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Master of Science in Clinical Psychology Forensic Psychology

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  2. Master’s
  3. Psychology
  4. MS in Clinical Psychology
  5. Forensic Psychology
  6. Courses

Forensic Psychology coursework overview

Coursework tailored to your learning preferences

  • Capella sets the deadlines
  • Weekly online interactions
  • Learn on your time
  • Online
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Planning for your degree

  • total quarter credits: 53
  • Quarter length: 10 weeks
  • Course length: 10 weeks
  • Break: 3 weeks between quarters
Example sequence Specialization Core

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. The number of courses you take in a quarter and the time it takes for you 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, learners acquire the ability to navigate the Capella courseroom and use the resources that support academic success, including the library and writing center. Learners 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 learners only. Learners may earn credit for either PSY5002 or PSY5005, but not both. Must be taken during the learner'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, learners examine various schools of therapeutic intervention; their underlying theoretical assumptions; and their historical, cultural, and ethical context, with an emphasis on the application of current theory in a variety of clinical populations. Prerequisite(s): BS in Psychology, Combined BS in Psychology/MS in Clinical Psychology option learners must have completed Student Group BMGA. 5 quarter credits
RSCH7864 Specialization Course Quantitative Design and Analysis 4 quarter credits Learners 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. Learners 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 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 Core 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 Specialization Course 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
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 and MS Counseling Psychology learners only. 5 quarter credits
RSCH7860 Core Survey of Research Methods 4 quarter credits Learners read critically and evaluate research in order to gain an understanding of the scientific methods of inquiry and the ethical considerations of research. Learners become educated consumers and creators of research. Additionally, learners 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 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
PSY5110 Specialization Course Ethics and Multicultural Issues in Psychology 5 quarter credits Learners analyze multicultural perspectives and factors such as ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and gender, and their influences on the ethical behavior of psychology professionals. Learners evaluate and articulate multicultural issues within the context of different settings and practice applying ethical reasoning principles and standards within their profession. Prerequisite: PSY5002 or PSY8002. Accelerated Master's Pathway, BS in Psychology/MS in Psychology option learners 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 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

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.

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.

Learn more about online learning at Capella

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.

Specialization course requirements

Complete at least 30 quarter credits from the specialization courses shown below.

Show all descriptions
RSCH7864 Specialization Course Quantitative Design and Analysis 4 quarter credits Learners 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. Learners 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 and MS Counseling Psychology learners only. 5 quarter credits
PSY6910 Specialization Course 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 Specialization Course 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 Specialization Course 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
PSY5110 Specialization Course Ethics and Multicultural Issues in Psychology 5 quarter credits Learners analyze multicultural perspectives and factors such as ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and gender, and their influences on the ethical behavior of psychology professionals. Learners evaluate and articulate multicultural issues within the context of different settings and practice applying ethical reasoning principles and standards within their profession. Prerequisite: PSY5002 or PSY8002. Accelerated Master's Pathway, BS in Psychology/MS in Psychology option learners 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.

Core course requirements

Complete at least 25 quarter credits in the core courses category. Choose from the courses shown below.

Show all descriptions
PSY7610 Core 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
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 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
RSCH7860 Core Survey of Research Methods 4 quarter credits Learners read critically and evaluate research in order to gain an understanding of the scientific methods of inquiry and the ethical considerations of research. Learners become educated consumers and creators of research. Additionally, learners 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, learners examine various schools of therapeutic intervention; their underlying theoretical assumptions; and their historical, cultural, and ethical context, with an emphasis on the application of current theory in a variety of clinical populations. Prerequisite(s): BS in Psychology, Combined BS in Psychology/MS in Clinical Psychology option learners must have completed Student Group BMGA. 5 quarter credits
PSY5002 Core Foundations of Theory and Practice for Master's Psychology Learners 5 quarter credits In this course, learners acquire the ability to navigate the Capella courseroom and use the resources that support academic success, including the library and writing center. Learners 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 learners only. Learners may earn credit for either PSY5002 or PSY5005, but not both. Must be taken during the learner'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.