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.

Yale University
Skills you'll gain: Psychology, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Child Development, Human Development, Human Learning, Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Learning Theory, Critical Thinking, Problem Solving
★ 4.9 (33K) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
★ 4.9 (2.9K) · Mixed · Course

Yale University
Skills you'll gain: Clinical Psychology, Psychology, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Empathy, Clinical Assessment, Empathy & Emotional Intelligence, Mental Health Therapies, Learning Theory, Child Development
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

American Psychological Association
Skills you'll gain: Stress Management, Resilience, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Mental Health, Clinical Psychology, Psychiatry, Mental and Behavioral Health Specialties, Physiology, Trauma Care, Mental Health Therapies, Psychology, Psychological Evaluations, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Behavioral Health, Cultural Diversity, Culture, Patient Evaluation, Health Assessment, Health And Wellness Coaching, Patient Treatment
★ 4.8 (301) · Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

University of Cambridge
Skills you'll gain: Human Learning, Child Development, Psychology, Teaching, Decision Making, Instructional Strategies, Pedagogy, Learning Strategies, Empathy, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Differentiated Instruction, Research Methodologies, Non-Verbal Communication, Neurology, Learning Theory, Research, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Anatomy, Physiology
★ 4.5 (205) · Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Wesleyan University
Skills you'll gain: Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Behavioral Health, Mental and Behavioral Health, Psychiatry, Behavior Management, Mental Health, Cultural Diversity, Psychotherapy, Behavioral Management, Psychology, Experimentation, Mental Health Therapies, Interpersonal Communications, Culture, Clinical Assessment, Pharmaceuticals, Goal Setting
★ 4.8 (776) · Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

American Psychological Association
Skills you'll gain: Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Substance Abuse, Clinical Psychology, Mental Health Therapies, Mental and Behavioral Health, Psychiatry, Trauma Care, Mental Health, Psychology, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Behavioral Health, Culture, Pharmacology, Diagnostic Tests, Psychological Evaluations, Neurology, Cultural Diversity, Patient Treatment, Epidemiology, Patient Evaluation
★ 4.8 (196) · Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

American Psychological Association
Skills you'll gain: Self-Awareness, Self-Discipline, Personal Development, Psychology, Self-Motivation, Culture
★ 4.8 (33) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

American Psychological Association
Skills you'll gain: Substance Abuse, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Mental Health Therapies, Mental Health, Psychology, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Behavioral Health, Culture, Demography, Pharmacotherapy
★ 4.8 (364) · Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Macquarie University
Skills you'll gain: Mobile Security, Digital Forensics, Criminal Investigation and Forensics, Cyber Threat Intelligence, Cyber Security Strategy, Investigation, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, Cyber Attacks, Cybersecurity, digital literacy, Mobile Development, Model Training, Cyber Security Policies, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Threat Modeling, Data Security, Cyber Governance, Machine Learning Methods, iOS Development, Application Security
★ 4.5 (65) · Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

American Psychological Association
Skills you'll gain: Decision Making, Public Policies, Culture, Psychology, Cultural Diversity, Policy Analysis, Critical Thinking, Human Development, Personal Development, Mindfulness, Relationship Building, Learning Theory, Biology
★ 4.2 (39) · Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
High-quality free Criminal Psychology courses you can start today.
Top-rated Criminal Psychology courses offered by American Psychological Association on Coursera.
Earn a certificate in Criminal Psychology from top universities and companies.
Top-rated beginner-friendly Criminal Psychology courses with no prerequisites.
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:
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.‎