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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 December 5
Use the code AUTUMN to waive the $50 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
| PSY6210 |
Introduction to Psychopathology
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. |
5 quarter credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSY7610 |
Tests and Measurements
Learners investigate 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. |
5 quarter credits |
| PSY6910 * |
Psychology and the Law
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 |
5 quarter credits |
| PSY6920 * |
Techniques of Forensic Practice
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. |
5 quarter credits |
| PSY6930 * |
Current Issues and Trends in Forensic Practice
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): PSY6210, PSY6910, PSY6920. |
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 term
$18,430–$25,705*
MAX TRANSFER CREDITS–AVERAGE TRANSFER CREDITS
$485 per credit, 53 total quarter credits, 15 max transfer credits
*This is only an estimate, using general program pricing, and it does not include fees (including application and resource kit fees). Your price may be higher or lower depending on your specialization, transfer credits, and tuition discounts. If transfer credits are allowed in this offering, the prices above show what you would pay if you brought in the average number of transfer credits and the price if you brought in the maximum allowed transfer credits.
Questions about cost?
Contact an enrollment counselor.
89% of psychology master's degree alumni would recommend Capella to friends, family and colleagues.*
*Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2021–2022
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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
- A $50 nonrefundable application fee, required at the time of application, to cover transcript requests, transcript evaluation, and other administrative costs
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.
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
- Adjunct or part-time faculty of forensic psychology courses
- Instructor
- Forensic analyst
- Forensic interviewer
- Forensic researcher
- Forensic assessment specialist
- Forensic case worker
- Forensic consultant
Employment settings to explore
- Self-employed (contract with attorneys)
- Community college
- Land-based or online college or university
- Government – local, state, federal
- Department of corrections
- Department of probation and parole courts
*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.
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