Master’s degree
in Forensic Psychology
- Master of Science (MS)
- Online
- Hybrid
What is forensic psychology? We’ve all seen the many portrayals of it in TV and film — but what is it really like? What does it take to build a forensic psychology career right here in the real world?
At our King Graduate School, you won’t just get an answer to the question — you’ll get the many tools you need to build a rewarding career of your own. Our Forensic Psychology Master’s program will give you a solid foundation in the clinical, legal, and analytical skills you need to succeed — and lead — at every level of our criminal justice system, from investigation to conviction and beyond.
Find Out About Our Fully Online Forensic Psychology Degree
Why a Major in Forensic Psychology?
As the criminal justice system evolves, so do its methods. The science of forensic psychology is essential to helping law enforcement, attorneys, judges, and juries to understand the motives behind criminal behavior. For example, forensic psychologists may use their expertise to determine a criminal defendant’s competency to stand trial, or if they might pose a danger to others.
With a Master of Science in Forensic Psychology, you’ll be able to apply your expertise to leadership positions in any number of criminal justice fields. Many Forensic Psychology graduates join law enforcement agencies at the local, state, and federal levels. Some also work in the private sector as consultants to police departments and prosecutors.
You might choose to work in social services, where you can apply the latest in behavioral studies to help rehabilitate offenders. You could create those studies yourself as a forensic researcher — or you could go on to earn your doctorate to become a fully licensed forensic psychologist.
Where your career takes you is up to you… but it all begins with a Forensic Psychology Master’s from Monroe.
Curriculum
Forensic psychology demands practitioners who are well-trained in critical analysis and statistical interpretation. It requires deep clinical knowledge to accurately assess neurobehavioral issues associated with aggression, hostility, substance abuse disorders, and more.
We designed the Master of Science in Forensic Psychology to develop every one of those skill sets. You’ll begin with a set of core courses that will ground you in the workings of our criminal justice system. They include:
- Criminological Theory
- The Psychology of Criminal Behavior
- Perspectives on Drugs and Alcohol
- Child Development, Trauma, and the Criminal Justice System
You’ll see how behavioral science works within the framework of criminal justice in specialized Forensic Psychology classes:
- Forensic Mental Health in the Courts
- Psychological and Neurobehavioral Assessment Tools
- Psychopathology of Serial Offenders
- Assessment, Intervention, and Treatment of Domestic Violence
You’ll also apply everything you learn in a forensics practicum that will give you field placement experience in one of several professional settings, including social service agencies, correctional facilities, mental health centers, hospitals, and law enforcement agencies.
How Long Does a Master’s in Forensic Psychology Take to Earn?
You can earn your Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice in just five (5) semesters. If completed in consecutive semesters on our accelerated three (3)-semester academic calendar, you could finish your degree in less than two (2) years.
Forensic Psychology Master’s Requirements:
The MS Forensic Psychology consists of 42 total credits, including:
- 27 credits of required core courses, including a 3-credit integrated capstone seminar
- 15 credits of required Forensic Psychology courses
Students may also opt for a hybrid curriculum that combines the hands-on experience of on-campus classes with the flexibility of online learning.
Learn more about the requirements for a Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology.
The Psychopathology of Serial Offenders: Understanding Behavioral Patterns
Crime scene analysis can do more than help us reconstruct a sequence of events. A well-trained investigator can use the same evidence to get an idea of who committed the crime in question. This Forensic Psychology course will provide students with the basic tools used to profile serial offenders. Master’s candidates will learn how to use physical and psychological evidence from a crime scene, patterns of criminal behavior, and geography to construct a detailed criminal profile.
Admission Requirements
To apply for a Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology, candidates must fulfill the following admissions requirements:
- Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year institution of higher education.
- Candidates must submit:
- A completed application for admission.
- A 500-word essay describing your career goals and why you want to pursue a master’s degree.
- A current résumé.
- Transcripts from all prior educational institutions attended.
- Two (2) professional letters of recommendation.
- Forensic psychology candidates must also participate in a pre-admission interview.
Tuition and Financial Aid
How Much Does a Forensic Psychology Degree Cost?
Year after year, U.S. News & World Report ranks Monroe as one of the Best Value Schools in Regional Universities North. In addition to our affordable tuition and fees — and manageable payment plans for every circumstance — we have a financial aid office that works tirelessly on behalf of every student. They’ll help you secure every possible grant, scholarship, and loan for which you’re eligible.
Monroe also has valuable relationships with over 400 corporate partners. If you’re an employee of any one of them, you may qualify to receive a Corporate Partnership Grant that covers 20% of your tuition.
Your Future Forensic Psychology Career
Forensic psychology jobs in law enforcement may be the most visible, but there are opportunities in every part of the criminal justice system: the courts, corrections, human services, and more. Here are just a few of the career paths you can pursue with a degree in Forensic Psychology:
- Correctional counselor
- Criminal profiler
- Victim advocate
- Jury consultant
- Police consultant
- Licensed professional clinical counselor
- Probation officer
- Investigative journalist
- Forensic research psychologist*
In all areas of forensic psychology, there’s a steady demand for well-trained experts. How you choose to meet that demand is up to you.
*To independently practice as a licensed forensic psychologist, Forensic psychology graduates must go on to earn additional credentials, including 1) a doctorate in psychology and 2) official licensure from the state.
Discover What You Can Achieve
With a Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology from our King Graduate School, you won’t just learn how to apply behavioral science. You’ll learn how to apply yourself.
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