Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice

Professionals who work in law enforcement respond to calls, make arrests, and interrogate suspects and witnesses in cases. Police officers are routinely exposed to stressful situations where they need to act quickly and mindfully to ensure public safety.

Those in the criminal justice field may be employed in a variety of roles, from forensics to research, doing vital work that prevents and solves crimes.

Psychology in Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice

An understanding of human psychology allows law enforcement professionals to remain calm and communicate effectively during a crisis situation. Having a knowledge of how humans think under duress empowers police officers to make mindful decisions that result in the best possible outcomes.

Professionals in criminal justice do work that requires analyzing human thought and behavioral patterns. A background in psychology prepares criminal justice professionals to understand adaptive and maladaptive human behaviors, and equips them with the knowledge to find out the who and why of a crime.

The online Master of Arts in Psychology program at Pepperdine University has a robust curriculum that prepares you for jobs in law enforcement and criminal justice. Course work will empower you to think critically about human behavior as it relates to crime and public safety.

Relevant Courses