MA in Forensic Psychology
Why do individuals commit crimes? Is it possible to understand their motivations?
The Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology program attempts to answer these questions using psychological concepts as utilized in the legal system. Students learn to examine mental health through multiple perspectives: social, cultural and legal. Lastly, they learn to apply their skills through classwork and externship training.
Join the Graduate Programs Virtual Open House: October 19–30
Registration is now open for GW's 2026 Columbian College of Arts and Sciences (CCAS) Graduate Programs Open House! The virtual event features program-specific information sessions and opportunities to interact with current graduate students, faculty and our admissions team. Attendees will receive an application fee waiver.
The Forensic Psychology Program will host a virtual information session for prospective graduate students on Tuesday, October 27, at 2 p.m.
Potential Curriculum Paths
The degree offers two informal paths of study that can be used as a course selection tool.
Applied Forensics
Students interested in applied forensics study ways of bringing psychological evaluation to criminal investigations.
Sample Courses
- FORP 6117: Investigative Interrogation and Interviewing
- FORP 6118: Psychological Profiling
- FORP 6120: Counterintelligence
- FORP 6128: Terrorism and Counterterrorism
- FORP 6129: Investigative and Police Psychology
Applied Psychology
Students interested in applied psychology are drawn to work that involves direct client contact with offenders or victims. Students study psychopathology as it relates to interpreting behavior, and they perform evaluations and develop treatment plans.
Sample Courses
- FORP 6109: Rehabilitation and Treatment of Incarcerated Individuals
- FORP 6110: Forensic Psychological Assessment
- FORP 6111: Evaluation and Treatment of Sex Offenders
- FORP 6112: Substance Abuse Evaluation and Treatment
- FORP 6113: Victimology
- FORP 6131: Individuals with Mental Illness in the Legal System
MA in Forensic Psychology Info Session: December 8
Join us online for an information session discussing the field of forensic psychology and GW's Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology program.
Course Requirements
This Bulletin covers the degree requirements for students matriculating in the current academic year. Students who matriculated before the current year can find their requirements in the relevant archived Bulletin.
The following requirements must be fulfilled:
The general requirements stated under Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Graduate Programs.
37 credits, including 25 credits in required courses, 12 credits in elective courses, and successful completion of a comprehensive examination.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required | ||
| FORP 6101 | Psychology and the Legal System I | |
| FORP 6102 | Psychology and the Legal System II | |
| FORP 6103 | Theories of Criminal Behavior | |
| FORP 6104 | Psychopathology | |
| FORP 6105 | Basics of Psychological Assessment | |
| FORP 6106 | Ethics in Forensic Psychology | |
| FORP 6107 | Research and Statistics | |
| FORP 6108 | Consultation and Testimony | |
| FORP 6130 | Practicum/Externship | |
| Potential curriculum paths | ||
| Applied forensics | ||
| Four of the following recommended elective courses: | ||
| FORP 6117 | Investigative Interrogation and Interviewing | |
| FORP 6118 | Psychological Profiling | |
| FORP 6119 | Police Psychology | |
| FORP 6120 | Counterintelligence | |
| FORP 6128 | Terrorism and Counterterrorism | |
| FORP 6129 | Investigative and Police Psychology | |
| FORP 6150 | Advanced Topics in Forensic Psychology | |
| Applied psychology | ||
| Four of the following recommended elective courses: | ||
| FORP 6109 | Rehabilitation and Treatment of Incarcerated Individuals | |
| FORP 6110 | Forensic Psychological Assessment | |
| FORP 6111 | Evaluation and Treatment of Sex Offenders | |
| FORP 6112 | Substance Abuse Evaluation and Treatment | |
| FORP 6113 | Victimology | |
| FORP 6115 | Children and Adolescents in the Legal System | |
| FORP 6131 | Individuals with Mental Illness in the Legal System | |
| FORP 6150 | Advanced Topics in Forensic Psychology | |
| Other requirements | ||
| Successful completion of a master’s comprehensive examination is required. | ||