Forensic and Legal Psychology (MA)

What is A Forensic and Legal Psychology (MA) Degree?

Psychology is the scientific study of human behavior and mental processing–the mind.  It’s a field that people really enjoy studying because what’s not to like about basically learning about you?!  The field has a very broad application, even though many people think it’s mainly about counseling people and helping them with their problems.  Psychology is a science—a young one compared to physics and chemistry—because it uses established research methods in its quest to understand why people behave and think the way they do.

Forensic and Legal Psychology involves the application of the scientific principles of psychology to people who are somehow involved with the law.  It may include things like studying people accused of crimes, victims of crimes, convicted criminals, inmates in prisons, potential jurors, or lawyers involved in cases.  It’s a field that you’ve seen depicted on TV a lot lately as a part of the many crime shows that are out there.  To apply for the MA degree program in Forensic and Legal Psychology you need first to have a Bachelor’s degree in psychology, although some schools may accept a BA in a closely related field. You’ll take core graduate-level psych courses in research and statistics and specialized courses in understanding criminal behavior, techniques in forensic psychology, analyzing legal situations, clinical interviewing and psychotherapy, and psychopathology.  Course experiences will include things like simulations, labs, and field trips.  There may be a significant field experience and a comprehensive exam toward the end of the program. You’ll be able to work in numerous consulting and counseling capacities with this degree, but to be licensed as a Forensic Psychologist, you’ll need to complete a doctoral level degree.

The video below discusses a “typical” program, so it should help regardless of which school you are considering.