Online Masters Degree in Forensic Psychology

Forensic psychology brings together criminal justice and the study of human behavior. As a forensic psychologist, you would work within the legal and criminal justice system, and you could choose to specialize in family, civil or criminal court cases.

Forensic psychologists evaluate defendants, often to assess their mental competency to stand trial or the validity of an insanity plea. They serve as expert witnesses in court, a role that requires familiarity with courtroom procedures. Graduate studies cover a range of subjects including law, criminal behavior, ethics and psychology.

Exploring master's degrees in forensic psychology

A graduate degree is a requirement for careers in forensic psychology. Master's degrees in forensic psychology offer a foundation for this specialized field. General courses cover criminal justice, counseling and statistics, with additional classes such as these:

• Criminal psychology: Behavioral criminology, adult psychopathology, substance abuse, sex offender evaluation and treatment, trauma theory and treatment
• Legal procedure: Forensic psychology consultation and testimony, psychological appraisal and assessment
• Professional conduct: Ethics, dealing with juvenile offenders
• Specializations: Hostage negotiations, forensic mediation, child custody negotiations, criminal profiling, child protection, sex offenders, correctional psychology

In addition to coursework, many master's degree programs require a clinical practicum or internship for hands-on training.

Career options for forensic psychology graduates

Master's degrees in forensic psychology open some doors in the field, but most jobs require a doctorate in clinical or counseling psychology. A Ph.D. or Psy.D. is needed for board certification as a licensed forensic psychologist by the American Board of Forensic Psychology.

Master's degrees in the field generally lead either to doctoral studies or to a professional position, such as an academic instructor. Employment opportunities may be found in the criminal courts -- often as independent consultants to lawyers -- or in government agencies such as the FBI.

Career outlook and salaries in forensic psychology

Psychologists can look forward to a strong job market; the Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts 22 percent job growth in the 2010-2020 decade, faster than the average for all U.S. occupations. A doctoral degree in an applied specialty should offer the best prospects. Psychologists earned a median 2010 salary of $85,830, according to the BLS.

Master's degrees in forensic psychology, available online for working professionals, offer the first step into this exciting specialty. Find your career destiny at the intersection of criminal justice and psychology.

Forensic psychology brings together criminal justice and the study of human behavior. As a forensic psychologist, you would work within the legal and criminal justice system, and you could choose to specialize in family, civil or criminal court cases.

Forensic psychologists evaluate defendants, often to assess their mental competency to stand trial or the validity of an insanity plea. They serve as expert witnesses in court, a role that requires familiarity with courtroom procedures. Graduate studies cover a range of subjects including law, criminal behavior, ethics and psychology.

Exploring master's degrees in forensic psychology

A graduate degree is a requirement for careers in forensic psychology. Master's degrees in forensic psychology offer a foundation for this specialized field. General courses cover criminal justice, counseling and statistics, with additional classes …