PhD in Psychology: Legal Psychology

Our Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology with a major in Legal Psychology focuses on issues such as witness memory, interrogations, investigative interviewing, lineups, deception detection and juror decision-making. FIU is one of the few universities in the world with a doctoral concentration in legal psychology.

Our program provides a solid foundation in the traditional, current and emerging trends in the field. Students complete a series of courses designed to provide a thorough understanding of psychological theory and methodology as well as applied and basic research. Note, our program does not provide training for a career as a forensic psychologist.

The Legal Psychology Program adopts and supports the Department of Psychology's Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. In addition, our program supports Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI). Read our Statement to Address AAPI Hate.

Announcements

Congratulations to Dr. Ron Fisher who received the Distinguished Contributions to Psychology and Law award from the American Psychology-Law Society. This award honors one who has made distinguished theoretical, empirical and/or applied contributions to the field of psychology and law and is reserved for those individuals whose contributions are so unusual as to merit special commendation.
Congratulations to Dr. Evans, Dr. Schreiber Compo, and Legal Program alum, Dr. Mindthoff on their recent publication in Law and Human Behavior that was spotlighted by the American Psychological Association. Their NSF-funded research found that alcohol intoxication impairs Miranda rights comprehension.

Congratuations to Dr. Deborah Goldfarb for winning an American Psychology-Law Society Grant in Aid for Early Career Professionals. These funds will help support her ongoing research regarding mitigation evidence in death penalty trials.