• For Individuals
  • For Businesses
  • For Universities
  • For Governments
Degrees
​
Log In
Join for Free
  • Browse
  • Criminal Psychology

Criminal Psychology Courses

Criminal psychology courses can help you learn criminal behavior analysis, psychological profiling, investigative techniques, and the impact of mental health on criminality. You can build skills in understanding offender motivations, assessing risk factors, and applying psychological theories to real-life cases.


More to explore:

Popular Criminal Psychology Courses and Certifications


  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    N

    Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

    Introduction to Forensic Science

    Skills you'll gain: Criminal Investigation and Forensics, Scientific Methods, Chemistry, Blood Collection, Investigation, Case Studies, Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Pharmacology, Laboratory Testing, Pathology, Molecular Biology, Deductive Reasoning, Estimation

    4.9
    Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
    ·
    2.8K reviews

    Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    Y

    Yale University

    Introduction to Psychology

    Skills you'll gain: Psychology, Human Development, Clinical Psychology, Mental Health, Psychiatry, Human Learning, Child Development, Neurology, Culture, Social Sciences, Critical Thinking, Scientific Methods, Problem Solving

    4.9
    Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
    ·
    32K reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: New
    New
    Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    A

    American Psychological Association

    Psychology of Disorders Related to Trauma, Anxiety, & Stress

    Skills you'll gain: Stress Management, Resilience, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Mental Health, Mindfulness, Clinical Psychology, Psychiatry, Mental and Behavioral Health Specialties, Physiology, Trauma Care, Psychology, Psychological Evaluations, Psychosocial Assessments, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Behavioral Health, Cultural Diversity, Patient Evaluation, Health Assessment, Health And Wellness Coaching, Patient Treatment

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    239 reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    A

    American Psychological Association

    Psychology of Anxiety, Mood, Substance Use, and Addictive Behaviors

    Skills you'll gain: Substance Abuse, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Clinical Psychology, Mental and Behavioral Health, Psychiatry, Psychological Evaluations, Mental Health, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Patient Evaluation, Diagnostic Tests, Behavioral Health, Psychotherapy, Psychiatric Assessments, Cultural Diversity, Epidemiology, Pharmacology, Neurology, Demography, Psychology, Pharmacotherapy

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    315 reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of Cambridge

    The science of mind and decision making

    Skills you'll gain: Human Learning, Child Development, Psychology, Empathy & Emotional Intelligence, Teaching, Decision Making, Learning Theory, Instructional Strategies, Pedagogy, Learning Strategies, Developmental Disabilities, Empathy, Working With Children, Neurology, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Medical Imaging, Electrophysiology, Human Development

    4.6
    Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
    ·
    140 reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    W

    Wesleyan University

    Abnormal Psychology

    Skills you'll gain: Motivational Interviewing, Psychological Evaluations, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Mental Health Therapies, Behavioral Health, Mental and Behavioral Health, Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Clinical Psychology, Mental Health, Cultural Diversity, Psychiatric Assessments, Psychology, Experimentation, Health Education, Interpersonal Communications, Culture, Clinical Assessment, Goal Setting

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    741 reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

What brings you to Coursera today?

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    Universidad de Palermo

    Psicología

    Skills you'll gain: Student-Centred Learning, Psychology, Human Learning, Learning Theory, Creativity, Human Development, Behavior Management, Neurology, Culture, Self-Awareness, Applied Behavior Analysis, Education and Training, Learning Styles, Molecular Biology, Language Disorders, Anatomy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Computational Thinking, Systems Thinking, Case Studies

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    1.4K reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • The Google AI Certificate that powers your career

    Enroll now
  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    A

    American Psychological Association

    Discover Yourself, Build Relationships, and Navigate Groups

    Skills you'll gain: Self-Awareness, Relationship Building, Personal Development, Psychology, Relationship Management, Self-Motivation, Emotional Intelligence, Cultural Diversity, Behavior Management, Human Relations Movement, Decision Making, Goal Setting, Sociology, Social Sciences, Interpersonal Communications, Cognitive flexibility, Critical Thinking, Mindfulness, Research, Case Studies

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    49 reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    A

    American Psychological Association

    Social Psychology of Attraction and Relationships

    Skills you'll gain: Relationship Building, Relationship Management, Psychology, Human Relations Movement, Interpersonal Communications, Cultural Diversity, Research, Behavioral Management

    4.6
    Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
    ·
    17 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    W

    Wesleyan University

    Social Psychology

    Skills you'll gain: Social Sciences, Psychology, Persuasive Communication, Sociology, Empathy & Emotional Intelligence, Behavior Management, Conflict Management, Research, Diversity Awareness, Ethical Standards And Conduct

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    5.1K reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of Pennsylvania

    Foundations of Positive Psychology

    Skills you'll gain: Resilience, Goal Setting, Empathy & Emotional Intelligence, Emotional Intelligence, Positivity, Smart Goals, Optimism, Research Methodologies, Overcoming Obstacles, Research Design, Productivity, Positive Behavior Support, Cognitive flexibility, Relationship Building, Personal Development, Self-Awareness, Qualitative Research, Research, Empowerment, Psychology

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    8.5K reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    U

    University of Cambridge

    Forensic Science: DNA Analysis

    Skills you'll gain: Criminal Investigation and Forensics, Investigation, Laboratory Testing, Statistical Analysis, Molecular Biology, Specimen Collection, Scientific Methods, Medical Science and Research, General Science and Research, Data Collection, Case Studies, Biology, Ethical Standards And Conduct

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    9 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

What brings you to Coursera today?

1234…147

In summary, here are 10 of our most popular criminal psychology courses

  • Introduction to Forensic Science: Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
  • Introduction to Psychology : Yale University
  • Psychology of Disorders Related to Trauma, Anxiety, & Stress: American Psychological Association
  • Psychology of Anxiety, Mood, Substance Use, and Addictive Behaviors: American Psychological Association
  • The science of mind and decision making: University of Cambridge
  • Abnormal Psychology: Wesleyan University
  • Psicología: Universidad de Palermo
  • Discover Yourself, Build Relationships, and Navigate Groups: American Psychological Association
  • Social Psychology of Attraction and Relationships: American Psychological Association
  • Social Psychology: Wesleyan University

Frequently Asked Questions about Criminal Psychology

Criminal psychology is the study of the thoughts, intentions, and behaviors of individuals involved in criminal activities. This field is crucial as it helps law enforcement agencies understand the psychological factors that contribute to criminal behavior, enabling them to develop effective strategies for prevention and intervention. By exploring the motivations behind crimes, criminal psychology plays a vital role in creating safer communities and improving the justice system.‎

A variety of career paths are available in criminal psychology. Professionals can work as criminal profilers, forensic psychologists, or research analysts in criminal behavior. Other roles include working with law enforcement agencies, providing expert testimony in court, or engaging in rehabilitation programs for offenders. Additionally, positions in academia or research institutions are also viable options for those interested in teaching or conducting studies in this field.‎

To succeed in criminal psychology, you will need a blend of analytical and interpersonal skills. Key skills include critical thinking, research proficiency, and an understanding of psychological theories. Strong communication skills are essential for conveying complex ideas clearly, whether in writing or verbally. Additionally, familiarity with statistical methods and data analysis can enhance your ability to interpret research findings and apply them to real-world scenarios.‎

There are several online courses available that can help you explore criminal psychology. Some notable options include the Abnormal Psychology Specialization and the Introduction to Abnormal Psychology course. These programs cover essential psychological concepts and their applications in understanding criminal behavior, making them valuable resources for anyone interested in this field.‎

Yes. You can start learning criminal psychology on Coursera for free in two ways:

  1. Preview the first module of many criminal psychology courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available).
  2. Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial.

If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in criminal psychology, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎

Learning criminal psychology can be approached through various methods. Start by enrolling in introductory courses to build a solid foundation. Reading books and articles on criminal behavior and psychology can also enhance your understanding. Engaging in discussions with professionals in the field or joining online forums can provide valuable insights. Finally, consider practical experiences, such as internships or volunteer opportunities, to apply your knowledge in real-world settings.‎

Criminal psychology courses typically cover a range of topics, including the psychological theories of crime, criminal behavior analysis, the role of mental health in criminality, and the legal implications of psychological assessments. Other subjects may include victimology, the psychology of interrogation, and the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs. These topics provide a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between psychology and the criminal justice system.‎

For training and upskilling employees in criminal psychology, courses like the Psychology of Anxiety, Mood, Substance Use, and Addictive Behaviors Specialization can be particularly beneficial. These programs equip professionals with the knowledge to understand various psychological issues that may intersect with criminal behavior, enhancing their ability to address complex cases in the workplace.‎

This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

Other topics to explore

Arts and Humanities
338 courses
Business
1095 courses
Computer Science
668 courses
Data Science
425 courses
Information Technology
145 courses
Health
471 courses
Math and Logic
70 courses
Personal Development
137 courses
Physical Science and Engineering
413 courses
Social Sciences
401 courses
Language Learning
150 courses

Coursera Footer

Skills

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Cybersecurity
  • Data Analytics
  • Digital Marketing
  • English Speaking
  • Generative AI (GenAI)
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Power BI
  • Project Management
  • Python

Certificates & Programs

  • Google Cybersecurity Certificate
  • Google Data Analytics Certificate
  • Google IT Support Certificate
  • Google Project Management Certificate
  • Google UX Design Certificate
  • IBM Data Analyst Certificate
  • IBM Data Science Certificate
  • Machine Learning Certificate
  • Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst Certificate
  • UI / UX Design Certificate

Industries & Careers

  • Business
  • Computer Science
  • Data Science
  • Education & Teaching
  • Engineering
  • Finance
  • Healthcare
  • Human Resources (HR)
  • Information Technology (IT)
  • Marketing

Career Resources

  • Career Aptitude Test
  • Examples of Strengths and Weaknesses for Job Interviews
  • High-Income Skills to Learn
  • How Does Cryptocurrency Work?
  • How to Highlight Duplicates in Google Sheets
  • How to Learn Artificial Intelligence
  • Popular Cybersecurity Certifications
  • Preparing for the PMP Certification
  • Signs You Will Get the Job After an Interview
  • What Is Artificial Intelligence?

Coursera

  • About
  • What We Offer
  • Leadership
  • Careers
  • Catalog
  • Coursera Plus
  • Professional Certificates
  • MasterTrack® Certificates
  • Degrees
  • For Enterprise
  • For Government
  • For Campus
  • Become a Partner
  • Social Impact
  • Free Courses
  • Share your Coursera learning story

Community

  • Learners
  • Partners
  • Beta Testers
  • Blog
  • The Coursera Podcast
  • Tech Blog

More

  • Press
  • Investors
  • Terms
  • Privacy
  • Help
  • Accessibility
  • Contact
  • Articles
  • Directory
  • Affiliates
  • Modern Slavery Statement
  • Do Not Sell/Share
Learn Anywhere
Download on the App Store
Get it on Google Play
Logo of Certified B Corporation
© 2026 Coursera Inc. All rights reserved.
  • Coursera Facebook
  • Coursera Linkedin
  • Coursera Twitter
  • Coursera YouTube
  • Coursera Instagram
  • Coursera TikTok