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Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology - Children Services

Next semester starts 01/21/2025

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What is a BA in Forensic Psychology - Children Services degree?

Our Children Services concentration within our BA in Forensic Psychology program explores the intersection of psychology, law, and social services to advocate for children and families. Designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of forensic psychology principles, child development, trauma-informed care, and the juvenile justice system, you will develop the knowledge, skills, and ethical principles needed to work effectively with children and families in forensic and social service settings. With a focus on trauma-informed care, evidence-based interventions, and advocacy for juvenile rights, graduates emerge as compassionate and competent professionals making a positive difference in the lives of children and families.

Reduce tuition by up to $24k

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Why earn a BA in Forensic Psychology - Children Services?

Our unique program teaches you to apply knowledge about the science of psychology to better understand child offender behavior and victim reactions. You’ll excel in our hands-on environment with opportunities to directly work with justice-involved youth or victims of trauma and crime at community-based sites. Graduate as a skilled, versatile, competent professional employers are eager to hire.

Strong community partnerships

Gain experience with our community-based partners. You’ll work 8-10 hours a week at a site serving juvenile offenders or victims.

Unique degree

St. Ambrose University boasts one of only about fifteen Forensic Psychology undergraduate, in-person, programs in the country.

Experiential learning

In your junior and senior years, you’ll participate in a variety of practicum and service learning experiences.

Supportive environment

Our faculty and students create a supportive and collaborative learning environment, fostering creativity, innovation, and a sense of community.

Psychology learning community

Freshmen can join our psychology learning community which centers around the exploration of the variety of possible career paths.

Nationally recognized faculty

Our faculty have been recognized nationally for their internship model presenting the course at the National Teaching of Psychology conference.

What you’ll learn in your BA in Forensic Psychology - Children Services program

You’ll begin the program with core courses in psychology and criminal justice. Then, you’ll concentrate on coursework on child psychology and services. Over the course of the program, you’ll build the skills to communicate with vulnerable communities, gain an understanding of legal processes, and develop empathy for the impact of trauma on victims.

Exploration of theories related to why criminal behavior develops in children and adolescents
Understanding of abnormal child and adolescent psychology
Analyze and apply theories of adolescent development as it relates to discipline
Examination of juvenile crime and delinquency as an individual and social problem
Learn and strengthen APA-style research writing skills

Endless support

“Ambrose helped open my mind in ways that I couldn’t do myself. It is difficult to shake preconceived biases, but the knowledge I learned goes hand-in-hand with empathy. I am able to help my clients work through events and traumas they endure due to Ambrose’s exposure with the real world.”

-Mack Clary '21 BA in Forensic Psychology

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Explore Forensic Psychology courses

This degree will require you to complete a total of 120 credits.
You will complete 39 gen ed credits, 40 major credits, 12 concentration credits, 29 elective credits, and 1 capstone course.

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Sample courses

Class code	Class title	Credits
CRJU 316	Juvenile Justice	3 credits
PSYC 326	Child and Adolescent Psychopathology	3 credits
PSYC 327	Psychology and Treatment of the Juvenile Offender	3 credits
PSYC 384	Advanced Child & Adolescent Development	3 credits
PSYC 421	Forensic Psychology Internship	4-8 credits

How much does a BA in Forensic Psychology - Children Services cost?

The cost of your degree will depend on several factors, like scholarships, housing, meal plans, and transfer credits. New students also pay a $100 matriculation fee. You will also need to budget for books, supplies, materials, transportation, personal costs, loan fees, and other expenses. Explore total cost of attendance.

Full-time student living on campus

Expense	By Semester	By Year
Full-time tuition (12-18 credits)*	$18,189	$36,378
Housing**	$4,019	$8,038
Food***	$2,670	$5,340
Technology fee	$140	$280
Total direct charges (billable)	$25,018	$50,036

*Based on 2024-2025 tuition and fees. Tuition and fees are subject to change each summer.
**This cost is estimated, actual housing cost will vary by student selections.
***Cost estimate based on 3 meals per day.

How much does housing cost?

When it comes to housing, St. Ambrose University offers diverse options to meet the needs of our students. From traditional dormitories to apartment-style living, there's something for everyone. The cost of your housing will vary based on where you decide to live and the meal plan you choose.

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St. Ambrose University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission

Accreditation and recognitions provide the assurance we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability.

See all of SAU’s accreditations

How does SAU support Forensic Psychology students?

St. Ambrose University’s psychology faculty have decades of real-world experience in addition to their teaching. Our professors have worked in state hospitals with individuals charged with violent crimes, assisted the Scott County Sheriff's Office in developing and evaluating programs for inmates, and provided psychological treatment to victims of trauma or crime. Their diverse experiences will benefit you as they provide guidance and mentorship on your journey to achieving your desired career.

Forensic psychology program faculty

Andrew Kaiser, PhD

Jennifer Best, MSEd, CFLE, CFCS, HDFS, BCC

John Stachula, PhD

Judy Correa Kaiser, PhD

Julie Jenks Kettmann, PhD Jenks Kettmann, PhD

Katie Trujillo, PhD Trujillo, PhD

Katrina Okerstrom-Jezewski, PhD

Other support resources

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Student Success Center

At St. Ambrose, we want you to succeed. Access free tutoring, study groups, and supplemental instruction through our Student Success Center.

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Accessibility Resource Center

Whether you need classroom accommodations, alternative exam arrangements, or disability support strategies, our Accessibility Resource Center is here to help.

Learn about our resources

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Career services

Our Academic and Career Planning Center is ready to help you polish your resume and land the job or internship that will launch your career.

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Are there scholarships available for BA in Forensic Psychology - Children Services?

At St. Ambrose University, we believe that education should be accessible to all. That's why we offer a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make college more affordable for our students. We are committed to providing our students with the resources they need to succeed academically and financially.

Ambrose Advantage Scholarship

Through the Ambrose Advantage scholarship program, a tuition-free St. Ambrose University education is available to any Pell Grant-eligible Ioans. Learn more about the Ambrose Advantage.

Merit-based and institutional scholarships

St. Ambrose offers excellent scholarships and grants based on your strong academic performance, your talent in fine arts or athletics, or your community involvement. Explore SAU scholarships.

Transfer credits

At SAU, you may be able to transfer previous college credit toward your bachelor’s degree, saving you significant time and money. Learn how to transfer credits.

Stress less with an Ambrose Advantage

"Cost is obviously a big thing for anybody going to college. When I found out about the Ambrose Advantage, it took the stress off me and my family. Now I can focus on my classes and getting a start on my career."

-Bailey Hird, Fairfield, Iowa

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What’s on campus for Forensic Psychology students?

Engage in volunteer activities and services while cultivating your knowledge of the field of psychology by joining the Psychology Club. This student-led organization participates in the National Alliance On Mental Illness (NAMI) Walk every September. They also volunteer at Project Renewal for at-risk youth and engage in depression and alcohol screening events on campus.

-Mack Clary ‘21, BA in Forensic Psychology

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What are the general admission requirements for a BA in Forensic Psychology - Children Services?

Ready to become a Bee? Here are the admissions requirements for our Forensic Psychology program.

You must have graduated from an accredited high school or earned a GED
You must have a minimum cumulative, unweighted GPA of 2.5
You must provide an official high school transcript

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International student requirements

If you live outside of the U.S. there are different admissions requirements. Here’s what you’ll need:

Official transcripts from secondary education
A minimum 2.5 CGPA out of a 4.0 scale, or equivalent
Proof of English language proficiency (minimum scores: TOEFL - 79, IELTS - 6.0)
Copy of your passport and other documentation

What can I do with a Forensic Psychology degree?

Your education and degree can help you reach your professional goals. St. Ambrose University can never promise a career or particular outcome upon graduating. We encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here is a list of potential job titles, traits, and settings a graduate in our Forensic Psychology program could achieve.

Potential job titles

Juvenile court liaison
Youth support specialist
Victim advocate
Child protection worker
Clinical mental health counselor - children
Forensic child interviewer

Potential employment settings

Correction facilities
Police departments
Outpatient care centers
Hospitals
School districts
Government agencies

Traits of a Forensic Psychology graduate

Documentation
Written communication
Collaboration
Organization
Oral communication
Plan development

Industry facts

Child protection worker has an annual average of $58,380 per year
Overall employment of child protection worker is projected to grow 7% percent by 2032.

For more information on financial employment and wages, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook.

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Become who you are meant to be

With more than 65 undergraduate and graduate programs, there’s something for everyone at St. Ambrose University! Explore our programs to find your place at SAU.