Master of Science in Clinical Psychology Forensic Psychology courses
Forensic Psychology coursework overview
Coursework tailored to your learning preferences
- Capella sets the deadlines
- Weekly online interactions
- Learn on your time
- Online
Planning for your degree
- total quarter credits: 53
- Quarter length: 10 weeks
- Course length: 10 weeks
- Break: 3 weeks between quarters
Course requirements
- Core 5 courses
- Specialization 6 courses
Example program course sequence
This example course sequence takes course prerequisites into account, so it can be helpful as a general guide when you register for courses. In GuidedPath, the number of courses you take in a quarter and time it takes to complete your program can vary. Your academic coach can help answer any course registration questions.
Show all descriptions
PSY5002
Core Foundations of Theory and Practice for Master's Psychology Learners
5 quarter credits
In this course, students acquire the ability to navigate the Capella courseroom and use the resources that support academic success, including the library and writing center. Students identify and practice the academic requirements (including APA style and formatting) necessary to successfully complete the Master's degree program in their chosen specialization; review their specialization's requirements, associated professional roles and organizations, and ethics and professional standards; and articulate a professional identity based on master's-level psychology or counseling training. For MS in Psychology and MS in Clinical Psychology students only. Must be taken during the student's first quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
5 quarter credits
PSY6095
Core Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy
5 quarter credits
This course provides an overview of foundational counseling and psychotherapy theories and research-based practice. Throughout the course, students examine various schools of therapeutic intervention; their underlying theoretical assumptions; and their historical, social, and ethical context, with an emphasis on the application of current theory in a variety of clinical populations.
5 quarter credits
RSCH7864
Specialization Course Quantitative Design and Analysis
4 quarter credits
Students gain an understanding of the logic, computation, and interpretation of statistics, with an emphasis on decision-making skills in the research process and on the application and interpretation of statistical results. Students utilize the statistical program JASP to practice running and interpreting statistical analyses.
4 quarter credits
PSY6210
Core 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 individual considerations 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
Core Tests and Measurements
5 quarter credits
Students investigate focuses on essential concepts, principles, applications, and social and theoretical issues of psychological testing. Students 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. Students 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. In addition, students assess the role of technology in delivery, administration, scoring, and interpretation of tests.
5 quarter credits
PSY6910
Specialization Course Psychology and the Law
5 quarter credits
Students investigate the fundamental theoretical, empirical, and ethical bases of forensic psychology and prepares students for the advanced practical training covered in PSY6920 and PSY6930. Students 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. Students 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
PSY6092
Specialization Course Counseling Skills and Procedures
5 quarter credits
This course provides an introduction to the fundamental skills and core conditions associated with effective counseling practice, from development of the therapeutic alliance through termination. For MS in Clinical Psychology students only.
5 quarter credits
RSCH7860
Core Survey of Research Methods
4 quarter credits
Students read critically and evaluate research in order to gain an understanding of the scientific methods of inquiry and the ethical considerations of research. Students become educated consumers and creators of research. Additionally, students use their research design skills to analyze and apply research methodologies, validity, reliability and other components of scientific research related to their field of interest.
4 quarter credits
PSY6920
Specialization Course Techniques of Forensic Practice
5 quarter credits
Students gain an understanding of the mechanics of forensic psychology practice, concentrating on practical applications for skill-building in multiple areas relevant to the field. Students analyze various types of civil and criminal forensic evaluations, including fitness to stand trial, insanity defense, child custody, fitness to parent, mitigating defenses, and risk assessment. Students also evaluate malingering and develop an understanding of the guidelines for ethical practice. Prerequisite(s): PSY6910 or PSY8340.
5 quarter credits
PSY5110
Specialization Course Ethics and Individual Differences in Psychology
5 quarter credits
Students analyze a range of human perspectives and factors and their influences on the ethical behavior of psychology professionals. Students evaluate and articulate such issues within the context of different settings and practice applying ethical reasoning principles and standards within their profession. Prerequisite(s): PSY5002 or PSY8002. Accelerated Master's Pathway, BS in Psychology/MS in Psychology option students require special permission for registration and must have completed PSYC3700 and PSYC4101 with a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or better.
5 quarter credits
PSY6930
Specialization Course Current Issues and Trends in Forensic Practice
5 quarter credits
Students analyze current forensic psychology issues and examine the appropriate and ethical application of scientific methods to civil and criminal psychological issues. Throughout the course, students build an understanding of expert testimony, legal decision making, criminal defenses, recidivism, juvenile crime, scientific jury selection, victimology, rehabilitation of criminal offenders, justice for underserved populations, and other selected areas of interest to the psychology and legal fields. Prerequisite(s): PSY6910 or PSY8340 and PSY6920 or PSY8350.
5 quarter credits
Total
At least 53 quarter credits
One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.
Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.
Core course requirements
Complete at least 24 quarter credits in the core courses category. Choose from the courses shown below.
Show all descriptions
PSY7610
Core Tests and Measurements
5 quarter credits
Students investigate focuses on essential concepts, principles, applications, and social and theoretical issues of psychological testing. Students 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. Students 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. In addition, students assess the role of technology in delivery, administration, scoring, and interpretation of tests.
5 quarter credits
PSY6210
Core 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 individual considerations 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
RSCH7860
Core Survey of Research Methods
4 quarter credits
Students read critically and evaluate research in order to gain an understanding of the scientific methods of inquiry and the ethical considerations of research. Students become educated consumers and creators of research. Additionally, students use their research design skills to analyze and apply research methodologies, validity, reliability and other components of scientific research related to their field of interest.
4 quarter credits
PSY6095
Core Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy
5 quarter credits
This course provides an overview of foundational counseling and psychotherapy theories and research-based practice. Throughout the course, students examine various schools of therapeutic intervention; their underlying theoretical assumptions; and their historical, social, and ethical context, with an emphasis on the application of current theory in a variety of clinical populations.
5 quarter credits
PSY5002
Core Foundations of Theory and Practice for Master's Psychology Learners
5 quarter credits
In this course, students acquire the ability to navigate the Capella courseroom and use the resources that support academic success, including the library and writing center. Students identify and practice the academic requirements (including APA style and formatting) necessary to successfully complete the Master's degree program in their chosen specialization; review their specialization's requirements, associated professional roles and organizations, and ethics and professional standards; and articulate a professional identity based on master's-level psychology or counseling training. For MS in Psychology and MS in Clinical Psychology students only. Must be taken during the student's first quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
5 quarter credits
Total
At least 53 quarter credits
One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.
Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.
Show all descriptions
RSCH7864
Specialization Course Quantitative Design and Analysis
4 quarter credits
Students gain an understanding of the logic, computation, and interpretation of statistics, with an emphasis on decision-making skills in the research process and on the application and interpretation of statistical results. Students utilize the statistical program JASP to practice running and interpreting statistical analyses.
4 quarter credits
PSY6092
Specialization Course Counseling Skills and Procedures
5 quarter credits
This course provides an introduction to the fundamental skills and core conditions associated with effective counseling practice, from development of the therapeutic alliance through termination. For MS in Clinical Psychology students only.
5 quarter credits
PSY6910
Specialization Course Psychology and the Law
5 quarter credits
Students investigate the fundamental theoretical, empirical, and ethical bases of forensic psychology and prepares students for the advanced practical training covered in PSY6920 and PSY6930. Students 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. Students 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
Specialization Course Techniques of Forensic Practice
5 quarter credits
Students gain an understanding of the mechanics of forensic psychology practice, concentrating on practical applications for skill-building in multiple areas relevant to the field. Students analyze various types of civil and criminal forensic evaluations, including fitness to stand trial, insanity defense, child custody, fitness to parent, mitigating defenses, and risk assessment. Students also evaluate malingering and develop an understanding of the guidelines for ethical practice. Prerequisite(s): PSY6910 or PSY8340.
5 quarter credits
PSY6930
Specialization Course Current Issues and Trends in Forensic Practice
5 quarter credits
Students analyze current forensic psychology issues and examine the appropriate and ethical application of scientific methods to civil and criminal psychological issues. Throughout the course, students build an understanding of expert testimony, legal decision making, criminal defenses, recidivism, juvenile crime, scientific jury selection, victimology, rehabilitation of criminal offenders, justice for underserved populations, and other selected areas of interest to the psychology and legal fields. Prerequisite(s): PSY6910 or PSY8340 and PSY6920 or PSY8350.
5 quarter credits
PSY5110
Specialization Course Ethics and Individual Differences in Psychology
5 quarter credits
Students analyze a range of human perspectives and factors and their influences on the ethical behavior of psychology professionals. Students evaluate and articulate such issues within the context of different settings and practice applying ethical reasoning principles and standards within their profession. Prerequisite(s): PSY5002 or PSY8002. Accelerated Master's Pathway, BS in Psychology/MS in Psychology option students require special permission for registration and must have completed PSYC3700 and PSYC4101 with a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or better.
5 quarter credits
Total
At least 53 quarter credits
One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.
Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.
What can I expect in the courseroom?
Each unit consists of readings, discussions and other activities you will be expected to complete throughout the week. Most deadlines for coursework occur on Thursdays and/or Sundays but may vary by program and course. In each course, you will receive a detailed scoring guide that describes expectations for every graded assignment.
Explore the Capella courseroom ->
How will I be graded?
Grades are based on your participation in weekly reading discussions and completion of assignments, based on criteria outlined in the rubric. You will also be assessed on your ability to demonstrate an understanding of expected outcomes for your program or specialization. These outcomes are based on the needs and performance standards of your field or discipline.