Criminal Psychology: Profiling & Forensic Assessment

Master offender profiling and forensic assessment techniques with key theoretical models for criminal investigations.

What you'll learn

Analyze key theoretical models of criminal behavior, including biological, psychodynamic, cognitive, and social learning frameworks.

Develop offender profiles using top-down (FBI) and bottom-up (investigative psychology) approaches based on crime scene evidence.

Differentiate organized vs disorganized crime scenes and apply geographical profiling techniques to predict offender locations.

Administer and interpret major psychodiagnostic tools (MMPI, PCL-R) and conduct structured risk assessments for violence and recidivism.

Requirements

Basic undergraduate-level understanding of psychology or criminology, critical thinking skills, and a computer with internet access. No specialized tools required.

Description

Welcome to "Criminal Psychology: Profiling & Forensic Assessment"!This comprehensive course will guide you through the science and practice of understanding criminal minds. You will start with a historical overview of criminal psychology, explore how the field has evolved, and learn foundational terminology that underpins all subsequent modules. From there, you’ll dive into the biological and neurological influences on behavior, examine psychodynamic theories of unconscious drives, and study cognitive and social learning perspectives that explain decision-making processes in offenders.Next, you will investigate the personality and trait-based approaches that highlight enduring characteristics such as impulsivity or aggression, as well as developmental and life-course models that consider family dynamics and key life events. You will also synthesize these perspectives within biopsychosocial frameworks to appreciate how multiple factors interact to shape criminal trajectories. Specialized lessons on research design and psychometric measurement tools will ensure you can critically evaluate data and apply ethical guidelines when conducting assessments.In the offender profiling section, you will learn how to build profiles using both the top-down FBI model and the bottom-up investigative psychology approach. Detailed case studies will show you how to distinguish organized versus disorganized crime scenes, utilize geographic profiling to predict offender anchor points, and analyze behavioral signatures to infer motives and personality traits. You will also explore typologies, modus operandi versus signature behaviors, and the ethical and legal boundaries that govern profiling practice.The forensic assessment modules cover the roles and responsibilities of forensic psychologists, structured interview and interrogation techniques, and the administration and interpretation of psychodiagnostic instruments such as the MMPI and PCL-R. You will master standardized risk assessment tools for violence and recidivism, learn to evaluate competency and criminal responsibility, and address assessment protocols for special populations including juveniles and sexual offenders. Practical exercises in report writing and mock courtroom testimony will prepare you to communicate findings clearly and confidently under professional standards.You will engage in interactive exercises, quizzes, and real-life case analyses to reinforce skills and ensure you can apply concepts with confidence. Downloadable resources and templates will support your professional practice and help you implement best practices in real-world scenarios.By the end of this course, you will be able to:• Analyze criminal behavior through multiple theoretical lenses• Construct and critique offender profiles using proven models• Apply psychometric instruments and risk assessments in forensic contexts• Navigate legal, ethical, and professional standards in profiling and assessmentPlease note: This course is intended for educational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for professional mental health advice or official forensic training programs. Always consult qualified professionals for clinical or legal decisions.Are you ready to deepen your expertise and take your forensic psychology skills to the next level? Enroll now and start mastering the tools and techniques used by experts in the field!

Overview

Section 1: Intro

Lecture 1 Hello

Section 2: Theoretical Foundations of Criminal Behavior

Lecture 2 History and Key Concepts in Criminal Psychology

Lecture 3 Biological and Neurological Perspectives

Lecture 4 Psychodynamic and Behavioral Theories

Lecture 5 Cognitive and Social Learning Theories

Lecture 6 Personality and Trait-Based Approaches

Lecture 7 Developmental and Life-Course Theories

Lecture 8 Biopsychosocial and Integrative Models

Lecture 9 Research Methods and Measurement Tools

Section 3: Offender Profiling Models and Techniques

Lecture 10 Introduction to Offender Profiling

Lecture 11 Top-Down Approach FBI Profiling Model

Lecture 12 Bottom-Up Approach Investigative Psychology

Lecture 13 Organized vs Disorganized Crime Scenes

Lecture 14 Geographical Profiling Techniques

Lecture 15 Behavioral Evidence and Crime Classification

Lecture 16 Ethical and Legal Boundaries in Profiling

Section 4: Forensic Psychological Assessment

Lecture 17 Role and Responsibilities of Forensic Psychologists

Lecture 18 Interview and Interrogation Techniques

Lecture 19 Psychodiagnostic Tools MMPI, PCL-R, and Others

Lecture 20 Risk Assessment Violence and Recidivism

Lecture 21 Competency, Insanity, and Criminal Responsibility

Lecture 22 Special Populations Juvenile and Sexual Offenders

Lecture 23 Forensic Reports and Court Testimony

Section 5: Conclusion

Lecture 24 Congratulations and Next Steps

Aspiring forensic psychologists, criminology students, law enforcement professionals, and mental health practitioners seeking to master offender profiling and forensic assessment techniques in criminal cases.