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30+ Forensic Psychology Dissertation Topics

Published by Owen Ingram at January 2nd, 2023 , Revised On May 3, 2024

As the field of forensic psychology is still relatively new, there are numerous research issues to address. if you want to write a strong paper on forensic psychology, first, you have to look for convincing and well-researched forensic psychology dissertation topics and choose one of them.

Here’s a list of some fascinating areas of study in forensic psychology and some forensic psychology dissertation topics for you:

Forensic Psychology Dissertation Topics & ideas

How forensic psychologists influence decisions about child custody
Adolescent Antisocial Behavior and Childhood Trauma
The Consequences of Being a Juvenile Offender in the Future
Interviewing Children as Eyewitnesses: Ethical Challenges
Instances of Child Abuse, Mental Illness, and the Death Penalty: Forensic Psychology
Schizophrenia and Criminal Behavior Are Associated
Are criminal acts more likely to be committed by those with particular mental illnesses?
How do forensic assessments alter when considering conjecture and bias?
Can forensic psychologists anticipate potential danger in the future?
What guidelines should psychologists adhere to when speaking with criminals in court?
Explain why the testimony of a mentally ill eyewitness is credible
How trustworthy and legitimate is an eyewitness’ memory?
What standards of conduct should forensic psychologists adhere to when testifying in court?
Discuss how a person’s upbringing can prevent them from becoming a serial killer
Define internet policing and discuss some effective tactics for it
What part do video games, movies, and the internet play in encouraging criminal copycats?
Explain why domestic violence against men is often overlooked by society
What causes mass murder, and why is it so common in the United States?
Are there enough safeguards in place to lessen the chances that students in special education may wind up in jail or prison?
What effects does a job in law enforcement have on a person’s personal life?
Murders of minors: List the elements that affect regions with high child murders
Are the criminal justice system and prisons effective at rehabilitation?
Describe the elements that led to the formation of domestic terrorism
The rise in vulnerability has made more domestic terrorists appear
The efficiency of rehabilitation within the criminal justice system and in prisons
What influences regions where there are more child killings by children? Juvenile murder
Is enough being done to reduce the likelihood that special education students will end up in jail or prison?
What leads to mass murders in the United States?
Is domestic violence directed against men being overlooked by society?
The Impact of Childhood Trauma on Criminal Behavior
The Effectiveness of Rehabilitation Programs in Reducing Recidivism Rates
A Forensic Perspective on the Relationship Between Mental Illness and Criminality
The Role of Forensic Psychology in Investigating and Prosecuting Cybercrimes
Understanding the Psychological Profiles of Serial Killers: Case Studies and Analysis
Investigating the Influence of Media on Jury Decision Making in High-Profile Criminal Cases
The Use of Forensic Psychology in Child Custody Evaluations and Family Court Proceedings
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Risk Assessment Tools in Predicting Future Violence
Forensic Psychological Analysis of Hate Crimes
The Role of Forensic Psychology in Investigating White-Collar Crimes and Corporate Misconduct
Investigating the Role of Psychopathy in Violent and Nonviolent Offending Behaviors
The Use of Forensic Psychology in Child Abuse Investigations and Legal Proceedings
Psychological Factors Influencing Criminal Rehabilitation and Reintegration into Society
Investigating the Relationship Between Mental Health Disorders and Fire Setting Behavior
Forensic Assessment of Malingering and Exaggeration in Personal Injury Cases
The Role of Forensic Psychology in Preventing and Responding to Domestic Violence
Assessing the Impact of Pretrial Publicity on Juror Bias and Decision Making
Investigating the Role of Forensic Psychology in Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Cases
The Use of Forensic Psychology in Evaluating Witness Credibility and Reliability
The Effectiveness of Sex Offender Treatment Programs in Reducing Recidivism
The Use of Forensic Psychology in Identifying and Rehabilitating Psychopathic Offenders

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ResearchProspect writers can send several custom topic ideas to your email address. Once you have chosen a topic that suits your needs and interests, you can order for our dissertation outline service which will include a brief introduction to the topic, research questions , literature review , methodology , expected results , and conclusion . The dissertation outline will enable you to review the quality of our work before placing the order for our full dissertation writing service!

Further Subject-Related Topics: Business Psychology Dissertation Topics , Cognitive Psychology Topics , Development Psychology Dissertation Topics

Your ability to conduct in-depth research may limit the subject matter you can explore in a forensic psychology dissertation. Having a qualified writer assist you as you complete your dissertation can alleviate some stress. Hopefully, these forensic psychology dissertation topics will help you with the dissertation writing process .

Or you may want to read about our dissertation writing services in London if you want to hire an expert to work on your thesis paper from the beginning until the end.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How to find forensic psychology dissertation topics.

To find forensic psychology dissertation topics:

Explore crime and psychology intersections.
Research recent legal cases.
Examine forensic assessment methods.
Investigate offender behaviors.
Consider ethical dilemmas.
Choose a niche that captivates your interest.

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Forensic psychology research topics.

Criminal Competencies Research Topics

Adjudicative Competence of Youth Capacity to Waive Rights Capacity to Waive Miranda Rights Checklist for Competency for Execution Evaluations Competence Assessment for Standing Trial for Defendants With Mental Retardation (CAST*MR) Competency, Foundational and Decisional Competency Restoration Competency Assessment Instrument (CAI) Competency for Execution Competency Screening Test (CST) Competency to Be Sentenced Competency to Confess Competency to Stand Trial Competency to Waive Appeals Competency to Waive Counsel (Proceed Pro Se) Delusions Evaluation of Competence to Stand Trial–Revised (ECST–R) Fitness Interview Test–Revised (FIT–R) Georgia Court Competence Test (GCCT) Grisso’s Instruments for Assessing Understanding and Appreciation of Miranda Rights Gudjonsson Suggestibility Scales Hallucinations Interdisciplinary Fitness Interview (IFI) MacArthur Competence Assessment Tool for Criminal Adjudication (MacCAT–CA) Psychotic Disorders

Criminal Responsibility Research Topics

Evaluation of Aggravating and Mitigating Circumstances in Capital Cases American Bar Association Resolution on Mental Disability and the Death Penalty Automatism Battered Woman Syndrome Battered Woman Syndrome Testimony Criminal Responsibility Assessment Criminal Responsibility Defenses and Standards Delusions Diminished Capacity Dissociative Identity Disorder Extreme Emotional Disturbance Guilty but Mentally Ill Verdict Hallucinations Insanity Defense Reform Act (IDRA) Mens Rea and Actus Reus Mental Illness and the Death Penalty Mental Retardation and the Death Penalty M’Naghten Standard Psychotic Disorders Rogers Criminal Responsibility Assessment Scales (R–CRAS)

Death Penalty Research Topics

Evaluation of Aggravating and Mitigating Circumstances in Capital Cases Aggravating and Mitigating Circumstances Effects of on Jurors in Capital Trials American Bar Association Resolution on Mental Disability and the Death Penalty Capital Mitigation Checklist for Competency for Execution Evaluations Competency for Execution Death Penalty Death Qualification of Juries Jury Understanding of Judges’ Instructions in Capital Cases Juvenile Death Penalty Mental Illness and the Death Penalty Mental Retardation and the Death Penalty Moral Disengagement and Execution Religion and the Death Penalty Victim Impact Statements

Divorce and Child Custody Research Topics

Ackerman-Schoendorf Parent Evaluation of Custody Test (ASPECT) Adult Attachment Interview (AAI) Child Abuse Potential (CAP) Inventory Child Custody Evaluations Child Maltreatment Child Sexual Abuse Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS) Divorce and Child Custody Parent-Child Relationship Inventory (PCRI) Parenting Satisfaction Scale (PSS) Parenting Stress Index (PSI) Tender Years Doctrine Termination of Parental Rights Uniform Child Custody Evaluation System (UCCES)

Education and Professional Development Research Topics

Diplomates in Forensic Psychology Doctoral Programs in Forensic Psychology Ethical Guidelines and Principles Master’s Programs in Forensic Psychology Postdoctoral Residencies in Forensic Psychology Trial Consultant Training

Eyewitness Memory Research Topics

Alcohol Intoxication Impact on Eyewitness Memory Appearance-Change Instruction in Lineups Clothing Bias in Identification Procedures Cognitive Interview Computer-Assisted Lineups Confidence in Identifications Confidence in Identifications Malleability Conformity in Eyewitness Reports Cross-Race Effect in Eyewitness Identification Double-Blind Lineups Elderly Eyewitnesses Estimator and System Variables in Eyewitness Identification Expert Psychological Testimony on Eyewitness Identification Accuracy of Eyewitness Descriptions Eyewitness Identification: Effect of Disguises and Appearance Changes Eyewitness Identification: Field Studies Eyewitness Identification: General Acceptance in the Scientific Community Eyewitness Memory Lay Beliefs About Eyewitness Memory Facial Composites False Memories Forced Confabulation Hypnosis and Eyewitness Memory Best Practices in Identification Tests Instructions to the Witness Juries and Eyewitnesses Lineup Fillers Lineup Size and Bias Motions to Suppress Eyewitness Identification Mug Shots Neil v. Biggers Criteria for Evaluating Eyewitness Identification Optimality Hypothesis in Eyewitness Identification Police Eyewitnesses Popout Effect in Eyewitness Identification Postevent Information and Eyewitness Memory Presence of Counsel Safeguard and Eyewitness Identification Reconstructive Memory Repeated Recall Repressed and Recovered Memories Response Latency in Eyewitness Identification Retention Interval and Eyewitness Memory Showups Simultaneous and Sequential Lineup Presentations Source Monitoring and Eyewitness Memory Stress and Eyewitness Memory Training of Eyewitnesses Unconscious Transference Verbal Overshadowing Voice Recognition Weapon Focus Effect

Forensic Assessment Research Topics

Ackerman-Schoendorf Parent Evaluation of Custody Test (ASPECT) Adjudicative Competence of Youth Adult Attachment Interview (AAI) Evaluation of Aggravating and Mitigating Circumstances in Capital Cases American Bar Association Resolution on Mental Disability and the Death Penalty Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Antisocial Personality Disorder Automatism Battered Woman Syndrome Capacity to Consent to Treatment Instrument (CCTI) Capacity to Waive Miranda Rights Capacity to Waive Rights Checklist for Competency for Execution Evaluations Child Abuse Potential (CAP) Inventory Child Custody Evaluations Child Maltreatment Child Sexual Abuse Civil Commitment Classification of Violence Risk (COVR) Competence Assessment for Standing Trial for Defendants With Mental Retardation (CAST*MR) Competency Foundational and Decisional Competency Restoration Competency Assessment Instrument (CAI) Competency for Execution Competency Screening Test (CST) Competency to Be Sentenced Competency to Confess Competency to Stand Trial Competency to Waive Appeals Competency to Waive Counsel (Proceed Pro Se) Conduct Disorder Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS) Consent to Clinical Research Criminal Responsibility Assessment Criminal Responsibility, Defenses and Standards Danger Assessment Instrument (DA) Delusions Diminished Capacity Assessment of Disability and Workers’ Compensation Claims Disparate Treatment and Disparate Impact Evaluations Dissociative Identity Disorder Divorce and Child Custody Domestic Violence Screening Instrument (DVSI) Ethical Guidelines and Principles Ethnic Differences in Psychopathy Evaluation of Competence to Stand Trial–Revised (ECST–R) Extreme Emotional Disturbance Financial Capacity Financial Capacity Instrument (FCI) Fitness-for-Duty Evaluations Fitness Interview Test–Revised (FIT–R) Forensic Assessment Georgia Court Competence Test (GCCT) Grisso’s Instruments for Assessing Understanding and Appreciation of Miranda Rights Gudjonsson Suggestibility Scales Guilty but Mentally Ill Verdict Hallucinations Hare Psychopathy Checklist–Revised (2nd edition) (PCL–R) Hare Psychopathy Checklist: Screening Version (PCL:SV) Hare Psychopathy Checklist: Youth Version (PCL:YV) HCR–20 for Violence Risk Assessment Hopkins Competency Assessment Test (HCAT) Insanity Defense Reform Act (IDRA) Interdisciplinary Fitness Interview (IFI) Jail Screening Assessment Tool (JSAT) Litigation Stress MacArthur Competence Assessment Tool for Criminal Adjudication (MacCAT–CA) MacArthur Competence Assessment Tool for Treatment (MacCAT–T) MacArthur Violence Risk Assessment Study Malingering Probability Scale Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument–Version 2 (MAYSI–2) Mens Rea and Actus Reus Mental Illness and the Death Penalty Mental Retardation and the Death Penalty Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Assessment Miller Forensic Assessment of Symptoms Test (M–FAST) Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory–III (MCMI–III) Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–2 (MMPI–2) Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–2 (MMPI–2) Validity Scales Minnesota Sex Offender Screening Tool–Revised (MnSOST–R) M’Naghten Standard Mood Disorders Novaco Anger Scale Parens Patriae Doctrine Parent-Child Relationship Inventory (PCRI) Parenting Satisfaction Scale (PSS) Parenting Stress Index (PSI) Pedophilia Personal Injury and Emotional Distress Personality Disorders Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Presentence Evaluations Psychological Autopsies Psychological Inventory of Criminal Thinking Styles Psychopathic Personality Inventory (PPI) Psychopathy Psychopathy Treatment Psychotic Disorders Rapid Risk Assessment for Sexual Offense Recidivism (RRASOR) Return-to-Work Evaluations Risk Assessment Approaches Risk-Sophistication-Treatment Inventory (RSTI) Rogers Criminal Responsibility Assessment Scales (R–CRAS) Sex Offender Assessment Sex Offender Civil Commitment Sex Offender Needs Assessment Rating (SONAR) Sex Offender Recidivism Sex Offender Risk Appraisal Guide (SORAG) Sexual Harassment Sexual Violence Risk–20 (SVR–20) Short-Term Assessment of Risk and Treatability (START) Spousal Assault Risk Assessment (SARA) STABLE–2007 and ACUTE–2007 Instruments STATIC–99 and STATIC–2002 Instruments Structured Assessment of Violence Risk in Youth (SAVRY) Structured Interview of Reported Symptoms (SIRS) Substance Abuse and Intimate Partner Violence Substance Use Disorder Suicide Assessment and Prevention in Prisons Suicide Assessment Manual for Inmates (SAMI) Testamentary Capacity Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM) Uniform Child Custody Evaluation System (UCCES) Validity Indicator Profile (VIP) Violence Risk Appraisal Guide (VRAG) Violence Risk Assessment Waiver to Criminal Court

Juvenile Offenders Research Topics

Adjudicative Competence of Youth Capacity to Waive Miranda Rights Juvenile Offenders Juvenile Offenders Risk Factors Juvenile Psychopathy Juvenile Death Penalty Legal Socialization Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument–Version 2 (MAYSI–2) Mental Health Needs of Juvenile Offenders Risk-Sophistication-Treatment Inventory (RSTI) Structured Assessment of Violence Risk in Youth (SAVRY) Victim-Offender Mediation Waiver to Criminal Court

Mental Health Law Research Topics

Capacity to Consent to Treatment Civil Commitment Consent to Clinical Research End-of-Life Issues Forcible Medication Guardianship Institutionalization and Deinstitutionalization Mandated Community Treatment Mental Health Courts Mental Health Law Mental Health Needs of Juvenile Offenders Involuntary Outpatient Commitment Patient’s Rights Proxy Decision Making Psychiatric Advance Directives Substance Abuse Treatment Therapeutic Jurisprudence

Psychological Assessment Instruments Research Topics

Ackerman-Schoendorf Parent Evaluation of Custody Test (ASPECT) Adult Attachment Interview (AAI) Capacity to Consent to Treatment Instrument (CCTI) Checklist for Competency for Execution Evaluations Child Abuse Potential (CAP) Inventory Classification of Violence Risk (COVR) Competency Assessment Instrument (CAI) Competency Screening Test (CST) Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS) Danger Assessment Instrument (DA) Domestic Violence Screening Instrument (DVSI) Evaluation of Competence to Stand Trial–Revised (ECST–R) Financial Capacity Instrument (FCI) Fitness Interview Test–Revised (FIT–R) Georgia Court Competence Test (GCCT) Grisso’s Instruments for Assessing Understanding and Appreciation of Miranda Rights Gudjonsson Suggestibility Scales Hare Psychopathy Checklist–Revised (2nd edition) (PCL–R) Hare Psychopathy Checklist: Screening Version (PCL:SV) Hare Psychopathy Checklist: Youth Version (PCL:YV) HCR–20 for Violence Risk Assessment Hopkins Competency Assessment Test (HCAT) Interdisciplinary Fitness Interview (IFI) Jail Screening Assessment Tool (JSAT) MacArthur Competence Assessment Tool for Clinical Research (MacCAT–CR) MacArthur Competence Assessment Tool for Criminal Adjudication (MacCAT–CA) MacArthur Competence Assessment Tool for Treatment (MacCat–T) Malingering Probability Scale Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument–Version 2 (MAYSI–2) Miller Forensic Assessment of Symptoms Test (M–FAST) Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory–III (MCMI–III) Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–2 (MMPI–2) Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–2 (MMPI–2) Validity Scales Minnesota Sex Offender Screening Tool–Revised (MnSOST–R) Novaco Anger Scale Parent-Child Relationship Inventory (PCRI) Parenting Satisfaction Scale (PSS) Parenting Stress Index (PSI) Psychological Inventory of Criminal Thinking Styles Psychopathic Personality Inventory (PPI) Rapid Risk Assessment for Sexual Offense Recidivism (RRASOR) Risk-Sophistication-Treatment Inventory (RSTI) Rogers Criminal Responsibility Assessment Scales (R–CRAS) Sex Offender Needs Assessment Rating (SONAR) Sex Offender Risk Appraisal Guide (SORAG) Sexual Violence Risk–20 (SVR–20) Short-Term Assessment of Risk and Treatability (START) Spousal Assault Risk Assessment (SARA) STABLE–2007 and ACUTE–2007 Instruments STATIC–99 and STATIC–2002 Instruments Structured Assessment of Violence Risk in Youth (SAVRY) Structured Interview of Reported Symptoms (SIRS) Suicide Assessment Manual for Inmates (SAMI) Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM) Uniform Child Custody Evaluation System (UCCES) Validity Indicator Profile (VIP) Violence Risk Appraisal Guide (VRAG)

Psychology of Crime Research Topics

AMBER Alert System Battered Woman Syndrome Battered Woman Syndrome, Testimony on Bias Crimes Child Abuse Potential (CAP) Inventory Child Maltreatment Child Sexual Abuse Classification of Violence Risk (COVR) Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS) Criminal Behavior, Theories of Criminal Responsibility, Assessment of Criminal Responsibility, Defenses and Standards Cybercrime Domestic Violence Screening Instrument (DVSI) Elder Abuse Elderly Defendants Homicide, Psychology of Intimate Partner Violence MacArthur Violence Risk Assessment Study Media Violence and Behavior Obscenity Pedophilia Pornography, Effects of Exposure to Psychological Autopsies Public Opinion About Crime Serial Killers Sex Offender Civil Commitment Sex Offender Community Notification (Megan’s Laws) Sex Offender Treatment Sex Offender Typologies Stalking Substance Abuse and Intimate Partner Violence Suicide by Cop Terrorism Therapeutic Communities for Treatment of Substance Abuse Treatment and Release of Insanity Acquittees Victim-Offender Mediation With Juvenile Offenders

Psychology of Policing Research Topics

Behavior Analysis Interview Competency to Confess Confession Evidence Crisis and Hostage Negotiation Critical Incidents Detection of Deception: Cognitive Load Detection of Deception: Event-Related Potentials Detection of Deception: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Detection of Deception: Nonverbal Cues Detection of Deception: Reality Monitoring Detection of Deception: Use of Evidence in Detection of Deception by Detection “Wizards” Detection of Deception in Adults Detection of Deception in Children Detection of Deception in High-Stakes Liars False Confessions Fitness-for-Duty Evaluations Gudjonsson Suggestibility Scales Interrogation of Suspects Police as Eyewitnesses Police Decision Making Police Decision Making and Domestic Violence Police Interaction With Mentally Ill Individuals Police Occupational Socialization Police Psychologists Police Psychology Police Selection Police Stress Police Training and Evaluation Police Use of Force Polygraph and Polygraph Techniques Profiling Public Opinion About the Polygraph Reid Technique for Interrogations Return-to-Work Evaluations Statement Validity Assessment (SVA) Suicide by Cop Videotaping Confessions

Sentencing and Incarceration Research Topics

Community Corrections Competency to Be Sentenced Conditional Release Programs Death Penalty Domestic Violence Courts Drug Courts Juvenile Boot Camps Parole Decisions Presentence Evaluations Prison Overcrowding Probation Decisions Public Opinion About Sentencing and Incarceration Sentencing Decisions Sentencing Diversion Programs Stanford Prison Experiment Substance Abuse Treatment Suicide Assessment and Prevention in Prisons Suicide Assessment Manual for Inmates (SAMI) Supermax Prisons Therapeutic Communities for Treatment of Substance Abuse Treatment and Release of Insanity Acquittees

Symptoms and Disorders Research Topics

Antisocial Personality Disorder Automatism Battered Woman Syndrome Child Maltreatment Child Sexual Abuse Conduct Disorder Delusions Dissociative Identity Disorder Hallucinations Malingering Mild Traumatic Brain Injury, Assessment of Mood Disorders Pedophilia Personality Disorders Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Psychopathy Psychotic Disorders Substance Use Disorders

Trial Processes Research Topics

Aggravating and Mitigating Circumstances in Capital Trials, Effects on Jurors Alibi Witnesses Alternative Dispute Resolution Amicus Curiae Briefs Bail-Setting Decisions Battered Woman Syndrome, Testimony on Chicago Jury Project Children’s Testimony Children’s Testimony, Evaluation by Juries Complex Evidence in Litigation Confession Evidence CSI Effect Damage Awards Death Qualification of Juries Domestic Violence Courts Drug Courts “Dynamite Charge” Elderly Defendants Expert Psychological Testimony Expert Psychological Testimony, Admissibility Standards Expert Psychological Testimony, Forms of Expert Psychological Testimony on Eyewitness Identification Expert Testimony, Qualifications of Experts Fingerprint Evidence, Evaluation of Hearsay Testimony Inadmissible Evidence, Impact on Juries Insanity Defense, Juries and Judges’ Nonverbal Behavior Juries and Eyewitnesses Juries and Joined Trials Juries and Judges’ Instructions Jury Administration Reforms Jury Competence Jury Decisions Versus Judges’ Decisions Jury Deliberation Jury Nullification Jury Questionnaires Jury Reforms Jury Selection Jury Size and Decision Rule Jury Understanding of Judges’ Instructions in Capital Cases Legal Authoritarianism Legal Negotiation Legal Socialization Leniency Bias Litigation Stress Mental Health Courts Parole Decisions Plea Bargaining Pretrial Publicity, Impact on Juries Probation Decisions Procedural Justice Prosecutorial Misconduct Public Opinion About Crime Public Opinion About the Courts Public Opinion About the Polygraph Race, Impact on Juries Racial Bias and the Death Penalty Religion and the Death Penalty Scientific Jury Selection Sexual Harassment, Jury Evaluation of Statistical Information, Impact on Juries “Stealing Thunder” Story Model for Juror Decision Making Translated Testimony Trial Consulting U.S. Supreme Court Victim Impact Statements Voir Dire Witness Preparation Wrongful Conviction

Victim Reactions to Crime Research Topics

Battered Woman Syndrome Child Maltreatment Child Sexual Abuse Coping Strategies of Adult Sexual Assault Victims Danger Assessment Instrument (DA) Elder Abuse Intimate Partner Violence Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Rape Trauma Syndrome Reporting Crimes and Victimization Sexual Harassment Stalking Victimization Victim-Offender Mediation With Juvenile Offenders Victim Participation in the Criminal Justice System

Violence Risk Assessment Research Topics

Classification of Violence Risk (COVR) Danger Assessment Instrument (DA) Domestic Violence Screening Instrument (DVSI) Hare Psychopathy Checklist–Revised (2nd edition) (PCL–R) Hare Psychopathy Checklist: Screening Version (PCL:SV) Hare Psychopathy Checklist: Youth Version (PCL:YV) HCR–20 for Violence Risk Assessment Jail Screening Assessment Tool (JSAT) MacArthur Violence Risk Assessment Study Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument–Version 2 (MAYSI–2) Minnesota Sex Offender Screening Tool–Revised (MnSOST–R) Novaco Anger Scale Psychopathic Personality Inventory (PPI) Psychopathy Psychopathy, Treatment of Rapid Risk Assessment for Sexual Offense Recidivism (RRASOR) Risk Assessment Approaches Sex Offender Assessment Sex Offender Civil Commitment Sex Offender Needs Assessment Rating (SONAR) Sex Offender Recidivism Sex Offender Risk Appraisal Guide (SORAG) Sexual Violence Risk–20 (SVR–20) Short-Term Assessment of Risk and Treatability (START) Spousal Assault Risk Assessment (SARA) STABLE–2007 and ACUTE–2007 Instruments STATIC–99 and STATIC–2002 Instruments Structured Assessment of Violence Risk in Youth (SAVRY) Substance Abuse and Intimate Partner Violence Substance Use Disorders Violence Risk Appraisal Guide (VRAG) Violence Risk Assessment

Psychology and law play a significant role in postgraduate education and professional development. Forensic psychology courses are increasingly common in undergraduate psychology programs, and many such offerings are filled to capacity with undergraduate students weaned on justice- and crime-themed media and literature. Attracted by the compelling application of psychology to real-world criminal investigations and trials, undergraduate students frequently volunteer as research assistants in forensic psychology laboratories. Master’s and doctoral programs focusing on various aspects of forensic psychology have been developed and provide the research and service industries with additional intellectual capital. Postdoctoral training and professional certification options in forensic psychology support the development of a profession that is uniquely qualified to address mental health issues in a wide variety of legal contexts.

Forensic and Legal Psychology (M.A.)

Academics College of Sciences and Humanities School of Social and Behavioral Sciences School of Social and Behavioral Sciences Graduate Programs Forensic and Legal Psychology (M.A.)

Address Issues in Forensic Psychology, the Legal System, and the Intelligence Community

Marymount University’s Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Forensic and Legal Psychology, the first university with forensic psychology studies in the metro D.C. region, prepares you for dynamic and rewarding careers that tackle pressing issues in the legal system and intelligence community. Our Forensic and Legal Psychology M.A. program provides graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to work at the intersection of psychology and legal studies – in law enforcement, criminal investigation and defense, public policy, matters involving miscarriages of justice, and national security — just to name a few.

Practical experience in the metro D.C. region

Just minutes from our nation’s capital, our Forensic and Legal Psychology M.A. degree students participate in courtroom observations, site visits, speaker seminar series, and valuable internships with agencies and organizations such as the FBI, NCIS, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism, Arlington County Police, D.C. Metropolitan Police, and the Virginia Indigent Defense Commission.

Psychology and justice connection

At Marymount, our interdisciplinary Forensic and Legal Psychology M.A. combines many subfields of psychology with criminal justice, law, and public policy. It addresses issues such as the origins of criminal behavior and terrorism, problems with eyewitness testimony, evaluation of threats against public figures, evaluation and treatment of offenders, the effectiveness of trial consultation, and how best to achieve fairness and justice in the American adversarial legal system. Each Forensic and Legal Psychology M.A course incorporates an ethics component to encourage you to grapple with the extremely complicated issues involved in a career in forensic and legal psychology.

Intelligence studies concentration

Within our Forensic and Legal Psychology M.A, you have the option to add a concentration in Intelligence Studies. This 5-course track provides you with the knowledge and skills to be competitive in the intelligence community and the private sector companies that support it.

Program Features

39 credit hours
18 to 24-month program
$1,340 per credit hour
Fall enrollment
Study abroad opportunities (for example: Great Britain, The Netherlands)

Admission Requirements

Graduate application
Professional résumé
Official transcripts of all postsecondary education
2 professional recommendations
Personal statement, essay question, and writing sample (click here for more details)
Click here for admission requirements for the Forensic & Legal Psychology/Counseling with Clinical Mental Health Specialization dual degree, or the Intelligence Studies concentration

Important dates for the Fall application cycle:

September 1: Application Opens
December 18: Priority Deadline
February 15: Final Deadline

International Students: For university coursework completed outside the U.S., a course-by-course transcript evaluation is required from a NACES member evaluation agency such as World Education Services or Educational Credentials Evaluators .

Students for whom English is a second language must submit a recent official score of 96 from TOEFL, 6.5 from IELTS, or 58 from the PTE academic exam, or documentation of program completion at one of Marymount University’s language partners. For complete information about International Admissions Guidelines and language partner programs, visit our International Graduate Students page .

For more information please contact: Office of Graduate Admissions [email protected] 703-284-5901

Program Curriculum Snapshot

FLP 501: Bases of Psychopathology

Examines various contemporary views of abnormal behavior, such as the medical, behavioristic, and humanistic models, and theories of personality. Disorders are examined in terms of individual, biological, and socially causative factors.

FLP 511: Legal and Investigative Psychology

Examines the role of psychological research and knowledge as it pertains to contemporary issues within the legal and law enforcement systems. Focus will be on the application of experimental areas of psychology (e.g., social, cognitive, physiological) to topics such as witness memory and identification, investigative interviewing, deception detection, false confessions, and juries.

FLP 531: Psychology of Criminal Behavior

Provides a foundational understanding of the origins and consequences of criminal behavior, including biological, cognitive, behavioral, psychosocial, and developmental perspectives. Also explores theories of social deviance, cultural biases, and the underpinnings of aggression.

Click here to view full degree requirements

Click here to view all program course descriptions

Career and Salary Possibilities

Marymount’s Forensic and Legal Psychology M.A. will equip you for numerous roles in the legal system, government agencies, intelligence, national security, and public policy. You’ll find Marymount Forensic and Legal Psychology M.A. alumni employed as:

Correctional case managers
Crime analysts
Intelligence analysts
Law enforcement agents, analysts, and officers
Mitigation specialists
Parole and probation officers
Sentencing advocates
Victim specialists

Employment in psychology, the legal system, and other related fields is projected to grow 7% this decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The median salary for psychologists in the U.S. is $92,740, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Meet Our Faculty

Welcome to the Forensic and Legal Psychology M.A. program at Marymount University, the first program of its kind in the DC region! Forensic and Legal Psychology is the application of psychology to the legal system. Our program is unique in that it focuses on the clinical aspects of the field (e.g., psychopathology, forensic assessment), as well as such experimental areas as social, cognitive, and developmental psychology (e.g., wrongful convictions, deception detection, eyewitness identification). In addition, we offer an optional concentration in Intelligence Studies, wherein students focus on national security issues (e.g., terrorism) and intelligence analysis. Our faculty are reflective of the program, with degrees and expertise in clinical psychology, forensic psychology, legal psychology, intelligence analysis, public policy, counseling, and criminology. As a result, students will learn about the complex psycholegal and national security issues that span our vast discipline. For students who are interested in becoming forensic counselors, we offer a dual degree program (75 credits) with the CACREP-accredited Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.A.

Because we have been in existence for well over two decades in a prime location, we have cultivated extensive relationships, internships , and networking opportunities with various local, state, and federal agencies, as well as organizations within the private sector. Our program is well known in the region, and we have a stellar reputation within the professional community. We are also proud of the study abroad opportunities that we provide to our students.

In addition to networking and educational opportunities in the field by way of internships, site visits, and courtroom observations, we also have various experts share their knowledge and expertise within the classroom, as guest speakers and adjunct professors . Such individuals include intelligence analysts, law enforcement officials, mitigation specialists, federal supervisory special agents, judges, government officials, and victim assistance specialists. We offer various program events throughout the year that further enhance networking and career opportunities.

Finally, when it comes to employment, our graduates have obtained careers in law enforcement (local, state, federal), crime analysis, mitigation investigation, offender supervision, intelligence analysis, policy development/analysis, and child victim advocacy, just to name a few.

I encourage you to peruse our program pages, FAQs , and the admission requirements. Please reach out to us with any questions. I wish you the best in your academic pursuits and hope to see your application.

Click here to view our Faculty

Student Testimonials

“I chose the Forensic & Legal Psychology program at Marymount because it offered small class sizes and a high level of experience from the professors. With their guidance, I conducted research, made contacts in law enforcement, and expanded my knowledge base and skills. Every day, that expertise helps me when working with law enforcement agencies across the country on initiatives including reducing violent crime, implementing technology, and enhancing crime analysis capacity.” — Samantha Rhinerson, Class of 2018, Program Manager at the National Policing Institute

“After finishing my bachelor’s degree in psychology, I wanted to stay in the region and specialize in forensics. Marymount’s Forensic & Legal Psychology program was situated in an ideal location and offered a breadth of classes I knew would benefit my future career as a forensic psychologist. Upon completing the FLP master’s program, I began my doctoral studies in clinical psychology, where my coursework and internship from the FLP program were immensely useful, particularly when I trained at a juvenile detention facility and psychiatric hospital. I continue to regularly integrate the knowledge I gained from the FLP program in my current work in the adult prison system.” — Brit Pereira, Class of 2018, Predoctoral Intern in the North Carolina Dept. of Public Safety (Adult Corrections)

“The Forensic & Legal Psychology master’s degree program at Marymount provided me with a broader understanding of the field than other programs and a large selection of classes and career paths to choose from. Courses there gave me the confidence and knowledge to pursue important opportunities. In addition, Marymount’s great location in the D.C. metro area offered internships and jobs at a variety of agencies. Ultimately, my ability to return to live and work in this area was due, in part, to the connections I made while in graduate school.” — Meghan Mohon, Class of 2019, Crisis Intervention Team Coordinator for the City of Alexandria, VA

Forensic & Legal Psychology M.A. Program

Marymount University 2807 N. Glebe Road Arlington, VA 22207

Contact an Admissions Advisor

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Criminal Justice Master’s in Forensic Psychology Understand the Human Psyche and Why People Do What They Do

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100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Decode the Criminal Mind by Earning a Master’s in Criminal Justice – Forensic Psychology Degree Online

Behind every law and every crime is a person. Understanding the human psyche is critical to understanding why a crime was committed, what a victim may be going through, and how to move forward to restore justice. This is why we need forensic psychologists in the criminal justice system today. Pursue an online forensic psychology degree with Liberty and help carry out justice in our criminal justice system.

Liberty University’s 100% online Master of Science (MS) in Criminal Justice – Forensic Psychology is designed to help equip you with the tools you need to lead with integrity. You’ll learn about the laws and legal practices of the criminal justice system while applying your knowledge of social-cognitive psychology.

Earn a forensic psychology master’s degree and take the next step in your path to pursuing justice. Protect your community by understanding the human beings involved in crimes.

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Ranked in the Top 10% of Niche.com’s Best Online Schools in America

What Sets Us Apart?
Private Nonprofit University
600+ Online Degrees
No Standardized Testing for Admission
Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

Why Choose Liberty’s Online Forensic Psychology Master’s Degree?

An MS in Criminal Justice – Forensic Psychology degree can help you stand out from your peers in both the criminal justice system and the field of criminal psychology. Earn your forensic psychology master’s degree online from one of the top forensic psychology schools and prepare to protect your community through the criminal justice system.

Our online master’s in criminal psychology degree will teach you how to lead effectively and deal with prominent issues in criminal justice. This can help prepare you for a variety of careers that involve protecting and upholding the law.

Our master’s in forensic psychology is also offered completely online. This will allow you to remain active in your job, family, and community without taking on-campus classes. As an online graduate student, you can complete all your classes from one of the best forensic psychology programs in the comfort of your own home or office.

As a pioneer in distance education since 1985, we understand what you’re looking for in an online degree program. You’re looking for a criminal justice degree that will challenge you to grow, offer you support, and respect your commitment to the things that matter most – like your job, family, and community. At Liberty, you can complete your degree 100% online with no set login times and no required intensives. That way, you won’t have to put your life on hold to further your education.

What Will You Study in Our Online Forensic Psychology Master’s Degree?

In our criminal justice forensic psychology degree, we aim to give you a holistic view of the criminal justice system and how you can contribute. We do this by combining courses focused on the complexities of the criminal justice system with courses specifically concentrating on the skills needed in forensic psychology.

Our criminal justice and forensic psychology graduate program will focus on leadership roles in the criminal justice field. In addition, our forensic psychology courses will cover a variety of topics on the methods and theories of psychology and their application to law enforcement, the judicial process, and the corrections process. Some of the subjects you will study include:

Child custody and dependency issues
Crisis theory and strategies required for criminal justice first responders
The admissibility of psychologists to provide expert testimony in court
The assessment of various mental states to meet legal requirements for competency
What it’s like working in the criminal justice system

In addition to your core coursework, you will either take elective classes or complete a master’s thesis and defense in criminal justice. The thesis can help prepare you for doctoral work if you wish to pursue it and allow you to contribute to the base of knowledge in your field. The elective classes can help you tailor your degree to match your unique interests, passions, and goals.

Potential Career Opportunities

Criminal justice and law enforcement instructor
Federal government employee
Forensic science technician
Intelligence analyst
Jail supervisor
Jury consultant
Police consultant
Victim advocate

Featured Courses

CJUS 620 — Fundamentals of Forensic Psychology
CJUS 630 — Crisis Intervention in Law Enforcement
CJUS 640 — Psychology and the Legal System
CJUS 650 — Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Offenders

Degree Information

This program falls under the Helms School of Government .
View the Graduate Government Course Guides (login required) .

Degree Completion Plan

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Tuition & Aid

Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.

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Admission Information for the Online Master’s Degree Program in Forensic Psychology

Admission requirements.

A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required) .
Unofficial transcripts can be used for acceptance purposes with the submission of a Transcript Request Form .
Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy .

Preliminary Acceptance

If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:

Be in your final term and planning to start your master’s degree after the last day of class for your bachelor’s degree.
Complete a Bachelor’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
Submit an official/unofficial transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show a minimum of 105 completed credit hours.
If you are a current Liberty University student completing your undergraduate degree, you will need to submit a Degree/Certificate Completion Application .
Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date on it by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new master’s degree.

Dual Enrollment

Please see the Online Dual Enrollment page for information about starting graduate courses while finishing your bachelor’s degree.

Transcript Policies

Unofficial college transcript policy.

Unofficial transcripts combined with a Transcript Request Form can be used for admission. Official transcripts are required within 60 days of the admissions decision or before non-attendance drops for the first set of matriculated classes, whichever comes first, and will prevent enrollment into future terms until all official transcripts have been received.

Before sending unofficial college transcripts, please make sure they include the following:

Your previous school’s name or logo printed on the document
Cumulative GPA
A list of completed courses and earned credit broken down by semester
Degree and date conferred (if applicable)

Official College Transcript Policy

An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to [email protected] .

If the student uses unofficial transcripts with a Transcript Request Form to gain acceptance, all official transcripts must be received within 60 days of the admissions decision or before non-attendance drops for the first set of matriculated classes, whichever comes first. Failure to send all official transcripts within the 60-day period will prevent enrollment into future terms until all official transcripts have been received.

Admissions Office Contact Information

(800) 424-9596

(888) 301-3577

Email for Questions

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Email for Documents

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Liberty University Online Admissions Verification

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Lynchburg, VA 24515

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Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.

Who May Qualify?

Active Duty
Reserve/National Guard
Veterans/Retirees
Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees
Current Department of Defense Employees

Available Benefits:

Tuition discounts – $275 per credit hour for graduate courses
Additional discount for veterans who service in a civilian capacity as a First Responder (less than $625 per course) *
8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)

*Not applicable to certificates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does liberty offer a generous discount for active duty law enforcement and other first responders.

Liberty University is committed to providing world-class education and aims to help students achieve their educational goals, in whatever way we can. The First Responder Tuition Discount was created to take some of the financial burdens of tuition off the men and women who work in public service.

As Liberty University’s way of saying ‘Thank You,’ we proudly provide you with the following benefits:

A 25% tuition discount
Potential college credit for training and life experience
Personalized service throughout your educational journey
Potential stacking with other tuition benefits ( Corporate Advantage Program or Military Benefits )

For more information on eligibility and on claiming this discount, please visit the First Responder Discount page.

What can you do with a master’s in forensic psychology?

With the knowledge you gain from an online master’s degree in forensic psychology and criminal justice, you can pursue a variety of fulfilling careers. These roles include intelligence analyst, jury consultant, forensic science technician, and more. Additionally, our forensic psychology online degree can help prepare you for doctoral studies in criminal justice and forensic psychology – opening up doors for even more opportunities.

Will the professors have real world experiences when they are teaching classes?

Liberty University offers you the opportunity to learn from qualified faculty members who have practical knowledge of the criminal justice system as it pertains to forensic psychology.

How fast can I complete this degree?

You can complete the Master of Science in Criminal Justice – Forensic Psychology degree in 36 credit hours.

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Catalog Contents

Master of science in psychology, description and outcomes.

The Master of Science in Psychology program provides you with a unique opportunity to balance the rich tradition of the past with exciting contemporary applications of psychology. The curriculum focuses on the processes that underlie the individual human experience and behavior, and core knowledge, theories, and research in the discipline.

Prospective and current students must review Purdue Global’s State Licensure and Certifications site to view program and state-specific licensure information. Refer to the Certification, State Board, and National Board Exams section for additional program disclosure information.

Concentrations

You will select one of four areas of concentration: general psychology, addictions, forensic psychology, or industrial/organizational psychology. You will complete both master's-level core courses and concentration courses, which provide a comprehensive education in psychological theory and practice, and work on developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills to assist you in meeting your personal and professional goals in the chosen concentration area.

The general psychology concentration is designed to expose you to a generalist approach to the broad field of psychology. This concentration addresses current broad paradigms such as behavioral approaches, neuropsychological perspectives and technologies, issues in psychopathology, and current and historical information in the area of cognitive psychology. In addition, you will gain knowledge in the use of qualitative analysis, thereby building on your knowledge base of the basic “tools” involved in the scientific approach to understanding psychology.

The addictions concentration provides you with the opportunity to study the principles of addictions counseling, group counseling, psychopharmacology, and co-occurring disorders. Theories are taught with an emphasis on application so that you understand how to use your knowledge to help clients toward recovery.

The forensic psychology concentration is designed to prepare you to work in a variety of forensic settings and with various populations within the criminal and civil legal systems. Courses are designed to provide you with the knowledge of theory, methods, training, and practice of forensic psychology. You will learn about the roles and responsibilities in forensic psychology, as well as legal, diversity, sociocultural, and ethical issues faced by practitioners in the field.

The industrial/organizational psychology concentration is designed for working professionals who seek to broaden their knowledge and apply the principles of industrial/organizational (I/O) psychology in business and organizational settings. The program offers a rigorous exploration of the theories, methods, and practice of industrial/organizational psychology. Specifically, you will explore workplace motivation and attitudes, employee training, evaluation and leadership, organizational behavior, and human resource management.

Tracks of Study

In any of the concentrations, you may elect to complete a thesis as the program's culminating experience or choose the Master's Capstone in Psychology. The thesis track contains two thesis development courses and extends the program by at least one term. A thesis is not required; however, you should consult with your Student Advisor to determine how the thesis track fits with your career goals.

Program Length

The Master of Science in Psychology program consists of a minimum of 60, 65, 70, or 75 quarter credit hours, depending on your track of study. Upon successful completion of the program, you will be awarded a master of science degree.

Program Outcomes

Disciplinary Knowledge and Skills: Understand how contemporary theories relate to real-world situations in various psychology professions in the selected area of concentration.
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Critically evaluate and apply psychological theories, as well as theories from the selected area of concentration, and concepts to various client-based situations within the field of psychology.
Research and Application: Apply theoretical and conceptual foundations of psychology as they relate to the selected area of concentration to arrive at evidence-based professional practice strategies.
Professionalism and Ethics: Apply ethical, legal, individual, and sociocultural standards and guidelines set forth within the selected area of concentration and field of psychology.

Professional Competencies

In addition to the discipline-specific outcomes, professional competencies are integrated throughout your academic program. You can review the professional competencies associated with your academic program in the Professional Competencies section of this Catalog.

Program Availability

For program availability, please refer to the U.S. State and Other Approvals section and Program Availability Information .

Admissions Requirements

You must meet the below admissions requirements in addition to Purdue Global's general requirements .

Before enrolling in this program, you must submit a Career Outcomes Survey for approval. You may be asked for additional information based on the results of your survey. If your career goals do not align with the outcomes of the program, you will be denied admission.

Before enrolling in either the addictions or industrial/organizational psychology concentration requiring a practicum or field placement rotation, you must pass a criminal background check .

Progression Requirements

You can enroll in no more than three courses per term.

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
	Foundations of Professional Psychology	5
	Ethics for Addictions Professionals	5
	Chemical and Psychological Dependency Counseling	5
	Psychopharmacology	5
	Group Counseling	5
	Advanced Addictions Counseling	5
	Co-Occurring Disorders and Treatments	5
	Addictions Practicum I	5
	Addictions Practicum II	5
	Industrial/Organizational Field Placement	5
	Master's Capstone in Psychology	5
	Master's Research and Thesis I	5
	Master's Research and Thesis II	5

You must declare your choice of thesis or Master's Capstone in Psychology by the end of the second term.

Master's Capstone in Psychology Track

You must successfully complete PS598 Master's Capstone in Psychology , a written course covering the core curriculum and concentration courses.

This capstone course provides you with the opportunity to demonstrate and apply the skills and knowledge accumulated throughout your program. You will develop a research proposal related to current topics and challenges in the field of psychology, thus demonstrating mastery of program outcomes. Your proposal will include a literature review, a testable hypothesis, and an empirical method for testing the hypothesis.

Thesis Track

You will be required to develop and submit, in writing, a formal proposal for research in psychology to your chosen thesis committee, which is made up of a chairperson and two additional members, all of whom must be terminally degreed psychology faculty members from Purdue Global. It is acceptable to have one terminally degreed faculty member from outside the University's psychology program or from an outside, accredited institution of higher learning with the approval of the Chair of the Master of Science in Psychology program.

Subsequent to the proposal, you will submit the final draft of your research project to the thesis committee for review and orally present your results during a scheduled thesis defense hearing. The research report shall be prepared according to the University's guidelines and the final, approved product shall be submitted to appropriate personnel for binding and acquisition.

You will take PS601 Master's Research and Thesis I and PS602 Master's Research and Thesis II , 10-week courses designed to allow you to begin the first steps of your thesis design and complete your thesis. Should you feel you are unable to complete the prescribed requirements for either course in 10 weeks, you must contact your Student Advisor in order to gain an extension in the course. An extension is granted by enrolling in PS601A Master's Research and Thesis I or PS602A Master's Research and Thesis II , and enrollment in these courses will only be granted at the discretion of the Dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences and the Chair of your thesis committee.

If an extension is granted, the University will not charge tuition for PS601A Master's Research and Thesis I or PS602A Master's Research and Thesis II , but you will be required to pay the normal resource fee.

If you are unable to complete PS601 Master's Research and Thesis I or PS602 Master's Research and Thesis II , you will be permitted to enter the comprehensive exam track.

Practicum or Field Placement Requirements

If you are enrolling in a program that requires completion of a practicum or field placement, you are responsible for locating a site in which to complete those hours. Three months prior to the beginning of the term in which you wish to enroll in practicum/field placement courses, you must submit the appropriate application form to the Behavioral and Social Sciences Clinical Placement Team. Applications that are not complete will not be accepted. You must complete all prepracticum or prefield placement requirements, including orientation, and have permission of the Clinical Placement Team in order to enroll in a course that includes completion of practicum or field placement hours. A list of requirements is available from the Clinical Placement Team.

You should be aware that health care organizations may have specific requirements regarding vaccination against communicable diseases including COVID and Influenza. Failure to comply with requirements could interfere with the opportunity to complete a required practicum, fieldwork, or internship experience, may delay graduation or lead to an inability to complete your program, and could impact future employment opportunities.

Addictions Concentration

If you are enrolled in the addictions concentration, you will take PS535 Addictions Practicum I and PS536 Addictions Practicum II .

If you feel that you may not be able to complete the PS535 Addictions Practicum I prescribed requirements in 10 weeks, you must contact the Clinical Placement Team in order to receive an extension in the course. I f an extension is granted, you will enroll in PS535A Addictions Practicum I Extension and/or PS535B Addictions Practicum I Extension which will allow you up to 20 extra weeks to complete the requirements of PS535 Addictions Practicum I . Enrollment in these courses will only be granted at the discretion of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences.
If you feel that you may not be able to complete the PS536 Addictions Practicum II prescribed requirements in 10 weeks, you must contact the Clinical Placement Team in order to gain an extension in the course. If an extension is granted, you will enroll in PS536A Addictions Practicum II Extension and/or PS536B Addictions Practicum II Extension which will allow you up to 20 extra weeks to complete the requirements of PS536 Addictions Practicum II . Enrollment in these courses will only be granted at the discretion of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences.

Note: Indiana students are required to obtain 700 hours of university-sponsored practicum to seek state licensure as an addiction counselor.

Industrial/Organizational Psychology Concentration

If you feel that you may not be able to complete the PS545 Industrial/Organizational Field Placement prescribed requirements in 10 weeks, you must contact the Clinical Placement Team in order to gain an extension in the course. If an extension is granted, you will enroll in PS559 Practicum Field Placement Extension , which will allow you 10 extra weeks to complete the requirements of PS545 Industrial/Organizational Field Placement . Enrollment in this course will only be granted at the discretion of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences.

Certification, State Board, and National Board Exams

Certification and licensure boards have state-specific educational requirements for programs that lead to a license or certification that is a precondition for employment. Prospective and current students must review Purdue Global’s State Licensure and Certifications site to view program and state-specific licensure information.

Licensure-track programs may limit enrollment to students in certain states; please see Purdue Global’s Program Availability Information to determine enrollment eligibility.

Optional certifications may be available, such as the Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) Credential. You are responsible for understanding the requirements of optional certification exams. Such requirements may change during the course of your program. You are not automatically certified in any way upon program completion. Although certain programs are designed to prepare you to take various optional certification exams, Purdue Global cannot guarantee you will be eligible to take these exams or become certified. Your eligibility may depend on your work experience, completion of education and/or degree requirements, not having a criminal record, and meeting other certification requirements.

The Master of Science in Psychology is not focused on the clinical practice of psychology and does not lead to licensure or certification as a psychologist, mental health counselor, or therapist.

The Master of Science in Psychology with a concentration in addictions is accredited by the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC). The NASAC can be contacted at:

44 Canal Center Plaza, Suite 301 Alexandria, VA 22314 Tel: 703-562-0211 Website: http://nasacaccreditation.org

The NAADAC (Association for Addiction Professionals) has designated Purdue Global as an Approved Education Provider for meeting nationally approved standards for the addiction counseling profession . Students who complete the Master of Science in Psychology with a concentration in addictions program will meet the coursework requirements to take NAADAC’s Master Addictions Counselor (MAC) certification examination .

Note that additional requirements must also be completed to take the MAC examination, including degree, field experience, and licensure requirements. Refer to http://www.naadac.org/mac for full eligibility requirements.

The NAADAC can be contacted at:

44 Canal Center Plaza, Suite 301 Alexandria, VA 22314 Tel: 703-741-7686 Website: http://naadac.org

Forensic Psychology

General psychology, industrial/organizational psychology - nonpracticum, industrial/organizational psychology - practicum.

The 🌐 icon appears in the title of traditional courses that are also available as a set of module courses. Module course availability may be limited to certain academic calendars. See Course Types for information about module courses.

Thesis Track Requirements

Concentration courses are completed within the open electives requirement of the degree plan.

Students in this program are required to select a concentration.

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Core Requirements
	Foundations of Professional Psychology	5
	Applied Statistics for Psychology	5
	Advanced Research Methods	5
	Testing, Measurement, and Assessment	5
	Life Span Development	5
	Ethics for Addictions Professionals	5
	Master's Research and Thesis I	5
	Master's Research and Thesis II	5
Total Core Requirements		40
Open Elective Requirements
Concentration Courses		35
Total Open Elective Requirements		35
Concentration Requirements: Addictions
	Chemical and Psychological Dependency Counseling
	Psychopharmacology
	Group Counseling
	Advanced Addictions Counseling
	Co-Occurring Disorders and Treatments
	Addictions Practicum I
	Addictions Practicum II
TOTAL CREDITS		75

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Core Requirements
	Foundations of Professional Psychology	5
	Applied Statistics for Psychology	5
	Ethics and Standards of Professional Psychology	5
	Advanced Research Methods	5
	Testing, Measurement, and Assessment	5
	Life Span Development	5
	Master's Research and Thesis I	5
	Master's Research and Thesis II	5
Total Core Requirements		40
Open Elective Requirements
Concentration Courses		25
Total Open Elective Requirements		25
Concentration Requirements: Forensic Psychology
	Foundations of Psychopathology
	Principles of Forensic Psychology
	Forensic Psychology and the Law
	Theories of Criminal Behavior
	Advanced Principles of Forensic Psychology
TOTAL CREDITS		65

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Core Requirements
	Foundations of Professional Psychology	5
	Applied Statistics for Psychology	5
	Ethics and Standards of Professional Psychology	5
	Advanced Research Methods	5
	Testing, Measurement, and Assessment	5
	Life Span Development	5
	Master's Research and Thesis I	5
	Master's Research and Thesis II	5
Total Core Requirements		40
Open Elective Requirements
Concentration Courses		25
Total Open Elective Requirements		25
Concentration Requirements: General Psychology
	Qualitative Analysis
	Learning and Behavior
	Neuropsychology
	Foundations of Psychopathology
	Cognitive Psychology
TOTAL CREDITS		65

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Core Requirements
	Foundations of Professional Psychology	5
	Applied Statistics for Psychology	5
	Ethics and Standards of Professional Psychology	5
	Advanced Research Methods	5
	Testing, Measurement, and Assessment	5
	Life Span Development	5
	Master's Research and Thesis I	5
	Master's Research and Thesis II	5
Total Core Requirements		40
Open Elective Requirements
Concentration Courses		25
Total Open Elective Requirements		25
Concentration Requirements: Industrial/Organizational Psychology - Nonpracticum
	Industrial/Organizational Theory and Development
	Organizational Management and Behavior
	Workplace Motivation and Attitudes
	Organizational Leadership - Management, Training, and Evaluation
	Human Resources Management
TOTAL CREDITS		65

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Core Requirements
	Foundations of Professional Psychology	5
	Applied Statistics for Psychology	5
	Ethics and Standards of Professional Psychology	5
	Advanced Research Methods	5
	Testing, Measurement, and Assessment	5
	Life Span Development	5
	Master's Research and Thesis I	5
	Master's Research and Thesis II	5
Total Core Requirements		40
Open Elective Requirements
Concentration Courses		30
Total Open Elective Requirements
Concentration Requirements: Industrial/Organizational Psychology - Practicum
	Industrial/Organizational Theory and Development
	Organizational Management and Behavior
	Workplace Motivation and Attitudes
	Organizational Leadership - Management, Training, and Evaluation
	Human Resources Management
	Industrial/Organizational Field Placement
TOTAL CREDITS		70

Master's Capstone in Psychology Track Requirements

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Core Requirements
	Foundations of Professional Psychology	5
	Applied Statistics for Psychology	5
	Advanced Research Methods	5
	Testing, Measurement, and Assessment	5
	Life Span Development	5
	Ethics for Addictions Professionals	5
	Master's Capstone in Psychology	5
Total Core Requirements		35
Open Elective Requirements
Concentration Courses		35
Total Open Elective Requirements		35
Concentration Requirements: Addictions
	Chemical and Psychological Dependency Counseling
	Psychopharmacology
	Group Counseling
	Advanced Addictions Counseling
	Co-Occurring Disorders and Treatments
	Addictions Practicum I
	Addictions Practicum II
TOTAL CREDITS		70

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Core Requirements
	Foundations of Professional Psychology	5
	Applied Statistics for Psychology	5
	Ethics and Standards of Professional Psychology	5
	Advanced Research Methods	5
	Testing, Measurement, and Assessment	5
	Life Span Development	5
	Master's Capstone in Psychology	5
Total Core Requirements		35
Open Elective Requirements
Concentration Courses		25
Total Open Elective Requirements		25
Concentration Requirements: Forensic Psychology
	Foundations of Psychopathology
	Principles of Forensic Psychology
	Forensic Psychology and the Law
	Theories of Criminal Behavior
	Advanced Principles of Forensic Psychology
TOTAL CREDITS		60

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Core Requirements
	Foundations of Professional Psychology	5
	Applied Statistics for Psychology	5
	Ethics and Standards of Professional Psychology	5
	Advanced Research Methods	5
	Testing, Measurement, and Assessment	5
	Life Span Development	5
	Master's Capstone in Psychology	5
Total Core Requirements		35
Open Elective Requirements
Concentration Courses		25
Total Open Elective Requirements		25
Concentration Requirements: General Psychology
	Qualitative Analysis
	Learning and Behavior
	Neuropsychology
	Foundations of Psychopathology
	Cognitive Psychology
TOTAL CREDITS		60

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Core Requirements
	Foundations of Professional Psychology	5
	Applied Statistics for Psychology	5
	Ethics and Standards of Professional Psychology	5
	Advanced Research Methods	5
	Testing, Measurement, and Assessment	5
	Life Span Development	5
	Master's Capstone in Psychology	5
Total Core Requirements		35
Open Elective Requirements
Concentration Courses		25
Total Open Elective Requirements		25
Concentration Requirements: Industrial/Organizational Psychology - Nonpracticum
	Industrial/Organizational Theory and Development
	Organizational Management and Behavior
	Workplace Motivation and Attitudes
	Organizational Leadership - Management, Training, and Evaluation
	Human Resources Management
TOTAL CREDITS		60

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Core Requirements
	Foundations of Professional Psychology	5
	Applied Statistics for Psychology	5
	Ethics and Standards of Professional Psychology	5
	Advanced Research Methods	5
	Testing, Measurement, and Assessment	5
	Life Span Development	5
	Master's Capstone in Psychology	5
Total Core Requirements		35
Open Elective Requirements
Concentration Courses		30
Total Open Elective Requirements		30
Concentration Requirements: Industrial/Organizational Psychology - Practicum
	Industrial/Organizational Theory and Development
	Organizational Management and Behavior
	Workplace Motivation and Attitudes
	Organizational Leadership - Management, Training, and Evaluation
	Human Resources Management
	Industrial/Organizational Field Placement
TOTAL CREDITS		65

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Forensic Psychology Master’s Degrees: Requirements And Career Paths

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Updated: Apr 17, 2024, 11:01am

Forensic Psychology Master’s Degrees: Requirements And Career Paths

Forensic psychology master’s degrees explore the behaviors, conditions and motivations of criminals and suspects. Psychologists in this specialty create offender profiles, which detail offenders’ thoughts and behaviors before and after crimes, to understand the events leading up to criminal acts.

This guide explores forensic psychology degrees at the master’s level. Read on for information on admission requirements, typical courses and available career paths for graduates in this field.

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What Is a Forensic Psychology Master’s Degree?

A forensic psychology master’s degree considers human behavior as it relates to crime and criminal offenders. These programs typically require 30 to 45 credits, which full-time students can complete in one to two years.

Forensic psychology master’s programs explore the intersection of psychology, criminal behavior and the justice system, including coursework related to criminal psychology—the study of the criminal mind—and strategies for mitigating crime through psychology and counseling. Students may complete a thesis, a capstone course, a practicum, or either clinical or nonclinical fieldwork.

Forensic psychology may also appear as a concentration within a broader, related master’s degree, like a master’s in criminal justice, criminology or general psychology.

Admission Requirements for a Forensic Psychology Master’s

Admission requirements for forensic psychology master’s degrees generally align with standards for most master’s programs. Typically, candidates must submit a personal essay, a résumé and undergraduate transcripts demonstrating a GPA of around 3.0. Some schools require graduate exam scores as well.

Common Courses for Forensic Psychology Master’s Programs

Forensic psychology master’s programs consider the interactions between psychology and criminal behavior. Common courses for a forensic psychology master’s degree might include the following:

Crime, causation and criminological theory. This course takes a sociological perspective on criminology, exploring a variety of crime theories and reviewing the history of crime.
Practical psychology for policing. Students in this course look at the relationship between psychology and police practice, learning to identify the benefits of psychological research on policing, along with potential improvement areas.
Psychology, development and crime. This course investigates psychology’s contribution to the understanding of how criminal behavior develops and is maintained.
Controversies in contemporary criminology. In this course, students learn how to evaluate contemporary criminology through a critical lens, challenging preconceived notions within the discipline.

Jobs for Forensic Psychology Master’s Graduates

Individuals with forensic psychology degrees can pursue diverse professional roles. The following list overviews available career paths for forensic psychology master’s degree holders. Some positions may require additional licensure or education beyond the master’s level. We sourced the below career data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Payscale .

Clinical Psychologist

Median Annual Salary : $90,130 Projected Job Growth (2022–32) : +11% Job Description : If you want to become a forensic psychologist, clinical psychology is one route you can take. Clinical psychologists treat patients living with emotional disorders and mental health conditions. They help clients overcome challenges by making diagnoses through interviews, patient assessments and consultations with other medical professionals.

Clinical psychologists work in various environments, including education, academia and healthcare facilities. They work within one of two sectors: applied psychology or research psychology. Applied psychologists typically work in patient care with hospitals or clinics, while research psychologists examine human behaviors in academic settings. A master’s in forensic psychology can help you qualify for a doctoral program in psychology, which you’ll need to complete to practice as a clinical psychologist.

For more information, check out our guide on how to become a clinical psychologist.

Average Annual Salary : Approximately $70,000 Job Description : Agents with the FBI monitor civilians to protect and advance the country’s political interests. These professionals may work domestically or abroad to surveil foreign civilians and political actors, as well. Their work typically includes surveillance, carrying out arrests and gathering information on people and organizations.

FBI agents can specialize their work in several fields. For example, they may focus on financial crimes or international issues to monitor the actions of civilians or businesses. The FBI maintains its headquarters in Washington, D.C., with offices across the United States. See our guide on how to become an FBI agent to learn more.

Forensic Psychologist

Median Annual Salary : $106,420 Projected Job Growth (2022–32) : +5% Job Description : These psychologists offer insights into criminal investigations based on their expertise in forensics. In court settings, they may provide expert testimony on topics such as treatment or sentences for offenders. Forensic psychologists help investigators interpret evidence to create profiles of potential suspects.

Forensic psychology research can lead to improved efforts in interrogation, rehabilitation and corrections. These psychologists can specialize their work in certain types of crimes, populations or settings.

Forensic Science Technician

Median Annual Salary : $63,740 Projected Job Growth (2022–32) : +13% Job Description : Forensic science technicians gather evidence at crime scenes, investigate DNA results and analyze findings in laboratory environments. Evidence may include fingerprints, weaponry, saliva or blood. These professionals also manage evidence preservation as it is transferred between labs and courtrooms.

Professionals in forensic science document crime scenes through photography, sketches and reconstructions. They may also perform digital forensics analysis to explore identity theft and other forms of fraud.

Mental Health Counselor

Median Annual Salary : $49,7120 Projected Job Growth (2022–32) : +18% Job Description : Mental health counselors treat patients living with mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. These counselors treat children, adolescents and older individuals. They may work with families, couples or individuals, to identify and address mental challenges and disorders. Mental health counselors also educate patients’ families about behavior disorders and addiction to assist patients in ongoing improvement or efforts of sobriety.

Advanced Degrees for Forensic Psychology Master’s Graduates

Beyond forensic psychology master’s degrees, graduates can also earn terminal degrees at the doctoral level. Doctoral degrees prepare graduates for more advanced employment or research roles within academia.

Ph.D. or Psy.D. in Psychology

Ph.D. and Psy.D. degrees in psychology allow students to explore academic research relating to civil and criminal law, corrections, incarceration and law enforcement through a concentration in forensic psychology. Common classes include social science, criminal justice and psychology as they relate to policing, law and corrections.

This degree suits individuals with a master’s degree in forensic psychology who want to work in research to improve legal systems or practice as clinical psychologists. Dedicated forensic psychology doctoral programs are also available, but the discipline is more commonly found as an emphasis within a general clinical psychology doctoral program.

Ph.D. in Criminology

This degree suits students who want to advance scholarly theory and research in criminology and influence criminal justice policy. Graduates often pursue careers in academia or leadership roles in the criminal justice field. Coursework typically covers topics such as criminological theory, psychological criminology, anthropology of law, research methods, data analysis and applied statistics.

Program titles may include criminology; criminology and criminal justice; criminology, law and society; criminal justice; and criminology and justice policy. A similar degree is the Doctorate in Criminal Justice (D.C.J.). A relatively new doctoral degree format, the D.C.J. caters to criminal justice professionals seeking to advance their careers and delve into specialized areas of the field. It may include more administrative and management-oriented coursework than a Ph.D.

Organizations for Forensic Psychology Master’s Graduates

Individuals with forensic psychology master’s degrees can join professional organizations to network with like-minded professionals, peers and thought-leaders in the field. The following organizations offer benefits to aspiring forensic psychologists and other related professions.

American Academy of Forensic Psychology (AAFP)

AAFP is a nonprofit organization of certified forensic psychologists that assists professionals through workshops, grants and mentorship opportunities. Its website features a directory filterable by state and area of focus to identify specialists for treatment or networking purposes.

International Association for Correctional and Forensic Psychology (IACFP)

IACFP is a nonprofit organization focused on maintaining humane and forward-thinking practices in criminal justice. Its research supports mental health services in correctional facilities. Members receive a subscription to IACFP’s Criminal Justice and Behavior journal, access to research tools and discounts on events and publications.

Society for Police and Criminal Psychology (SPCP)

SPCP is a professional organization that explores human behaviors within the justice, law enforcement and corrections systems. Its annual conference explores the intersection of behavioral science and criminal justice, along with correctional strategies and probation. Membership provides access to the organization’s quarterly journal and networking opportunities with professionals in the field.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Forensic Psychology Master’s Degrees

What can you do with a forensic psychology degree.

With a forensic psychology degree at the master’s level, individuals can pursue roles such as forensic science technicians, forensic psychologists and clinical psychologists. These positions may require additional certification or education. Forensic psychology master’s degree holders can also advance to doctoral-level degrees to work in academia.

What is criminal psychology?

Criminal psychology explores the behavior and intentions of suspects and criminals by gathering and analyzing evidence. This field exists at the intersection of applied psychology and criminology and may attract professionals from both fields. It is considered a subset of forensic psychology.

Is it hard to get a forensic psychology degree?

Like many academic paths, a degree in forensic psychology can be challenging. Students complete advanced coursework in psychology and criminology, along with classes in statistics and research methods. Depending on the program, a thesis, practicum, internship or fieldwork may be required. This degree best suits intellectually curious students with strong analytical skills and a compassionate mindset.

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Dr. Temple is a professor and licensed psychologist and the associate dean of clinical research for the School of Behavioral Health Sciences at UTHealth, where he also holds the Betty and Rose Pfefferbaum Chair in Child Mass Trauma and Resilience. As the founding director of the Center for Violence Prevention, his research focuses on the prevention of interpersonal, community and structural violence. Dr. Temple has been funded through the National Institute of Justice, National Institutes of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He has over 250 scholarly publications in a variety of high-impact journals including JAMA, JAMA Pediatrics, The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health, Pediatrics and the Journal of Adolescent Health. He recently co-edited a book on adolescent dating violence, is an associate editor for the Journal of Prevention and is on the editorial boards of four other scientific journals. Dr. Temple co-chaired the Texas Task Force on Domestic Violence and served on the Board of Directors of the Texas Psychological Association. Locally, he served for seven years as the vice president of the Galveston Independent School District Board of Trustees. His work has been featured on Forbes, CNN, New York Times, TIME Magazine, Washington Post and even the satirical website, The Onion.

Library Dissertation Showcase

The dissertation showcase is managed and maintained by the University of Lincoln Library. Please see the About page for more information.

Subject: Forensic Psychology

Eye tracking investigation into the effect of graffiti and trait anxiety on fear of crime.

Owen Parker
Forensic Psychology
Year of Publication:
BSc (Hons) Psychology with Forensic Psychology

Weapon focus effect – does perpetrator size and expression impact upon recall and accuracy

MSc Forensic Psychology

Creating a fairer police lineup

Josh Hawkins

Does the strength of weapon focus effect depend on race and perpetrator size? An eye tracking study

Phoebe Louise Barnsley

Evaluating the effectiveness of schema therapy for behavioural change in forensic patients with personality disorders

Olivia A. Cressey

Undertaking the function and associated risks of sexual behaviour for those with borderline personality disorder features

Holly Horwood

Punitive attitudes towards sex offenders and the effects of labelling

Katie Westfield

Moral dilemmas: will you regret your decisions? A study on the influence of anticipated regret

Skye Lily Sampson

An investigation into the effects of gender identity on the perception of sex offenders

David Karan

The development and validation of the Social media social cues questionnaire (SMSCQ)

Cally Fairweather

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California Baptist University

2021-2022 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

The Master of Arts degree in Forensic Psychology is designed to prepare graduates with the necessary skills and the knowledge base that will allow them to work in a variety of forensic settings including probation and parole, local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, offender treatment programs, and victim and witness assistance programs.

This program provides the student with a comprehensive view of the critical relationship between the legal system and clinical psychology, specifically focusing on the practice of psychology within the legal system.

The course of study is also designed to provide the student with an overview of the practice of forensic psychology: to understand the important issues in the field, to explore the critical relationship between the legal system and clinical psychology, and to better understand the relationship and application of psychological theories and practice to the field of law enforcement.

Students will complete an external practicum placement in the local community which will serve to hone the skills of students and enhance their knowledge of occupational and career opportunities available in the private and public sectors.

An abbreviated, complementary version of this program can also be completed as an additional concentration within the Counseling Psychology program. The Forensic Psychology concentration will prepare graduates to function as effective clinicians in a variety of professional counseling and forensic settings. Graduates of the concentration will have developed the skills, knowledge and experience to provide ethical and effective evaluation and therapeutic services in a variety of forensic settings. The program establishes an excellent balance between traditional counseling and a specialized understanding of the legal and judicial systems.

Admission Requirements

Master of arts in forensic psychology admission requirements.

Admission standards for graduate studies at California Baptist University can be found in the Admissions section of the University Catalog. Admission to the Forensic Psychology program at California Baptist University is at the discretion of the Graduate Faculty. Specific application requirements for the Forensic Psychology program are:

A minimum 3.0 GPA for unconditional admission and a minimum 2.75 GPA for conditional admission
Applicants with a GPA below 2.75 may be considered for admission with the presentation of a minimum combined score of 300 on the verbal and quantitative sections of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
General Psychology
Abnormal Psychology
Methods of Research
Outstanding prerequisite coursework must be completed within the first two semesters of graduate enrollment
Three Recommendations, completed on forms provided, from sources who can address your potential for success. It is preferred at least one recommendation be from a professor or instructor. Family members and friends may not complete recommendations
Purpose for entering the program
Religious background, present pattern of spiritual growth, fundamentals of personal faith and the relationship between your faith and professional goals
Reasons for choosing to study at California Baptist University
Influences that have shaped your present values and approach to life
Include in your essay a response to this question: “Have you ever received psychiatric treatment or counseling, yes or no?” If yes, please provide a brief explanation
Successful interview(s) with the Director of the Forensic Psychology program

Program Requirements (57 units)

Core requirements.

CJS 510 - Legal Research and Reasoning
CJS 520 - Advanced Criminal Law
CJS 530 - Theories and Perspectives of Criminal Behavior
CJS 560 - Criminal Investigations
FPY 500 - Statistical Analysis I
FPY 501 - Statistical Analysis II
FPY 505 - Qualitative Forensic Research Methods
FPY 506 - Quantitative Forensic Research Methods
FPY 510 - Biological Bases of Behavior
FPY 520 - Criminal Profiling
FPY 530 - Advanced Social Psychology
FPY 535 - Advanced Psychopathology and Criminality
FPY 540 - Forensic Psychology
FPY 560 - Forensic Practicum I
FPY 565 - Forensic Practicum II
FPY 595 - Special Topics
FPY 596 - Forensic Evaluation I
PSY 510 - Human Growth and Development

Final Requirement

Complete one (1) of the following courses:

FPY 597 - Thesis
FPY 598 - Forensic Evaluation II

Thesis/Comprehensive Exam Requirement

Forensic practicum.

Students will complete a nine month Practicum where they will receive practical experience and on-site supervision in a forensic setting related to their individual interests and career goals (e.g., rape crisis center, Department of Children and Family Services Counseling Center, juvenile court, metropolitan and county law enforcement agencies, probation departments, California Department of Prisons).

Practicum Admission

Students entering the two semester Practicum requirement occurring in the last year of the student’s program must complete the following requirements:

Admission to Practicum will be a faculty decision based on grades, evaluation of the Practicum application, and placement approval.
A written appeal process will be instituted in the event that a student is not considered ready for Practicum.

forensic psychology student doing presentation

Master's in Forensic Psychology

Discover the fascinating connections between psychology and the legal field.

Be in demand. Forensic psychology and criminology are rapidly growing specialty areas of psychology with many opportunities for professional advancement. UND’s top-ranked master’s in Forensic Psychology prepares you for various psychology-related careers.

UND’s Forensic Psychology Master’s Programs

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

Choose an online Master of Arts (M.A.) or on-campus Master of Science (M.S.) in Forensic Psychology. UND’s Forensic Psychology graduate programs will arm you with:

A solid foundation in psychological principles and theories.
Forensic-relevant knowledge and experience.
Knowledge of advanced psychological concepts and theories.
Exceptional skills in statistics, analysis, communication, and evaluation.
An in-depth understanding of our legal system.

Online M.A. in Forensic Psychology

On campus m.s. in forensic psychology, online m.a. in forensic psychology ( open this section).

The online M.A. in Forensic Psychology prepares you for a variety of psychology-related careers in the criminal justice and legal systems. Our top ranked online Forensic Psychology master’s program is 100% online, part-time and can be completed in about two years.

This online master’s program is designed with working professionals in mind. Students have careers in law enforcement, military, social service agencies and hospitals, among others.

Most online curriculum focuses on the relationship between law and psychology. You'll develop the skills and knowledge you need to work in the field of forensic psychology, including how to:

Conduct focus groups and assist lawyers in trial preparation and jury selection.
Select and utilize the most appropriate tools for assessment or evaluation.
Provide research-based program evaluations.
Assist courts and state agencies in addressing forensic issues.

On Campus M.S. in Forensic Psychology ( Open this section)

UND’s on campus M.S. in Forensic Psychology is a research and academic based program. It prepares you to apply psychological theory, knowledge, skills, and competencies to the civil and criminal justice systems. You’ll graduate ready to solve problems in courtrooms, prisons, police departments, and beyond.

You'll get real-world experience through supervised fieldwork and produce a thesis based on independent, original research. The M.S. in Forensic Psychology also offers unique courses including Psychology and Law and Forensic Assessment.

Many graduates go on to law school or doctoral programs in forensic psychology or forensic science.

On-Campus or Online Master's in Forensic Psychology

Earn an affordable, accredited, and highly respected master’s degree. There are no residency requirements or GRE requirement.

Enhance your statistical knowledge through relevant course work.

Study at a Carnegie Doctoral Research Institution ranked #151 by the NSF. Students are an integral part of UND research.

Choose electives where you can focus on a special topic.

Participate in faculty-directed research.

Enhance your professional skills at 60+ free workshops offered through the UND School of Graduate Studies. Our goal is to provide you with the workforce skills and job search strategies to succeed.

What can you do with a master's in Forensic Psychology?

Projected growth for employment of psychologists to 2032

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Median annual salary for psychologists, 2023

A Forensic Psychology master's degree offers you flexibility in employment. You'll graduate with concrete professional skills that will advance your career in behavioral sciences. Specifically, you'll learn how to provide the psychological services needed by the legal community.

You may also pursue doctoral programs in psychology, criminal justice, forensic psychology, forensic science, or law.

With a master's degree in Forensic Psychology, you can work for a variety of organizations, including:

Addiction service centers
Child care/advocacy agencies and centers
Community mental health centers
Court service units
Family, civil and criminal courts
Juvenile facilities
Law enforcement/police departments
Prisons, jails and juvenile facilities
Probation/parole services
Protective services
Research/risk-assessment agencies
Social service agencies
State forensic units
Trial consulting services

Some Forensic Psychology students leverage their master's degrees into jobs as forensic researchers, conducting evaluations of at-risk populations.

UND Forensic Psychology master’s graduates have gone on to a variety of successful careers with:

Federal Bureau of Investigation
Department of Veterans Affairs
Jury Consultant
South Dakota Department of Corrections
478th Civil Affairs Battalion

Master's in Forensic Psychology Courses

PSYC 560. Advanced Social Psychology. 3 Credits.

In-depth examination of the theoretical and empirical literature in social psychology focusing on attitudes, stereotyping and prejudice, interpersonal relationships, social cognition, personality and the self, and group behavior. Also includes additional course readings and written work beyond the requirements for Psychology 460. Prerequisite: Graduate status in Psychology or permission of instructor. S.

PSYC 575. Behavior Pathology. 3 Credits.

A survey of various forms of behavior pathology with emphasis upon current research and theories relating to pathology. Prerequisite: graduate standing in psychology or instructor permission. F.

PSYC 524. Psychology and Law. 3 Credits.

An in-depth examination of the interaction between the disciplines of psychology and law. The course will look at how psychological research and theories are applied to contemporary legal issues. Prerequisite: Graduate status in Psychology or permission of instructor.

PSYC 539. Cognitive Psychology. 3 Credits.

An in-depth analysis and discussion (including laboratory work) of topics covering issues related to memory, attention, problem solving, comprehension, and thinking. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in Psychology or permission of instructor.

PSYC 521. Diversity Psychology. 3 Credits.

The purpose of this course is to provide students with an advanced consideration of the major issues in the study of diversity as it applies to the field of psychology. Prerequisite: Graduate status in Psychology or permission of instructor.

PSYC 541. Advanced Univariate Statistics. 3 Credits.

Theory of univariate statistics; application to quantitative data in psychology. Prerequisite: Graduate standing, college algebra, and elementary statisitcs.

Best Online Forensic Psychology Master's Programs

#1 Best College Values #1 Get Educated #1 Online Psychology Degrees #2 Intelligent #3 Best College Reviews #3 STEPS #5 Criminal Justice Degree Hub #5 Grad School Hub #5 The Edvocate #6 College Rank #7 College Choice #7 Best Value Schools #11 Best Colleges

Several college ranking sites put UND’s Forensic Psychology master’s in the Top 5 best online programs in nation. We’re well regarded for our educational quality, affordability and career outcomes.

Ranking sites vary in their methodology, but are generally based on the following criterion:

Financial data such as net cost, loan default rate, and return on investment
Academic rigor including curriculum standards, accreditation status, and faculty reputation
Student gratification, retention rate, and support services
Employment rate and graduate salary

Flexible Online Master's in Forensic Psychology

best online graduate programs

best online college in North Dakota

Intelligent

UND's M.A. in Forensic Psychology is 100% online. You never have to come to campus.

Flexible Online Master's in Forensic Psychology Classes

With asynchronous classes, you do not attend class at a set time. If you need to balance work, family, and other commitments, this flexible format allows you to learn anywhere at any time.

Depending on your instructor, you’ll learn online through:

Lesson modules
Streaming video content
Virtual libraries
Posted lectures
Online simulations

There will be times when you interact with your instructor and classmates through online discussion boards, polls, and chat rooms.

Your learning revolves around materials that can be accessed on your own time within a set time frame. However, this is not a self-paced course. You’ll have structure and deadlines.

Support for Online Forensic Psychology Master's Students

Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online; plus, more take a combination of online and on campus classes. You can feel reassured knowing you won't be alone in your online learning journey and you'll have resources and services tailored to your needs. No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on campus student.

Same degree: All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) . Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
Same classes: You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
Real interaction: You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
Your own academic advisor: As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
Free online tutoring: We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
Unlimited academic coaching: Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
Full online access: Dig into virtual research at UND's libraries. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
24/7 technical support: UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.
Networking opportunities: Our significant online student population means you’ll have a large pool of peers to connect with. UND has numerous online events and activities to keep you connected.

Best Online College

Our high alumni salaries and job placement rates, with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other nonprofit universities in the Upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

Affordability
Student satisfaction (retention rate)
Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Payscale.com)

Accredited Forensic Psychology Graduate Programs

UND's Forensic Psychology master's program is accredited on a national and regional level.

APA Accredited Graduate Program

The American Psychological Association (APA) does not accredit master's or undergraduate level programs in psychology. The APA only accredits doctoral programs. Therefore, the bachelor's degree in Psychology and master's degree in Forensic Psychology cannot be accredited by the APA.

The University of North Dakota's Department of Psychology offers a doctoral program in clinical psychology that is fully accredited by the APA.

Regionally Accredited Forensic Psychology Master's

The University of North Dakota is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. UND has been accredited since 1913, when the Association was first organized.

For information on special accreditations the University has at the college, department or program level, please see UND Accreditation .

Why is an accredited Forensic Psychology master's important?

Accreditation assures the quality of higher education institutions and programs. In the United States, accreditation is a voluntary, non-governmental, peer-review process that determines if established quality standards are being met.

Accreditation is a major way for students, families, employers, government officials and the media to know an institution or program provides a quality education.
Accreditation helps students choose quality college programs that qualify for federal financial aid.
Accreditation enables employers to recruit graduates they know are well-prepared. Many employers will only provide tuition assistance to employees for accredited programs.
Accreditation is used by registration, licensure and certification boards to screen applicants.
Accreditation gives colleges and universities a structured mechanism to assess, evaluate and improve the quality of their programs.

Source: Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)

Are forensic psychology graduates in demand? ( Open this section)

Yes, the job outlook for psychologists, including forensic psychologists, is projected to grow by 6% from 2022 to 2032, indicating high demand for professionals in this field.

How much money can I make with a master's in Forensic Psychology? ( Open this section)

Psychologists, including those with a master's in Forensic Psychology, earn a median annual wage of $85,330 . However, the salary can vary significantly based on location, employer and the specific role.

How long does it take to get a master's in Forensic Psychology? ( Open this section)

Typically, it takes around two years to complete a master's in Forensic Psychology. The program consists of 30 credits (or 10 courses). As such, a student would have to take 2 courses per semester, including summer, to graduate in 2 years.

What is the fastest-growing branch of forensic psychology? ( Open this section)

The fastest-growing branch of forensic psychology is considered correctional psychology , which involves working with individuals within the criminal justice system, including prisons and rehabilitation programs.

Leaders in Forensic Psychology

Uncover what sets UND apart as trailblazers in the field of Forensic Psychology.

Check out the faculty you'll work with at UND or discover additional education opportunities.

Department of Psychology
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Online MS in Forensic Psychology

Make an Impact on the Criminal Justice and Social Service Systems

Program Information

The online Master of Science (MS) in Forensic Psychology degree builds a solid foundation of knowledge, insight, and skill to make a difference in the criminal justice system or in relevant legal and social services careers.

Forensic psychology graduates gain expertise regarding judicial, human behavior, administrative, and educational contexts about psychological issues to judicial, legislative, or administrative bodies, along with conducting research in connection with litigation.

Offering concentrations in Community Criminal Issues and Sex Offender Issues, students in the Master’s in Forensic Psychology program canspecialize their degree to align with their career interests. This non-licensure program also prepares psychology students to continue their education to earn a Ph.D or Psy.D in Human and Organizational Psychology .

Note: This master’s degree in psychology does not lead to any form of licensure or certification.

What makes this Master of Science in Forensic Psychology program different?

100% online format with no residency required
Affordable tuition
Touro University Worldwide is a nonprofit accredited university
Finish in one year*
No GRE required with an accelerated admissions process
6 starts throughout the year with courses held in 8-week session
Faculty are scholar-practitioners with expertise in criminal justice, law enforcement, and psychology.

*Degree can be earned in 12 months by those who take two courses per term for six consecutive terms.

Explore the Forensic Side of Psychology with TUW’s Master’s Degree

Touro University Worldwide offers a career-advancing online Master of Science in Forensic Psychology degree for students interested in criminal psychology and careers working with the legal and social services systems. Through a flexible format, students are able to specialize in their program to pursue their academic and professional goals.

What Can You Do With a Master of Science in Forensic Psychology?

The Master of Science in Forensic Psychology from Touro University Worldwide focuses on teaching graduate students how to apply psychological practices to issues related to judicial and legislative contexts, as well as in connection with litigation. This approach prepares graduates for a wide variety of career options. Potential job titles include:

Forensic Psychologist
Victim Advocate
Correctional Counselor
Expert Witness
Jury Consultant
Court Liaison Officer
Crime Analyst

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median annual salary for psychologists is $85,330. The BLS also projects 6% job growth in the field over the next decade. The TUW MS in Forensic Psychology prepares graduates to succeed in careers associated with the forensic specialization in psychology.

BLS: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm

Core Requirements

27 semester credits.

This course is designed to provide with contemporary views and theories of maladaptive and criminal behavior along with victim-offender relationships. A broad conceptualization of criminal behavior, tied to biological, sociological, and psychological perspectives, is explored and evaluated within the course.

In this course, students examine ethics and professional issues in the discipline of forensic psychology. Students analyze various moral and ethical dilemmas that arise within the psychological practice and forensic psychology as a science.

This course focuses on the intersections between the legal system and the field of forensic psychology. The psychologist’s roles and challenges within the legal system will be covered as well as discussing the legal rights of an individual as it relates to due process within the context of the justice system. Students will also review U.S. Supreme Court cases and legal statutes that influence current policies that are tied to the practice of psychology.

This course reviews the broad spectrum of psychological disorders. The focus of this course will include the etiology, prevalence and incidence, signs and symptoms, and criteria for differential diagnosis affecting children, adolescents, and adults.

The course serves as an introduction to graduate level research in the social sciences with a specific emphasis on forensic psychology. Research methods and statistics will be integrated to provide a general overview of the ways that social scientists collect information. The research process will be examined including concepts of design, conduct and evaluation. Principles and characteristics of approaches and methodologies relevant to research in the field of forensic psychology will be fully explored. Examples of data sources and methods of statistical description and analysis will be covered with special emphasis on developing ethical, trustworthy and useful information. The course also will provide a foundation for locating and evaluating scientific, technical, business and government qualitative and quantitative information.

The course is designed to provide a critical overview of family violence from a bio-psychosocial perspective. Topics included in the course will include the meaning, nature, and types of family violence. There is also coverage on the theories explaining inter-personal hostility, aggression and violence among family members along with the consequences of violence. Finally, there is also a discussion of family violence in a cross-cultural context.

The course is designed to introduce students to the literature on forensic assessment and the methods utilized in this area of psychology. Topics included will be the historical context, relevant theories, techniques, tools, and procedures related to forensic assessment. Ethics in forensic evaluation and the dilemmas encountered in dealing with the diverse criminal and victim populations are emphasized throughout the course.

The Capstone Course is the culmination of your Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology degree program. Students create a culminating assignment in the area of forensic psychology that may serve as a tool for further research or practice.

Sex Offender Issues Concentration

9 semester credits.

This course is designed to introduce students to the knowledge concerning biological and psychological aspects of human sexual functioning. Topics included will be sexual functioning, sexual variance, and sexual dysfunction. Ethical and legal issues regarding human sexuality and sexual deviance in forensic settings are also discussed in the course.

The course is designed to introduce students to contemporary issues related to sexual offenders. Topics included will be typology of sex offenses, psychological theories behind sexual offending, the legal policies on sex offending, victims of sex crimes, and treatment of sexual offenders.

The course is designed to provide an overview on the nature and experiences of crime victims. Topics included in the course will be the history of victimology, theories and factors explaining victimization along with consequences of victimization. There will also be coverage of victimization in the context of child abuse, elder abuse, hate crimes, human trafficking and terrorism.

Community Criminal Issues Concentration

This course is designed to examine juvenile delinquency and the juvenile justice system in the United States. Students will review to the bio-psychosocial theories that help understand the development of juvenile delinquency within the context of individuals, families and communities. This course will focus adolescent brain development, poverty, child maltreatment, substance abuse, disproportionate minority contact (DMC), peer relationships, the school to prison pipeline, evidence-based interventions to help reduce juvenile delinquency.

The course is designed to provide an overview of the historical and contemporary context for street and institutional gangs. Topics included in the course will be the definition of gangs, typology of gangs, and the cross-cultural context of gang membership. In addition, the students will analyze law enforcement responses, intervention strategies, prevention strategies, and public policy issues towards gangs.

This course will provide an overview of the personal and social problems created by illegal use psychotropic substances. This course will focus upon classification, description and history of psychotropic drugs along with the biological components of drug addiction, extent of drug use and its relationship to criminal behaviors.

Credit Hours

100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer Credits

Transfer in up to 9 credits

Accreditation

Request information, tuition information.

TUW’s tuition is $500 per semester credit. A range of tuition assistance programs are available to prospective students to help reduce the out-of-pocket expenses associated with continued education, including scholarships and students loans.

Many employers offer tuition assistance programs, so make sure to check to find out if additional financial support is available to you. TUW tuition assistance counselors are available to determine your eligibility for financial aid and other tuition assistance programs.

Program Requirements

The online MS in Forensic Psychology degree explores how mental and behavioral health interacts with the legal and criminal justice system, highlighting the application of theory in various contemporary settings.

More specifically, the graduate curriculum addresses psychopathology and criminal behaviors, professional ethics, the intersections between law and psychology, family violence, and psychological assessment.

Students complete 12 courses, 36 credits, to earn the Masters in Forensic Psychology. Nine required courses and three elective courses are selected from one of two concentrations currently offered.

Admission Requirements

Students seeking to enter TUW’s MS in Forensic Psychology program must meet one of the following criteria to be considered for admission:

Have earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a minimum overall GPA of 2.5.
Transfer student from another college/university’s graduate program in good academic standing (minimum GPA of 2.75).

Students who meet one of the above criteria will be required to complete the following steps in order to be admitted and enrolled:

Submit an application .
As a non-profit organization committed to serving the underserved, Touro University Worldwide has waived the $60 application fee for all prospective students.
Submit official transcripts from all institutions attended. Transcripts must come directly from the issuing institutions. Students who completed college coursework outside the United States must have their transcripts translated and evaluated. (See International Admissions for additional information.) Students are required to complete step 3 by the end of their first term of enrollment.

Concentrations

TUW offers two concentrations, allowing professionals to target their course of study to meet their specific career goals.

Community Criminal Issues

Students who choose the concentration in Community Criminal Issues hone their criminal psychology skills in areas that affect communities and social behavior including juvenile delinquency, substance abuse and associated criminal behavior, and gangs and crime.

Sex Offender Issues

Students who choose the Sex Offender Issues concentration refine their forensic psychology skills by surveying topics such as human sexuality, sexual deviance and offenders, and victimology.

Online MS in Forensic Psychology Mission Statement

The Master of Science in Forensic Psychology program augments the Touro University Worldwide mission by providing adult learners and career professionals with a solid academic foundation to enhance their practical and academic skills that contribute to expertise in forensic psychological issues relative to judicial, legislative, or administrative systems crucial to the underserved and society at large.

Typical Time of Completion

The time it will take to complete the Master of Science in Forensic Psychology (MSFP) degree online can vary. The duration of the program depends on several factors, including the number of credits accepted for transfer and whether or not students take time off between semesters.

The typical length of time for the Master of Science in Forensic Psychology (MSFP) is one and half (1.5) years.

Disclaimer: Students who enroll full-time (12 credits per semester for three semesters each academic year) can complete the degree in one (1) year. Students who enroll part-time (six credits per semester for three semesters each academic year) will complete the MSFP program in 1.5 years.

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M.s. in forensic sciences - forensic psychology for investigators.

The Master of Forensic Science with a concentration in forensic psychology is designed to better prepare investigators by focusing on criminal behavioral analysis. This track is a non-thesis track that can be completed fully online with a minimum of 32 credit hours.

This program is not designed to create clinical or counseling psychologists. If you are interested in applying for related licensure or a Ph.D. program, please check the prerequisite requirements for the respective licensing authority or doctoral program before applying.

Program Format

The master’s program requires 32 graduate credit hours and requires a capstone creative component. This program may be completed full-time or part-time.

Elective course titles include Forensic Psychology, Forensic Victimology and Criminal Behavoiral Analysis. This track is designed to help you be a well-rounded invistigator by having a better understanding of the criminal mind along with processing elements of a crime scene, it is not meant to lead to a career in criminal profiling or to become a clinical psychologist.

All undergraduate majors are acceptable for admission to this track. Admission requires completion of the online application, submission of academic transcripts, a personal statement (outlining your background and goals with the program), a resume/CV and 3 letters of recommendation.

Applications are considered year-round on a space-available basis. Application materials are submitted through the OSU Graduate College.

Suggested Deadlines:

Fall admission review begins: February 1

Spring admission review begins: October 1

Admission requirements ›

Tuition, fees & aid ›

Apply to the Program:

Degree Requirements -

Satisfactory completion of 32 graduate credit hours
Satisfactory capstone experience
Must maintain a 3.0 or better GPA
7 years maximum time to complete the program

Have a question about this program?

Our program coordinator can help.

918-561-8424 [email protected]

Find information on enrollment procedures, housing and academic requirements and resources.

2022-2023 Undergraduate Bulletin

2022-2023 Undergraduate Bulletin > Majors > Forensic Psychology, Bachelor of Arts / Master of Arts

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The Forensic Psychology BA/MA program is designed for students who are interested in the relationship between psychology and the criminal justice system. The mission of the Forensic Psychology major is to enhance students’ understanding of individual behavior, in terms of its biological, cognitive, social and emotional components and their interaction, and its effects on the broader community. Students will learn to employ an empirical approach to understand human behavior. The major prepares students for a number of careers and graduate work in psychology, social work, law enforcement, or other criminal justice professions.

Learning Outcomes. Students will:

Demonstrate knowledge of the historical and theoretical foundations of psychology, as well as key concepts, content, and research methods in the major sub-disciplines of psychology and in the field of “psychology and the law”.
Demonstrate appropriate information literacy, including the ability to perform effective database searches.
Demonstrate the ability to design an ethically appropriate psychological research study and analyze and interpret basic research data.
Gather, read, synthesize and critique primary source psychological and psycho-legal literature.
Communicate effectively through oral and written presentations and demonstrate appropriate use of APA style.
Critically and skeptically evaluate psychological information and extend this critical thinking to one’s own work and all aspects of life-long learning.
Demonstrate an appreciation of contextual influences on individual behavior and diversity of perspectives, including those related to race, class, gender, sexuality, disability, nationality and culture.
Recognize professional ethics inherent in different aspects of psychology, including forensic psychology.
Demonstrate an appreciation of how psychology relates to real-life professional and personal situations.
Demonstrate an awareness of the scope and entry qualifications of professional and graduate programs in psychology.

Credits Required.

Forensic Psychology BA Major	28
Other Required Undergraduate Courses	0-3
General Education	42
Undergraduate Electives	19-22
MA in Forensic Psychology	42

BA/MA Coordinator. Professor Rebecca Weiss, Psychology Department (646.557.1160, bamadirector @jjay.cuny.edu )

Tuition and Financial Aid Information. This program is accelerated and intended for students to attend full-time (at least 12 cr. for undergraduate students, at least 9 cr. for graduate students). Full-time students pay undergraduate tuition rates until they complete 120 credits. Starting in the semester after 120 credits have been earned, credits will be charged at the graduate rate. Students that are below 120 credits and meet eligibility requirements, may continue to be considered for undergraduate federal and state financial aid programs including PELL and TAP. Once students complete 120 credits, they will no longer be eligible for undergraduate financial aid. Students may apply for federal loans at the graduate level to finance their completion of the joint degree.

If circumstances occur that require students to attend part-time, tuition rates will be determined by the level of the courses (undergraduate or graduate) they are registered for.

All students in the BA/MA joint degree programs are encouraged to consult with the Financial Aid Office about their eligibility for aid under federal and state guidelines and the Bursar’s Office about tuition charges when they are considering admission to these programs.

Forensic Psychology BA Core Required Courses

	Introduction to Psychology	3
	Cognitive Psychology	3
	Social Psychology	3
	Developmental Psychology	3
	Psychological Disorders and Distress (formerly Abnormal Psychology)	3
	Research Methods in Psychology	4
/	Psychology and the Law	3
	Principles and Methods of Statistics	3

Please note: STA 250 must be completed in the undergraduate portion of the program.

	Forensic Social and Experimental Psychology	3
	OR
	Seminar in Forensic Psychology	3
	OR
	Clinical Topics in Forensic Psychology	3
	OR
	Seminar in the Psychological Analysis of Criminal Behavior and the Criminal Justice System	3
	OR
	Advanced Undergraduate Research Experience in Psychology	3

Total Credit Hours: 28

Other Required Undergraduate Courses

Required depending on math placement

	Social Science Math	3
	OR
	Pre-Calculus	3

MAT 108 Social Science Math or MAT 141 Pre-Calculus may be needed depending on student's math placement. These courses can fulfill the Required Core: Math and Quantitative Reasoning area in the College's General Education program.

Total Credit Hours: 0-3

Undergraduate Electives

Students must complete 19-22 credits of electives to fulfill the undergraduate portion of the degree program. Students have free choice of electives being mindful of the requirements for earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. Students must have 90 credits of courses in liberal arts and sciences. Student may opt to complete a minor with their elective credits.

Total Credit Hours: 19-22

Forensic Psychology Master's Program

The remaining 42 credits are applied to courses taken in the Master's degree program, which is outlined below. If a student decides to leave the B.A./M.A. program or fails to maintain the required 3.5 GPA for the program, they are required to complete the entire undergraduate major to earn the Bachelor's Degree.

Two Additional Courses

One course in PSY 731 or PSY 741 and one course in PSY 760 or PSY 761 .

Total Credit Hours:

There are three track options for students in the Forensic Psychology Master's program: Thesis, Externship, and Externship/Thesis Combination. Students are required to complete one of the three tracks.

Total Credit Hours:

Thesis Track

9 credit Thesis Track plus 9 elective credits

	Descriptive and Statistical Data Analysis in Psychology	3
	Advanced Research Methods	3
	Prospectus Seminar	3

Students who elect to complete their degree by writing a master's thesis must earn a grade of A or A- in PSY 715 and PSY 769 . These two courses are pre-requisites for PSY 738 and PSY 791 . Students must obtain approval from a full-time faculty mentor serving as a a thesis sponsor and permission of the Program Director before enrolling in PSY 791 .

Externship Track

3 credit Externship Track plus 15 elective credits

Fieldwork in Counseling I

Students who elect to complete their degree by completing the Externship Track will complete a 300-hour in an appropriate psychological setting, under the supervision of a licensed psychologist or other trained mental health professional approved by the Program Director.

Externship/Thesis Track

13 credit Externship/Thesis Combo Track plus 6 elective credits

	Descriptive and Statistical Data Analysis in Psychology	3
	Advanced Research Methods	3
	Fieldwork in Counseling I	3
	Prospectus Seminar	3

Required Courses

	Mental Health Professionals, Social Science and the Law	3
	Research Design and Methods	3
	Psychopathology	3
	Intermediate Statistics in the Social Sciences	3
Total Credit Hours:		12

Psychological Testing Courses

Select two.

	Criminal Psychological Assessment	3
	Intellectual and Cognitive Assessment	3
	Projective Personality Assessment	3
	Objective Personality Assessment	3
	Brain and Behavior	3
Total Credit Hours:		6

Forensic Psychology MA Electives

6-15 credits required depending on Track choice

	Criminal Behavior	3
	Violence and Aggression	3
	Victimology	3
	Counseling and Rehabilitation of the Offender	3
	Crisis Intervention and Short-term Counseling	3
	Alcoholism and Substance Abuse	3
	Assessment and Counseling of the Juvenile Offender	3
	Social Science Evidence in Court	3
	Social Psychology and the Legal System	3
	Evaluation and Counseling of the Sex Offender	3
	Mental Health Issues in Policing	3
	Eyewitness Identification	3
	Social Psychopathology	3
	Terrorism	3
	Ethical Issues in Forensic Mental Health	3
	Family Violence and Disputes	3
	Empirical Profiling Methods	3
	The Treatment and Prevention of Childhood Psychopathology	3
	Empirical Crime Scene Analysis	3
	Advanced Forensic Assessment	3
	Behavior Modification and Learning Theory	3
	Hypnosis, Psychology and the Law	3
	Personality Profiles of the Homicidal Offender	3
Total Credit Hours:		6-15

Total Credit Hours: 42

Total Credit Hours: 134

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Forensic Psychology (Master's program)

Program details.

Faculty Social Science and Humanities

Degree Master of Science

Delivery method In-class

Location Ontario Tech University, Downtown Oshawa

Start dates September

Length Approximately 24 months, based on full-time study

Program load Full-time

Program format Courses with an original thesis

Two students sit across from each other talking and writing notes

The Master of Science (MSc) in Forensic Psychology combines disciplinary and specialized study in the field, study in research methods and statistics, and applied learning experiences to prepare students to work in a variety of settings. Specifically, the program will prepare students for careers related to the following:

Administration in provincial and federal programs.
Advertising and marketing.
Behavioural science and statistical research in government organizations.
Design and evaluation of community programs.
Research and/or teaching in college and university settings.
Research and practice in behavioural science crime units within law enforcement.
Research in mental health institutions, hospital settings, justice-related institutes, correctional facilities, pharmaceutical industry and educational entertainment industry.
Trial consulting.

The program will also allow professionals (e.g., law enforcement officials) to advance in their current fields.

Admission requirements
Application deadlines
How to apply

MSc in Forensic Psychology

In addition to the general academic requirements for graduate studies , all applicants must meet the following program-specific academic requirements:

Hold a four-year undergraduate degree or equivalent in Psychology or a related field (e.g., Neuroscience, Computer Science, Biology, Criminology) at a recognized institution. Students with both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees are encouraged to apply.
Overall academic standing of at least a B (GPA: 3.0 on a 4.3 scale or 73 to 76 per cent), with a minimum academic standing of B+ (GPA: 3.3 on a 4.3 scale or 77 to 79 per cent) in the final two full-time years (four terms) of undergraduate study, including elective courses.
Completion of an honours thesis, or comparable research experience, is highly preferred but not required.
Applicants with unrelated backgrounds may be admitted as special cases. However, applicants without sufficient psychology background or those who do not meet the admission requirements of the program may not be prepared to perform successfully in the program courses. In this case, they may be required to take additional courses or admitted as qualifying students. Please see the Graduate Academic Calendar and Course Catalogue for additional details.

Completion of an undergraduate statistics course is highly recommended, but not required.

Required supporting documents:

A curriculum vitae (CV) including education, employment, teaching and research experience, and publications (if any).
A third letter of reference. Academic referees are preferred; however, non-academic references will be considered.
A two- to three-page statement of academic intent (note that this is longer than the general requirements). The statement may describe previous research experience (e.g., thesis work, other research projects), industry or community experiences, general career aspirations, specific research interests and any experience relevant to these interests. If an applicant has already contacted a potential thesis supervisor (which is highly advised), that should be made known within the statement.
A substantive writing sample. A sample of the applicant's thesis is preferred; an assignment or published work (with the applicant as first author) will suffice if a thesis has not been completed.

Applicants must also submit the required documents outlined in the checklist of required documents .

Additional supporting documents:

General Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are encouraged but not required. There is no specified minimum score; however, scores will be factored into admission decisions.

Psychology GRE scores for those applicants who have not completed a Psychology (undergraduate or graduate) degree within the last five years are encouraged but not required. There is no specified minimum score. All other applicants may still choose to have their Psychology GRE scores forwarded to the university, and the graduate committee will factor the scores into admissions decisions.

The GRE® Subject Test date varies by location . Applicants should submit General GRE test scores prior to the deadline. Applicants should register early for the Psychology Subject Test. For an updated list of test centers, please see the Paper-delivered Test Center List . Institution code: 7178.

Required test scores for English language proficiency:

See English language proficiency for the minimum required test scores for this program.

Please see application deadlines for specific dates. Note that the application deadlines listed are for both the online application and all supporting documentation.

Applications for admission to all graduate studies programs are submitted online. There are five steps you must go through to complete the application process. See application process and requirements for step-by-step instructions.

Many of our graduate programs are extremely competitive; the number of qualified applicants normally exceeds the number of seats available for each intake. Satisfaction of minimum entry requirements does not ensure admission.

Faculty website

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Research areas

Children and the law
Detection of deception
Evidence-based policing
Eyewitness memory
Forensic neuroscience
Geographic profiling
Interrogations and confessions
Investigative interviewing
Psychopathy
Sexual Violence
Wrongful conviction

Learn more about the research areas within this program and find research experts by visiting the faculty’s website and the university's Expert Centre .

Additional information

Internal awards and funding.

Applicants to research-based graduate programs who are studying full-time are automatically considered for some types of funding at the time of admission.

Types of funding that do not require an application:

Entrance scholarships
Minimum funding packages
Teaching assistantships, research assistantships and graduate research assistantships

For more details on the above funding opportunities, see graduate student awards and funding .

Please note: Part-time students are not eligible for the above funding opportunities.

External awards and funding

Graduate program applicants are encouraged to apply for external awards to help finance their education. The application process differs for each competition, so review the information carefully to determine where and when you must apply. Please note: The majority of these awards are for domestic or permanent residents only.

Tuition fees for graduate programs are charged on a flat-fee or fee-per-credit basis and vary by program and student status.

For current, specific fees and details on flat-fee versus fee-per-credit programs, please see tuition and fees .

For more information:

VISIT THE PROGRAM WEBSITE

Contact the program:

Faculty of Social Science and Humanities 905.721.3234 [email protected]

Contact the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies:

905.721.8668 ext. 6209 [email protected]

Master of Psychology (Forensic)

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Entry requirements
What will I study?

Future careers

How to apply, fees & scholarships.

Legal, investigative, corrective and policy agencies across Australia are looking for individuals with the psychological expertise to aid understanding and management of forensic issues. The Master of Psychology (Forensic) will prepare you to meet the increasing demand for professionals in this field.

This program - first offered in 1998 - focuses on the integration of clinical, research and legal skills. Your courses will cover psychological assessment, intervention in and applications of forensic psychology, law for psychologists and professional and ethical practice. In addition to coursework, you’ll complete a research thesis, in the form of a scholarly journal article, on a topic relevant to forensic psychology.

Forensic psychologists can be involved in all professional aspects of the interface between psychology and the law. Forensic psychologists work in a wide range of settings, including prisons, courts, police, probation and parole, juvenile justice, public policy, insurance, community services and child protection.

Key features

Professional accreditation This program is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) as the fifth and sixth years of study, leading to registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) . After completing a further two years of supervised practice, you can apply to the PsyBA for full membership and endorsement as a forensic psychologist.
Practical experience You’ll undertake training in the assessment of people with a range of psychological disorders and disabilities. You’ll be equipped with knowledge and skills in a multitude of areas, including interviewing and intervention skills, civil and criminal law, expert testimony and investigative approaches.
Two industry-leading schools This degree is unique among master’s programs in forensic psychology in that both a school of psychology and a law school are involved in its teaching.
Combined degree option We also offer a combined PhD/Master of Psychology (Forensic) . This four-year, full-time degree includes a research component as well as coursework and professional placements.

Why study this degree at UNSW?

Study with the best The UNSW School of Psychology is one of the best in Australia - we’re ranked 24th in the world for psychology.* UNSW Law is ranked 13th in the world* and is a leading Australian centre of rigorous legal education and research. We have strong links with professional practitioners in the areas of clinical, neuropsychological and forensic psychology.

Prepare for professional practice This program includes a professional practice component, where you’ll complete a minimum of 1,000 supervised practicum hours within the UNSW Forensic Psychology Clinic and in at least two other field placement settings. This practical experience will ensure that you develop and demonstrate competence in a wide range of work undertaken by forensic psychologists.

Learn from industry-leading educators You come to university to learn from the experts – researchers who are leaders in their fields, striving to create new knowledge. The School of Psychology is well known for its research tradition. Many of our staff have international reputations in their respective fields and a number are Fellows of the Australian Academy of Social Sciences. Our staff attract several million dollars in external research funds per year.

Access cutting-edge facilities Our teaching facilities include world-leading behavioural neuroscience laboratories and cognitive testing laboratories running specialist software that will allow you to design/implement your own psychological research and analyse/interpret the data you collect. You’ll also gain access to laboratories for the analysis of cognition and brain function, including electroencephalography (EEG), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and eye-tracking.

* QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021

Want to see more from UNSW Science?

The minimum academic eligibility requirement is completion of a four-year APAC-accredited sequence in psychology, including a major research thesis/project, with Upper-Second Class Honours (75%), or international equivalent. Qualifications must have been completed within the last 10 years (exceptions may be possible in limited circumstances).

Psychology qualifications from overseas must include a major research thesis/project and must be assessed by the Australian Psychological Society (APS) as equivalent to a four-year APAC-accredited sequence in psychology completed in Australia. Please note you must have your qualification assessed before you apply.

As the number of places available each year is limited, entry into the program is competitive. Selection is based on academic qualifications, two referee reports and performance at an assessment centre. Only shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend the assessment centre, which must be attended in person at UNSW (Kensington campus). Although work experience is not an admission requirement, applicants with a history of employment will be positively regarded, even if the employment is not necessarily clinically or forensically relevant.

Applicants must:

demonstrate their competency in speaking and communicating in English is sufficient to practise the psychology profession
satisfy both UNSW's English language requirements and those required by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) .

All applicants, domestic and international, are encouraged to use AHPRA’s Pathways diagram for all professions (under ‘Additional resources’) to guide their understanding of AHPRA’s requirements.

Term 1 is the only available intake for this program.
International psychology qualifications must include a major research thesis/project and must be assessed by the Australian Psychological Society (APS) before an application is submitted. Note that the APS will only assess complete qualifications.
Enrolled students must register as provisional psychologists prior to program commencement and registration must be maintained for the duration of enrolment.
Applicants should familiarise themselves with the relevant registration standards for the psychology profession. You must meet these requirements before an application for registration as a provisional psychologist can be approved.
Applicants should review the inherent requirements of the program before applying.
Applicants interested only in coursework should submit just one coursework application. An additional coursework preference can be nominated within the same application (i.e., apply for Forensic and nominate Clinical as a second preference).
Applicants interested in BOTH a Combined program AND a stand-alone Master program must submit ONE research (Combined) application and ONE coursework (Master) application.
The School of Psychology requires applicants' fourth year sequence in psychology results to be graded out of 100 for assessment purposes. For transcripts not graded out of 100, applicants will need to request a letter from their respective Faculty or School that states the individual or overall grades out of 100.

For more information, please refer to our FAQs .

Program structure

The Master of Psychology (Forensic) will develop your knowledge and skills in ethics, critical thinking, clinical practice and research design and evaluation. You’ll learn these core skills in the context of criminal and civil domains. The program is made up of three key components - coursework, professional practice and a research thesis.

Full program structure

The Master of Psychology (Forensic) can be completed in two years of full-time study. Please note that this program of study is very intense and includes face-to-face requirements. Professional practice activities, in particular, are time consuming and not limited to particular hours. It’s not possible to complete the program part-time while working full-time.

This component consists of weekly lectures and seminars with written forms of assessment.

Applications of Forensic Psychology
Professional and Ethical Practice (Forensic) 1
Professional and Ethical Practice (Forensic) 2
Professional and Ethical Practice (Forensic) 3
Assessment in Forensic Psychology
Forensic Interventions 1
Forensic Interventions 2
Law for Psychologists 1 or Law for Psychologists 2
Experimental Psychology and Law
Professional and Ethical Practice (Forensic) 4
Professional and Ethical Practice (Forensic) 5
Professional and Ethical Practice (Forensic) 6
Research Thesis (Forensic) 1
Research Thesis (Forensic) 2
Research Thesis (Forensic) 3

For this component, you’ll complete a minimum of 1,000 practicum hours. Over the course of the program, you’ll need to complete at least three placements. Placements are completed across various settings both internally and externally.

Internal: UNSW Forensic Psychology Clinic (UFPC) (formerly the Wentworth Forensic Clinic)
External: Forensic agencies and organisations

Your empirical project can be carried out in any area relevant to forensic psychology. The data may be collected in a forensic setting or be concerned with how people within the general population respond to issues of a forensic nature. Research into basic psychological processes (e.g., conceptual development, attitude change, social decision-making) is appropriate, provided the forensic significance of the research is clearly indicated. Other thesis topics may address forensic program evaluation, innovative approaches to forensic investigation, individual assessment, policy formulation and strategies for interviewing and counselling.

Psychology is an ideal career path for people who enjoy working with and caring for others. At UNSW Science, our graduates demonstrate skills in assessment, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of problems at an individual and organisational level.

There’s increasing demand from legal, investigative, corrective and policy agencies across Australia to obtain psychological expertise to aid understanding and management of forensic issues. Forensic psychologists work in a wide range of settings, including:

probation and parole
child protection
juvenile justice
private practice
public policy
legislative review.

Accreditation

The program is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) as a fifth and sixth year of study. Graduates are eligible to apply for full membership of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA).

Graduates are also eligible for Associate Membership of the APS College of Forensic Psychologists. After completing a Psychology Board of Australia approved Forensic Psychology registrar program, graduates are eligible to apply for APS College of Forensic Psychology Fellowship and endorsement as a Forensic Psychologist.

“The Masters of Psychology (Forensic) program at UNSW provided a well-rounded mechanism through which to enter the field of forensic psychology. Exposure to teaching by the Law faculty inspired consideration of the complex nature of the clientele and the issues they face from within the criminal justice system, which added to the empirical focus on the human condition which the UNSW School of Psychology built into me over my time there. Their dedication to ensuring all students have access to the skill-building and experience required to expose them to the reality of forensic psychological work was greatly appreciated.”

Sam Ardasinski

Senior Psychologist (High Risk Offenders) Serious Offenders Assessment Unit, Corrective Services NSW

Applications open on 1 August and close on 31 October. The application process is the same for domestic and international applicants.

Before you apply, please:

Review the program entry in the University Handbook
Review the " important information" under the " entry requirements tab" on this page
Review the program’s Inherent Requirements, available on the School’s website
Review the postgraduate coursework FAQs
Read the step-by-step guide to applying

Ready to start your application?

Commonwealth supported places.

All places within this degree are Commonwealth supported. This means that if you receive an offer from UNSW Sydney as a domestic student, you will have a substantial proportion of your fees subsidised by the Australian government. Start your application today with our guide on how to apply .

*The indicative Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) fees are an estimate based on the relevant student contribution band/s for a Commonwealth Supported Place undertaking a standard full-time load of 48 units of credit per year (1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load/1 EFTSL). To find out more about Commonwealth Supported Places visit Postgraduate Commonwealth Support.

Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the degree/program. The indicative fee listed here is an estimate for tuition only and excludes non-tuition fees and charges. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year of enrolment, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (48 units of credit (UOC) per year).

You should not rely on indicative fees as fee increases are assessed when required and may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Actual fees are calculated on enrolment. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website .

Commonwealth Study Assistance such as Ausstudy, and Youth Allowance is available for some Masters degrees. For the most up-to-date information and list of degrees visit UNSW Current Student Financial Support .

*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only, other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).

Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website .

Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.

Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International .

Scholarships

At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.

QS World University Rankings, 2025.

AFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.

#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.

Sarah Altmann

Psychology Registrar

Uni life your way at UNSW Science

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MSc Forensic Psychology (BPS accredited)

Forensic Psychology (BPS accredited)

Can you determine whether a violent offender will reoffend? How reliable is a child’s witness testimony? How do you conduct a HCR-20 risk assessment?

Course overview

Examine the role of psychologists in legal settings, advances in the psychological understanding of offender behaviour, and assessment and rehabilitation. You’ll critically examine the role of psychology in various forensic settings, demonstrating how theory is applied to real-life situations.

Our masters course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and is the first stage towards gaining registration as a Qualified Forensic Psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). You’ll explore topics such as police investigations of crime, working with vulnerable groups, jury decision-making, ethical practice, offender rehabilitation, and interpret and report the statistical outcomes of test measurement. We have been commended by the British ...

What you need to know

When does the course start? September 2024

1 year full-time

2 years part-time

Where will I study this course? Manchester

Features and benefits

“This course helped me to develop my academic understanding of psychological theory and provided a more detailed insight into how this theory linked to practice. The course consisted of numerous group-assessed activities that allowed me to develop skills such as working within a group, sharing workloads and managing difficult dynamics, all of which are helpful when considering future multidisciplinary team working.” Felicity (MSc Forensic Psychology)

Course information

To give you a thorough understanding of forensic psychology, you’ll study core curriculum content from the British Psychological Society (BPS) . This includes the application and use of assessment tools within forensic practice and applying psychology to legal processes. You’ll look at how we assess offenders within forensic settings and how we apply theory to practice.

Some of the areas you’ll typically explore include the role of psychologists in the criminal and civil courts and offender assessment. You’ll consider interviewing and eyewitness testimony in different types of victims of crime and witnesses, as well as psychological measurement.

You’ll also learn practical skills in how to conduct risk assessments, such as the completion of HCR-20v3 (a set of assessment guidelines that helps you to consider an individual's risk of violent offending).

Alongside building your academic knowledge of forensic psychology, we’ll help you to develop skills in communication (including presenting), report writing, analytical thinking, and reflective practice. These are transferable skills that you’ll be able to use across your career.

Some of our areas of expertise in forensic psychology include juror decision making, expert witness evidence, eyewitness and alibi evidence and risk formulation.

When you successfully complete this course, you’ll fulfil stage one of the requirements towards Chartered Membership of the BPS and full membership of the Division of Forensic Psychology.

The MSc Forensic Psychology course is only open to applicants who have a BPS-accredited undergraduate degree (or equivalent through an accredited conversion course). International students will have to provide evidence that their degree meets the BPS requirements.

Accreditations, awards and endorsements

Accreditation.

The British Psychological Society

Over the duration of the course, you’ll study seven core units which follow the core curriculum content from the BPS.

On the Personal and Professional Development unit you’ll gain skills in reflective practice, identifying how you develop personally and professionally as a forensic practitioner. Your dissertation is 60 credits and is worth a third of your MSc. You’ll be encouraged and supported to come up with your own research project applied to a forensic topic. This is a non-traditional thesis - you’ll write up your dissertation as a journal article to give you the skills for writing for publication. Some of our students go onto to publish their dissertation research in reputable forensic psychology journals, which is actively encouraged by our teaching team.

Personal and Professional Development

This unit supports personal and professional development through your identification and monitoring of learning objectives and personal goals within a critical and supportive academic community. The unit promotes ongoing reflection, completion of personal development records, planning and participating.

Psychology and Law

The overall aim of this unit is to introduce how psychology is applied in legal settings. Topics covered include: psychologists as expert witnesses, the role of psychologists in the criminal and civil courts, the role of psychologists in mental health law and psychological assessment in legal settings. You'll be encouraged to integrate theory with the development of practical skills to enhance your understanding of the topic and your professional development.

Research for Innovation Dissertation

This unit will develop and apply independent relevant research skills. You’ll identify a discipline relevant research question, for which they will complete a research proposal and gain ethical approval prior to commencing collection of data. You’ll design and carry out your research under the supervision of a member of staff. All projects should aim to involve the collection of empirical data. Research may utilise whatever methods or methods most suitable to address the identified aims. Depending on the design of the project, qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods approached could be used.

Theory and Practice in Forensic Psychology

This unit presents theory alongside practice and encourages students to develop an understanding of forensic psychology theory and practice.

Offender Assessment and Treatment

Within this unit you will develop a critical overview of specialist applications of forensic psychology in relation to offenders, in terms of assessment, formulation, management, and treatment. The unit will provide you with an understanding of a number of assessment and treatment approaches used within public and private sector settings, specifically applied to an offending population.

Psychological Measurement

The unit develops an applied and critical understanding of the use of psychological measurements in a forensic setting and addresses the fundamental skills, principles and issues within psychological measurement in general.

Research Principles and Methods

This unit will develop an understanding of research principles, both quantitative and qualitative, which will enable you to critically appraise and undertake their research project. This unit will allow students to develop a philosophical understanding of different approaches and principles of conducting research in a clinical, health, and forensic context. Through completion of the unit students will develop both quantitative and qualitative research skills and consider the appropriateness of methodological decisions and design to address a research question. consider the appropriateness of methodological decisions in applied research.

Study and assessment breakdown

10 credits equates to 100 hours of study, which is a combination of lectures, seminars and practical sessions, and independent study. A masters qualification typically comprises of 180 credits, a PGDip 120 credits, a PGCert 60 credits and an MFA 300 credits. The exact composition of your study time and assessments for the course will vary according to your option choices and style of learning, but it could be:

Full-time 20% lectures, seminars or similar; 0% placement; 80% independent study
Part-time 20% lectures, seminars or similar; 0% placement; 80% independent study
Full-time 90% coursework; 10% practical; 0% examination
Part-time 90% coursework; 10% practical; 0% examination

Whether you've already made your decision about what you want to study, or you're just considering whether postgraduate study is right for you, there are lots of ways you can meet us and find out more about postgraduate student life at Manchester Met.

a virtual experience campus tour
chats with current students

Taught by experts

Your studies are supported by a department of committed and enthusiastic teachers and researchers, experts in their chosen field.

We often link up with external professionals too, helping to enhance your learning and build valuable connections to the working world.

Entry requirements

A 2:1 or above in a BPS-accredited psychology undergraduate degree (or equivalent through a psychology conversion course ) conferring Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) is typically required. Applicants with a 2:2 or equivalent in an eligible degree are also encouraged to apply and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

International applicants have to show evidence that their undergraduate degree is eligible for GBC. Applicants must contact the British Psychological Society independently to verify this and upload the proof along with their application. For information, please check the BPS website .

Overseas applicants will require IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 with no less than 5.5 in any category, or an equivalent accepted English qualification. Accepted English qualifications can be viewed here .

Fees and funding

Uk and channel island students.

Full-time fee: £9,500 per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).

Part-time fee: £1056 per 20 credits studied per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).

EU and Non-EU International Students

Full-time fee: £18,500 per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).

Part-time fee: £2056 per 20 credits studied per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).

Additional Information

A masters qualification typically comprises 180 credits, a PGDip 120 credits, a PGCert 60 credits, and an MFA 300 credits. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of study provided the course is completed in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).

Additional costs

Other costs.

Optional estimate : £400

All of the books required for the course are available from the library. The University also has PC labs and a laptop loan service. However, you may choose to buy some of the core textbooks for the course and/or a laptop. Campus printing costs start from 5p per page. Estimated costs are £300 for a laptop and up to £100 each year for books and printing.

Career prospects

To practise as a forensic psychologist in the UK, you’ll need to complete further training to achieve chartered psychologist status with BPS and apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) . As a registered psychologist, you might work in a range of criminal justice settings such as prisons, probation, voluntary sector services or the police.

This course will enable you to work in a range of forensic and clinical settings such as mental health, youth offending, prisons, probation, secure units, policing, and civil services.

Want to know more

Please contact our course enquiries team.

The application submission deadlines for September 2024 entry are:

International students: Monday 22nd July 2024

UK or Home/ Channel Islands/ IOM students: Applications remain open - deadline to be confirmed

Get advice and support on making a successful application.

You can review our current terms and conditions before you make your application. If you are successful with your application, we will send you up to date information alongside your offer letter.

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Programme review Our programmes undergo an annual review and major review (normally at 6 year intervals) to ensure an up-to-date curriculum supported by the latest online learning technology. For further information on when we may make changes to our programmes, please see the changes section of our terms and conditions .

Important notice This online prospectus provides an overview of our programmes of study and the University. We regularly update our online prospectus so that our published course information is accurate. Please check back to the online prospectus before making an application to us to access the most up to date information for your chosen course of study.

Confirmation of regulator The Manchester Metropolitan University is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS is the independent regulator of higher education in England. More information on the role of the OfS and its regulatory framework can be found at officeforstudents.org.uk .

All higher education providers registered with the OfS must have a student protection plan in place. The student protection plan sets out what students can expect to happen should a course, campus, or institution close. Access our current student protection plan .

COMMENTS

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A forensic psychology master's degree considers human behavior as it relates to crime and criminal offenders. These programs typically require 30 to 45 credits, which full-time students can ...
Library Dissertation Showcase
Evaluating the effectiveness of schema therapy for behavioural change in forensic patients with personality disorders. Author: Olivia A. Cressey. Subject: Forensic Psychology. Year of Publication: 2022. Award: MSc Forensic Psychology.
Forensic Psychology, MA
Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology Admission Requirements. ... The Thesis is a traditional academic research paper and should be completed concurrent with the student's last semester of the program. Students should contact the program director for details regarding the selection of the committee and the procedure for approval.
Master's in Forensic Psychology
Learn how to apply psychological principles and theories to the legal field with UND's top-ranked master's in Forensic Psychology. Choose between online M.A. or on-campus M.S. programs with flexible courses, no residency or GRE requirements, and career-focused skills.
Masters dissertations
MSc Applied Forensic Psychology with Counselling. British South Asian Young Peoples Perceptions of Unwanted Online Sexual Contact. Gayathri Manimaran, 2023. I Know Better Now: Young Adults Perception of Parental Reactions to Online Sexual Harm (OSH) and Potential Impact on Disclosure. Joe Valanarasu, 2023.
MS in Forensic Psychology
The online Master of Science (MS) in Forensic Psychology degree builds a solid foundation of knowledge, insight, and skill to make a difference in the criminal justice system or in relevant legal and social services careers. Forensic psychology graduates gain expertise regarding judicial, human behavior, administrative, and educational contexts ...
M.S. in Forensic Sciences
Learn about criminal behavioral analysis and forensic psychology for investigators in this online program. This non-thesis track requires 32 credit hours and a capstone project, and is not designed for clinical or counseling psychology.
Forensic Psychology, Bachelor of Arts / Master of Arts
134. BA/MA Coordinator. Professor Rebecca Weiss, Psychology Department (646.557.1160, bamadirector @jjay.cuny.edu) Tuition and Financial Aid Information. This program is accelerated and intended for students to attend full-time (at least 12 cr. for undergraduate students, at least 9 cr. for graduate students).
Forensic Psychology (Master's program)
Contact the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies: 905.721.8668 ext. 6209 [email protected]. The Master of Science program in Forensic Psychology combines disciplinary and specialized study in the field, study in research methods and statistics, and applied learning experiences to prepare students to work in a variety of settings.
Master of Psychology (Forensic)
Learn forensic psychology skills from leading educators at UNSW, ranked #25 in the world in psychology. This program is accredited by APAC and includes research, professional practice and law courses.
Forensic Psychology (BPS accredited)
A one-year full-time or two-year part-time course that covers the core curriculum content of the British Psychological Society (BPS) for forensic psychology. Learn from research-active staff, develop practical skills, and access specialist facilities for psychology demonstration and practice.

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