Master's in Forensic Psychology Online Program
Program start date | Application deadline |
2024-05-13 | - |
Program Overview
Southern New Hampshire University's online Master's in Forensic Psychology program equips students with a comprehensive understanding of the field, including its theories, practices, and ethical considerations. Through a flexible course schedule and experiential learning opportunities, graduates gain critical thinking, research, and communication skills essential for careers in forensic psychology, criminal justice, and related fields.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
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 psychology field and the inner workings of the criminal mind. The forensic psychology concentration also covers critical areas such as ethics and diversity.
Objectives:
- To gain a comprehensive understanding of the forensic psychology field
- To develop critical thinking and research skills
- To learn about the inner workings of the criminal mind
- To cover critical areas such as ethics and diversity
- To prepare for a career in forensic psychology
Program Description:
This program provides an overview of the forensic psychology field, including its history, theory, and practice. Students will learn about the role of forensic psychologists in the criminal justice system, as well as in other settings such as civil law and family law. The program also covers ethical and legal issues in forensic psychology, and provides students with the opportunity to conduct research in this field.
Outline:
Forensic Psychology Concentration
Content:
- Tailored theories and methods specific to forensic psychology settings
- Legal considerations and impacts in the field
- Roles and duties of forensic psychologists
- Intersections between psychology and criminal behavior
- Critical thinking and problem-solving
Structure:
The program consists of 36 credits, which can be completed in as little as 15 months. Courses are offered online, and students can choose to take them full-time or part-time.
Course Schedule:
The course schedule is flexible, and students can choose to take courses in any order. However, the following is a suggested course sequence:
- PSY 545: Forensic Psychology
- PSY 522: Assessment for Forensic Psychology
- PSY 624: Intersection of Law and Psychology
- PSY 626: Psychology in the Courtroom
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:
- Exams
- Quizzes
- Papers
- Projects
- Presentations
Assessment Criteria:
Students are assessed on their:
- Knowledge of forensic psychology
- Critical thinking skills
- Research skills
- Communication skills
- Professionalism
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The program is taught using a variety of methods, including:
- Lectures
- Discussions
- Case studies
- Role-playing
- Simulations
Faculty:
The program is taught by faculty with expertise in forensic psychology. Faculty members have experience working in the field, and they bring their real-world experience into the classroom.
Unique Approaches:
The program offers several unique approaches to teaching forensic psychology, including:
- A focus on experiential learning
- A focus on diversity and inclusion
- A focus on research
Careers:
Career Paths:
Graduates of the program can pursue a variety of career paths, including:
- Forensic psychologist
- Crime scene investigator
- Victim advocate
- Probation officer
- Correctional officer
- Lawyer
- Judge
Opportunities:
Graduates of the program have the opportunity to work in a variety of settings, including:
- Courts
- Law enforcement agencies
- Correctional facilities
- Victim advocacy organizations
- Private practice
Outcomes:
Graduates of the program have the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in the field of forensic psychology. They are able to:
- Conduct forensic psychological evaluations
- Provide expert testimony in court
- Develop and implement treatment plans for offenders
- Advocate for victims of crime
- Conduct research in the field of forensic psychology