Online Master's in Psychology: Forensic Psychology Emphasis
Explore Advanced Criminal Behavior Theories
The Master of Science in Psychology with an Emphasis in Forensic Psychology at Grand Canyon University 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. This degree is ideally suited for individuals who have a background in psychology or criminal justice and who wish to focus their career on criminal behavior theories and victimology.
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, this specialization involves the application of scientific principles to the legal process.1
Earn Your Master’s With a Focus in Forensic Psychology
Throughout this degree program, you will have opportunities to 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 you to proactively improve criminal justice processes and human rehabilitation. This online master’s degree focuses on the main objectives of the profession: to reduce crime rates and successfully rehabilitate criminals, helping them become productive members of society.
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Forensic Psychology Courses and Topics
As a student of criminal behavior and psychological assessment, you will be introduced to the biological, genetic, neurochemical, cognitive and sociological factors that underlie criminal behavior. The program also includes an examination of public policy and research-based methods for community reintegration of offenders, with a particular emphasis on sex offenders, drug offenders, female offenders, juveniles and mentally ill offenders.
The program entails the following essential tasks:
- Understand classic and contemporary crime causation theories, including punishment and psychological, developmental and social factors
- Enhance written and oral communication skills through peer discussions and writing intensive projects
- Build a strong foundation of psychology to understand forensic psychology and the criminal justice system
- Explore career opportunities in psychology and develop original research ideas
Career Opportunities for Graduates
This specialization in psychology may be an ideal career path for those who desire to make a positive difference in their communities. An online master’s degree with an emphasis in forensic psychology may open the door to career possibilities in government agencies such as law enforcement agencies. Forensic psychologists are needed across a range of settings, including:2,3
- Rehabilitation centers
- Police departments
- Law firms
- Prisons
- Private practices
- Courthouses
- Educational institutions
These professionals may 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.
Upon graduating with your master’s in psychology, you may choose to enhance your career qualifications by pursuing a doctoral degree.
Graduate With Your Master’s From an Accredited University
GCU is dedicated to preparing graduates to tackle modern challenges with innovation and integrity. Since 1968, GCU has been institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and prioritizes educational quality. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.
Forensic Psychology Emphasis FAQs
If you have questions about pursuing a master’s degree, explore our responses to these frequently asked questions about psychology and forensics education to help you make an informed decision.
If you have an interest in applying psychological expertise and research skills to legal matters, then earning a master’s degree in psychology with a focus on criminal behavior may be worth your consideration. Individuals with this type of academic background may consider pursuing any number of careers, such as those that aim to protect abused children, contribute to the body of research in the field, reduce the risk of recidivism and, in general, work toward keeping communities safe.2
Popular TV shows and movies may depict forensic psychologists visiting actual crime scenes to analyze evidence and the scene itself. In actuality, forensic psychologists typically do not need to visit the scenes of crimes. Occasionally, they might look at crime scene photos or perhaps visit the scene of the crime if seeing it would offer more information on their assessment.5
Career requirements can vary, depending on exactly what type of career you wish to pursue in this subfield. For instance, if you would like to work as a victim advocate, you might only need a master’s in psychology.6 If you would like to pursue licensure and board certification as a psychologist, a doctoral degree in psychology is typically needed.6
The time it may take to complete this degree program varies depending on a number of factors, including course load, scheduling preferences and program requirements. If you have transfer credits, your progress may be accelerated. Fill out the form on this page to speak with a university counselor to discuss how long it might take to earn your degree.
Yes. If you’re passionate about reducing crime and helping victims find justice, this could be a fulfilling career path for you. Forensic psychology often creates a number of diverse opportunities in the criminal justice and legal fields. You may have the opportunity to work with attorneys on psychological research, advise on interrogation techniques or support victims, which may be ideal for those who enjoy problem-solving, applying psychological principles and making a positive impact in the justice system.
While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not provide job growth data for forensic psychologists specifically, it does report projected job growth of 7% for psychologists in general from 2023 to 2033.4 This indicates an estimated total of about 14,000 new job openings for psychologists during this time period.4
Specialized Psychology Program Options Focused on Your Interests
At GCU, our Master of Science in Psychology offers a variety of emphases to help you specialize in a particular area of psychology. These emphases include programs like forensics and life coaching. Our psychology master's programs can help you prepare for a career in a variety of industries by teaching core competencies in the field. What you learn in class each week can potentially be applied in your workplace the next day. Discover our other areas of emphasis.
Combine your passions for law and psychology.
1 American Psychological Association. (2013, September). What is Forensic Psychology? Retrieved Sept. 26, 2024.
2 American Psychological Association. (2014). A Career in Forensic and Public Service Psychology. Retrieved Sept. 26, 2024.
3 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, Aug. 29). Psychologists: Work Environment. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Oct. 1, 2024.
4 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 and 2023 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 August 2024, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Psychologists retrieved Sept. 26, 2024.
5 Kovacs, K. (2024, Aug. 20). What is Forensic Psychology? Psychology.org. Retrieved Sept. 26, 2024.
6 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, Aug. 29). Psychologists: How to Become a Psychologist. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Oct. 1, 2024.
Core Courses
Course Description
This course is designed to prepare students for the graduate learning experience at Grand Canyon University. Students have opportunities to develop and strengthen the skills necessary to succeed as graduate students in the liberal arts. Emphasis is placed on utilizing the tools for graduate success.
Course Description
This course serves as the foundation for advanced graduate study in the field of psychology. Professional skill development, such as critical thinking, scholarly writing, and literature reviewing are covered, as well as contemporary ethical issues in the field of psychology, including issues in research, writing, psychotherapy, forensic psychology, and animal research.
Course Description
This course is a study of social, group, and multicultural factors affecting individual behavior. Attention is given to the development of attitudes, leadership roles, group thinking, sources of conflict, altruism, attraction, effects of competition and cooperation, analysis and evaluation of propaganda techniques, and the influence of mass communication on social awareness and control.
Course Description
This course explores classic and contemporary theories of crime causation, including psychological, developmental, and social causes of crime and theories of punishment.
Course Description
This course provides a psychological perspective for understanding legal issues, an examination of the various roles, functions, strategies, and interagency relationships of the courts, government entities, elements of the crime, and the individual as it relates to due process within the context of crime control.
Course Description
This course provides a study of theories of probability, descriptive and inferential analyses of data, and testing of statistical hypotheses. Practical experience is provided in the application of statistical methods. This course requires the use of SPSS software via the Citrix Workspace to complete assignments, please ensure your device is compatible with this software prior to the start of your course.
Course Description
This course emphasizes both the theoretical and applied aspects of experimental design and research methodology at the graduate level, including qualitative, quantitative, and mixed designs. Prerequisite: PSY-520.
Course Description
This course requires students to comprehensively examine various psychopathologies behind criminal behavior. Topics such as biological, genetic, neurochemical, cognitive, and sociological factors underlying criminal behavior will be examined. A focus will be placed on addiction, brain imaging, and future biopsychosocial research.
Course Description
This course examines various approaches to rehabilitative treatments in offender populations. A close look at rehabilitative methods within sex offenders, drug offenders, white collar criminals, cyber criminals, female offenders, juveniles, and mentally ill populations will be taken. Students will examine public policy and research based methods for successful prevention and community reintegration.
Course Description
This course prepares students to enter their prospective career and/or continue their education in psychology. Students will explore occupations and leaders in the various psychological fields, formulate and compile their experiences and achievements, and construct a roadmap for success. Original research ideas will be solidified and presented. Prerequisite: PSY-550.
- GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
- Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
- Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.
Grand Canyon University’s evening programs cater to the demands of working professionals who prefer an in-person learning environment. Our night classes meet just once per week and offer the interaction and discussion of a typical college classroom.