Master of Arts Program in Interdisciplinary Behavioral Science (MIBS)
Master of Arts Program in Interdisciplinary Behavioral Science (MIBS)
The mission of the 45-hour M.A. Program in Interdisciplinary Behavioral Science is to support Kentucky State University’s mission by preparing its diverse student population of traditional and non-traditional students to meet society’s growing need for psychological services in a variety of settings. Students in this program will focus on the intersection between law and the behavioral and social sciences, broadly defined. Forensic psychology is any psychological service or research activity that is done in service to the legal system. Student engage in a program of interdisciplinary study based on rigorous coursework, research, and service activities founded on the scientist-practitioner model of education. This program prepares students to pursue doctoral study in psychology, or to work in industry, government, mental health services, or other human service agencies, consistent with the Kentucky State University motto: Come In to Learn—Go Out to Serve.
WHAT CAN I DO WITH A MASTER'S DEGREE IN INTERDISCIPLINARY BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE?
Psychologists are increasingly called upon to perform various evaluations and functions for the government, the courts, the criminal justice system, and the prison system. Some of the many general and specific career paths that our graduates may choose to pursue include:
- Teaching or research positions in academia
- Administrative positions in local, state, and federal agencies
- Positions within corrections and probation departments
- Positions as a research assistant with various agencies
- Positions at the local, state, and federal level in behavioral or social sciences
- Clinical or research positions with human service agencies, mental health agencies, social agencies, and forensic agencies
- Juvenile group homes
- Domestic violence agencies
- Immigrant and naturalization services
- City police divisions
- Positions such as Psychology Assistant, Court Administrator, Crime Analyst
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
- US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
- US Secret Service (USSS)
- US Marshal Services
- National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC)
- Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI)
- US Armed Forces
- Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)
- Postal Service (USPS)
- US Department of Agriculture
- US Border Patrol Services
- US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
- Victim Services organizations
- Nursing homes
- Hospice centers
- Head Start programs
- Adoption agencies
- Drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers
- Probation and parole offices
- Courts
- Foster care organizations
- Mental health organizations
- Employee assistance programs
The MIBS program takes a multidisciplinary approach to the area of behavioral and social science and law by providing students with background in theoretical perspectives from psychology, sociology, and criminology, basic and applied research methods, and statistical techniques. Students develop competencies relevant to the science and practice of these various fields, and to the study of the intersection of behavioral and social science and law, forensics, intelligence, and security broadly defined. This program is relevant to students with backgrounds in psychology, sociology, criminal justice, social work, history, or public administration.
Graduate Certificate in Interdisciplinary Intelligence Studies
KYSU Online offers a 12-hour graduate certificate in Interdisciplinary Intelligence Studies to help KSU students prepare to meet the need for well-trained members of the Intelligence and Security fields. Partnerships and collaborations with the Bluegrass State Intelligence Community-Center for Academic Excellence (BGS IC CAE) member institutions (Eastern Kentucky University, Kentucky State University, and the University of Kentucky Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce) and statewide and national intelligence and security agencies will help KSU to better serve its students by providing training for future intelligence and security workforce.
To satisfy the requirements for the M.A. in Interdisciplinary Behavioral Science, students must complete a minimum of 45 semester credit hours. The core requirements PSY 551, Psychology and Law, PSY 552, Law and Social Science, PSY 503, Intermediate Statistics I, PSY 504, Intermediate Statistics II, PSY 505, Intermediate Research Methods I, PSY 506, Intermediate Research Methods II, and PSY 671, Diversity and Law. Students should plan to complete the core courses in sequence: Semester 1 (Fall), PSY 551; PSY 503, PSY 505; Semester 2 (Spring), PSY 552, PSY 504, PSY 506; Summer Year 2, PSY 671, PSY 681; Semester 3 (Fall), PSY 690, Comprehensive Exam; Summer Year 3, PSY 699, Thesis.
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| PSY 551 | Psychology & Law | 3 |
| PSY 503 | Intermediate Statistics | 3 |
| PSY 505 | Intermediate Research Methods | 3 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| PSY 552 | Law & Social Science | 3 |
| PSY 504 | Intermediate Statistics II | 3 |
| PSY 506 | Intermed. Research Methods II | 3 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall | ||
| PSY 662 | Psychology of Criminal Behav. | 3 |
| PSY 661 | Theories of Offending & Correc | 3 |
| PSY 690 | Comprehensive Exam | 3 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| PSY 663 | Aggression & Violence | 3 |
| PSY 664 | Asses. & Treatment of Offend. | 3 |
| PSY 673 | Principles of Victimology | 3 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Summer | ||
| PSY 671 | Diversity & Law | 3 |
| PSY 681 | Seminar in Psychology & Law | 3 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Summer | ||
| PSY 699 | Thesis | 3-12 |
| Hours | 3-12 | |
| Total Hours | 45-54 | |
An examination of intermediate statistical methods. Semester 1 will examine various forms of Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), in addition to a review of significance testing, and data screening. Credit: 3 semester hours.
An examination of intermediate statistical methods. Semester 2 examines various forms of correlational analyses including multiple types of regression and factor analysis, in addition to a review of significance testing, and data screening. CREDIT: 3 SEMESTER HOURS.
An examination of the array of research methods used in the behavioral sciences and helping professions. Emphasis is placed on critically evaluating psychological research and understanding its application to counseling. Semester I will address experimental methods. Credit: 3 semester hours.
An examination of the array of research methods used in the behavioral sciences and helping professions. Emphasis is placed on critically evaluating psychological research and understanding its application to counseling. Semester II will address survey research methods and program evaluation. CREDIT: 3 SEMESTER HOURS.
A review of the ways in which mental health issues interact with the law and the criminal justice system. Topics will include mental health testimony as it relates to civil commitment, the rights of mental patients, competency to stand trial, the insanity defense, the antisocial personality, child custody disputes and determinations, and consideration of the utility and limitations of mental health expertise as it relates to the legal system. Credit: 3 semester hours.
This course will focus on the ways in which behavioral and social science information is being used in court. The course will examine the empirical issues raised in criminal law, tort law, trademark law, etc. The use, misuse and nonuse of social science information in court will be considered. Will also apply behavioral and social science knowledge to the criminal and civil justice systems. Topics such as social psychology of justice institutions, environmental social science, socialization into roles and identity, collective behavior, research on juries, attitude formation and change, and criminal identification will be included. CREDIT: 3 SEMESTER HOURS.
Reviews the many approaches to the treatment and rehabilitation of offenders in the context of the various goals of offender dispositions. Will survey the contexts of offender treatment through the criminal justice system, with particular emphasis on prisons, jails, halfway houses and special treatment programs. Issues such as mandatory vs. voluntary treatment, confidentiality, and the agency and the individual client will be discussed. Students will review the range of therapeutic and other interventions utilized in dealing with offender populations, with attention to evaluations of their effectiveness. Credit: 3 semester hours.
An in- depth analysis of research on the psychological bases and dynamics of criminal, aggressive, and antisocial behavior. Review of historical and contemporary issues, such as the interface of the mental health system and the criminal system, civil commitment, diminished capacity, the insanity defense, sentencing, capital punishment, competency to stand trial, and the use of research in court. Credit: 3 semester hours.
Critical evaluation and examination of violence and aggression, their origins and determinants, and their impact on the individual and society. Application to forensic issues will be emphasized through the liberal use of clinical and research material. Credit: 3 semester hours.
Focuses on the major theories of criminal and aggressive behavior. Viewpoints from cognitive, psychodynamic, behavioral, social learning, descriptive and developmental theorists will be discussed and compared with current classification systems. Case examples will be used to illustrate the various theories. If time permits, selected specialized topics may be considered including alcohol and crime, sex crimes, juvenile delinquency, and women and crime. Credit: 3 semester hours.
Students will apply social psychological knowledge in the context of cultural sensitivity to the criminal and civil justice systems. Special focus will be placed on topics such as social psychology of justice institutions, environmental psychology, socialization into roles and identity, collective behavior, research on juries, attitude formation and change, and criminal identification. Coursework will also highlight the impact of psychological disorders, emphasizing the explicit linkage between socio-cultural change and the legal system. Credit: 3 semester hours.
An intensive theoretical and clinical study of the victim, community attitudes toward victims, the interactions of the victim with the criminal justice system, and programs for psychological rehabilitation of the victim. Credit: 3 semester hours.
This course will be designed to accommodate course offerings on new or emerging topic areas. May be repeated for credit provided that the topic is different with each selection. Course content, requirements and/or prerequisites will be posted independently each term. Credit: 3 semester hours.
The M.A. comprehensive examinations will consist of three parts: (1) Theory; (2) Methods; (3) Substantive Area /Special Area. CREDIT: 3 SEMESTER HOURS.
The thesis will be an original, empirical research project. The student will work closely with an advisor, producing a work corresponding to the guidelines of the Publication Manual of the American Psychology Association. Students can register for this course in any of the semesters and continue till completion. Credit: 3-12 semester hours.