M.S. in Psychology with an Emphasis in Forensic Psychology

14,100
Projected average number of job openings for psychologists each year from 2021 to 2031.1

Study Advanced Criminal Behavior in GCU's Forensic Psychology Master's Program Emphasis

The Master of Science in Psychology with an Emphasis in Forensic Psychology at Grand Canyon University (GCU) is a graduate degree program that provides a thorough grounding in the advanced principles of human psychology, criminal behavior and societal responses to criminal behavior.

The legal system depends on skilled professionals dedicated to making communities safer. Forensic psychologists fulfill a critical role in the criminal justice system. At the intersection of psychology, law and criminal justice, forensic psychology is the application of scientific principles to the legal process.

GCU's Online Forensic Psychology Master's Program Emphasis Offers You Flexibility

GCU’s MS in forensic psychology degree emphasis is offered online or through evening classes so you can pursue your advanced degree with added flexibility and convenience. In this master’s in forensic psychology emphasis program, you have access to the following:

    Innovative online learning platform and resources
    
    Expert faculty in the psychology field
    
    Networking opportunities with peers in the program

As a forensic psychology master’s degree emphasis student, you will acquire a framework of statistical analysis and research skills that can be applied to timely and relevant topics in criminal behavior. The curriculum covers current legal system programs, policies and ethical practices. It encourages students to proactively improve criminal justice processes and human rehabilitation. This online forensic psychology master’s emphasis focuses on the main objectives of the profession: to reduce crime rates and successfully rehabilitate criminals so that they may become productive members of society.
Topics Covered During Your MS in Forensic Psychology Degree Emphasis

During the MS in forensic psychology degree emphasis you are exposed to the biological, genetic, neurochemical, cognitive and sociological factors that underlie criminal behavior. Public policy and research-based methods for community reintegration of offenders are examined, with a particular emphasis on sex offenders, drug offenders, female offenders, juveniles and mentally ill offenders.

Students in this forensic psychology master's program emphasis will:

    Develop an understanding of the classic and contemporary theories of crime causation, including theories of punishment and the psychological, developmental and social causes of crime
    
    Practice written and oral communication through engaging discussions with your peers and self-directed, writing-intensive projects
    
    Gain a solid foundation of psychological knowledge and skills to guide your understanding of the current state of forensic psychology and the criminal justice system
    
    Explore the occupational opportunities within the psychological field, and develop and present original research ideas

 
Career Opportunities for Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology Emphasis Graduates

Forensic psychology is a career path for individuals who desire to make a positive difference in their communities. An online master’s in forensic psychology degree emphasis may open the door to exciting possibilities in government or law enforcement agencies. Forensic psychologists are needed across a range of settings, including:

    Rehabilitation centers
    
    Police departments
    
    Law firms
    
    Prisons
    
    Private practices

These professionals can work directly with police officers and investigators, victims of crimes, criminal offenders, attorneys and corrections officials. Some forensic psychologists work as researchers seeking to enhance the profession’s understanding of criminal behavior and the criminal mind.

Graduates who hold an MS in forensic psychology program emphasis may choose to enhance their career qualifications by pursuing a doctoral degree. Get started with your online forensic psychology master’s program emphasis today!

1 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as well. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2022, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Psychologists, retrieved on March 24, 2023.