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Welcome to Capella
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Classes Start November 9th
Ready to get started? We’re ready for you. Chat with an enrollment counselor or apply now to take the first step on the journey toward your future.
$50 application fee (waived w/promo FALL20).
What you’ll learn
Analyze psychology research
Analyze research related to clinical and forensic psychology.
Adhere to ethical standards
Apply ethical principles related to practice in academics, research, and the practice of forensic psychology.
Embrace diversity
Master multicultural competencies in scholarly work as it relates to forensic populations.
Apply your knowledge
Apply theory and research findings into the practice of forensic psychology.
Communicate professionally
Communicate through scholarly writing and technologies using the professional standards of the discipline.
Master's in Clinical Psychology, Forensic Psychology program features
Our program offers additional benefits you might be interested in.
Scholar-practitioner faculty
Learn the latest in theory and practice from experienced doctoral faculty who are actively engaged in their professions.
Real-world application
With our competency-based learning model, you can immediately apply real-world skills to the work you do every day.
Direct path to doctoral study
The coursework meets many of the prerequisites for PhD and PsyD programs, helping to set you on a direct path to doctoral study.
Professionally Credible, Professionally Aligned
This program is built on core foundational psychology coursework to ensure professional credibility, and it’s designed for those interested in the legal and corrections systems. The curriculum emphasizes psychology and the law, techniques in forensic practice, and issues in forensic psychology.
Cost & learning format
Online education isn’t one-size-fits-all. We know you’re busy—you need a learning experience tailored to your life, not the other way around. Capella has learning and tuition formats to suit you, however you learn.
A more 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
$19,400–$26,675*
MAX TRANSFER CREDITS–TYPICAL 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.
Get the details
Speak with an enrollment counselor to get a personalized cost estimate for what you can expect to pay.
Ways to save
At Capella, we believe your education is an investment in your future. It’s also an investment within your grasp. Your goals are achievable—there are more ways to save than you might think.
Employer & association discounts
If your employer or organization is a partner with Capella, you may be eligible for a tuition discount.
10% military discount
If you're an active-duty military service member, spouse, or veteran, discounts may be available.
Flexible, engaging online learning
Access your online learning environment anytime, anywhere, with any device, and set your own schedule while meeting deadlines.
Accredited & recognized
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide the assurance we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all of our accreditations and recognitions.
MS in Forensic Psychology sample courses
Our master's in clinical psychology, forensic psychology curriculum focuses on competencies in conducting forensic assessments and research with forensic programs and populations, including incarcerated and recently released offenders.
| 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
This course 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 examine best practices and professional standards for educational and psychological testing, including test bias and fairness. In addition, learners study the role of technology in delivery, administration, scoring, and interpretation of tests. |
5 quarter credits |
| PSY8340 * |
Psychology and the Law
This course emphasizes the fundamental theoretical, empirical, and ethical bases of forensic psychology and prepares learners for the advanced practical training covered in PSY8350 and PSY8360. Learners focus on developing 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. Other topics include basic functions of forensic practice in civil, criminal, juvenile, and family law contexts and basic principles of testimony. Prerequisite(s): PSY6210. |
5 quarter credits |
| PSY8350 * |
Techniques of Forensic Practice
The primary focus of PSY8350 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): PSY8340. |
5 quarter credits |
| PSY8360 * |
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, PSY8340, PSY8350. |
5 quarter credits |
Faculty & support
You’re never going it alone at Capella. Our dedicated faculty and support teams are waiting to guide, help, and advise you through every step of your educational journey.
Enrollment counselors
These experts will set you up for success. They’ll help you find the right degree and program, and answer all your questions about Capella.
Advisors
Advisors know the details of your program. Got questions about courses? Instructors? Resources? Advisors have answers.
Faculty
Our courses are taught by distinguished faculty members who hold top credentials and have hands-on expertise in their fields. They know what you need to know today.
Career center
For this team, it’s more than resumes and interview tips. It’s about thoughtful and strategic career planning—beyond graduation.
Forensic Psychology career insights
What Is Forensic Psychology?
A review of the education and preparation necessary for a career in forensic psychology.
10 Career Options for Master's in Psychology Graduates
Psychology is more than one-on-one therapy. Explore 10 other career options for master’s in psychology graduates.
Understanding the Differences Between Clinical & Non-Clinical Psychology
Learn how licensure, education methods, and workplaces differ in clinical vs. non-clinical psychology.
Master's in Clinical Psychology, Forensic Psychology professional paths
Here are just some of the career options you could explore with our master's in clinical psychology, forensic psychology degree.
Related 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.
Other programs to explore
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