Forensic Psychology

Overview

The curriculum involves specialized coursework in criminal law, criminal behavior, the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders, and legal decision-making. Through these courses, students learn about the various roles for psychologists in the legal system and help them discover which roles they might like to pursue through careers in mental health, criminal justice or through additional graduate training. Graduates will not be license-eligible for clinical practice but will be well prepared to enter advanced degree and continuing education programs in counseling and related fields.

Career Opportunities

The Forensic Psychology MSc program from Arizona State University opens the door to a wide variety of careers. The field of forensic psychology offers many career options, from consulting on public policy to working within the criminal justice system. Many forensic psychologists will work in the court system in order to help lawyers, judges and juries better understand the motivations behind criminal behavior. Some graduates choose this path to advocate on behalf of underserved populations, including African-Americans, Latinos, those from lower-economic areas, children or those with mental illness.

Career examples include:

• correctional counselor
• crime analyst
• forensic research psychologists
• forensic social worker
• investigative journalist
• jail supervisor
• jury consultant
• police consultant
• probation officer
• victim advocate