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.

Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
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
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Yale University
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
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

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

Wesleyan University
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
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

University of Cambridge
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
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Case Western Reserve University
Skills you'll gain: Criminal Investigation and Forensics, Legal Proceedings, Legal Hearings, Litigation and Civil Justice, International Relations, Legal Strategy, Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Public Safety and National Security, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Case Law, Interactive Learning, Case Studies
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Johns Hopkins University
Skills you'll gain: Triage, Crisis Intervention, Active Listening, Emergency Response, Trauma Care, Psychological Evaluations, Interpersonal Communications, Personal Care, Mental Health, Stress Management, Patient Referral
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Wesleyan University
Skills you'll gain: Psychological Evaluations, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Clinical Psychology, Cultural Diversity, Psychotherapy, Mental Health, Psychology, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mental Health Therapies, Interpersonal Communications, Clinical Assessment, Social Determinants Of Health
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

American Psychological Association
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
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

University of Colorado Boulder
Skills you'll gain: Organizational Leadership, Team Motivation, Diversity and Inclusion, Innovation, Team Leadership, Initiative and Leadership, Personal Development, Leadership, Resilience, Team Management, Team Performance Management, Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Business Leadership, Leadership and Management, Decision Making, Self-Awareness, Coaching, Change Management, Psychology, Storytelling
Build toward a degree
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Macquarie University
Skills you'll gain: Digital Forensics, Mobile Security, Anomaly Detection, AI Security, Criminal Investigation and Forensics, Cyber Security Strategy, Cyber Threat Intelligence, Threat Detection, Investigation, Cyber Attacks, File Systems, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, Fraud detection, Mobile Development, Cybersecurity, Applied Machine Learning, Malware Protection, Cyber Security Policies, Apple iOS, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML)
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

American Psychological Association
Skills you'll gain: Relationship Building, Relationship Management, Psychology, Human Relations Movement, Interpersonal Communications, Cultural Diversity, Research, Behavioral Management
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
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.‎