Advanced Certificate in Victimology

The Advanced Certificate in Victimology Studies in Forensic Psychology aims to develop specialized knowledge in the area of interpersonal victimization in a forensic psychology context. Areas covered include domestic violence, sexual assault, sexual harassment, child abuse, sex and labor trafficking, hate crimes, and other forms of interpersonal violence and victimization.

This is not an online certificate. 

Features of the Program:

• Graduate level stand-alone certificate
• Requires 12 credits to complete
• Offered each Fall and Spring semester
• New York State Education Department certificate awarded upon completion

Upon completion of this program, students will understand how to apply victim psychology in the criminal justice system. Students will be able to engage in gendered and culturally-appropriate advocacy and screening for victims of sex trafficking, sexual assault, domestic violence, and high conflict divorce. Students will also understand issues related to vulnerability, including how ethnicity, immigrant status, sexual orientation and gender may increase risk of victimization and hamper service provision.

Please be advised that this certificate does not qualify students to provide psychological or clinical services.

Required Courses:

• PSY 700 Mental Health Professionals, Social Science & the Law
• PSY 742 Family Violence & Disputes
• PSY 705 Victimology
• PSY 733 Dissociation and Trauma

Admission:

Admission to the program will be based upon the following criteria:

• A bachelor’s degree, with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
• A minimum of 12 credits of undergraduate coursework in psychology or related social science field. (Note: an exception to this requirement is made if an applicant has a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher)
• Personal statement
• At least two letters of reference
• Mental health job or externship experience is an asset for admission, but not required

Students enrolled in other John Jay master’s degree programs must meet the following requirement:

• A minimum of 12 credits of undergraduate coursework in psychology or related social science field.

Students should submit an application online, please visit the Graduate Admissions website: https://new.jjay.cuny.edu/admissions/graduate-admissions 

Check for application deadlines at: https://new.jjay.cuny.edu/admissions/graduate-application-deadlines 

Already in the Forensic Mental Health Counseling or Forensic Psychology Master’s programs at John Jay College? 

• Interested students should submit an "Add Advanced Certificate Program" Form to John Jay Express or the Registrar’s office. Students do not need to provide additional documentation. However, a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in the Forensic Mental Health Counseling or Forensic Psychology Master’s program is required for admission to the certificate program.

Find the application form here: http://inside.jjay.cuny.edu/compendium/ assets/PDFs/GS.001.21%20- %20Application%20to%20Add%20or%20Remove%20Advanced% 20Certificate.pdf