Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (Forensic Psychology)

at Kaplan Group - Arizona State University - West Campus USA

The BA program in conflict resolution introduces students to theories and practices that enable them to understand, address and transform conflict while dealing with challenges both at the micro and macro levels in professional and cross-cultural contexts and in individual and collective interactions.

Taking an interdisciplinary approach, while being grounded in communication, graduates of the program are ready to pursue further education or careers in several diverse areas.

Forensic psychology is the application of psychology to the law. The concentration in forensic psychology within the BA program in psychology combines general training in psychology with specialized coursework in criminal law, criminal behavior, the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders and legal decision-making.

When courts are faced with cases in which a psychology-related question arises, they may turn to psychologists for help with the case. For example, psychologists might assist the court in understanding a criminal's mental state at the time of a crime or in determining whether a particular jury might have been biased against a defendant based on his or her race. This is the realm of forensic psychology.

This program teaches students about the various roles for psychologists in the legal system and helps them discover which roles they might like to pursue through careers in mental health, criminal justice or through graduate training.

The Bachelor of Arts degree differs from the BS degree in that it does not require two additional lab science courses.

BAE programs in secondary education prepare educators to teach youth enrolled in grades 6-12. While teacher candidates develop a strong theoretical background in their specific content areas, education program courses focus on developing the skills and teaching abilities required to be successful in the classroom. This program offers the Structured English Immersion instruction that qualifies them to receive the endorsement that enables them to work with English language learners, and also provides extensive experiences throughout the program in integrating technology into teaching.

Secondary education professional pathway programs are clinically embedded during the junior and senior years. The primary goal of all professional experiences is to provide students with multiple opportunities to apply knowledge learned in ASU coursework to classroom practice in grades 6-12. Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College students complete internships one day a week during the junior year and first semester of the senior year. In the final semester, students complete a full-time teaching residency. Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College faculty and highly qualified lead teachers from partner school districts and charter schools collaboratively coach interns and residents during required professional experiences. The professional experience provided by the program provides students an opportunity to work directly with youth and make an immediate impact on classroom achievement. Students are also given the opportunity to work collaboratively with fellow interns in content area and interdisciplinary teams. This intensive, hands-on model of teacher preparation creates highly sought-after graduates.

Forensic science is the study and application of scientific methods to matters of law. The BS program in forensic science emphasizes laboratory coursework in chemistry and biology as both areas provide essential experience with techniques commonly used in crime labs.

Rigorous coursework in the natural and mathematical sciences is required to ensure graduates are competitive in the workforce. The program is enhanced by a focus on oral communication skills that help prepare graduates for the multifaceted, transdisciplinary aspects of careers in forensic science, such as providing articulate expert witness testimony.

The communication program prepares students to do far more than give a speech or two in front of their peers. It provides an extensive understanding of the practical, theoretical and professional distinctions of today's field of communication and equips students with the skills needed to convey complex ideas clearly and effectively through both the spoken and written word.

In the nationally recognized CommLabASU, this program trains and prepares students for in-depth study into what contributes to and detracts from effective human communication, recognizing that the art of communication is far more nuanced than simple speaking and writing prowess.

Students may pursue one or more focus areas that are designed to amplify their academic and professional preparation in specific contexts, including: public relations, risk and strategic communication; media, culture and social technology; communication training and mentoring; dialogue, relationships and communities; and sport communication.

The MA in interdisciplinary studies offered by the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences is an innovative program that allows students to combine the study of two or more disciplines for their program of study.

Founded on the conviction that solving problems in the 21st century often requires an interdisciplinary approach, this flexible program provides exposure to a variety of research methods, historical perspectives and modes of inquiry.

The program gives students access to faculty members who are active practitioners of interdisciplinary inquiry. Working with the faculty, students may define their own area of emphasis or adopt an existing area within the humanities and social sciences.

The skills and knowledge that students acquire can be directed toward doctoral study or professional goals in any enterprise that engages in research or education.

The BS program in health sciences provides students with the academic knowledge and skills that allow them to move directly into a range of employment opportunities within the health field or to continue their education in discipline-specific programs.

Students choose a track focus in either community-based health outcomes; health legislation and regulation; integrated care; or language, speech and communication.

A limited number of students each year may apply to pursue the echocardiography certificate through Mayo Clinic. Once the certificate is successfully completed, students may transfer the credits to Arizona State University and those credits may be applied toward completion of the Bachelor of Science in health sciences. Students interested in this option should seek advising before starting this track.

The BS program in biology with an emphasis in the natural sciences examines these disciplines through experiential learning. By learning in an integrative environment that emphasizes the connectedness of the life sciences, students gain a better understanding of larger scientific concepts and can view these concepts from multiple perspectives.

All of the program's core courses include laboratories.

Students are encouraged to conduct independent research under the mentorship of faculty members or during internships. Some even publish in top journals and present their results at scientific meetings.

Graduates are prepared for employment with state and federal agencies or private organizations, such as biomedical laboratories and environmental consultancies. They are also prepared for graduate or doctoral programs in human or veterinary medicine, pharmacy, dentistry or scientific research.

Students in the BA program in interdisciplinary arts and performance engage with faculty in collaborative investigation of many disciplines, preparing for the complex and changing world through current approaches to artistic and aesthetic research.

Students in this major engage in practical and theoretical studies of visual, sonic, performance, game and interactive arts to become versatile artists. With skill sets preparing them for professional and entrepreneurial opportunities, they can tap into evolving marketplaces and expanding fields of arts research and practice.

Students who major in interdisciplinary arts and performance receive extensive preparation for careers as artists, performers and creative professionals, and they develop solid foundations useful for teaching and scholarship.

The School of Accountancy's undergraduate BS program in accountancy offers two tracks during the senior year.

The accounting track is followed by most students and is designed to provide a rich educational experience.

The accounting master's internship is the track designed for the most highly qualified students who wish to commit to the MAcc or MTax program during the second semester of their junior year. The internship provides a particularly rich and individualized educational experience during the senior year. It includes a number of distinct advantages for students: a full-time paid internship for credit with a participating accountancy firm, early consideration for scholarships and possible eligibility for a GMAT waiver and a graduate application fee waiver for the MAcc or MTax program (eligibility is determined by the GPA at the time of application).