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With a new concentration in Forensic/Correctional Psychology, University of the Rockies can now prepare students to work in the “intersection between psychology and the justice system.”

Forensic psychologists perform a wide range of tasks within the criminal justice system, including psychological evaluations for competence to stand trial and assessments of risk of violent behavior. Correctional psychologists provide a full range of psychological services to inmates in jails and prisons.

The Forensic/Correctional concentration is available to students who pursue the clinical specialization within University of the Rockies’ doctorate degree in psychology. The concentration is designed to prepare students to work in forensic settings completing forensic evaluations, as well as in mental health care settings in jails and prisons. 

“To be effective in these types of settings, a psychologist must view the client differently than you would in a traditional clinical setting,” explains Dr. David Stephens, dean of the School of Professional Psychology. “The relationship is different. Clients are often evaluated per court order and at a different pace than voluntary clients who are seen in therapeutic sessions. Forensic psychologists also have to account for consistency of factual information and have a firm grasp of the law.”

This new concentration includes courses in forensic psychology, forensic assessment, correctional mental health and family violence. The courses were developed by core faculty members and by Dr. Stephens, who has served as the regional director of mental health for Correctional Healthcare Management and as the chief of Behavioral Health Services for the Colorado Department of Corrections. 

About University of the Rockies

University of the Rockies is an advanced graduate institution for tomorrow’s thought leaders. The University provides an intimate and dynamic learning environment, offering highly specialized master’s and doctoral degree programs in the social and behavioral sciences, access to industry experts, campus clinical programs for practical experience, and research and publishing opportunities. University of the Rockies is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association (www.ncahlc.org). Small by design, University of the Rockies classes are presented in a progressive online format and at its Colorado Springs, Colorado, campus. For more information, please visit www.rockies.edu or call Shari Rodriguez, associate vice president of Public Relations, at 866.621.0124 x2513.