Master’s Degree in
Legal and Forensic Psychology

Knowing:

• Identifies, analyzes and resolves events that occur in the field of Forensic Psychology based on new scientific trends.
• Master the techniques and tools that allow the identification of different characteristics or psychological pathologies of the individual that involve the psychological expertise as a means of evidence.
• Knows the basis of the techniques used in the elaboration of a psychological expertise in the different areas in which he/she works as an expert (criminal, labor, civil and family).
• Master, through the implementation of new technologies or practices of Forensic Psychology, the solution of the different situations faced in the different areas of action.
• Adequately selects the study methodology favorable to the case in expertise.
• Knows interaction alternatives with the rest of the professionals involved in the field of Forensic Psychology.
• Develops at intellectual level, desirable characteristics that favor the practice of the professional, these are: a) Intelligence; b) Intellectual agility; c) Logic; d) Abstraction; e) Association - relationship; e) Synthesis; f) Analysis; g) Learning capacity; h) Understanding capacity; i) Decision making capacity; j) Perception of details; k) Critical thinking; l) Capacity of initiative; m) Creativity; n) Sagacity; o) Investigation capacity; p) Verbal memory; q) Visuoperceptive memory (Tapias, et al, 2010).

Doing

• Apply in an adequate and timely manner the different evaluation instruments in the forensic area according to the individual characteristics of those involved in the civil, criminal, labor and family areas.
• Ability to evaluate the psychological characteristics of individuals and their relationship with facts or events that involve him/her with justice in the family, criminal, civil and labor sphere.
• Incorporates to the work area new methodologies and techniques that allow him/her to adequately exercise his/her specialty according to reality.
• Develops skills for the treatment of social problems that are triggered when facing any type of crime together with the integral and dynamic management of the legal aspects within the investigation.
• It acts competently in psychosocial contexts and university psychological services, recognizing their skills and knowledge in the area of legal psychology; likewise, it allows from practice the consolidation of their knowledge in the realization of diagnoses of needs in psychosocial contexts and university psychological services. On the other hand, it contributes in the development of projects that allow improving the conception of rights and access to their restoration (Manual of the Disciplinary Profile of the Legal Psychologist in Psychosocial Contexts and University Psychological Services, Lepsycous, 2017).
• It bases its praxis on a psycho-legal approach, understanding this as theories, methodologies, models, procedures, protocols and actions framed from this field, both in public and private contexts (Colombian School of Psychologists, 2006).

Being:

• Shows leadership and innovation in the improvement and implementation of new techniques within the forensic field.
• Values the social and cultural reality of Forensic Psychology, within the context of the Judiciary, Public Ministry, Ministry of Social Development, Ministry of Labor, other institutions and society in general.
• Personal and social ethical commitment as a professional of psychology in the forensic field.
• Demonstrates attitudes that enable him/her to approach, trust and communicate with the individuals to be evaluated.
• Treats with respect and consideration the parties involved in the process and who are subjected to the condition of evaluation, regardless of their condition (victims or perpetrators, sex, or age); in the search for the truth in any of the situations where it is presented.
• Demonstrates attitudes that enable him/her to approach, trust and communicate with people who are subjected to the process of expert evaluation.
• Acts with broad criteria in the face of divergent positions within the framework of different disciplines and ideological and thought currents.
• Is concerned with the permanent updating of his knowledge and the incorporation of new learning.
• Exercises his professional functions based on the following skills: a) Ability to perform psychological diagnosis; b) Psychotherapeutic ability; c) Ability to design and implement occupational health programs; d) Ability to advise; e) Ability to establish empathy; f) Ability to express constructive criticism; g) Assertiveness; h) Ability to react to extreme situations; i) Ability to present legal evidence; j) Ability to interview; k) Ability to teach; l) Fluency of ideas. (Tapias, et at 2010).
• Deontologically and ethically their practice should be characterized by: (a) Doing good; (b) Responsibility and fidelity; (c) Integrity; (d) Justice; (e) Respect for human rights and dignity, from bioethics the following should be taken into account: a) Solving ethical problems; (b) Exercising with competence; (c) Appropriate human relations; (d) Confidentiality and privacy; (e) Avoiding false public statements; (f) Archiving records and fees; (g) Education and training; (h) Ethics in research and publication; (i) Ethical counseling; (j) Ethical therapy. (Tapias, et al, 2010)
• The specialist must be characterized by the following values: a) Veil for justice; b) Loyalty; c) Tolerance; d) Discretion; e) Commitment; f) Acceptance of the rules; h) Neutrality; i) Reserve; j) Good family relations; k) Acceptance of the community; l) Sensitivity; m) Commitment; n) Responsibility; o) Truthfulness; p) Honesty (Tapias, et al, 2010).

Living:

• Incorporates into their life system the desire to search for new knowledge, based on the scientific method.
• Develops a sense of commitment to the search for truth as a method for the administrator of justice (judge) to reach accurate decisions with sound judgment.
• Possesses characteristics of an actively investigative, flexible, tolerant person that allow him/her to face the uncertainties of the justice system.
• Demonstrates a human and empathetic sense that allows him/her to develop new ways of resolving conflicts with an ethical sense and recognizing the existing differences between the parties involved in the justice process.
• He/she is able to maintain contact with the public; show social responsibility; supervise; make decisions; work in a team; advise (Tapias, et al. 2010).

• It is necessary for the specialist to have staff characteristics, including emotional intelligence, which includes aspects such as: a) ability to face personal crises; b) ability to handle suffering; c) ability to adapt to social situations and identify motivations (Tapias, et al., 2010).

Undertaking

• Considers the possibility of applying his or her knowledge to undertake activities on his or her own.
• Inquires about the conditions of their field of work that imply opportunities for entrepreneurship.
• Demonstrates critical thinking about the potential of their knowledge.
• Maintains a positive attitude in the face of changing scenarios.