Master of Science in Forensic Psychology, MS

Description of Program

The Master of Science (MS) in Forensic Psychology provides students with the knowledge and understanding of human behavior and how it is exhibited in legal setting and environments.  The coursework in this degree program examines the use and application of psychology principles in correctional settings, characteristics of victimization and offenders, antecedents of aggression, and offender treatment strategies. This master’s level degree is not designed to lead towards licensure or certification. Employment options available with this training include, but are not limited to, correctional facilities, child welfare and advocacy organizations, community-based clinics and organizations, and mental health institutions. Students in this program are able to choose a non-clinical internship course/project or a research driven capstone course/project. This provides students with the option to choose between a path in which they can explore practical applications in an internship setting or engage in a research driven capstone project.

The Master of Science (MS), compared to the Master of Arts (MA), provides students with the understanding of statistical analysis and research methods.  Generally, the MS degree has a strong research and quantitative analysis emphasis than an MA degree.  The MS provides students with the knowledge that can lead to a path to a doctoral-level degree.

Learning Outcomes

• Analyze theories and principles in psychology within the forensic settings.
• Explain usage of diagnostic and assessment tools within forensic settings.
• Examine diversity issues within forensic settings.
• Evaluate ethical behavior within forensic settings.
• Synthesize research within forensic settings.

Basis for Admissions

Admission to the Master of Science program requires a conferred bachelor’s and/or a conferred master’s or doctoral degree from a regionally or nationally accredited academic institution.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Science degree in Forensic Psychology requires a total of 30 credits for completion.

The University may accept a maximum of 12 semester credit hours in transfer toward the Master of Science in Forensic Psychology for graduate course work completed at an external accredited college or university with a grade of “B” or better. See the Transfer Credit policy  for additional information.

• PSY-6503 must be completed at NCU  

Graduation requirements for the Master’s Degree in Psychology vary according to specialization selected.

All NCU master’s degree programs have the following graduation requirements:

• A minimum of 18 credit hours of graduate instruction must be completed through the University.
• Completion of subject area competency requirements for the graduate program.
• Elective courses must be relevant to the department’s graduate program.
• Cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (letter grade of “B”) or higher.
• Official documents on file for basis of admission: a conferred bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited academic institution.
• Official transcripts on file for all transfer credit hours accepted by the University.
• All financial obligations to the University paid in full.

Time to Completion

NCU allows five years to complete master’s programs requiring 36 credit hours or less.

Time to completion varies depending upon the pace in which a student completes courses and the number of transfer credits accepted. As most NCU students are working adults balancing educational, professional, and personal commitments, our academic advisors will work with you to develop a program schedule that works best for your needs.

The normal time disclosed above reflects the experience of students who may have entered under different program requirements. In the quest for continuous improvement, academic leadership has revised the program to optimize curriculum and pace, facilitate student learning, and improve chances for success. Therefore, the program is now designed for students enrolling today to take advantage of these revised course structures, lengths, and schedules. New students following the preferred schedule designed by the Dean for this program, and applying no transfer credits, can expect to finish in as little as 18 months.

Course Sequence

All Master of Science in Forensic Psychology (MSFP) programs require the foundation courses to be completed prior to enrolling in specialization courses. The program capstone will be completed as the last course in the degree program. 

• PSY-5501 - Principles of Forensic Psychology
• PSY-5502 - Psychology of Law and Justice
• PSY-6503 - Forensic Psychology in Correctional Settings
• PSY-5107 - Research Design
• PSY-5504 - Social Psychology and Aggression
• PSY-5505 - Diversity and Forensic Psychology
• PSY-5110 - Applied Statistics
• PSY-6506 - Psychological Evaluation and Treatment of Offenders
• PSY-6507 - Criminal Profiling

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• PSY-5510 - Capstone in Forensic Psychology

• -Or-

• PSY-6511 - Internship in Forensic Psychology