A classroom full of students, with one in a red shirt looking straight ahead and another one in a green shirt looking at a laptop

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.

 

Potential Curriculum Paths

The degree offers two informal paths of study that can be used as a course selection tool.

 

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Applied Forensics

Students interested in applied forensics study ways of bringing psychological evaluation to criminal investigations.

Sample Courses

  • FORP 6117: Interrogation and Interviewing
  • FORP 6118: Psychological Profiling
  • FORP 6119: Police Psychology
  • FORP 6120: Counterintelligence
  • FORP 6128: Terrorism and Counterterrorism
  • FORP 6129: Investigative Psychology

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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 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

 

Course Requirements

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.

Required
FORP 6101Psychology and the Legal System I
FORP 6102Psychology and the Legal System II
FORP 6103Theories of Criminal Behavior
FORP 6104Psychopathology
FORP 6105Basics of Psychological Assessment
FORP 6106Ethics in Forensic Psychology
FORP 6107Research and Statistics
FORP 6108Consultation and Testimony
FORP 6130Practicum/Externship
Potential curriculum paths
Applied forensics
Four of the following recommended elective courses:
FORP 6117Interrogation and Interviewing
FORP 6118Psychological Profiling
FORP 6119Police Psychology
FORP 6120Counterintelligence
FORP 6128Terrorism and Counterterrorism
FORP 6129Investigative Psychology
FORP 6150Advanced Topics in Forensic Psychology
Applied psychology
Four of the following recommended elective courses:
FORP 6109Evaluation and Treatment of Offenders
FORP 6110Forensic Psychological Assessment
FORP 6111Evaluation and Treatment of Sex Offenders
FORP 6112Substance Abuse Evaluation and Treatment
FORP 6113Victimology
FORP 6115Children and Adolescents in the Legal System
FORP 6131Individuals with Mental Illness in the Legal System
FORP 6150Advanced Topics in Forensic Psychology
Other requirements
Successful completion of a master’s comprehensive examination is required.