M.S. in Forensic Psychology

Return to: School of Psychology  

Walden University’s M.S. in Forensic Psychology prepares individuals to work within settings that integrate psychology and the legal system, including jails and prisons, community corrections offices, law enforcement agencies, the military, victims’ advocacy programs and systems, and governmental agencies focused on criminal justice and crime.

Forensic psychology is a rapidly growing field. This program emphasizes the integration of psychology into forensic settings. It is especially geared toward professionals interested in career advancement and enhancement, rather than a move into clinical forensic practice with clients.

Thus, instead of leading to licensure or practice within forensic or correctional systems, graduates of this program leverage the benefits of psychology and clinical understanding to positively impact the larger forensic and criminal justice systems and to enhance personal career opportunities through graduate education.

The Walden focus on social justice and community benefit will give graduates the edge in making these systems that touch thousands of lives more functional and able to serve the populations within them.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this program, students will be able to:

1. Identify the role of psychology within the legal system.
2. Apply psychological concepts and principles within forensic settings.
3. Implement the use of diagnostic and assessment tools in forensic settings.
4. Demonstrate the principles of research design as applied to forensic psychology research.
5. Distinguish and implement professional roles, responsibilities, and ethics to the practice of forensic psychology at the master’s level.
6. Differentiate theories of maladaptive and criminal behavior.

Specializations

• General Program  
• Forensic Psychology in the Community - M.S. in Forensic Psychology  
• Mental Health Applications - M.S. in Forensic Psychology  
• Program Planning and Evaluation in Forensic Settings - M.S. in Forensic Psychology  
• Psychology and Legal Systems - M.S. in Forensic Psychology  

Degree Requirements

• 46 total quarter credit hours (including 45 cr. completed at Walden)
• Foundation course (1 cr.)
• Core courses (30 cr.)
• Specialization courses (10 cr.)
• Final course: Capstone (5 cr.)