Requirements

Admission Requirements 

The applicant must meet the School of Graduate Studies’ current minimum general admission requirements as published in the graduate catalog.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Applicants must also submit GRE scores.  Applicants are recommended to have Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytic Writing scores meeting or exceeding the 30th percentile. 
4. A personal statement discussing:
   1. academic and professional accomplishments;
   2. reasons for pursuing a graduate degree in Forensic Psychology;
   3. research interests; and
   4. any additional information the applicant would like the admissions committee to know.
5. A curriculum vita summarizing relevant experiences including but not limited to academic course work and work, volunteer, and research activities.
6. 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.
7. Satisfy the School of Graduate Studies’ English Language Proficiency requirements as published in the graduate catalog.                                                                                                                                                                  

Degree Requirements: Clinical or General/Experimental 

The following degree requirements pertain to students who are enrolled in the Ph.D. program in the clinical psychology track or general/experimental psychology track. The Psychology Department does not admit students who wish to earn only a Master of Science degree in general psychology into its Ph.D. programs. However, students who are enrolled in these programs will be awarded a Master of Science degree in general psychology upon completion of the following requirements: 

A minimum of 30 semester credits in a major field, including the credits granted for the thesis and the research leading to the thesis.

1. A maximum of eight credit hours required for the degree may be transferred from another institution.
2. Completion of “Scholarly Tools” coursework to develop skills in research design including: Psyc 541, Psyc 542, & Psyc 543.
3. Completion of an empirical thesis (min. 6 credits).
4. Completion of a minimum of 15 elective PSYC course credits at the 500-level or above which are approved by the respective advisory committee and documented in the Program of Study.

Degree Requirements: Forensic Psychology 

Students seeking the Master of Science degree within the Forensic Psychology Track 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

1. Overall GPA = 3.5
2. Permission of Advisor and Program Director

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.