Washington, DC Online Masters in Forensic Psychology Programs

Online Masters in Forensic Psychology Programs might be a good option for students who desire scheduling flexibility or are limited by their geographical location. Forensic Psychology is the application of psychological science and to questions and issues relating to law and the legal system. Many Forensic Psychology programs are designed to train practitioners to provide psychology services to, and within, the criminal and civil justice systems in addition to supporting doctoral study in psychology.

Online Forensic Psychology Masters Degree Program Information

Online Masters in Forensic Psychology Programs Overview

There are two major tracks as far as Online Forensic Psychology Masters program:  licensure and non-licensure. Prospective students should choose an online degree based on their career aspirations.  A Forensic Psychology master's programs may or may not prepare students for state-licensure and certification with the American Board of Forensic Psychology (ABFP).

Furthermore, while some programs do prepare students for entry into PhD or PsyD programs, others do not. Since the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) classifies forensic psychology as a recognized specialty, it offers certification examinations. If this is your goal, you will first need a Masters degree in Forensic Psychology, and should select an online program that prepares you for these tests.

To browse online Masters in Forensic Psychology programs, simply scroll through the listings on GradSchools.com. You can also request more information from the Forensic Psychology schools as you go along. Some of these listings might include Master of Science in Forensic Psychology, Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology- Non Licensure track, MS in Psychology –Emphasis on Forensic Psychology or MS in Forensic Psychology – Forensic Psychology in the Community.

Potential Benefits of Online Masters in Forensic Psychology Programs

Distance-learning allows students to participate in courses from anywhere they have reliable internet access. In addition, it allows for busy working professionals to complete a Masters degree in Forensic Psychology without interrupting current career or family obligations. Online masters degree students use the web to access course materials, school announcements, email, virtual library services,subscription library databases, and to correspond with faculty and fellow students. Typically students log into a course management system that facilitates student-to-faculty and student-to-student interaction through discussion boards, white boards, chat rooms, email, and multimedia presentations.

Potential Online Forensic Psychology Masters Coursework

Some Online Masters programs in Forensic Psychology curriculum focus on the understanding, evaluation and treatment of both offenders and victims. Through the curriculum, students often research legal cases and are provided with an advanced understanding of topics such as

  • Psychological development
  • Statistics
  • Human growth and development
  • Mental health issues
  • Psychopathology
  • Personality assessment
  • Psychotherapeutic techniques

Some programs require a thesis and or an externship.

Potential Career Paths For Graduates

Forensic psychologists use psychological principles in the legal and criminal justice system to help judges, lawyers, and other legal specialists understand the psychological aspects of a particular case. They often testify in court as expert witnesses. Some Forensic Psychologists specialize in a particular area such as:

  • Family
  • Civil
  • Juvenile forensic psychology
  • Public policy
  • Criminal justice

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in most states, practicing psychology or using the title of “psychologist” requires licensure. Most clinical and counseling psychologists need a doctorate in psychology, an internship, at least 1 to 2 years of supervised professional experience, and to pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology.[i]

On the other hand, to become a mental health counselor or a marriage and family therapist, applicants typically need a master’s degree in psychology, clinical mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, or a related mental health field.[ii]

Ready to Pursue A Masters Degree in Forensic Psychology Online?

If what is standing between you and your career aspirations is the fact that a campus program does not suit your schedule, why not look into an online Forensic Psychology Masters program!

Sources: [i] bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm | [ii] bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/mental-health-counselors-and-marriage-and-family-therapists.htm

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