collageMA in Forensic Psychology
Why do individuals commit crimes? Is it possible to understand their motivations?
The Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology program attempts to answer these questions using psychological concepts as utilized in the legal system. Students learn to examine mental health through multiple perspectives: social, cultural and legal. Lastly, they learn to apply their skills through classwork and externship training.
- Apply to GW
- Admissions and Resources
- Externships
Potential Curriculum Paths
The degree offers two informal paths of study that can be used as a course selection tool.
Applied Forensics
Students interested in applied forensics study ways of bringing psychological evaluation to criminal investigations.
Sample Courses
- FORP 6117: Interrogation and Interviewing
- FORP 6118: Psychological Profiling
- FORP 6119: Police Psychology
- FORP 6120: Counterintelligence
- FORP 6128: Terrorism and Counterterrorism
- FORP 6129: Investigative Psychology
Applied Psychology
Students interested in applied psychology are drawn to work that involves direct client contact with offenders or victims. Students study psychopathology as it relates to interpreting behavior, and they perform evaluations and develop treatment plans.
Sample Courses
- FORP 6110: Forensic Psychological Assessment
- FORP 6111: Evaluation and Treatment of Sex Offenders
- FORP 6112: Substance Abuse Evaluation and Treatment
- FORP 6113: Victimology
- FORP 6115: Children and Adolescents in the Legal System
- FORP 6131: Individuals with Mental Illness in the Legal System
Course Requirements
The following requirements must be fulfilled:
The general requirements stated under Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Graduate Programs.
37 credits, including 25 credits in required courses, 12 credits in elective courses, and successful completion of a comprehensive examination.
Master’s in Forensic Psychology
Master of Arts (M.A.)
Ranked No. 1 Online Master’s in Forensic Psychology program in the country.
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in forensic psychology prepares you to apply psychological theory, knowledge, skills and competencies to the civil and criminal justice systems. It is online, part-time and can be completed in about two years.Program type:Master’s DegreeFormat:OnlineEst. time to complete:2 yearsCredit hours:30
Why earn a master’s in forensic psychology?
Application DeadlinesFALL: April 1SPRING: Oct. 1
Forensic psychology and criminology is a rapidly growing specialty area of psychology. Through the online master’s degree program at the University of North Dakota, you’ll gain:
- Knowledge of advanced psychological concepts and theories.
- Outstanding analytical, statistical and evaluation skills.
- Specific forensic-relevant knowledge.
- In-depth understanding of our legal system.
The majority of the 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.
This online program is designed with working professionals in mind. Students have careers in law enforcement, military, social service agencies and hospitals, among others.
Online Forensic Psychology Master’s
- Take courses through our online learning management system. Courses are 100% online and delivered in the traditional academic term format. You never have to come to campus.
- Get online support, such as tutoring, library, tech support and advising services. You’ll have access to our Career Services, which will help you find a job before or after graduation.
- Earn an affordable, accredited education, wherever you are. There are no residency requirements or GRE requirement.
- Do a supervised field placement in a real-world clinical or community setting.
- Choose to perform an intensive study in areas such as interrogation, eyewitness testimony or psychology in the classroom.
- Pick from a wide selection of electives where you can hone in on a special topic.
What can you do with a master’s in forensic psychology?
95%
Rate of employment for those with a master’s in psychology
American Psychological Association80K
Median annual salary for psychologists
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
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
- Community mental health centers
- Family, civil and criminal courts
- Hospitals
- Military
- Juvenile facilities
- Law enforcement/police departments
- Prisons/jails
- Probation/parole services
- Protective services
- Research/risk-assessment agencies
- State forensic units
- Social service agencies
- Trial consulting services
UND Forensic Psychology 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
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