Spotlight: Argosy University: MA in Forensic Psychology

Train for:

• Law Enforcement
• Legal Consultation
• Crime Investigation
• And more!

“Argosy University… proved to be both flexible and convenient while still providing a very rigorous and demanding program.”- Dr. Theo Smith, Jr., Class of 2005

One of the most fascinating branches of the psychology field is forensic psychology, the specialty that relates to law and criminal justice. Forensic psychologists must study human behavior, emotions, and thoughts, as well as our legal and public policy systems, in order to practice successfully.

When most people think of forensic psychology, they think of crime scene investigation, or shows like Law & Order and CSI. While forensic psychologists do work at crime scenes, that's just the tip of the iceberg. These professionals diagnose and treat both criminals and victims in prisons, county jails, courthouses and clinics. They help law enforcement agencies deal with issues like threat assessment, behavioral profiling, and critical incident debriefing. They work with lawyers on child custody disputes and jury selection, and often give expert testimony in the courtroom.

If you're interested in the field but want a less intense job, consider public policy or advocacy in the fields of criminology, victimology, applied research, or prevention and treatment. However, to advance to these administrative positions, you may need considerable field experience first.

"The most successful people I have seen in the field tend to be trailblazers—individuals who enjoy creating their own paths," says Dr. Wendy Berger, the chair of Argosy University's forensic psychology program. "Unlike the more traditional fields of clinical psychology or trial law, forensic psychology does not offer a linear career track."

The Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology at Argosy University

Most forensic psychology jobs require a graduate degree, though state and agency prerequisites vary widely. Argosy University's MA in Forensic Psychology helps students build a firm understanding of the theory and practice of forensic psychology. Graduates are fully prepared to provide ethical, high-quality services to a variety of clients and organizations. Argosy University is committed to meeting the needs of working adults, and offers flexible course scheduling at its many convenient locations. The MA in Forensic Psychology is available at 10 campuses across the U.S. and online, for the ultimate in convenience and flexibility.

The coursework for this forensic psychology program focuses on law enforcement, legal consultation, and program analysis. Students will learn about:

- The epidemiology of psychological/behavioral problems
- Risk factors for violent and/or criminal behavior
- Profiling and patterning
- Psychological testing
- Prediction and intervention measurement
- Forensic investigation and evaluation
- Civil and criminal procedure
- Secure environments
- Psychological treatment and intervention
- National standards and ethics

When considering a career in this broad field, students must understand the difference between forensic psychology and forensic psychiatry. While both careers focus on psychopathology and human behavior, psychiatry and psychology have different foci, educational requirements, and credentialing bodies. Psychiatry is a medical field (students earn MDs), and psychology is a research-based study of human behavior (students earn an MA, PhD, EdD, or PsyD).

Argosy University's MA in Forensic Psychology is not a medical degree. Rather, it teaches students to apply clinical, counseling and neuropsychology skills to the criminal justice and civil legal systems. A master's degree will prepare you for providing psychological consultation, assessment, and interventions for application in such fields as law enforcement, the civil and criminal court system, and as legal or organizational consultants.

Forensic Psychology Careers

Career opportunities are growing in legal and criminal justice institutions, the military, the government, and even with emergency medical services (EMS) teams. This career is not for the faint of heart; it requires a high level of tolerance for the emotionally and morally distressing issues that arise when working with crime and criminals. You may visit and investigate crime scenes and will almost certainly work closely with disturbed and/or violent criminals, as well as distraught victims.

However, forensic psychology can also be very fulfilling. These dedicated professionals often enjoy exciting workdays, no two of which are the same. Many find great personal satisfaction in helping others (victims and offenders) and working towards a better society. You may persuade a jury to turn a criminal over to the medical treatment s/he needs—or ensure that a dangerous person is put safely behind bars. If you have the strength to deal with offenders on a regular basis, you'll likely find that the rewards of this profession are ample indeed.

Benefits of an Argosy University Education

Drawing upon our more than 30-year history of granting degrees in professional psychology, Argosy University has developed a curriculum that focuses on interpersonal skills and practical experience alongside academic learning. Argosy University was founded on the belief that relationship-building is the key to both academic and career success. Its degree programs foster the communication skills essential to professional achievement, while its dedicated instructors and support staff cultivate students' confidence and competence in their fields of choice.

Argosy demonstrates its commitment to meeting the needs of working adult students by offering flexible evening and weekend schedules at its many convenient campuses nationwide, as well as fully accredited online degrees. The University is home to one of the largest graduate student communities in the nation; whether you study online or on-campus, you will enjoy a mutually respectful, accommodating educational environment.

Argosy University's Mission

At Argosy University, our passion is teaching and learning. We develop professional competence, provide opportunity for personal growth, and foster interpersonal effectiveness. Students succeed because our university community engages and supports them.

Argosy University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and is a member of the North Central Association (NCA) (30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602, 1.800.621.7440, www.ncahlc.org).