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UND Forensic Psychology Students
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  • Forensic Psychology (M.A./M.S.)
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Master's in Forensic Psychology

M.A. or M.S.

Discover the fascinating connections between psychology and the legal field.

Be in demand. Forensic psychology and criminology are rapidly growing specialty areas of psychology with many opportunities for professional advancement. UND’s top-ranked master’s in Forensic Psychology prepares you for various psychology-related careers.

Program type:
Master's Degree
Format:
On Campus or Online
Est. time to complete:
2 years
Credit hours:
30
  • Requirements
  • Tuition & Aid
  • How to Apply

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UND’s Forensic Psychology Master’s Programs

M.A. (Online) Application Deadlines
Fall:
April 1
Spring:
Oct. 1
M.S. (On-Campus) Application Deadline
Fall:
Dec. 1

 

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.


Choose an online Master of Arts (M.A.) or on-campus Master of Science (M.S.) in Forensic Psychology. UND’s Forensic Psychology graduate programs will arm you with:

  • A solid foundation in psychological principles and theories.
  • Forensic-relevant knowledge and experience.
  • Knowledge of advanced psychological concepts and theories.
  • Exceptional skills in statistics, analysis, communication, and evaluation.
  • An in-depth understanding of our legal system.

The online M.A. in Forensic Psychology prepares you for a variety of psychology-related careers in the criminal justice and legal systems. Our top ranked online Forensic Psychology master’s program is 100% online, part-time and can be completed in about two years.

This online master’s program is designed with working professionals in mind. Students have careers in law enforcement, military, social service agencies and hospitals, among others.

Most online curriculum focuses on the relationship between law and psychology. You'll develop the skills and knowledge you need to work in the field of forensic psychology, including how to:

  • Conduct focus groups and assist lawyers in trial preparation and jury selection.
  • Select and utilize the most appropriate tools for assessment or evaluation.
  • Provide research-based program evaluations.
  • Assist courts and state agencies in addressing forensic issues.

UND’s on campus M.S. in Forensic Psychology is a research and academic based program. It prepares you to apply psychological theory, knowledge, skills, and competencies to the civil and criminal justice systems. You’ll graduate ready to solve problems in courtrooms, prisons, police departments, and beyond.

You'll get real-world experience through supervised fieldwork and produce a thesis based on independent, original research. The M.S. in Forensic Psychology also offers unique courses including Psychology and Law and Forensic Assessment.

Many graduates go on to law school or doctoral programs in forensic psychology or forensic science.

On-Campus or Online Master's in Forensic Psychology

  • Earn an affordable, accredited, and highly respected master’s degree. There are no residency requirements or GRE requirement.

  • Enhance your statistical knowledge through relevant course work.

  • Study at a Carnegie R1 Institution ranked #151 by the NSF. Students are an integral part of UND research.

  • Choose electives where you can focus on a special topic.

  • Participate in faculty-directed research.

  • Enhance your professional skills at 60+ free workshops offered through the UND School of Graduate Studies. Our goal is to provide you with the workforce skills and job search strategies to succeed.

What can you do with a master's in Forensic Psychology?

7%

Projected job outlook for psychologiststs through 2033 (faster than average); the average growth rate for all occupations is 4%

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

93k

Median annual salary for psychologists, 2023

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

A Forensic Psychology master's degree offers you flexibility in employment. You'll graduate with concrete professional skills that will advance your career in behavioral sciences. Specifically, you'll learn how to provide the psychological services needed by the legal community.

You may also pursue doctoral programs in psychology, criminal justice, forensic psychology, forensic science, or law.

With a master's degree in Forensic Psychology, you can work for a variety of organizations, including:

  • Addiction service centers
  • Child care/advocacy agencies and centers
  • Community mental health centers
  • Court service units
  • Family, civil and criminal courts
  • Hospitals
  • Juvenile facilities
  • Law enforcement/police departments
  • Military
  • Prisons, jails and juvenile facilities
  • Probation/parole services
  • Protective services
  • Research/risk-assessment agencies
  • Social service agencies
  • State forensic units
  • Trial consulting services

Some Forensic Psychology students leverage their master's degrees into jobs as forensic researchers, conducting evaluations of at-risk populations.

UND Forensic Psychology master’s graduates have gone on to a variety of successful careers with:

  • Federal Bureau of Investigation
  • Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Jury Consultant
  • South Dakota Department of Corrections
  • 478th Civil Affairs Battalion

This program does not prepare students for licensure and is not intended to prepare students for doctoral study in psychology.

Master's in Forensic Psychology Courses

PSYC 560. Advanced Social Psychology. 3 Credits.

In-depth examination of the theoretical and empirical literature in social psychology focusing on attitudes, stereotyping and prejudice, interpersonal relationships, social cognition, personality and the self, and group behavior. Also includes additional course readings and written work beyond the requirements for Psychology 460. Prerequisite: Graduate status in Psychology or permission of instructor. S.

PSYC 575. Behavior Pathology. 3 Credits.

A survey of various forms of behavior pathology with emphasis upon current research and theories relating to pathology. Prerequisite: graduate standing in psychology or instructor permission. F.

PSYC 524. Psychology and Law. 3 Credits.

An in-depth examination of the interaction between the disciplines of psychology and law. The course will look at how psychological research and theories are applied to contemporary legal issues. Prerequisite: Graduate status in Psychology or permission of instructor.

PSYC 539. Cognitive Psychology. 3 Credits.

An in-depth analysis and discussion (including laboratory work) of topics covering issues related to memory, attention, problem solving, comprehension, and thinking. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in Psychology or permission of instructor.

PSYC 521. Diversity Psychology. 3 Credits.

The purpose of this course is to provide students with an advanced consideration of the major issues in the study of diversity as it applies to the field of psychology. Prerequisite: Graduate status in Psychology or permission of instructor.

PSYC 541. Advanced Univariate Statistics. 3 Credits.

Theory of univariate statistics; application to quantitative data in psychology. Prerequisite: Graduate standing, college algebra, and elementary statisitcs.

Best Online Forensic Psychology Master's Programs

#1 Intelligent
#1 Best College Values

#1 Get Educated
#1 Online Psychology Degrees
#2 STEPS
#3 Best College Reviews
#4 The Best Master Degrees
#5 Intelligent (Online)
#5 Best Colleges
#5 Criminal Justice Degree Hub

#5 The Edvocate
#6 College Rank
#7 College Choice
#7 Best Value Schools
#11 Best Colleges

Several college ranking sites put UND’s Forensic Psychology master’s in the Top 15 best online programs in nation. We’re well regarded for our educational quality, affordability and career outcomes.

Ranking sites vary in their methodology, but are generally based on the following criterion:

  • Financial data such as net cost, loan default rate, and return on investment
  • Academic rigor including curriculum standards, accreditation status, and faculty reputation
  • Student gratification, retention rate, and support services
  • Employment rate and graduate salary

Flexible Online Master's in Forensic Psychology

+160

online graduate programs

#1

best online college in North Dakota

Forbes

UND's M.A. in Forensic Psychology is 100% online. You never have to come to campus.

Flexible Online Master's in Forensic Psychology Classes

With asynchronous classes, you do not attend class at a set time. If you need to balance work, family and other commitments, this flexible format allows you to learn anywhere at any time.

Depending on your instructor, you’ll learn online through:

  • Lesson modules
  • Streaming video content
  • Virtual libraries
  • Posted lectures
  • Online simulations

There will be times when you interact with your instructor and classmates through online discussion boards, polls and chat rooms.

Your learning revolves around materials that can be accessed on your own time within a set time frame. However, this is not a self-paced course. You’ll have structure and deadlines.

Support for Online Forensic Psychology Master's Students

Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online; plus, more take a combination of online and on-campus classes. You can feel reassured knowing you won't be alone in your online learning journey, and you'll have resources and services tailored to your needs.

No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on campus student.

  • Same degree: All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
  • Same classes: You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
  • Real interaction: You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
  • Your own academic advisor: As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
  • Free online tutoring: We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
  • Unlimited academic coaching: Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
  • Full online access: Dig into virtual research at UND's libraries. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
  • 24/7 technical support: UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.
  • Networking opportunities: Our significant online student population means you’ll have a large pool of peers to connect with. UND has numerous online events and activities to keep you connected.

Best Online College

Our high alumni salaries and job placement rates, with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other nonprofit universities in the Upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

  • Affordability
  • Student satisfaction (retention rate)
  • Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
  • Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Payscale.com)

 

Accredited Forensic Psychology Graduate Programs

UND's Forensic Psychology master's program is accredited on a national and regional level.

APA Accredited Graduate Program

The American Psychological Association (APA) does not accredit master's or undergraduate level programs in psychology. The APA only accredits doctoral programs. Therefore, the bachelor's degree in Psychology and master's degree in Forensic Psychology cannot be accredited by the APA.

The University of North Dakota's Department of Psychology offers a doctoral program in clinical psychology that is fully accredited by the APA.

Regionally Accredited Forensic Psychology Master's

The University of North Dakota is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. UND has been accredited since 1913, when the Association was first organized.

For information on special accreditations the University has at the college, department or program level, please see UND Accreditation.

Why is an accredited Forensic Psychology master's important?

Accreditation assures the quality of higher education institutions and programs. In the United States, accreditation is a voluntary, non-governmental, peer-review process that determines if established quality standards are being met.

  • Accreditation is a major way for students, families, employers, government officials and the media to know an institution or program provides a quality education.
  • Accreditation helps students choose quality college programs that qualify for federal financial aid.
  • Accreditation enables employers to recruit graduates they know are well-prepared. Many employers will only provide tuition assistance to employees for accredited programs.
  • Accreditation is used by registration, licensure and certification boards to screen applicants.
  • Accreditation gives colleges and universities a structured mechanism to assess, evaluate and improve the quality of their programs.

Source: Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)

FAQs

Yes, the job outlook for psychologists, including forensic psychologists, is projected to grow by 6% from 2022 to 2032, indicating high demand for professionals in this field.

Psychologists, including those with a master's in Forensic Psychology, earn a median annual wage of $85,330. However, the salary can vary significantly based on location, employer and the specific role.

Typically, it takes around two years to complete a master's in Forensic Psychology. The program consists of 30 credits (or 10 courses). As such, a student would have to take 2 courses per semester, including summer, to graduate in 2 years. 

The fastest-growing branch of forensic psychology is considered correctional psychology, which involves working with individuals within the criminal justice system, including prisons and rehabilitation programs.

 

Leaders in Forensic Psychology

Uncover what sets UND apart as trailblazers in the field of Forensic Psychology.

 

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Explore More Options

Check out the faculty you'll work with at UND or discover additional education opportunities.

  • Department of Psychology
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Department Contact
Dr. Alison Kelly
Forensic Psychology Graduate Program Director
P 701.777.4771
und.forensicpsych@und.edu

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