forensic psychology witness testifying during trial

Master's in Forensic Psychology

Master of Arts (M.A.)

Ranked No. 1 Online Master's in Forensic Psychology program in the country.

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in forensic psychology prepares you to apply psychological theory, knowledge, skills and competencies to the civil and criminal justice systems. It is online, part-time and can be completed in about two years.

Program type:
Master's Degree
Format:
Online
Est. time to complete:
2 years
Credit hours:
30

Why earn a master's in forensic psychology?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
April 1
Spring:
Oct. 1

Forensic psychology and criminology is a rapidly growing specialty area of psychology. Through the online master's degree program at the University of North Dakota, you'll gain:

  • Knowledge of advanced psychological concepts and theories
  • Outstanding analytical, statistical and evaluation skills
  • Specific forensic-relevant knowledge
  • In-depth understanding of our legal system

The majority of the 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

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

Online Forensic Psychology Master's

  • Take courses through our online learning management system. Courses are 100% online and delivered in the traditional academic term format. You never have to come to campus.

  • Get online support, such as tutoring, library, tech support and advising services. You'll have access to our Career Services, which will help you find a job before or after graduation.

  • Earn an affordable, accredited education, wherever you are. There are no residency requirements or GRE requirement.

  • Do a supervised field placement in a real-world clinical or community setting.

  • Choose to perform an intensive study in areas such as interrogation, eyewitness testimony or psychology in the classroom.

  • Pick from a wide selection of electives where you can hone in on a special topic.

What can you do with a master's in forensic psychology?

8%

Projected growth for employment of psychologists from 2020 to 2030

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

82K

Median annual salary for psychologists

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

UND Forensic Psychology 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

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 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 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 534. Eyewitness Testimony & Memory. 3 Credits.

This course will survey this recent psychological research on eyewitness testimony including factors that influence eyewitness memory, interviewing, identification procedures, and the effectiveness of trial testimony provided by both eyewitnesses and psychological experts. On demand.

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.

Best Forensic Psychology Master's Programs

#1 Best College Values
#1 College Choice
#1 Get Educated
#1 Online Psychology Degrees
#2 Best Master’s Degrees
#2 Intelligent
#2 World Scholarship Forum
#3 Best College Reviews
#5 Criminal Justice Degree Hub
#5 Grad School Hub
#5 The Advocate

Several college ranking sites put UND’s Forensic Psychology master’s in the Top 5 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

Leaders in Forensic Psychology

Learn more about the forensic psychology program at UND.

Explore More Options

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

Department Contact
Andre Kehn
Graduate Program Director
P 701.777.5054
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