Forensic Victimology Certificate Overview
The advanced practice certificate in forensic victimology supports professionals in using the science of victimology and victim profile construction to engage in effective prevention, investigation, intervention, and policy development.
This certificate is designed for mental health professionals who seek to engage in prevention, investigation, intervention and public policy development on behalf of those who have been victimized. Special considerations and required competencies for working in both criminal and civil contexts are explored.
Program Highlights
Pathway to a Master’s
The credits from this certificate coursework can be applied toward earning your master of science degree in forensic behavioral science or forensic leadership administration.
Online Coursework
The program is offered online giving you the flexibility to complete your coursework virtually from a location of your choice.
Identify, Prevent, and Grow
Explore victimization prevention, investigation and intervention, and take a compassionate and scientific approach to forensic victimology.
Admissions
Learn About Admissions Requirements
Faculty
Get to Know Our Diverse Faculty
Degree Information
Curriculum Plan
Course One: Fundamentals of Forensic Victimology
Foundational concepts in forensic victimology provide an overview of the field, and explore the latest research on victim-offender dynamics in relation to crime and event subtypes. Specific emphasis is placed on identifying risk and protective factors associated with victimology subtypes, constructing victim profiles to inform violence prevention, investigation and intervention, and policy efforts, with a compassionate, scientific approach to forensic victimology.
Course Two: Forensic Victimology: Prevention and Safety Planning
This course will focus upon the practices that support prevention of victimization and revictimization. Research related to crime prevention will be explored. The course will also focus upon threat assessment in various milieu (public venues, households, the workplace, school campuses), as well as specific safety planning strategies to support the prevention of victimization. As mental health professionals are second only to law enforcement officers for risk of workplace victimization, this course will also include specific victimization prevention strategies for mental health professionals.
Course Three: Forensic Victimology: Investigation and Intervention
This course provides an overview of the investigation of crime and intervening with victims when one or more individuals has been victimized. The role of victimology assessment in offender identification and apprehension will be explored. The course will focus upon the victim-witness, and their interdependence with the judicial system. Variables affecting victim-witness intervention, including age, cultural and gender variables; crime dynamics; trauma history; and cognitive-affective processing will be reviewed. Strategies for maximizing the efficacy of the victim-witness from a judicial standpoint, while simultaneously fostering recovery, will be explored. Finally, this course will explore the challenges to the investigator or practitioner who works with crime victims; discussions and strategies for the prevention of secondary victimization, vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue will be reviewed.
These courses and certificates qualify for ASIS Continuing Education Units.
Links and Downloads
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this course taught online or on-campus?Â
The certificate program is offered online. All classes and coursework can be completed virtually, allowing you flexibility with your schedule and location.
Are scholarships and financial aid available?
Yes, there are private and public scholarships to help you meet the cost of your education and Alliant offers institutional scholarships for many of our students. Learn more about these scholarship opportunities here. Additional financial aid is available for those who qualify in the form of loans, grants, federal work study, and military aid. Learn more in our Financial Options Guide.
Why Alliant
At Alliant, our mission is to prepare students for professional careers of service and leadership and to promote the discovery and application of knowledge to improve lives. We offer an education that is accredited, focused on practical knowledge and skills, connected with diverse faculty and alumni, and aimed at the student experience.
Why CSFS
CSFS is dedicated to graduating rigorously educated and trained professionals who impact society, public opinion, and policy by applying science in preventing, investigating, and mitigating conflict and violence. CSFS is a corporate partner of the International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association (ILEETA), and many of our advanced practice certificates are eligible for continuing education credit.
