The MS program in forensic psychology provides working professionals with an understanding of mental health issues and human behavior with respect to crime and the criminal justice and legal systems.
The curriculum involves specialized coursework in criminal law, criminal behavior, the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders, and legal decision-making. Through these courses, students learn about the various roles for psychologists in the legal system and help them discover which roles they might like to pursue through careers in mental health, criminal justice or through additional graduate training.
Graduates are not license-eligible for clinical practice but are well prepared to enter advanced degree and continuing education programs in counseling and related fields.
At A Glance
Forensic Psychology, MS
- Offered by: New College of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences
- Location: Online
Plan of study
The Plan of study is the required curriculum to complete this graduate level program.
Application Deadline
See important dates and information on the Advising page.
Degree requirements
Required Core (12 credit hours)
PSY 545 Advanced Legal Psychology (3)
PSY 546 Advanced Forensic Psychology (3)
PSY 547 Advanced Correctional Psychology (3)
PSY 573 Psychopathology (3)
Electives (6 credit hours)
Statistics and Methods (6 credit hours)
PSY 500 Research Methods (3)
PSY 515 Quantitative Analysis I (3)
Criminal Justice System Courses (6 credit hours)
CRJ 501 Seminar in Criminal Justice (3)
CRJ 513 Seminar in Courts and Sentencing (3)
Culminating Experience (3 credit hours)
PSY 549 Capstone in Forensic Psychology (3)
Admission requirements
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in psychology, criminal justice, social science, or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
All applicants must submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- letters of recommendation
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of current residency.
Applicants must provide evidence of successful completion of an undergraduate or graduate social science statistics and research methods course.
GRE scores are recommended but not required for all applicants. Applicants whose GPA is below 3.30 in the last 60 credit hours of the bachelor's degree are strongly encouraged to provide GRE scores.
What are ASU's Online Programs?
ASU Online offers programs like Forensic Psychology, MS in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year.
More information on the program is available directly from ASU Online.