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.
