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Forensic Psychology
Master of Science in Clinical Psychology
Interested in developing a professional understanding of the criminal mind? Our online master’s in clinical psychology, forensic psychology specialization equips you with skills and insights to advance your abilities in a specialized field. This program helps you develop research and evidence-based practices with a focus on cultural and social diversity. You’ll explore the intersection of human behavior and the criminal mind, while strengthening your grasp of criminal law and legal institutions. The coursework is also designed to set you on a direct path to doctoral study.
Classes start November 4
Apply today with no application fee.
At a glance
- Online
- 5 Core courses
- 6 Specialization courses
Reduce your tuition by $2,500
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $2.5K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your master’s degree. Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Explore forensic counseling courses
- This degree requires a total of 53 program credits
- You’ll need to complete five core courses and six specialization courses
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PSY6210
Introduction to Psychopathology
5 quarter credits
In this course, learners examine the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of various forms of psychopathology throughout the lifespan. Learners review the etiology of psychopathology; examine theories and research of psychopathology; and explore current methods of psychological interviewing, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Learners also discuss the politics of mental disorders, emerging diagnoses, and ethical and multicultural issues associated with psychopathology. Prerequisite(s): BS in Psychology, Combined BS in Psychology/MS in Clinical Psychology option learners must have completed Student Group BMGA.
5 quarter credits
PSY7610
Tests and Measurements
5 quarter credits
Learners investigate focuses on essential concepts, principles, applications, and social and theoretical issues of psychological testing. Learners gain understanding in the construction of tests; analyze the development and use of tests in measuring aptitudes, achievement, attitudes, interests, and personality; and identify underlying theories of various tests. Learners analyze the characteristics desired in psychological and educational tests, with particular emphasis on reliability and validity, and evaluate best practices and professional standards for educational and psychological testing, including test bias and fairness. In addition, learners assess the role of technology in delivery, administration, scoring, and interpretation of tests. Prerequisite(s): BS in Psychology, Combined BS in Psychology/MS in Clinical Psychology option and BS in Psychology, Combined BS in Psychology/MS in Psychology option learners must have completed Student Group BMGA.
5 quarter credits
PSY6910
Psychology and the Law
5 quarter credits
Learners investigate the fundamental theoretical, empirical, and ethical bases of forensic psychology and prepares learners for the advanced practical training covered in PSY6920 and PSY6930. Learners develop forensic assessment methodology skills and study psychology's role in the judicial system, the differences between clinical and forensic psychological practice, and parameters of ethical practice in forensic psychology. Learners also analyze the basic functions of forensic practice in civil, criminal, juvenile, and family law contexts and basic principles of testimony. Prerequisite(s): PSY6210 or PSY8220.
5 quarter credits
PSY6920
Techniques of Forensic Practice
5 quarter credits
The primary focus of PSY6920 is on the methodology and mechanics for performing different forensic activities including training in methodology. The course also focuses on practical applications and skill-building in different forensic practice areas. The course presents forensic evaluation methodologies including competency to stand trial, insanity defense, child custody, fitness to parent, mitigating defenses, and recidivism. Evaluating malingering and understanding the guidelines for ethical practice are emphasized throughout the course. Prerequisite(s): PSY6910 or PSY8340.
5 quarter credits
PSY6930
Current Issues and Trends in Forensic Practice
5 quarter credits
Learners in this course analyze current forensic psychology issues and examine appropriate application of scientific methods to forensic situations. Topics include eye-witness identification, legal decision making, forensic assessment and reporting, criminal defenses, profiling, polygraphy, risk assessment, jury composition, scientific jury selection, and other selected topics of interest to both the psychology and legal fields. Prerequisite(s): PSY6920 or PSY8350.
5 quarter credits
*Course has prerequisite(s). See catalog for details.
What you'll learn
The MS in Clinical Psychology, Forensic Psychology specialization gives you a theoretical and practical understanding of clinical psychology with special emphasis on forensic techniques, psychology and the law, ethical problems, and current trends in forensic psychology. The curriculum develops your ability to conduct forensic assessments and research in a diverse range of programs and populations, including incarcerated and recently released offenders. This program can also prepare you for doctoral study.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Analyze research related to clinical and forensic psychology
- Apply ethical principles of clinical psychology in academic, research, and professional settings
- Bring theory and research findings into the practice of forensic psychology
- Communicate in scholarly writing, and various other technological mediums, using the professional standards of the discipline
- Evaluate the importance of diversity through mastery of multicultural competencies in scholarly work, particularly as they relate to forensic populations
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career paths to explore.
How much does the MS in Forensic Psychology cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below.
A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
- Based on the quarter system; 1–3 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or quarter
$26,235
NO TRANSFER CREDITS
$495 per credit, $160 resource kit fee, 53 total quarter credits, 15 max transfer credits
*This is only an estimate, effective July 8, 2024, and is subject to change. Your tuition amount will vary depending on your unique circumstances, such as your program specialization, transfer credits and any applicable tuition discounts. This estimate does not include the cost of books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other expenses. Tuition estimates shown for the GuidedPath learning format depend on the number of credits accepted for transfer. New or recently revised program tuition estimates are based on comparable programs.
Capella is committed to transparency in tuition and pricing. You will be responsible for costs in addition to tuition, which may include travel expenses and practicum costs. You will be charged $50-$200 each quarter or billing session for your resource kit, which includes required books, software and other course materials. Click here to review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid also is available to help manage the costs of higher education. Learn more about financing your education.
Questions about cost?
Contact an enrollment counselor.
*Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2022–2023
Are there scholarships available for master's degrees?
Your education is an investment in your future. There are more ways to save than you might think.
Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide evidence that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability.
See all our accreditations and recognitions.
What are the MS in Forensic Psychology admission requirements?
Admission requirements
Applicants to the MS in Clinical Psychology, Forensic Psychology program must provide the following information for admission:
- A bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
- Your official bachelor’s transcripts, with a grade point average of 2.3 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
- Admission application – no application fee required
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International student requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
What support does Capella offer online students?
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of a master’s student. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces to help you earn your degree with support from faculty, staff and online resources.
Articles and resources
Expand your perspective on academic and career topics with articles and resources from Capella University.
Financing Guide
We can help you understand education financing, review your options, and explore ways to save on your degree.
How Does Clinical Psychology Differ from Non-Clinical Psychology?
Clinical psychology involves working directly with human subjects and requires licensure. Learn more about key differences.
Helping Professions Guide
Explore paths and programs that leverage your unique interests to help build a better world.
What can you do with an MS in Forensic Psychology degree?
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. While Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific career outcome, such as a job title, promotion, or salary increase, we encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here are some ideas and examples for a graduate with an MS in clinical psychology, forensic psychology specialization.
Job titles to explore*
- Area loss prevention manager
- Forensic investigator
- Incident response manager
- Program manager
Employment settings to explore*
- Colleges, universities and professional schools
- General government support
- Individual and family services
- Offices of mental health practitioners (except physicians)
- Outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers
- Psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.