Certificate in Forensic Psychology

Non-degree students as well as students already admitted to a degree program in University College may apply for admission to the Certificate in Forensic Psychology. There are no formal requirements for admission to undergraduate certificates. Students should speak with an academic advisor regarding their preparation for specific certificates or courses.

US Citizenship or Eligible Noncitizen

International students interested in the certificate programs must hold a visa that permits part-time study (including F-2 and J-2 visas).  Students holding  F-1 visas are not eligible for these programs.  Students holding a B-2 visa may be eligible if the coursework is recreational or avocational in nature.

NOTE: University College is designed for students with adult responsibilities who may require part-time and flexible course schedules. Current high school students and recent graduates seeking a traditional WashU college experience should apply through the undergraduate admissions office: admissions.wustl.edu.

Application Deadlines

Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis and typically take four to six weeks. An application is incomplete and will not be reviewed until all of the application requirements have been received or processed. Applicants are encouraged to submit all materials by the following dates:

• Summer 2023: April 30, 2023
• Fall 2023: July 31, 2023
• Spring 2024: Dec. 31, 2023

Completed Application Form

The online application is available on our Apply page. Applications are ready for review when all fields on the application form are completed and the required documents have been received.

REQUIRED COURSES: 12 UNITS

• Introduction to Criminology (U09 376)
• Introduction to Forensic Psychology (U09 377)

At least two additional Forensic Psychology courses from the following:

• Criminal Typologies
• Crisis Intervention: The Criminal Justice Response to Chaos, Mayhem, and Disorder
• Introduction to Psychopathology and Clinical Psychology
• Introduction to Forensic Anthropology
• Investigative Psychology
• Juvenile Delinquency
• Principles of Forensic Assessment

Courses taken toward a Certificate in Forensic Psychology at University College may apply to a Bachelor of Science in Psychological and Brain Sciences at University College. A single course can count toward any two of the following categories: 1) major requirements; 2) basic requirements for numerical applications or non-Western culture; and 3) distribution requirements.

ELECTIVE COURSES: 3 UNITS

One authorized elective course. Students are encouraged to choose from the above list to meet this requirement but permission may also be granted for other courses from Psychological and Brain Sciences, Political Science, Sociology, or other related disciplines.