forensic psychology witness testifying during trial

Forensic PsychologyM.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 degree in forensic psychology?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
April 1
Spring:
Oct. 1

Forensic psychology 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. The online forensic psychology graduate program will help you 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 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 Program at UND

  • 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.

Forensic Psychology Careers

95%

Rate of employment for those with a Master's degree in Psychology

American Psychological Association

80K

Median annual salary for psychologists

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

A forensic psychology 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.

Careers in Forensic Psychology

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

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

UND Forensic Psychology Alumni

Forensic Psychology alumni 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

Forensic Psychology Graduate 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.

online forensic psychology student studying

#1 Online Forensic Psychology Program in the Nation

College Choice consistently ranks UND the top forensic psychology program for educational quality, affordability and career outcomes.

College Choice Rankings

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UND Offers a Top-Ranked Education

Learn more about the forensic psychology at UND.

Explore More Options

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

Department Contact
Cheryl Terrance
Graduate Program Director
P 701.777.3921
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