A career in Forensic Psychology is a very viable one, even in today's economy. The field of forensic psychology includes:

• criminal psychology
• prison psychology
• police psychology
• investigative pyschology
• expert witness
• family court forensic psychologist
• and more. For a complete list, email us.

There is an existing need for all of these professions, both in the U.S. and internationally. More information on Careers in Forensic Psychology can be found on our Students page.

Karen Lippman, Psy.D.
Class of 2006

Staff Psychologist/
Condemned Coordinator, San Quentin State Prison, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

"What appealed to me the most about Alliant was the various specialized programs that were offered. I knew that I wanted to pursue a career specifically in forensic pyschology, so the Center for Forensic Studies was the perfect fit for me. All of my training both inside and outside the classroom was related to the law, which has proved to be very beneficial to me in my career with the California Department of Corrections."

Sammie M. Williams, Psy.D.
Class of 2007

Clinical Psychologist II, Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, East Lake Juvenile Hall-Mental Health Unit

"My academic experience at Alliant can easily be categorized as one of the most influential aspects of my inital career development. The support, encouragement, and guidance I received in the CFS program from professors such as Drs. Robert Leark and Sherry Skidmore is invaluable. Given the high-quality learning environment, along with a continued drive for excellence, I now pride myself on knowing that I walked from the Center for Forensic Studies with the skill to competently and effectively serve each individual I encounter in my professional career."

Kathrine Abdollahi received her bachelor's degree in psychology and her master's degree in general-clinical psychology from Pepperdine University prior to starting at Alliant University in Fall 1997.

"My interests have really evolved in this program. Not only have I found that there are many trades out there for me, I feel confident when applying for different positions outside the scope of just traditional psychology," she says.

Kathrine has been involved in several research projects at Alliant while continuing to hone her psychological skills in areas such as therapy and testing. "I have truly enjoyed my experience at Alliant. I feel that the education I received here was extremely diverse. This has been useful, as I feel competent in different areas. Also, the training I received at some of my practicum sites as well as the research I was involved in has allowed me to gain real and valuable experience that I believe has been immensely useful in my job search. I see myself as a crossbreed …somewhere between a psychologist, sociologist, and criminologist. I feel good about that."

Kathrine's Ph.D. dissertation is on organizational factors in police stress. She works as a program manager/supervisor for a large foster family agency. She is in the process of interviewing for several federal positions, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation. "I have been offered several positions at the state, county, and private levels. I feel that I can be picky at this point and chose what I would really enjoy doing," she explains.

PsyD Alumnus Johnson Chang

Johnson Chang has completed his Psy.D. dissertation on empathy and moral reasoning in psychopathic offenders.

In his four years at Alliant, he took part in a variety of experiences designed to enhance his knowledge of forensic psychology. He was a member of our EPPIC grant research team that investigated juvenile gang activity in California. He was deputy editor of the Journal of Forensic Psychology Practice, a journal devoted to forensic practitioners which was housed here at Alliant. In addition, he conducted research while gaining important clinical experience at his field placement site at the California Youth Authority.

"At Alliant, I studied a variety of forensic topics including psychopathy, transfer of juvenile offenders to adult court, and forensic evaluations. One of the benefits of studying at Alliant was the freedom allotted to students to explore their own interests with support and encouragement from the professors in the Institute of Psychology, Law, and Public Policy."

When his three years of coursework were completed, Johnson interviewed at a number of internship sites. He chose Western Missouri Mental Health Center, an APA approved site. "My forensic training was further extended when I completed my pre-doctoral internship at Western Missouri Mental Health Center, where I received training in competency evaluations, treatment with mentally ill offenders, and forensic assessments. Because of my training at Alliant International University and Western Missouri Mental Health Center, I will be working as a staff psychologist at Atascadero State Hospital in the Sexually Violent Predator's Unit. I look forward to continuing my education and gaining more comprehensive experience in this specialized forensic arena."