Program Overview

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Program Overview

The Psychology (Forensic Psychology) program at Arizona State University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the intersection of human behavior and the law. This program combines general training in psychology with specialized coursework in criminal law, criminal behavior, the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders, and legal decision-making.

Program Description

Forensic psychology is the application of psychology to the law. The concentration in forensic psychology within the Bachelor of Arts program in psychology prepares students for careers in the criminal justice and mental health fields. Students learn about the various roles for psychologists in the legal system, which helps them to discover which roles they might like to pursue through careers in mental health or criminal justice, or through graduate training.

At a Glance

• College/school: New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences
• Location: West Valley or Online, ASU Local
• Second language requirement: No
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
• First required math course: MAT 119 - Finite Mathematics or MAT 170 Precalculus or a higher level MAT course
• Math intensity: Moderate

Curriculum

The curriculum for the Psychology (Forensic Psychology) program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in psychology and specialized knowledge in forensic psychology. Students can view the 2025-2026 curriculum and curriculum archives for more information.

Concurrent Program Options

Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.

Accelerated Program Options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree.

Admission Requirements

• General university admission requirements: All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

Tuition Information

When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.

Change of Major Requirements

A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors. Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.

Attend Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.

Transfer Options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

Global Opportunities

Studying abroad in the psychology program exposes students to unique differences in the human condition worldwide. With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, students are able to tailor their experience to their unique interests and skill sets.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the BA program in psychology with a concentration in forensic psychology are prepared for careers in the criminal justice and mental health fields. Many careers in psychology require graduate training, and the program's graduates are prepared for master's degree and doctoral programs in legal, clinical, and forensic psychology.

• Career | Growth | Median salary
  • Behavioral Health Specialist | 3.9% | $69,480
  • Detective Sergeant | -0.7% | $93,580
  • Lawyer | 4.1% | $151,160
  • Licensed Clinical Psychologist | 11.2% | $95,830
  • Mental Health Counselor | 16.8% | $59,190
  • Probation Officer | 2.6% | $64,520
  • Psychiatrist | 6.1% | Not available
  • Social Worker | 3.4% | $58,570
  • Substance Abuse Social Worker | 9.7% | $60,060