The Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology is designed to provide a strong foundation in forensic psychology that can be applied to, and within, the criminal and civil justice systems, as well as to prepare students for doctoral study in psychology. The curriculum focuses on understanding, serving, and studying both offenders and victims. Through the curriculum, students acquire an advanced understanding of psychological development and psychopathology, personality assessment, psychotherapeutic techniques, and research methods. In addition, the curriculum highlights the various ways in which social identities (race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, class, etc.) can impact our understanding of psychopathology, as well as influence the implementation of assessment and research design.
Forensic Psychology applies psychological insights, concepts and skills to the understanding and functioning of the criminal justice system. Psychology and the law, the psychology of police and policing, eyewitness identification, jury research, corrections, probation, parole, victim services, addiction services, and family services are all part of forensic psychology.
Students who graduate from this program either pursue further study or work in agencies and institutions such as prisons, juvenile facilities, social service agencies, police departments, child care agencies, probation, parole, family court, addiction services, hospitals, and community mental health centers. Some students get jobs as forensic researchers, studying and evaluating at-risk populations. Graduates have also been accepted into federal law enforcement agencies.
Note: The MA in Forensic Psychology is not a licensure program. States very in their licensure requirements at the master’s level.
