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New College's Forensic Psychology, BS degree investigates the intersection of psychology and the law, specifically in the courtroom. Graduates of this program use their deep knoweldge of criminal law, behavior, mental disorders and legal decision-making to become expert witnesses in a court of law.
Forensic psychology is the application of psychology to the law. The concentration in forensic psychology within the BS 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 and ask 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 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 Science degree differs from the Bachelor of Arts degree in that it requires two additional lab courses and advanced statistical training. The BS degree program provides a greater depth of knowledge in the biological and neuroscientific aspects of psychology that are becoming increasingly important both for research and clinical forensic practice. In addition, the advanced statistical training further prepares students for careers and graduate training involving psychological research, clinical research and legal policy research.
Program Offered
Psychology (Forensic Psychology),
BS
Offered by
New College of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences
Major Map
A major map outlines the degree’s requirements for graduation.
Application Requirements
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements:
Affording College
Scholarships
Find and apply for relevant scholarships.
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 Science degree 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 also is 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors | 22.3% | $39,270 |
| Social Workers, All Other | 3.8% | $59,100 |
| Clinical Data Managers | 33.8% | $79,990 |
| Clinical Psychologists | 19.6% | $68,900 |
| Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | 5% | $56,810 |
| Counseling Psychologists | 19.6% | $68,900 |
| Counselors, All Other | 11% | $44,830 |
| Forensic Science Technicians | 26.6% | $55,360 |
| Criminal Investigators and Special Agents | -1.2% | $79,870 |
| Police Detectives | -1.2% | $79,870 |
| Social Science Research Assistants | 5.6% | $39,460 |
| Intelligence Analysts | -1.2% | $79,870 |
| Lawyers | 5.6% | $114,970 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | 19.3% | $51,930 |
| Mental Health Counselors | 19.6% | $40,850 |
| Neuropsychologists and Clinical Neuropsychologists | 9.8% | $92,110 |
| Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists | 3.6% | $49,060 |
| Psychiatric Aides | 5.3% | $26,220 |
| Psychiatrists | 14.9% | $181,880 |
| Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary | 15.8% | $68,690 |
| School Psychologists | 19.6% | $68,900 |
| Security Managers | 3.9% | $105,060 |
| Social and Community Service Managers | 9.5% | $62,740 |
| Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary | 13.9% | $62,440 |
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | 6.2% | $42,120 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | 18.9% | $41,380 |
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
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