Our Programs, Your Career

When you enroll in the Center for Forensic Studies (CFS) at Alliant, you take the first step on a professional journey that leads upward to a rewarding and challenging career in forensic psychology.

Because your professors are working professionals in the field, you benefit from their first-hand knowledge. Because the classes are small, you also learn from other students, who like you, will be gaining experience through  hands-on field placements in real forensic work settings that complement their academic learning.

CFS graduates are wanted in the fields of criminal psychology, police and prison psychology, and forensic psychology. They gain satisfaction from both financial rewards and from making a difference in people's lives by working with the courts and law enforcement to understand and fight violence, child abuse, domestic violence, child neglect, sex offences and terrorism. Welcome!

• New! Now offering a Post-Doctoral Certificate in Forensic Psychology. It is a 14-month, weekends-only (one weekend a month) program for licensed psychologists.
  
• New! The Master of Arts in Law Enforcement Administrative Development (M.A. LEAD) is an onground and online program specifically for police commanders. If you're in California's Command College, you'll want to talk with us.
  
• New! The Master of Arts in Criminal Justice Administration and Leadership. This program is for Police Officers and Federal Agents only.

For more information on any of the above programs,
Email or call (626) 284-2777 x3056.

The Center for Forensic Studies (CFS) offers a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), both in Forensic Psychology. CFS programs are offered at Alliant's campuses in Fresno , Irvine , Los Angeles , Sacramento and San Diego . Our San Francisco program begins in August 2009.

Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Forensic Psychology

With an emphasis on the application of forensic psychological theory and practice, this degree will prepare you for a career in one of the fastest growing fields in the country. Course topics include police stress, neuropsychology, addiction, sex offending, domestic violence, serial and mass murder, juvenile delinquency and stalking.

Coursework also emphasizes rules of evidence and discovery, examination and cross-examination, and expert witness testimony. Beyond receiving rigorous academic training, students will acquire experience in treatment and assessment through field training in a variety of settings.

Full-time students can complete the Psy.D. program in four years.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Forensic Psychology
With a focus on research and theory, this degree will prepare you for a wide range of positions, from university professor to professional researcher to practicing forensic psychologist, among others.

Clinical Licensure Track . Students are trained as forensic clinicians with an emphasis on obtaining clinical licensure. Coursework focuses on the integration between forensic clinical psychology, forensic research, criminology and law.

Policy and Justice Track (non-licensure). With an emphasis on psycho-legal research, courses focus on the legal and justice system, organization development, expert witness testimony, human trafficking, torture, war crimes, genocide, civil rights, federal administration, international treaties and forensic psychology.  

Full time students can complete the Ph.D. program in five years.