New crime, psychology and public policy program announced

The School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Penn State Erie is offering a certificate program in crime, psychology and public policy, which is open to students of any major interested in the criminal justice system and the causes of crime. Students will be able to personalize the 15-credit program to suit their personal and professional interests.

"The political science and psychology programs at Penn State Erie have faculty who are highly qualified to teach in five areas that are relevant to the study of criminal justice," Robert Speel, associate professor and program chair of political science, said. "We've opted to take advantage of these strengths and developed the school's first certificate program."

Those who pursue the crime, psychology and public policy certificate will study the causes related to crime and criminal behavior, the legal process and public policy toward crime-related issues, as well as an in-depth analysis regarding the social and psychological causes of crime, policies to fight and prevent crime, the use of psychology to analyze and investigate criminal behavior, and the legal process for accused and convicted criminals.

Students will be required to complete one three-credit course from each of five areas, including abnormal psychology, crime and psychology, crime and society, crime and public policy, and crime and law. Course selections are varied and include forensic psychology, cross-cultural psychology, the politics of terrorism, ethnic and racial politics, juvenile delinquency, organized crime, law and politics, and international law and organizations.

Different from a minor, a certificate program provides potential employers with evidence that a candidate has completed courses relevant to a particular skill or profession. "Students who are interested in careers in criminal justice will be interested in this program," Speel said. "Having a working knowledge about the causes of criminal behavior and the criminal justice system is important to a range of professions, such as police and corrections officers, social workers, psychologists, lawyers, journalists and political leaders."