Fatima Salem Pease talking with a woman with text Fatima Salem Pease '19

Master's in Forensic Psychology Online MS in Psychology Concentration

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Register By: September 12 Classes Start: September 14

Earn Your MS in Forensic Psychology

  • $627/credit (36 credits total)
  • No application fee or GRE/GMAT scores required
  • Transfer up to 12 graduate credits

 

  • Experiential learning opportunities
  • Master the intersection of psychology and law
  • Learn from faculty with real-world experience

 

Master's in Forensic Psychology Online Program Overview

Forensic psychology is a discipline at the intersection of psychology and the criminal justice system. With the Master of Science (MS) in Psychology degree with a concentration in Forensic Psychology from Southern New Hampshire University, you’ll gain the knowledge to work within this dynamic field. A forensic psychology concentration prepares you to work within the criminal justice system, along with a wide range of social service organizations. You’ll learn valuable skills like critical thinking and research while you get an overview of the forensic field and the inner workings of the criminal mind. The forensic psychology concentration also covers critical areas such as ethics and diversity.

Although this program and concentration do not lead to licensure, it opens doors to careers in places such as the court system, legal offices, correctional facilities, police departments and governmental agencies.

In the forensic psychology concentration, you'll learn how to:

  • Adapt psychological theories and methods in forensic psychology settings
  • Evaluate the impact of the law on the field of forensic psychology
  • Understand the roles and duties of a forensic psychologist

See Yourself Succeed in Forensic Psychology

Choosing a Master of Science with a concentration in Forensic Psychology adds value to your degree by giving you professional skills in an area with a wide range of career options. It also sets you up to make a difference for others with your understanding of what influences anti-social behavior and how crime impacts individuals and society.

Our online format for this degree concentration allows you to participate in the coursework, while learning when it works best for you, without sacrificing collaboration and support. We also help you succeed with a variety of aids, including dedicated advisors, online tutoring and a writing center. Additionally, the instructors who teach within the SNHU forensic psychology concentration love sharing their expertise with their students, and come from a variety of backgrounds and life experiences within the forensic psychology field.

A soccer goalie diving for a ball during a penalty kick

The Psychology of Preparing for a Penalty Kick

A goalkeeper has 0.08 of a second to make a decision on how to stop a penalty kick, Dr. Michael Hendery, SNHU psychology professor, told former MLS player Calen Carr in this look at how psychologists analyze split-second information processing and decision-making.

Career Outlook

An online Master's in Psychology with a concentration in Forensic Psychology will help prepare you for a multitude of career paths within the justice system. While this degree concentration doesn't result in licensure, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, examples of responsibilities underneath the forensic psychology umbrella include determining a defendant’s mental competency, helping to develop a suspect’s psychological profile or assessing a witness’s credibility.1 

Here are some additional career options:2

  • Probation departments - In probation departments, you'll work closely with those who've recently been released from jail by providing aid and resources to help ensure they do not re-offend.
  • Law enforcement - While a degree in forensic psychology isn't required to apply to the police academy, earning your online degree in forensic psychology could be beneficial during your application, training process and any future promotions.
  • Victim advocacy - As a victim advocate, you'd be responsible for helping crime victims maneuver through the legal system with the least amount of trauma possible. You'd be responsible for educating the victim on their legal rights, being present for law enforcement questioning, attending court with the victim and more.
  • Court liaison - Working as a court liaison within the criminal justice system means acting as the go-between for criminal courts and local police departments.
  • Jury consultant - Being responsible for jury selection research means working closely with legal teams to determine the best possible jurors while assisting with jury-related questions and concerns as cases move forward.
  • Juvenile offenders counselor - In this position, you'd work directly with juveniles in the criminal justice system, evaluating complaints and managing the overall process, to help put juveniles on the path to success.

The broad skill set that you'll gain in the MS in Psychology program applies to these areas of expertise and many more. As of 2019, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $80,370 per year for psychologists, though this could vary depending on your specific field and the amount of education you've received.1 The forensic psychology concentration equips you to work anywhere that psychology intersects with criminal behavior and the legal system. It also prepares you to earn a doctoral degree if you wish to pursue further education in the forensic psychology area.

Kathy Edwards with text Kathy EdwardsAnd, while forensic psychologists generally hold a PhD or Psy.D. degree, many careers are open for master’s level clinicians as well, says SNHU adjunct faculty member Kathy Edwards.

"Typical careers involve conducting forensic assessments for the courts system – such as a person's competency to stand trial or in custody assessments," she said, "but opportunities exist in police psychology, prison psychology and consulting, for example, as an expert witness."

Start Your Journey Toward an Online Forensic Psychology Degree Concentration

Why SNHU For Your Master’s in Forensic Psychology

Flexible

With no set class meeting times, you can learn on your schedule and access online course materials 24/7.

Affordable

Take advantage of some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation, plus financial aid for those who qualify. We also make it easy to transfer to SNHU by accepting up to 12 credits from your previous institution.

Respected

Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 100,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.

Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:

  • “Most Innovative” regional university honors from U.S. News & World Report each year since 2015
  • A $1 million grant from Google.org to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
  • Recognition as a 2017 Digital Learning Innovator by the Online Learning Consortium

Network

At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 200,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.

Opportunities

All students are invited to join the online SNHU Psychology Club and to tap into our growing nationwide network of alumni for internship and career opportunities.

96.5% of students would recommend SNHU.3 Discover why SNHU may be right for you.

Admission Requirements

Part of our mission to expand access to quality, higher education means removing the barriers that may stand between you and your degree. That’s why you can apply at any time and get a decision within days of submitting all required materials — with no GRE or GMAT required.

Acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 5 graduate terms.

How to Apply

Simply contact an admission counselor, who can help you explore financial options, answer all your questions, and walk you through the application process, which includes:

  • Completing a graduate application
  • Providing undergraduate transcripts

Curriculum

With the forensic psychology concentration, you'll learn to apply psychology research and theories to real-world contexts. By earning SNHU's forensic psychology degree, you'll gain competence in many areas, including the following:

  • Familiarity with the ways in which psychological theories apply to criminal behavior and its effects on individuals and society
  • Familiarity with commonly used assessment techniques in legal settings and the historical context behind them
  • The ability to apply critical thinking skills to assess a variety of outcomes and determine an appropriate course of action
  • An understanding of the ways in which forensic psychology professionals can influence legal proceedings
  • Respect for diversity and the ability to view situations through an empathic lens
  • The ability to apply appropriate professional ethics to various situations
  • Knowledge of the role played by forensic psychology professionals

It's also important to note that the courses in this concentration are taught by instructors with professional credentials and relevant, real-world experience. In this concentration, you'll learn from knowledgable instructors in courses such as:

  • Forensic Psychology - This course provides you with foundational knowledge of the forensic psychology field that you'll need as you move through the program. This includes its historical roots and current trends, with a focus on the evolution of practical and research-based approaches in clinical settings.
  • Assessment for Forensic Psychology - This course introduces you to topics in forensic assessment, including historical context, relevant theories, techniques, tools and procedures. Here, you'll use contemporary assessment approaches to gain practical insights on issues such as criminal justice and family and child custodial law. You will also be required to consider ethical, multicultural and age-based variables while interpreting case-based results.
  • Intersection of Law and Psychology - This course focuses on where the legal system and psychology meet. It covers the forensic psychologist's role, and their challenges and dilemmas within the legal system. In this course, you'll explore to what degree psychologists can impact court proceedings by providing expert testimony and by determining the mental states of the witnesses or the accused. You'll also review current event policies that could have an impact on the well-being of incarcerated persons.
  • Psychology in the Courtroom - In this seminar, you'll apply your learnings from the three previous concentration courses to gain a full understanding of the forensic psychologist's role in the courtroom. You will also demonstrate detailed mastery of the concentration content through a comprehensive project.

Dr. Vanessa Holtgrave with the text Dr. Vanessa HoltgraveDr. Vanessa Holtgrave, an adjunct faculty member who teaches courses in this concentration, says, “I teach PSY-626-Psychology in the Courtroom, which is a complex and exceptionally interesting course about expert witness testimony and admissibility of evidence. Students from various backgrounds (law enforcement, public defenders and victim advocates) have found this class to be both thought-provoking and essential to the program.”

After deep-diving in this concentration, it's safe to say you'll be prepared for whichever path you choose, be it furthering your education even more, or pursuing one of the many available career options in the forensic psychology field.

Dr. Holtgrave adds, “As a forensic psychologist, I believe it is important that our students be given a comprehensive educational experience by competent professionals during their time in the program. This ensures that students are knowledgeable about the breadth and depth of forensic psychology and the careers that are available.”

View Full Curriculum in the Catalog

MS in Psychology - Forensic Psychology

Courses May Include

PSY 510 Research Methods in Psychology I
In this course, students will learn methods commonly used in psychological research. As part of these methods, students learn how to gather and analyze data across a variety of settings. These newly acquired skills and techniques will be reinforced by application to a contemporary issue in psychology.
PSY 520 Research Methods in Psychology II
In this course, students will develop a deeper understanding of the research process and data analysis by applying skills learned in Research Methods in Psychology I and building on them with new skills and techniques including advanced research design and use/interpretation of higher-level statistical tests (ANOVA, regression, etc.). These newly acquired skills and techniques will be reinforced by application to a contemporary issue in psychology.
PSY 530 Social Psychology
The focus of this course is on contemporary social psychology issues and research related to people's interactions with the environment, technology, and society, as well as classic studies and theories in the field-including those related to conformity, obedience, identity, and attitudes that remain relevant. Students will evaluate the perspectives, relevancy, and usefulness of social psychology to real world issues and problems.
PSY 540 Cognitive Processes
Students will investigate topics in cognitive psychology, including memory, language, attention, learning, and decision-making. Students will evaluate the perspectives, relevancy, and usefulness of cognitive psychology to real world issues and problems.
PSY 550 Measurement and Assessment
Learn and apply psychometric techniques commonly used in psychology. Explore measurement techniques and strategies used in the development and administration of psychological tests and assessments. Analyze and assess test and assessment results. Examine the ethical issues related to test and assessment administration and interpretation.
PSY 560 Theories of Personality
This course will emphasize contemporary theories, research, and approaches in personality psychology, connecting these to classic theorists such as Freud as well as other historical traditions and perspectives. The past and present impact of these theories within the ever-changing field of psychology will be explored, as well as the impact they have on culturally diverse clients and special populations.
PSY 570 Ethical Practice in Psychology
This course provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of ethical practice within the field of psychology. Topics include experimentation, confidentiality, respect, resolving ethical dilemmas, professional standards of conduct, and the psychology of ethical behavior.
PSY 790 Capstone in Psychology
This capstone course is the culminating experience for the M.S. in Psychology program. The aim of the capstone is to assess students' ability to synthesize and integrate the knowledge and skills they have developed throughout their coursework, rather than introducing new concepts. This course is structured to support student success in fulfilling program requirements.
PSY 545 Forensic Psychology
This course provides candidates with foundational knowledge of the forensic psychology field, including its historical roots and current trends with a focus on the evolution of practical and research based approaches in clinical settings. Candidates will also explore specific forensic psychology specialty areas and how the roles and responsibilities unfold related to legal, ethical, and diversity issues. Students must have completed 18 credits in their program to enroll in this course.
PSY 622 Assessment for Forensic Psychology
This course introduces candidates to topics in forensic assessment, including historical context, relevant theories, techniques, tools, and procedures. Candidates will analyze criminal justice, family and child custodial law, and pathology-based case study based data sets using contemporary assessment approaches to gain practical insights. Candidates will be required to consider ethical, multicultural, and age-based variables while interpreting case-based results.
PSY 624 Intersection of Law and Psychology
This course focuses on the crossroads at which the legal system and psychology meet. The forensic psychologist's roles and challenges within the legal system will be covered as well as ethical dilemmas. Candidates will explore how psychologists can impact court proceedings with respect to providing expert testimony and determining mental states of the witnesses or the accused. Candidates will also review U.S. Supreme Court cases that influence current policies that impact the mental and physical well-being of incarcerated persons.
PSY 626 Psychology in the Courtroom
This course is a seminar in which candidates will synthesize their learning from the three previous concentration courses to gain a full understanding of the forensic psychologist's roles as trial consultant, jury selection, and assessing eyewitness account integrity in the courtroom. Students will demonstrate mastery of concentration content through a comprehensive project.

Total Credits: 36

Program Outcomes

Tuition & Fees

Tuition rates for SNHU's online degree programs are among the lowest in the nation. We offer a 25% tuition discount for U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty.

Online Graduate Programs Per Course Per Credit Hour Annual Cost for 15 credits 
Degree/Certificates $1,881 $627 $9,405 
Degree/Certificates
(U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty) 		$1,410 $470 $7,050 

Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.

Additional Costs:
$150 Graduation Fee, Course Materials ($ varies by course)

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do with master's in forensic psychology?

As a forensic psychologist, you'll be able to apply psychology to the criminal justice system in a variety of ways. You can apply your knowledge of the legal aspects relating to psychological behavior to specialize in family, civil or criminal law. You can also use your skills to help solve crimes, testify in criminal cases or serve as an advocate for victims of crime. Plus, with a predicted 14% increase in job prospects for psychologists between 2008 and 2028, the opportunities in this field are growing fast.1

Some career options for forensic psychologists are:

  • Investigative forensic psychologist, where you may work for a government agency such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation of United States Department of Justice as a criminal profiler, or as an investigator working to solve crimes.
  • Jury consultant, where you may specialize in assisting lawyers in selecting members of a jury for criminal cases.
  • Psychologist in a private practice, where you may serve as an expert witness in criminal court cases by applying your expertise in forensic psychology. You may work with attorneys to recommend legal strategies for questioning witnesses. You may also assess criminal defendants to provide the court system with official psychological evaluations.
  • Teacher, where you may provide instruction at the community college level, or use your master's in forensic psychology as preparation for a research and teaching career at the university level. You could also teach forensic psychology to legal professionals.

Additional training, certification or experience may be required for certain jobs. SNHU's MS in Psychology degree with a concentration in Forensic Psychology does not lead to licensure.

Dr. Joel FickDr. Joel Fick, for example, is an adjunct psychology instructor and also provides individual and group therapy for inmates dealing with mental health and medical issues.

“I started my work in forensics by working with adolescents in the juvenile justice system and it eventually led to developing expertise in forensic psychology,” he said. “I recommend that students be open to trying a variety of experiences: I never planned on working in a prison but it has been an amazing experience with continual learning opportunities.”

By earning your online MS in Psychology with a concentration in Forensic Psychology, you'll be able to explore different avenues and experiences within the criminal justice system that interest you. Stay open minded and curious and you could end up right where you're supposed to, even if it's not where you initially planned.

Can you get a master's in forensic psychology online?

Not only are online forensic psychology master's programs available, they are highly regarded.

Studying online has many benefits in today’s increasingly digital world. You can learn the foundational theory of forensic psychology, including current trends and research, from anywhere you have access to the internet. An online program allows you to complete your degree at your own pace, day or night, while learning from leading specialists working in the field. Courses like Assessment for Forensic Psychology, Intersection of Law and Psychology, and Psychology in the Courtroom can all be taken successfully online.

At Southern New Hampshire University, you can get started if you have a bachelor’s degree in psychology already, or if you have a bachelor’s degree in any other field and have completed coursework in several foundational courses. If you have not yet completed coursework or aren’t sure if the courses you have completed will count toward you MS in forensic psychology, we can help. We can pair you with an admission counselor, who can help you receive the maximum number of transfer credits possible. We also offer foundational courses for students who don't have a background in psychology or the social sciences.

How long does it take to get a master’s in forensic psychology?

While everyone’s pace is different, most people allow 2 years to complete an online master’s degree, as do the majority of campus graduate students. Many programs can be completed in less time, depending on the program and any transfer credits you may have.

At Southern New Hampshire University, you can complete your master's in forensic psychology in as few as 15 months. Our admission team will work with you so you can receive the maximum number of transfer credits possible from other degree programs to get you on your way. One of the many benefits of online learning is that you decide when you can do the work, right down to what time of day you submit your assignments. The entire degree can be completed on your schedule.

What careers are there for psychology majors?

With so many areas to specialize in, there are many career paths available. A master’s degree in forensic psychology allows you to build on a broad foundation of psychology and incorporate specialized coursework to learn how to apply psychology to the law and the courtroom.

This opens doors for careers like:

  • Forensic psychologist, where you can apply your specialized knowledge of psychology in the criminal justice system while working within the criminal courts, correctional facilities or law enforcement agencies.
  • Special agent, where you may work as an investigator for a governmental agency like the Federal Bureau of Investigation or the United States Department of Justice, working to solve crimes with your knowledge of criminal behavior.
  • Industrial psychologist, where you may apply psychology principles and research methods to assist companies with workplace productivity and management.

Additional training, certification or experience may be required for certain jobs.

Courses leading to a career in forensic psychology may include instruction on the judicial process, leadership and ethics, negotiation and even global terrorism. Research and theory of psychology and its applications are covered as well. This broad foundation provides the coursework you need to choose a career specialty.

While this degree will not qualify you for licensure, it does provide an excellent foundation for continuing your studies at the doctoral degree level or continuation to other graduate programs.

Our own Dr. Vanessa Holtgrave notes this concentration is also appropriate both for students who haven’t yet gained any professional experience, and for those who currently work in forensic psychology-related positions who wish to continue their education and advance in their chosen careers.

What is it like being a forensic psychologist?

With a master’s in forensic psychology, your role may be to advocate for victims and help balance the scales of justice. You can be on the cutting edge of understanding human behavior and how people act. You may be called upon as an expert witness to evaluate a defendant’s ability to stand trial. You may also help develop psychological profiles for investigative organizations, or serve as a jury consultant.

A thorough understanding of the law, scientific research and psychology theory will help prepare you to excel. Excellent communication skills are important for a career as a forensic psychologist, as are strong critical-thinking skills. You should feel comfortable with maintaining your composure in stressful situations.

Whichever path you choose, you can work toward helping make the world a little safer every day. While a career in any aspect of criminal justice can be stressful at times, the work is rewarding.

What is the difference between forensic psychology and criminal psychology?

This is an excellent question, because the two fields do have a fair amount of overlap. Both are grounded in psychology research and theory, and both examine cognitive processes, ethics and social psychology. The main difference lies with forensic psychology focusing on the aftermath of crimes, whereas criminal psychology’s focus is on predicting what may lead to a crime in the first place.

A criminal psychologist may focus on creating a criminal profile and stopping crimes before they happen, while forensic psychologists are more likely to provide counseling to victims or assist a legal team in prosecution after a crime has occurred.

Both specializations require strong communication, critical thinking and analytical skills, as well as a strong interest in the law and the criminal justice system. Both can lead to long, rewarding careers that help make the world a little safer every day.

University Accreditation

Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) as well as several other accrediting bodies.

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References

Sources & Citations (1, 2, 3)

1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:

  • https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2009/spring/art02.pdf (visited June 5, 2020).
  • https://www.bls.gov/OOH/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm (visited June 5, 2020).
  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm (visited June 5, 2020).

Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.

2Forensics Colleges, "What Can I Do With a Degree in Forensic Psychology?" on the internet, at https://www.forensicscolleges.com/blog/resources/what-can-I-do-with-a-forensic-psychology-degree (visited June 5, 2020).

3According to survey responses from over 9,200 SNHU online students conducted in the fall of 2019.