Forensic Psychology

M.A. Forensic Psychology

Graduates of the M.A. Forensic Psychology program have a wide variety of opportunities to utilize their skills and knowledge of psychology as it relates to a host of legal situations, mental health challenges, and other specialties.

Students in the program gain understanding and knowledge of how to deal with situations and issues such as juvenile delinquency, criminal behavior, child custody, domestic violence, substance abuse, trauma, victimology, insanity, and the competency to stand trial. In addition, graduates learn how to do violence and risk assessments, understand the psychology and treatment of sex offenders, and to provide expert testimony in association with all of these subjects.

The school’s proximity to key agencies important to the study of Forensic Psychology allows students a prime opportunity to take advantage of organizations such as the FBI, NCIS, Saint Elizabeth’s Hospital, the Supreme Court, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the Virginia Department of Corrections. The program, through community partnerships, integrates the knowledge and experience of working with these institutions via site visits, courtroom observations, field research, internships, and by providing opportunities to hear distinguished speakers.

The M.A. Forensic Psychology program also provides a variety of applied learning experiences other schools are rarely able to offer. Graduates will learn how to pursue a career and practice Forensic Psychology with all the tools, knowledge, research skills, and ethical understanding necessary to be successful in the field.

M.A. Forensic Psychology: Non-Licensure Track

The Chicago School’s M.A. in Forensic Psychology: Non-Licensure Track online program is perfect for professionals in law enforcement, policy, and social services. This specialized degree covers a variety of topics that are beneficial for those already employed or seeking employment in treatment facilities, victim’s assistance programs as well as a variety of legal and government environments.

As an online student, you will gain insight into the world of forensic psychology from experienced faculty in a flexible master’s program that works around your schedule. You will also learn strategies that apply the fundamentals of psychology within legal and related fields in courses like Trauma and Crisis Intervention, and Socio-Cultural Issues in Forensic Psychology. Other topics covered in the curriculum include:

•  The criminal mind
•  Post-traumatic stress disorder
•  Conflict resolution
•  Mental health in the legal system
•  Crime prevention through assessing risk

Graduates of the Chicago School’s M.A. in Forensic Psychology online program will find that the knowledge they learned can be applied to most professions that work with or within law enforcement, and the juvenile, civil and criminal justice systems.

Psy.D. Clinical Forensic Psychology

The Psy.D. Clinical Psychology program provides graduates the highest degree for a practicing clinician, and is based in a practitioner-scholar model of training. The program delivers students broad and thorough knowledge of scientific and theoretical clinical psychology principles, useful in a wide variety of settings for treating multiple disorders across diverse populations while offering multiple concentration specialties. Concentrations include: Child and Adolescent Psychology, International/Multicultural Psychology, Forensic Psychology, and General Clinical Psychology. 

Through the Psy.D. Clinical Forensic Psychology program, graduates are trained to conduct advanced clinical interviews and psychological testing as well as perform consulting and collaboration with physicians and other professionals. Students are trained in providing multiple forms of therapy for treating mental illnesses, behavioral problems, and emotional distress. Graduates will be qualified, legally and clinically, to act as a senior administrator and/or lead practitioner in educational and clinical settings. 

Midway through the program, a Master’s degree may be awarded to students via a petition after completing 50 hours of coursework and three semesters of practicum. Upon completion of all coursework, a comprehensive exam, completion of a dissertation, and a pre-doctoral internship, graduates will be prepared to offer their services should they pass all licensure examinations and complete state-mandated post-doctoral residency requirements. Control of requirements for taking and passing certification and licensing exams are handled by outside agencies and are subject to change without notice.

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