Forensic Psychology Undergraduate Degree Programs: Exploring the Intersection of Law and Psychology

Forensic psychology is a captivating interdisciplinary field that combines principles of psychology and law, offering a fulfilling and practical career path for prospective students. It explores the intersection of human behavior and the legal system, examining the causes and prevention of crime, offender profiling, and the application of psychological expertise within legal contexts. This article will explore forensic psychology undergraduate degree programs, including degree requirements and coursework, select programs, career information, and frequently asked questions.

What is Forensic Psychology?

Forensic psychology is the application of psychology to the law. When courts are faced with cases in which a psychology-related question arises, they may turn to psychologists for help. For example, psychologists might assist the court in understanding a criminal's mental state at the time of a crime or in determining whether a particular jury might have been biased against a defendant based on his or her race. This is the realm of forensic psychology. The professional practice of forensic psychology was recognized as a specialty by the American Psychological Association (APA) in 2001 within the larger areas of clinical psychology, counseling psychology, and school psychology.1 Forensic psychology is focused on treating psychological disorders in legal contexts. Forensic psychologists work with the judicial system to provide professional psychological expertise which helps evaluate and convict criminals and prevent future crimes. The three primary areas of focused practice within the specialty of forensic psychology are clinical (diagnosis, treatment, testing, and ethics of mental disorders); forensic (forensic ethics and assessment of symptoms in a legal context); and legal (specific knowledge of the law and the legal system).

Forensic Psychology Degree Requirements and Coursework

An undergraduate degree in forensic psychology is uncommon. Instead, courses in forensic psychology may be offered as electives in undergraduate psychology programs. Most students who enter a graduate program in forensic psychology will have an undergraduate degree in psychology (with a possible focus on criminal justice or a related field) or in criminal justice or criminology (with a possible focus on psychology).

In a forensic psychology degree program, students are exposed to coursework covering the psychopathology of criminals, proper treatment of offenders, and ethical interrogation of suspects. In these degree programs, students learn about social psychology, human development, criminal justice and criminology, criminal psychology, and statistics. Because forensic psychology is already a specialization within the broad field of psychology, no further specializations (also known as concentrations, emphases, or specialties) are typically offered.

Sample coursework includes:

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• Evaluation and Treatment of Offenders
• Evaluation and Treatment of Sex Offenders
• Family Systems and Family Treatment
• Interrogation and Interviewing
• Issues in Family Law
• Psychology of Violence
• Psychology and the Legal System
• Psychopathology
• Research, Theory, Design, and Methods
• Social Psychology
• Theories of Criminal Behavior
• Theories of Personality and Counseling

Select Forensic Psychology Degree Programs

Many colleges and universities offer forensic psychology programs. Here are a few examples:

• Arizona State University (ASU): At Arizona State University (ASU), students can earn a Master of Science (MS) in Forensic Psychology completely online. A total of 33 credit hours are required, which are spread over 11 classes; students spend 7.5 weeks on each class. The MS degree at ASU prepares graduates for advancement in their current careers or further graduate study through coursework in criminal law, behavior, the diagnosis of mental disorders, the treatment of mental disorders, and the legal system. Coursework includes Advanced Legal Psychology, Advanced Correctional Psychology, Psychopathology, Quantitative Analysis, and seminars in Criminal Justice as well as Courts and Sentencing. Students must also complete a capstone in Forensic Psychology to graduate. While ASU’s MS program does not qualify graduates for clinical practice, it can open up opportunities for students employed in law enforcement, corrections, mental health, or related fields. A bachelor’s degree in psychology, criminal justice, or another related field is required for admission and successful applicants must have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA. ASU also offers concurrent degrees that allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges. ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program in which residents of western states (other than Arizona) may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition. Studying abroad in the psychology program exposes students to distinct differences in the human condition worldwide. With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, students are able to tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets. Students in these programs build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships around the world, increasing their professional network. Participation in a study abroad program provides students with the heightened cultural competency and strengthened leadership and critical thinking skills that enhance their resumes and help them stand out in a competitive career field.
• CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice: The John Jay College of Criminal Justice, which is part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system, has offered a Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology (MAFP) since 1978. A minimum of 42 credits are required to earn the degree, which takes an average of two years to complete. The MAFP is designed to train practitioners to provide psychological services for the criminal justice system and to prepare students for doctoral study in the field. Applicants must score a minimum combined score of 297 on the GRE (the Psychology Subject GRE is not required) and have a minimum of 3.0 GPA in their undergraduate program. The curriculum focuses on how to understand, evaluate, and treat offenders and their victims. Students can choose between completing a thesis or completing a 300-hour externship in a psychological setting (under the supervision of a licensed psychologist or another approved trained mental health professional). A postgraduate certificate program in forensic psychology, as well as two combined degrees in forensic psychology and law (MA/JD), are also offered at the college. The John Jay College of Criminal Justice and the Graduate Center, City University of New York (CUNY) jointly offer an APA-accredited Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Clinical Psychology that has been in existence since 2009 and focuses on proficiencies in clinical forensic applications. The program takes around five years for students to complete degree requirements, which consist of 90 credits, a comprehensive exam, a master’s thesis, and an empirical dissertation project. The PhD program is based on the Boulder (science-practitioner) model, placing an equal emphasis on research and professional practice competencies. In addition to regular coursework and a dissertation, students are required to complete a minimum of two years of supervised clinical practicum experience and take two doctoral examinations before graduating. Full-time, in-state students admitted to the program pay no tuition, and, working as graduate assistants, receive a stipend and health insurance.
• Oklahoma State University: The Center for Health Sciences at Oklahoma State University (OSU) offers a thesis or non-thesis Master of Science in Forensic Sciences (MSFS) degree with a focus in Forensic Psychology that is accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. The mostly online program requires students to take a total of 30 graduate credit hours with a thesis or 32 credit hours without one for non-thesis. Students may take on-campus lab courses in their second year. Students must complete a six-credit hour research project, paticipate in graduate seminars, and maintain at least a 3.0 GPA. The program takes full-time students two to three years to complete, and while the degree will not qualify graduates to be forensic psychologists, it gives students a good foundation to begin a career in the field. Courses in the program include Survey of Forensic Sciences; Ethics in Forensic Leadership; Molecular Biology for the Forensic Scientist; Advanced Forensic Toxicology; Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigation; and Forensic Management and Organizational Development.
• Sam Houston State University: Sam Houston State University (SHSU) offers a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program in Clinical Psychology with a strong emphasis on forensics. PhD students take courses ranging from Mental Health Law to Forensic Assessment and during their schooling will do forensic evaluations, consult on court cases, and participate in the treatment of forensic populations. Students in this program must complete 108 credit hours within six years. In addition to the coursework, students must take a comprehensive exam, complete an empirical master’s thesis, and write an empirical dissertation before graduating. There is no minimum GRE score or GPA required for admittance into the program. Entering classes consist of seven or eight students and year-long, full-time attendance is required. It takes students five to seven years to complete the program, which includes a one-year predoctoral internship. For the practicum requirement, students at Sam Houston State have worked in inpatient and residential settings, private practices, and correctional settings. Students in the program also provide services at the program’s Psychological Services Center serving community clients.
• University of Denver: The University of Denver (DU) offers a Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology (MAFP), a program that has been offered since 1999 at the Graduate School of Professional Psychology, which has been accredited by the APA since 1979. The MAFP requires 90 credits to graduate, and the coursework typically takes students about two years of full-time study to complete. A minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.5 is required for admittance. However, the average cumulative undergraduate GPA of applicants is 3.3. A GRE score is no longer required. During their two years of study, students will learn how to apply psychological theory, knowledge, skills, and foundational and functional competencies to the civil and criminal justice systems. Courses include Psychology, Public Policy, and Advocacy; Criminal Evaluations; Trauma and Crisis Intervention; and Socio-Cultural Issues in Forensic Psychology.
• University of North Dakota: The University of North Dakota (UND) offers a Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology (MAFP) that is completely online. Requiring 30 credits to graduate, the part-time program typically takes students a minimum of two years to complete, depending on their availability to take classes. UND’s MAFP gives graduates a solid foundation in advanced psychological concepts, theories, and statistical skills as well as a deep understanding of the role of forensics in the legal system. In addition, students will learn how to testify in court as expert witnesses, assist courts and state agencies with evaluations, and conduct focus groups to assist lawyers in trial preparation. The completion of this program will also prepare students for entry into a PhD or PsyD program. A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or graduate GPA of 3.5 is required for entry, but no residency or GRE scores are required. The University of North Dakota also offers a Certificate in Forensic Psychology.

Forensic Psychologist Career Information

Completing a forensic psychology degree opens doors to a variety of job fields, including homeland security, the fields of law and law enforcement, correctional systems, and social services. Forensic psychologists may help determine whether a suspect suffers from mental illness and be involved in the treatment of criminals suffering from addiction. Forensic psychologists may also counsel children and minors who are survivors of abuse. They may write reports, give testimony, or treat patients.

How to Become a Forensic Psychologist

To become fully licensed as a forensic psychologist, you will need a doctoral degree (Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) or a PhD in Psychology) to meet the minimum educational requirement. You also must complete a year or two of supervised clinical experience in your field. All states require licensed psychologists to pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). The basic steps to becoming licensed as a forensic psychologist are:

1. Earn a bachelor’s degree and (optionally) a master’s degree in psychology or a related field.
2. Earn an accredited PsyD or PhD in Forensic Psychology.
3. Complete the supervised clinical experience required by your state.
4. Pass the required exam(s), including the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).
5. Apply for and receive a forensic psychology license.
6. Begin practicing as a forensic psychologist.
7. Complete the continuing education requirements in your state in order to keep your license current.

Job Description

Prospective forensic psychologists should possess excellent critical thinking skills, science skills, strong writing and oral presentation skills, and a calm demeanor. Work hours for forensic psychologists can be long and grueling, especially in the weeks leading up to a trial. According to the APA, forensic psychologists might expect to work eight- to 12-hour days, but they are usually well-compensated for their time.5

With a doctoral degree in forensic psychology, graduates can pursue a postdoctoral specialization in forensics. While the job title of forensic psychologist requires a PhD or a PsyD in the field, master’s-level graduates in forensic psychology can still seek supportive roles in the field. Possible job titles include:

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• Case manager
• Clinical and program director
• Criminal justice clinical specialist
• Correctional officer
• Criminal profiler

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is forensic psychology? Forensic psychology is the field of psychology that specializes in law and criminality. Forensic psychologists work in the criminal justice system, government, legal system, and programs to prevent crime. They also support survivors or help prevent people who committed crimes from recommitting. Forensic psychology focuses on understanding the intersection of psychology and the legal system, including the causes and prevention of crime and offender profiling.
• What degree do I need to become a forensic psychologist? To become a licensed psychologist, you must earn a doctorate, which can take 4-7 years, in addition to an undergraduate and master’s degree. However, some forensic psychology roles, such as police or parole officers or counselors specializing in criminal rehabilitation, require a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
• What do you learn in a forensic psychology undergraduate program? Forensic psychology undergraduate programs include the basic psychology curriculum of theory, human development, and abnormal psychology. Students learn how to perform assessments, provide counseling, and conduct research. They also complete coursework in criminal psychology, law, and the justice and corrections systems.
• Does the FBI hire forensic psychologists? The FBI hires forensic psychologists, though the work is not as glamorous as it appears on television.

Additional Resources

• American Board of Forensic Psychology: This website offers the American Board of Forensic Psychology’s official definition of forensic psychology. It also offers a list of areas that the practice of forensic psychology includes the qualifications and credentials for becoming a Forensic Psychologist.
• Forensic Psychology Edu: This site provides extensive information about careers in forensic psychology, including the many specialties within this diverse field. It offers state-by-state information on becoming a forensic psychologist.
• Psychology Info Online’s Forensic Psychology Page: This website gives a general description of the field of forensic psychology.

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