KCC to offer online Criminal Psychology class this summer

An illustration of a head with gears inside to illustrate a metaphor for criminal psychology.

Students interested in the psychology of the criminal mind can get their fix this summer in Kellogg Community College’s online Criminal Psychology class.

The three-credit class, listed as PSYC 275: Criminal Psychology in the Self-Service System, will run from June 11 through Aug. 6 and be taught by KCC Psychology Professor Dr. Shawn Talbot. 

Talbot said the class might be of particular interest to students going into fields of behavioral health — fields like psychology, social work or counseling — or any part of the legal field or law enforcement. The course is also transferable to many other institutions as an elective, a psychology credit or even as a criminal or forensic requirement.

Talbot said topics to be explored in the class will include introductions to:

  • Profiling of criminal behavior
  • Criminal behavior analysis and classification
  • Forensic assessment issues and ethics
  • Detecting deception
  • False confessions
  • Risk assessment
  • And more

According to Talbot’s course description:

“The connection between the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes (psychology) and criminality has become increasingly apparent in contemporary life. Incidences of psychological involvement range from the development of prevention programs to assistance in the determination of competence (forensic psychology) and the profiling of various perpetrators. In this course, learners will explore current research and theory regarding the effects of specific mental disorders, personality, biological influences, developmental issues and social/environmental contributors to both general criminal behaviors, as well as specific crimes. The psychological effects of crime on the victim and society at large will also be explored.”

Interested? Space is limited and the class is filling fast, so sign up today!

The first Summer 2018 classes at KCC start May 14, and the semester ends Aug. 8. For information about signing up for summer classes, visit www.kellogg.edu/registration. For more information about Psychology studies at KCC, visit www.kellogg.edu/psychology

Questions about the Criminal Psychology class? Professor Talbot can be reached at talbots@kellogg.edu.