcripts.

03

Provide any supplemental documents required.

calbaptist.edu/gradapp.

Application Deadlines Fall

Spring

Summer

Priority

May 15

November 1

March 1

Standard

August 1

December 1

April 1

Ready to take the next step?

Follow this QR code to start your application!

calbaptist.edu/grad

California Baptist University

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Graduate Admissions

College of Behavioral and Social Sciences

8432 Magnolia Avenue Riverside, CA 92504

8432 Magnolia Avenue Riverside, CA 92504

951.343.4249 calbaptist.edu

951.343.4487 calbaptist.edu/cbss

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