Complete these requirements for a Forensic Psychology master's degree.
Online M.A. in Forensic Psychology Requirements
Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology
Admission Requirements
The applicant must meet the School of Graduate Studies’ current minimum general admission requirements as published in the graduate catalog.
A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a behavioral or social science major allied with psychology, i.e., psychology, criminal justice, sociology, counseling or social work.
A cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or above, or a graduate degree GPA of 3.50.
Submission of a curriculum vitae and a personal statement describing:
academic and professional accomplishments;
reasons for pursuing a graduate degree in Forensic Psychology; and
any additional information the applicant would like the admission committee to know.
Submission of three letters of recommendation from those who can comment on your academic abilities or ability to understand complex issues and think critically, e.g. former faculty member or work supervisor.
Satisfy the School of Graduate Studies’ English Language Proficiency requirements as published in the graduate catalog.
Degree Requirements
Students seeking the Master of Science or Master of Arts degree at the University of North Dakota must satisfy all general requirements set forth by the School of Graduate Studies as well as particular requirements set forth by the Forensic Psychology program.
The general degree requirements for the Master of Arts degree in the Forensic Psychology include a minimum of 30 credits of coursework:
Required Core Courses (18 credits):
Course List
Code
Title
Credits
PSYC 524
Psychology and Law
3
PSYC 544
Research Methods in Forensic Psychology
3
PSYC 560
Advanced Social Psychology
3
PSYC 575
Behavior Pathology
3
PSYC 593
Readings in Psychology
3
PSYC 997
Independent Study (research or practicum experience possible)
3
Elective Courses (12 credits):
Choose 4 of the following:
12
PSYC 539
Cognitive Psychology
3
PSYC 534
Eyewitness Testimony Memory
3
PSYC 521
Diversity Psychology
3
PSYC 587
Supervised Field Work
1-3
PSYC 594
Special Topics in Psychology (can be repeated for credit; Psychology in the Courtroom; Interrogation)
1-3
Total Credits: 30
Note: The student’s Advisory Committee will also consider other graduate classes as appropriate electives on a case-by-case basis. Students who have a strong psychology background may, after review by the Committee, be permitted to substitute an appropriate forensic psychology graduate elective for a required program course. A maximum of eight graduate credits may be transferred from another institution.
On Campus M.S. in Forensic Psychology Requirements
Master of Science in Forensic Psychology
Note: The GRE scores requirement has been suspended for program admissions in 2023-2024.
Admission Requirements
The applicant must meet the School of Graduate Studies’ current minimum general admission requirements as published in the graduate catalog.
Applicants must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. For U.S. degrees, accreditation must be by one of the six regional accrediting associations. A degree in behavioral or social science major allied with psychology, e.g., psychology, criminal justice, sociology, counseling, and social work, is recommended.
Although not required, applicants are recommended to have a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.2 for all undergraduate work, or a graduate degree GPA of 3.5.
Applicants must also submit GRE scores. Applicants are recommended to have Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytic Writing scores meeting or exceeding the 30th percentile.
A personal statement discussing:
academic and professional accomplishments;
reasons for pursuing a graduate degree in Forensic Psychology;
research interests; and
any additional information the applicant would like the admissions committee to know.
A curriculum vita summarizing relevant experiences including but not limited to academic course work and work, volunteer, and research activities.
Three letters of recommendation from those who can comment on the applicant’s academic abilities are also required. Consideration will be given for experience working in forensic areas or participating in research as an assistant prior to the program application.
Satisfy the School of Graduate Studies’ English Language Proficiency requirements as published in the graduate catalog.
Degree Requirements:
Students seeking the Master of Science in Forensic Psychology at the University of North Dakota must satisfy all general requirements set forth by the School of Graduate Studies as well as particular requirements set forth by the Forensic Psychology program.
Students in the M.S. Forensic Psychology Program at UND are required to complete 30 credits. This includes 18 credits of required coursework, 6 to 9 credits of elective courses, and 6 credit hours of thesis credit. The Forensic Psychology program does not have a comprehensive examination.
* Requirements for Matriculating
Overall GPA = 3.5
Permission of Advisor and Program Director
Course List
Code
Title
Credits
Required Courses (18 Credits)
PSYC 523
Forensic Assessment
3
PSYC 524
Psychology and Law
3
PSYC 541
Advanced Univariate Statistics
3
PSYC 542
Multivariate Statistics for Psychology
3
PSYC 543
Experimental Design
3
PSYC 575
Behavior Pathology
3
Elective Courses (6-9 credits):
Choose two or three of the following:
6-9
PSYC 539
Cognitive Psychology
PSYC 560
Advanced Social Psychology
PSYC 587
Supervised Field Work
PSYC 594
Special Topics in Psychology (can be repeated for credit)
CJ 515
Human Nature and Crime
CJ 535
Seminar in Juvenile Justice
CJ 565
Victimology
Thesis Requirement (6 Credits)
PSYC 998
Thesis
1-9
Note: The student’s Advisory Committee will also consider other graduate classes as appropriate electives on a case-by-case basis. Students who have a strong psychology undergraduate background may, after review by the Committee, be permitted to substitute an appropriate forensic psychology class.
Master's in Forensic Psychology Requirements Disclaimer
The requirements on this page are pulled from UND’s academic catalog and may not reflect
future terms. Updates are published annually in April.
Graduate Admissions Requirements
In addition to meeting these program requirements, you must also meet the UND School
of Graduate Studies admissions requirements to apply for this program.