Best Forensic Psychology Masters Programs in California

The Stanford Neuropsychology Service provides outpatient neuropsychological evaluations for patients who are experiencing changes in their cognitive functioning. We provide detailed assessment of strengths and weaknesses across multiple domains including learning and memory, attention, reasoning, executive functioning, language, spatial abilities, and mood. Results from this evaluation can help identify causes of cognitive changes, provide cognitive diagnoses, and provide treatment and behavioral recommendations. We also provide pre-surgical evaluations to assist neurosurgical teams in treatment decisions and establishing pre-surgical baselines.

The University of California-Irvine offers a Master of Legal and Forensic Psychology (MLFP) Program. The program is offered together by the Departments of Psychological Science and Criminology, Law, and Society. Some features of the Master of Legal and Forensic Psychology program are:

• The professional program can be completed in two years with 52 credits.
• The program integrates psychology, forensics, and the law. 
• The program includes both core and elective courses. While most of the courses are compulsory, students are given the opportunity to choose their electives.
• Some of the elective courses include Law and Behavior: Compliance and Enforcement, Mental Health and the Law, Children and the Law, Violence, Anger and Psychopathology, Sexual Deviance and the Law, Race and the Law, Clinical Interviewing and Treatment, and Family and the Law.
• Students may choose a topic that is relevant to legal and forensic psychology and prepare a paper that exhibits creativity, thoroughness, and a systematic approach to the topic. 

The program also includes a capstone course. Students are equipped to utilize their skills and knowledge in research. They also learn to analyze and solve problems related to psychology and law and contribute to improving society as a whole.

Understand the intersection of psychology, law, and social justice.

Prepare to work as a change agent within your community. This psychology degree program is based on a philosophy of restorative justice and designed to prepare students to make an impact in the criminal justice system. Students learn engaging individuals through the lens of the principles of forensic psychology, co-occurring mental health and substance use behaviors, and post-traumatic disorders. The program also engages in the critical analysis of our criminal justice institutions, especially in thinking how various groups informed by race, gender, gender orientation, class, etc., are impacted by our current system of justice.

Sequence of 14 courses (39 units) designed to build skills that are applicable beyond the workplace and to help you grow and succeed.

Cohort members in the program form a learning community.

A graduate degree in Forensic Psychology is versatile. It provides an array of opportunities for students who complete the program. Our graduates have taken their forensic learning into diverse arenas, including correctional facilities, community-based advocacy contexts, and court-accountable programs.

Real-world experience: students apply their forensic knowledge in a field placement experience.

Learn admissions, costs, the MA Forensic Psychology curriculum, and .

The Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology program at California Baptist University is a 57-credit program that can be completed in two years.

Some learning outcomes of the Forensic Psychology, M.A. program is:

• In settings intended to serve populations within the criminal justice system, nonprofit organizations, and local government, students will apply forensic psychology ideas.
•  Advanced qualitative and quantitative research techniques will be synthesized by students in order to guide forensic psychological practice.
• In their speech and behavior, students will demonstrate the fundamental principles, morals, professionalism, and ethics of the organization and the subject matter.
• Students will be able to explain their overall understanding of how to apply a Christian perspective to the concepts and methods of forensic psychology.
•  The intricate interactions between social and cultural systems that affect the viewpoints and experiences of various religious, cultural, ethnic, socioeconomic, age, and philosophical groups will be critically examined by the students.

The Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology program at CBU, one of the few of its kind in the nation, trains professionals to provide crucial psychological services to the criminal justice system. Students who complete the curriculum will have a thorough understanding of criminal profiling, psychopathology, the biological basis of crime, and human development. In a forensic context, students participate in fieldwork and on-site supervision. 

 Graduates leave with the multidisciplinary knowledge necessary to create laws and regulations that take into account how people behave. Additionally, students gain knowledge of study technique and how it relates to forensic psychology.

The Master of Science in Forensic Psychology is offered by the Department of Psychology, California State University. The program is for students who wish to pursue a career in criminal justice-related fields of psychology. Some learning outcomes of the Master of Science in Forensic Psychology program are:

• In order to understand psychological phenomena, use scientific reasoning.
•  Information literacy in psychology should be shown.
• Think and solve problems in an innovative and integrated manner.
• Interpret, plan, and carry out fundamental psychological studies.
•  Consider social issues when conducting scientific research.

A strong mentoring relationship with a faculty member who monitors the student's progress toward his or her unique professional goals is a crucial aspect of the program. All students start their programs in the autumn semester and enroll in a number of required core courses. The program, which offers an M.S. degree, consists of 33–34 units of coursework and a practicum lasting nine months in a forensic setting relevant to the student's individual interests and career goals.

Some of the settings include a rape crisis center, a counseling facility run by the Department of Children and Family Services, the Dependency Courts, the Sheriff's Department, prisons, and probation. In order to prepare them for their entry into the workforce after graduation, the curriculum places an emphasis on theory and research while offering hands-on training in the areas of evaluation and therapy. The program of study is set up to suit both students who want to continue on to doctorate studies and those who want to work in the area as practitioners with a master's degree.

Northcentral University’s Master of Science in Forensic Psychology (MSFP) program enables students to work in the justice system with law enforcement, the courts, corrections, and victim services agencies as well as to apply psychological principles in forensic contexts. The program can be completed with 30 credits. Some learning outcomes of the Master of Science in Forensic Psychology program are:

• Analyze psychological ideas and tenets 
• Describe how to use diagnostic and evaluation tools. 
• Examine concerns of diversity. 
• Analyze one's moral actions. 
• Summarize the research.

The curriculum comprises policy and justice, the fundamentals of risk and threat assessment and management, theories of criminal behavior, and the evaluation and treatment of offenders. The program also includes a capstone course. Students can specialize in either General Forensic Psychology or Threat Assessment and Management.

Understand the psychology of violence to make systems just and society safer.

PhD in Psychology, Public Policy, and Law .

This unique doctoral program is designed for professionals interested in making private and public sector environments safer, stronger, and just. Throughout the program you'll join with peers and thought leaders in exploring ways to transform existing systems to make them equitable, impactful, and humane, resulting in dramatically improved communities, societies, and the world. Psychology and law differ in content, but the two have much in common. Psychological science understands human behavior while political science regulates it.

The doctoral program prepares you to intersect with current systems in different contexts to better understand and mitigate violence and conflict. By strengthening your scientific research as well as legal research skills and expanding your understanding, you should be empowered to engage in thoughtful leadership within civil, criminal law, and public policy frameworks to improve outcomes within local, national, or global settings and public affairs.

As a participant of the PhD in psychology, public policy, and law online program, you may become part of an elite cadre of professional practitioners who are educated and trained in applying science to contemporary social problems and legal issues. You'll learn current violence prevention and intervention practices in forensics, the criminal justice system, social policy, law enforcement and legal system, security, and social engagement to keep individuals and societies safe effectively. Fellow students include public and private health and safety professionals who have earned a master degree or juris doctor from a regionally accredited institution and who want to enhance their skills and advance their careers or consultancies.

Among other concentrations, you may opt to specialize in forensic linguistics, using the study of language to investigate violence.

As a graduate of PhD in psychology, public policy, and law online program, you'll be qualified to pursue a meaningful and impactful career in law enforcement and public administration, as a security executive or consultant, as a forensic program developer and evaluator, in forensic linguistics or trial consulting, in risk management, as a civil investigator, mitigation specialist, and as an influencer of public policy.

The program provides an opportunity for you to take a deep dive into the psychology of violence and the laws and policies related to it in a variety of contexts such as criminal justice, social services, security, and media.

The PhD in psychology, public policy, and law program is offered online with two intensive weekend residencies and incorporates technology to create a rich learning environment outside of the classroom.

The PhD in psychology, public policy, and law program is offered as an eight-week term program with January, May, and September start dates. You can find a copy of our eight-week term academic calendar here.

The PhD in psychology, public policy, and law is a 60-credit program and takes between two and three years to complete.

You can earn your PhD in psychology, public policy, and law degree online with the addition to two onsite, weekend residencies.

What the Difference Between Criminology and Criminal Justice.

Debuted on television in 2000, introducing many people to the unique field of forensics.

CSFS is dedicated to graduating rigorously educated and trained professionals who impact society, public opinion, and policy by applying science in preventing, investigating, and mitigating conflict and violence. CSFS is a corporate partner of the International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association (ILEETA), and many of our advanced practice certificates are eligible for continuing education credit.

Certificate in Cross Cultural Language and Academic Development (CLAD).

Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Psychology (Credential Only).

Multiple Subject, Early Completion Option (Prelim Credential with MAE).

Multiple Subject Elementary Ed., Standard Intern (Prelim Credential with MAE).

Multiple Subject Elementary Ed., Student Teaching (Prelim Credential with MAE).

Single Subject, Early Completion Option (Prelim Credential with MAE).

Single Subject Secondary Ed., Standard Intern (Prelim Credential with MAE).

Single Subject Secondary Ed., Student Teaching (Prelim Credential with MAE).

Special Education, Mild Moderate, Standard Intern (Prelim Credential with MAE).

Special Education, Mild Moderate, Student Teaching (Prelim Credential with MAE).

Educational Leadership and Management (EdD) Post Master .

RESPOND Law Enforcement Mental Health Response Team (Certificate).

School Psychology License Certification in School Psychology Required.

Master of Science in Forensic Psychology at National University is a 60-credit program that can be completed in 16 months. The important characteristics of the Master of Science in Forensic Psychology program include:

• The program enables students to interact with law enforcement, the courts, corrections, and victim services departments while preparing them to apply psychological principles in forensic situations. They look at law and order, the fundamentals of risk and threat assessment and management, theories of criminal behavior, and the assessment and treatment of offenders.
• Threat Assessment and Management and General Forensic Psychology are the two specialties available through the program.
• In the threat assessment and management specialization, students will delve deeper into this subject and learn the fundamentals of threat assessment and management, such as the use of assessment tools, interviewing, and information-gathering techniques, risk factors and mitigation strategies, and team processes for various threats, such as workplace violence, intimate partner violence, stalking, school violence, or other forms of targeted violence. 
• Students who complete the Master of Science (MS) in Forensic Psychology General Specialization gain knowledge and comprehension of human behavior and how it manifests in judicial settings and contexts. This degree program's coursework looks at how psychology principles are used and used in correctional settings, as well as the characteristics of victims and offenders, the causes of violence, and approaches to treating offenders.
• For graduate coursework taken at an outside approved college or university, the University will accept up to 12 semester credits toward the Master of Science in Forensic Psychology.

The PhD emphasis in Forensic Psychology at PAU trains specialists in the clinical application of psychology to the legal system. We focus on broad and general clinical training, along with specialized forensic elective courses and practical experiences.

Completion of the Forensic Area of Emphasis at PAU signifies:.

Completion of advanced training in areas of clinical forensic psychology designed to satisfy requirements and competencies published in the literature and by governing bodies in forensic psychology (e.g. APA Division 41, AAFP).

Completion of practical clinical and research activities relevant to the practice of clinical forensic psychology.

Performance in broad and general clinical doctoral requirements in excess of general required program minimums.

Qualification to receive further professional training, education and experience in forensic psychology (e.g. during internship).

During your training, you will complete a dissertation that contributes to the body of knowledge relevant to the intersection of psychology and law.

You will also complete an official practicum placement (one year of full or supplemental) in a setting that provides forensically-relevant practical experience. Ideally, students seeking internships and or careers in correctional or forensic settings will complete practicum in a related locale.

The forensic sequence includes five courses for a total of 15 credits. This sequence of courses and their content have been carefully designed to fulfill training requirements and competencies for forensic psychologists published in the literature (DeMatteo, Marczyk, Krauss, Burl, 2009), and by relevant professional bodies (e.g. APA Division 41, AAFP).

Winter quarter: remaining of Forensic II or Advanced Ethical Legal.

Seminars may be taken any time prerequisites are met.

If you are looking to customize your training experience toward a career in correctional treatment and rehabilitation, you can also request to count courses focusing on Substance Abuse diagnosis and treatment.

The PhD program requires the following prerequisites for entry into the PhD in Clinical Psychology program:.

The PhD program uses rolling admissions. Students who submit an application early will have their applications reviewed first. This usually means that early applicants are also invited to interview early in the interview cycle, which begins in January.

Applying to PhD Labs, GRE Scores .

Any PAU PhD student may take the Forensic I course (CLIN831) as an elective.

To apply for admission to the Forensic Area of Emphasis, students must provide evidence of the following:.

The Forensic Mental Health Student Group at PAU hosts a number of events each year with the goal of not only professional development, but creating a space for discussing all issues related to forensic mental health.