MS in Forensic Psychology

Return to: College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Walden University’s MS 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:

Analyze the role of psychology within the legal system.
Promote social change through application of advanced psychological concepts/principles within forensic settings.
Analyze the principles of research design as applied to forensic psychology research.
Distinguish the professional roles and responsibilities that are unique to the practice of forensic psychology.
Explain relevant ethical codes (e.g., APA and Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists) used in forensic work settings.
Apply psychological theories relevant to criminal behavior in forensic psychology settings.
Explain the assessment elements (psychological assessment, risk assessment, psychological reports) used within forensic psychology settings.

Specializations

Degree Requirements

48 total quarter credits (including 45 cr. completed at Walden)
Foundation course (3 cr.)
Core courses (30 cr.)
Specialization courses (10 cr.)
Capstone (5 cr.)

Curriculum

Foundation Course (3 cr.)

FPSY 6002 - Foundations of Graduate Studies in Psychology♦

Core Courses (30 cr.)

Core courses include two specialization courses (10 cr.). See specialization for specific courses.

Specialization Courses (10 cr.)

These courses are dependent upon the particular specialization. Please see the course list on each specialization page.

Capstone Course (5 cr.)

Choose one:

Course Sequence

Students undertake courses in the following sequence.
Quarter	Course	Credits
1	FPSY 6002 - Foundations of Graduate Studies in Psychology♦	3 cr.
1	FPSY 6102 - Intersection of Crime, Psychology, and the Law♦	5 cr.
2	FPSY 6720 - Abnormal Behavior♦	5 cr.
2	FPSY 6135 - Criminal Behavior♦	5 cr.
3	FPSY 6115 - Understanding Forensic Psychology Research♦	5 cr.
3	FPSY 6126 - Understanding Violence, Risk, and Threat Assessment	5 cr.
4	FPSY 6201 - Psychological Aspects of Violent Crime	5 cr.
4	FPSY 6202 - Criminal Investigative Analysis and Profiling	5 cr.
5	FPSY 6393 - MS in Psychology Capstone OR FPSY 6915 - Field Experience	5 cr.

Note on Licensure

The MS in Forensic Psychology is not a licensure program and does not prepare an individual to become a licensed psychology professional.