New College’s Psychology, BA degree gives students an opportunity to engage in innovative research, integrating the knowledge of our expert faculty with cutting-edge technology to better understand human behavior and neuroscience. The degree focuses on a social science perspective for psychology.
The psychology program at ASU's West campus offers a concentration in forensic psychology, focusing on how psychology is applied to the law. This training in criminal law, criminal behavior, mental disorders and legal decision-making prepares you to be an expert witness in a court of law.
Forensic psychology is the application of psychology to the law. The concentration in forensic psychology within the BA program in psychology combines general training in psychology with specialized coursework in criminal law, criminal behavior, the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders, and legal decision-making.
When courts are faced with cases in which a psychology-related question arises, they may turn to psychologists for help with the case. 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.
This program teaches students about the various roles for psychologists in the legal system and helps them discover which roles they might like to pursue through careers in mental health, criminal justice or through graduate training.
The Bachelor of Arts degree differs from the Bachelor of Science degree in that it does not require two additional lab science courses.
At A Glance
Psychology (Forensic Psychology), BA
- Offered by: New College of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences
- Location: West, Online
- First Required Math Course: MAT 119 - Finite Mathematics
- Math Intensity: Moderate
Required Courses
A major map outlines a major's critical requirements, courses, and optimal course sequence and aids students in remaining on track to graduation.
While circumstances vary between students and their paths towards graduation (utilizing placement testing to fulfill required math or foreign language courses, fulfilling multiple General Studies requirements with one course, etc.), completing the courses listed in a major map fulfills all of the requirements for graduation.
Application requirements
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements:
Affording college
Scholarships
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WUE eligible program
Undergraduate students from western states who enroll in this
program are eligible for a discounted tuition rate.
Financial Aid
ASU has many financial aid options. Almost everyone, regardless
of income, can qualify for some form of financial aid. In fact,
more than 70 percent of all ASU students receive some form of
financial assistance every year.
Career outlook
The Bachelor of Arts program in psychology with a concentration in forensic psychology prepares students for careers in the criminal justice and mental health fields. Many careers in psychology require graduate training, and this program is also designed to prepare students for master's degree and doctoral programs in legal, clinical and forensic psychology.
Example careers
Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:
| Career | *growth | *median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Social Workers, All Other | 8.3% | $61,980 |
| Clinical Psychologists | 14.3% | $75,090 |
| Counseling Psychologists | 14.3% | $75,090 |
| Criminal Investigators and Special Agents | 4.5% | $79,970 |
| Lawyers | 8.2% | $119,250 |
| Mental Health Counselors | 23.1% | |
| Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists | 5.7% | $51,410 |
| Psychiatrists | 11.2% | # |
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | 14.2% | $44,380 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | 19.3% | $43,250 |
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
- Bright Outlook
- Green Occupation
What are Accelerated Programs at ASU?
ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor’s degree in 2.5 or 3 years.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master’s degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.
Accelerated bachelor’s degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.
What are ASU's Online Programs?
ASU Online offers programs like Psychology (Forensic Psychology) in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year.
More information on the program is available directly from ASU Online.