After having taken a look at each of the 5 available fully online masters degree programs in Forensic Psychology, this final piece provides a summary and comparison of the various degree programs.

Forensic Psychology Programs – Forensic Psychology Degree

There are a number of universities and colleges that offer an undergraduate course or two in forensic psychology, a selection of colleges and universities that offer masters programs in forensic psychology, and a relative handful of colleges and universities that offer doctoral-level education in forensic psychology. These programs typically offer campus-based degrees, with perhaps some opportunity to take a course or two online. But, what about fully online masters degrees in forensic psychology?

Masters in Forensic Psychology – Forensic Psychology Online

When I entered the search term “forensic psychology masters degree online” or “online forensic psychology masters degree” into Google, I was able to discover 5 schools that offer fully online masters degrees. In a series of 5 articles, I examined each of these programs and provided information about their curriculum, tuition costs, licensure status, courses, and other relevant information for someone considering a fully online masters degree in forensic psychology. This article summarizes the information contained in those 5 reviews for an easy comparison of the fully online programs. For my more detailed comments regarding each of these program, please see the individual reviews: The Chicago School of Professional Psychology; University of North Dakota; Argosy University; Walden University; and the University of Liverpool.

Forensic Psychology Masters Programs Online – Comparison of Online Masters Programs

Comparisons between Masters in Forensic Psychology Programs

Any of these 5 programs can be completed from anywhere in the world (of course, the program at the University of North Dakota requires that you travel to the United States for a 2-week intensive on-campus experience near the end of the degree program but this doesn’t seem like too much of a hindrance for someone interested in obtaining this masters degree).

Although the estimated time to completion varies for each of these programs, the typical time to degree completion for any of these is about 2 years and students are able to pace themselves according to their own work schedules and other commitments (one of the major benefits of an online degree program).

Each of these programs also appears to provide an academic mentor/advisor to assist students with issues throughout their tenure in the program. It is unclear whether this advisor is a faculty member or someone else so interested students may want to ask more about this as they inquire about the program of study for themselves.

The coursework is one point of variation between these programs. The four USA-based programs all require the equivalent of 12 3-credit courses (I use 3-credit courses here as the point of comparison since this is the most common credit weight for college and university courses and is most easily understood by a majority of students). The UK-based program at the University of Liverpool appears to have a slightly more rigorous course load, with the equivalent of 20 3-credit courses being required in addition to a dissertation (which makes up part of those 20 “courses”). This is akin to many research-oriented campus-based masters programs in the United States and Canada with a thesis requirement.

In terms of the tuition costs for these programs, it appears that the typical student can expect to pay around mid-$20,000s for an online masters degree in forensic psychology. Of course, the full range is between $13,829 (at the University of North Dakota + expenses involved in getting to Grand Forks for the 2-week intensive on-campus experience) and $31,325 + fees (at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology). The average cost of $22,550 across these degree programs is about what one could expect to pay for a campus-based masters degree at most state universities (of course, the costs of campus-based programs at state universities vary significantly according to whether the student is from within-state, out-of-state, or international).

In terms of clinical experience, it is likely that none of these programs provide the types of experiences and supervision that one could obtain at most campus-based masters programs. This is most likely one of the major reasons why most of these programs do not prepare the student for licensure. A little further explanation about licensure is perhaps necessary here. Most states will only license doctoral-level individuals as psychologists (meaning that you will need to have a PhD or a PsyD to be considered for licensure). A few states, however, will license masters-level individuals as psychological technicians (or some other title, but not as psychologists), which means that these individuals are able to perform some, but not all, duties of a psychologist. In addition, it is typically the case that masters-level individuals are required to be supervised by a doctoral-level psychologist. Thus, it would be relatively rare for a terminal masters program, either online or campus-based, to graduate students who are eligible for licensure as psychologists. In those states that license masters-level individuals as psychological technicians or counselors, there is typically a requirement that the student have obtained a certain number of hours of supervised clinical experience as part of their masters degree program. Given the online nature of the masters degrees programs reviewed here, the relative lack of face-to-face clinical supervision opportunities is most likely the major stumbling block to students wishing to become licensed at the masters-level.

Doctoral Degree in Forensic Psychology

I’d like to end this article with a few words about obtaining a doctoral degree in forensic psychology. Although forensic psychology is a broad field that encompasses both clinical and non-clinical elements, I will assume that students who complete one of these online masters degrees in forensic psychology are interested in the clinical side and have a desire to work with correctional, offender, and forensic populations.

To work in these environments with these types of populations, you will need to become licensed as a psychologist, which means obtaining a PhD or a PsyD in Clinical Psychology. If this is your ultimate goal, then the most expeditious route is to go directly into a doctoral program upon completion of your undergraduate degree. Of course, for many, this is not a viable option for a number of reasons (GPA or GRE scores not high enough; didn’t prepare early enough to be competitive). A less direct, but viable, route is to complete a masters degree first and then apply to a doctoral program. You should be aware, however, that the chances of being able to transfer some of your masters courses for credit in the doctoral program are not all that good. It depends on the program but the strong programs are going to want to ensure that you receive the best training, which typically means that they want to train you and are not likely to allow you to transfer over many, if any, courses from your masters program. This is not necessarily a bad thing and if you are lucky enough to have been offered admission to a strong doctoral program, you should take advantage of as many classes and experiences as you can! Doctoral programs are much more likely to transfer non-clinical, foundational courses so keep this in mind when making your masters degree course selections. In addition, you may strengthen your chances of being admitted to a doctoral program if you select a masters program (or courses within a masters program) with a solid foundation in writing and research.

For more information about increasing your chances of getting into graduate school or on forensic psychology, please check out the posts under the “Education & Training” and “Forensic Psychology” tabs in this website.

This is the fifth and final article in a series on the various fully online masters degree programs that are available in forensic psychology. The earlier articles in this series examined the forensic psychology masters degree programs at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, the University of North Dakota, Argosy University, and Walden University.

I decided to examine the fully online masters programs in forensic psychology that are available since so many students are interested in forensic psychology and wonder about it as a career path. I also believe that the future of education is online and that online pedagogy is an interesting way to learn, with much to offer. With so many programs of study now available online an increasing number of opportunities exist for personalized education. The various tools and available technologies make online learning the wave of the future, if not the present. Online learning is asynchronous, meaning that the student can logon and complete class work according to his or her own schedule, rather than have to be at a specific place at a particular point in time.

With the significant increase in the number of online programs of study available over the last few years, I decided to have an in-depth look at some of the more popular fully online masters programs in forensic psychology. This article takes a look at the program offered by the University of Liverpool.

Online Master’s Program in Forensic Psychology

The program offered by the University of Liverpool is an online masters program in forensic psychology and criminal investigation. Students prepare to begin the program by completing two modules before beginning their program coursework. The first preparatory module—Student Readiness Orientation—takes 10 hours to complete and the second module—Foundations for Academic Success—takes 40 hours to complete over a period of 3 weeks. Once the student has completed these two modules, he or she begins the program coursework, which consists of 8 modules (each about 8 weeks in duration) and a dissertation. The entire program takes an average of 30 months to complete; although students are able to go at their own pace and take between 24 and 36 months to complete the program requirements.

Credit Hours

The online masters degree in forensic psychology and criminal investigation at the University of Liverpool consists of 8 modules (each worth 15 credits) and a dissertation (worth 60 credits). Each module is 8 weeks in duration (except for the first, which is 9 weeks in duration) and is sequenced according to the student’s best development in the program (which I take to mean that there is some flexibility in the order of modules that a student completes).

As with any online program, students can pace themselves according to their own timelines and schedules. The courses/modules at the University of Liverpool appear to be delivered in a somewhat prescribed sequence, with a total of 8 modules and a dissertation required for completion of the degree requirements. I was unable to find information regarding how long a student has to complete all degree requirements but the website indicated that students could complete the requirements as quickly as 24 months or as slowly as 36 months.

Tuition

Students in the online masters degree in forensic psychology and criminal investigation at the University of Liverpool appear to pay a single fee payment for the program (rather than a per credit hour fee as is typical in North America). According to the website, this is determined by the student’s country of residence. Students from the United States pay $21,600 for the program; students from Canada pay $21,800 CDN; students from the United Kingdom pay £ 9,500; students from Australia or New Zealand pay $20,100; students from the European Union pay € 14,400. These costs appear to be in line with other online and on-campus programs offered in the United States.

Program Description

The online masters degree in forensic psychology and criminal investigation at the University of Liverpool is described on the website as follows:

The MSc in Forensic Psychology and Criminal Investigation, offered by the University of Liverpool’s world renowned School of Psychology, is one of the first postgraduate programmes in the field of forensic psychology and criminal investigation to be offered in an online format at an international level. Cutting edge research and contributions from the leading academics and practitioners in the field combine to create a rich, interactive and highly stimulating experience for students throughout the programme.

During the programme students will thrive in the interactive e-learning environment with the use of multimedia, case scenarios tailored specifically for this programme and designed by professionals in the field, and active discussions within the students’ virtual classroom.

The programme has been designed to appeal to individuals currently involved in the process of criminal investigation or for those who have an active and passionate interest in the psychology of crime, criminals and investigation. This programme is ideal for practitioners already working in the field, those pursuing a career in psychology, or those seeking a complete career change who have developed a keen interest in the field of forensic psychology and criminal investigation.

Admission Requirements

Applicants are expected to have completed a bachelor’s degree and to have some relevant work experience. The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is not required for admission to the University of Liverpool’s Masters Program in forensic psychology and criminal investigation.

Licensure as a Psychologist

Perhaps the most important thing to know about this program is that it does not lead to licensure. This means that those who complete this program will not be able to become licensed as a psychologist (either at the Masters level for those states that make this available, or at the Doctoral level) unless a different degree program is subsequently completed by the student.

From the website:

Note on licensure:
The MSc in Forensic Psychology and Criminal Investigation is not a licensure programme and does not prepare an individual to become a licensed psychology professional.

Coursework

Non-Credit Preparatory Modules (required)

Student Readiness Orientation

Aim: To equip students with the technical skills necessary to successfully study online, aided by inspirational testimonials from current students and alumni, in a rich multimedia environment.

In this module, students will grasp the basic technical information and knowledge needed to successfully participate in an online curriculum. They will learn how to use the online classroom to get assignments, interact with instructors and other students, and submit work. In this introduction students will gain a clear idea of what is expected from them as they participate in an online classroom. Finally the orientation ensures students have an overview of the rules regarding quotation and citation–essential to any postgraduate study, whether online or campus-based.

Foundations for Academic Success

Aim: To provide students with a deeper insight into the requirements for successful participation in the postgraduate programme, and to give them the opportunity to put some of the essential skills and techniques learned during the Student Readiness Orientation into practice.

As well as providing a foundation for academic success, this module will ease students into the credit-bearing modules – ensuring they are fully prepared to succeed on their programme of study. Assignments focus on the practical application of writing and critical thinking skills. By the end of the module, students will be able to demonstrate their ability to evaluate scholarly resources, and define   the role that proper citation and referencing plays in academic integrity. Students will be competent at doing basic searches in the University of Liverpool Online Library and be able to outline a logical and coherent argument with supporting evidence.

Required Modules (120 credits; 8 modules worth 15 credits each)

Fundamentals of Investigative and Forensic Psychology

Aim: To equip students with knowledge of the psychological processes most applicable in the relatively new and innovative field of investigative and forensic psychology.

This module provides a foundation for subsequent modules on sexual and violent behaviour, courts and the judiciary, criminal behaviour and offender profiling, and behavioural investigative advice. During this module, students will explore the historical development, origins, methodological issues and conceptual debates surrounding the theory and practice of investigative and forensic psychology. Upon completion of this module, students will be able to confidently analyse and critique the relevant psychological processes and pluralistic nature of investigative and forensic psychology, as well as demonstrate an understanding of the similarities and differences within this specialised discipline.

Command and Control: Leadership and Teams in Critical and Major Incidents

Aim: To develop a thorough knowledge of leadership and teamwork issues applicable to critical incident management and crisis intervention driven by principles of leadership and motivation.

Students will learn to critically evaluate the various models of leadership as they apply in critical and major incidents, and adverse environments. This module will also assess and evaluate the impact and role stress plays on decisionmaking. By the end of this module, students will be able to recognize the role of anger, aggression, impulsivity and stress when dealing with difficult suspects  / offenders and in difficult negotiations. They will also recognize the influence and importance of leadership and effective team performance in a range of adverse environments.

Strategic, Tactical and Operational Decisions: Judgement and Decision Making in Critical and Major Incidents

Aim: To develop an in-depth knowledge of judgement and decision making issues relevant to critical incident management and crisis intervention.

This module will enable students to apply and critique the differences between dynamic, time compressed decision making and slower, protracted enquires. Students will apply traditional and naturalistic decisionmaking and their application to relevant agencies tasked with handling critical incidents.  Upon completion of this module, students will appreciate the psychological mechanisms that underpin decision error, action inertia and so called ‘accountogenic decision’.

Applying Research Methods to Forensic Psychology and Criminal Investigation

Aim: To demonstrate the ability to assess methodological paradigms within the creation and execution of, and understand the position of research in, applied psychological research.

In this module, students will be introduced to multivariate statistics and methods, and obtain a range of data analysis techniques that can be applied in the ‘real world’.  Students will be able to explain and discuss the principles underlying quantitative research and demonstrate their understanding of the link between methodology, method and analysis.  By the end of this module, students will be able to discuss and evaluate methodological approaches and demonstrate their knowledge about paradigmatic issues surrounding psychological research.  Students will also be introduced to the basic principles of experimental design and learn how to conduct analyses using SPSS during online Statistical Practical sessions.

Psychology of Criminal Behavior

Aim: To develop an astute awareness of the aetiology of criminal behaviour (from biological to social learning).

This module will raise the students’ critical faculties of the psychological issues involved in investigating and managing criminal behaviour in forensic settings. Students will also explore and critically evaluate the varying methods agencies employ to investigate criminal behaviour, including risk assessment and risk management. Upon culmination of this module, students will be capable of demonstrating their theoretical knowledge of crime, and identify the procedures, policies and approaches of multi-agency responses to criminal behaviour. The psychological processes that multi-agencies implement to base their responses will also be ascertainable.

Sexual and Violent Crime

Aim: To develop an astute awareness of the aetiology of sexual violence (from biological to social learning).

Students will mentally evaluate and determine the precision of the psychological issues involved in investigating sexual and violent crime. The methods employed by agencies to investigate sexual and violent crime, including risk assessment and risk management, are also critically analysed throughout the module. Students will be able to identify the procedures, policies and approaches of multi-agency responses to sexual and violent crimes, and understand the psychological processes that underpin these approaches. Key areas that will be explored include juvenile sex offenses, sexual deviance, internet offending, and domestic violence.

The Psychology of the Courts

Aim: To explore the psychological, investigative, and evidential perspective strands that impact upon the Criminal Justice System, the forensic viewing practices, and the courtroom procedures respectively.

This module will develop through the critical analysis of psychological, investigative, and evidential perspective strands. The examination of the psychological perspective will allow students to explore perception and memory issues, together with the implications for witnesses and the Criminal Justice System. The investigative perspective will allow students to critically explore specific investigative areas such as identification issues and the effectiveness of forensic interviewing practices. The evidential perspective entails the application of the psychological and investigative perspective strands in the courtroom. The range of witnesses who interface with the Criminal Justice System will also be explored, together with diversity issues and the implications the responses from the courts have on the witnesses. Upon completion of this module, students will be able to assess to what extent cognitive psychological research is relevant to eyewitness testimony, and critically evaluate the contribution and impact of research on the Criminal Justice System. Forensic interviewing practices, witness and suspect management, and judicial (legalistic and juror) decision making will all be covered and analysed allowing graduates to qualify for key roles in the field of forensic psychology.

Offender Profiling and Criminal Behavioural Analysis

Aim: To develop an awareness and practical understanding of the psychological concepts necessary for offender profiling and criminal behaviour analysis.

The aim of this module is to provide students with a methodological underpinning of behavioural profiling, suspect prioritisation, risk assessment, geoprofiling, and crime scene linkage methods. The potential barriers that may impede these methods, and the psychological means necessary to avoid said drawbacks, are investigated. Students will also critically assess the use of psychologists and profilers as experts for offender profiling purposes, and learn how to interpret this expert advice to reduce ambiguity. Upon completion of this module, students will have gained the aptitude to discuss and evaluate the methodological approaches used in the aforementioned psychological concepts examined in this eight week study.

Dissertation (60 credits)

Dissertation

Aim: To prepare a significant piece of empirical or archival study, that will be an original or critical exposition, of existing knowledge within the field. The culmination of the programme, this written project demonstrates students’ mastery and integration of all their previous learning. The dissertation is the cornerstone of the UK university system.  It is an original, scholarly work that applies the students’ new knowledge and experience and allows them to prove their proficiency in the skills and techniques they have studied and acquired.  Students choose their dissertation topic in conjunction with their Personal Dissertation Advisor, an academic supervisor who will provide support throughout the study and writing process.

Concluding Comments

The coursework for this program appears to cover a broad base of forensic psychology as it is conceptualized in the United Kingdom, which traditionally has a stronger emphasis on criminal investigation and profiling than does the United States or Canada.  Another notable difference is that the curriculum content appears to emphasize a systems-wide or sociological perspective to forensic psychology, as opposed to the strong emphasis on the individual found in the United States. The inclusion of a dissertation requirement for this program of study makes this perhaps the most rigorous fully online masters program available.

As with all the other online programs reviewed (with the possible exception of the program at the University of North Dakota), this program is not licensure eligible, meaning that graduates will not be able to become licensed to practice as an independent psychologist upon completion. Licensure as a psychologist is typically reserved for those with doctoral-level degrees, except in a few states where masters-level individuals can become licensed to practice some, but not all, aspects of psychology and are typically required to be supervised by a doctoral-level practitioner.

Like many of the other fully online programs available, a personal mentor is assigned to each student to assist with issues that arise during the student’s tenure in the program. The addition of the two non-credit preparatory modules appears to be a unique solution to ensuring that each student has the required foundation for online education before beginning the program of study.

This masters degree program appears to be a viable option for someone interested in a degree in forensic psychology and who prefers a more global perspective on this field. Individuals who plan to live and work outside the United States may benefit from a broader perspective than that typically offered in degree programs within the United States.

As you already know from reading the other articles in this series—about the Chicago School of Professional Psychology’s Online Masters Program and the University of North Dakota’s Online Masters Program—I have been thinking a lot about online education. As a professor who has recently begun to teach online, I find that the pedagogy and style of online teaching can facilitate greater and more in-depth discussions than is typically experienced in more traditional teaching formats. It appears clear that the future of online education is growing and that more individuals than ever before have access to online education.  The various tools and available technologies make online learning the wave of the future, if not the present. My question, then, is what about taking an entire program of study, such as a Master’s degree, online? With the significant increase in the number of online programs of study available over the last few years, I decided to have an in-depth look at some of the more popular fully online masters programs in forensic psychology. This article takes a look at the program offered by Argosy University.

Online Master’s Program in Forensic Psychology

Argosy University is large, with 18 different campuses across the United States and numerous online programs. They have multiple web pages and every search of online education in forensic psychology that I conducted provided results that included Argosy’s programs in multiple different categories and on multiple pages.  This being said, it did take me a bit of hunting to find the information that I wanted to include in this article. OK, truth be told, I actually did not find it by myself. I ended up submitting a request for information and received a call back from Argosy. I had to answer a few questions, clearly from a script (because I’m fairly certain that I threw the woman off of her script when I told her the purpose for my request and that I was already a Doctoral-level forensic psychologist; she recovered well, told me I sounded like a great candidate for their Masters degree program (!!) and funneled me over to an admissions counselor). The admissions counselor I spoke with was excellent. She understood the situation, pointed me exactly to where I could locate the information I desired, and then asked me if I knew of anyone who wanted to go back to school and get a degree. I assured her that I had multiple requests every day about degree programs in forensic psychology and that if I heard of anyone interested in Argosy’s program I would send them her way (for those that night be interested, her name is Courtney Colbert and she can be reached at 866.427.4679 ext. 25538—thanks for the help, Courtney!).

The online masters degree in forensic psychology at Argosy consists of a core program of study and the choice of four different areas of concentration (as well as a general concentration for those who are unable to decide or who wish to customize a concentration).  In addition to the coursework, each student is required to complete a Special Topics Paper (which is part of a special topics seminar, which is required to complete the degree). All requirements must be completed within 5 years and the coursework must be completed within 4 years.

Credit Hours

The online masters degree in forensic psychology at Argosy consists of 36 credit hours of coursework (broken into 24 credit hours of core requirements and 12 concentration credit requirements). Students can choose from 4 different concentrations—assessment, treatment, law enforcement, and homeland security—or complete a general or customized concentration to meet their own specific needs. In addition to the coursework, students are required to complete a Special Topics Paper (I’m guessing akin to a mini masters thesis but without the rigor involved in a thesis).

The online masters program in forensic psychology is designed to be self-paced so students can take as many courses as they like at the pace they like but all coursework must be completed within 4 years and all degree requirements within 5 years to graduate.

Tuition

Students in online degree programs at Argosy are charged by the credit hour. The cost per credit hour is $655, which brings the total approximate cost for the online masters degree program to $23,580 (plus some fees). This appears to be in line with other online programs and perhaps slightly higher than many on-campus masters programs at state universities (although certainly comparable to on-campus masters programs for out-of-state students).

Program Description

The online masters degree in forensic psychology is described on the Argosy website as follows:

Those individuals with experience in law enforcement or a background in psychology should consider the exciting field of forensic psychology. Students of Argosy University’s Master of Arts (MA) in Forensic Psychology online program have the flexibility and freedom to pursue their degree at their own pace by taking classes any time of the day or night.

This master’s degree in psychology is offered through Argosy University’s American School of Professional Psychology, part of the College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences. This online psychology degree program can prepare students to apply clinical, counseling, and neuropsychology skills within the criminal justice and civil legal systems. Mental health professionals are active participants in a range of law enforcement arenas, providing psychological services such as consultation, assessment, and intervention.

Argosy University’s faculty members are mindful of real-world expectations and relevant skill sets. These experienced practitioners provide an understanding of the theory, training, and practice of forensic psychology, delivering instruction about the following subjects and techniques:

• The epidemiology of mental/behavioral disorders
• Risk factors for violence and criminality
• Profiling and patterning
• Psychological testing
• Prediction and intervention measurement
• Forensic assessment
• Criminal and civil law procedures
• Secure environments
• Forensic treatment and intervention skills
• Professional standards and ethics

The masters program is 36 credit hours in length and includes the completion of a Special Topics Paper and seminar. The description of the seminar is as follows:

This seminar will include a review of a special topic in the field of forensic psychology. During the end of the 2nd year of study, the student will create a Special Topics Paper. Students completing the Special Topics Paper review an issue related to forensic psychology that becomes the focus of their contribution to the seminar

Admission Requirements

Applicants are expected to have completed a bachelor’s degree with an overall Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.7 or a 3.0 for the last 60 hours of coursework. In addition, the fine print on Argosy’s website indicates that student who do not meet these minimum GPA requirements may be admitted as an exception if they show significant evidence of academic and professional potential. This potential may be demonstrated by the career and/or personal accomplishments indicated in the statement of academic and professional goals, the career summary, and academic or professional letters of recommendation.

The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is not required for admission to Argosy’s online degree program (nor does it appear to be required for admission to any of the campus-based Masters programs). This most likely means that admission to these Masters programs is less restrictive than it is for other graduate programs (since the majority require at least taking the GRE, if not specific minimum scores on the test).

Licensure as a Psychologist

Perhaps the most important thing to know about this program is that it does not lead to licensure. This means that those who complete this program will not be able to become licensed as a psychologist (either at the Masters level for those states that make this available, or at the Doctoral level) unless a different degree program is subsequently completed by the student.

From the website:

The Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology program DOES NOT lead to certification or licensure as a psychologist or mental health professional in any state in the United States. This program is designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of students who are already certified or licensed or who are interested in pursuing this degree for reasons other than obtaining certification and licensure.

Coursework

Core Requirements (24 credits)

FP6005 Maladaptive Behavior and Psychopathology (3 credits)

This course is an introduction to the study of maladaptive behavior. Etiology and definition of disorders in the DSM-IV will be reviewed. The course also looks at various methods of treatment related to the disorders covered.

FP6010 Psychology and the Legal System (3 credits)

This course focuses on the relationship between law and psychology and the mental health system, mental illness, and criminal conduct, with a more specific historical and procedural examination of the practice of psychology in the judicial forum. Substantive issues related to ethics and the law, risk assessment screening, psychological principles applied to law enforcement and correctional functions, and standards of legal competency and insanity are discussed.

FP6015 Psychology of Criminal Behavior (3 credits)

This course provides an introduction to personality theories and learning styles in the context of psychological theories of criminal and aggressive behavior. Historical and contemporary theoretical conceptualizations of criminal behavior are explored, including behavioral, social learning, cognitive psychoanalytic, psychodynamic, developmental, biological, and socio-cultural perspectives. Selected topics may be considered including alcohol and crime, sex crimes, juvenile delinquency, and women and crime.

FP6020 Individual Assessment (3 credits)

This course offers a broad understanding of group and individual educational and psychometric theories and approaches to appraisal, which also examines data and information gathering methods; validity and reliability; psychometric statistics; factors influencing appraisals; and use of appraisal results in helping processes. Also, the specific ability to administer and interpret tests and inventories to assess abilities, interests, and identify career options is considered.

FP6030 Research and Evaluation (3 credits)

Studies that provide a basic understanding of types of research are presented: basic statistics, research report development, and research implementation. Other areas studied include program evaluation, needs assessment, publication of research information, and ethical and legal considerations pertinent to the professional counselor.

FP6500 Professional and Ethical Issues in Forensic Psychology (3 credits)

This course considers the ethical and legal conflicts or dilemmas within the legal system and includes a discussion of other professional issues such as race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. The course reviews applicable approaches to addressing or resolving these issues, dilemmas, and conflicts as they relate to forensic psychology.

FP6535 Consultation, Triage, & Testimony in Forensic Psych (3 credits)

This course addresses the practical difficulties of the forensic mental health professional working within the legal arena. It will focus on the perceptions, motivations and needs of legal decision makers such as practicing lawyers, judges and juries. It will address the different roles that forensic mental health consultants have in the process as well as specific skills necessary to function as an expert witness. The course will review considerations of the ethical dilemmas of those serving in these areas to include the impact of financial considerations on objectivity and the different positions of advocacy, objective evaluation and testimony and will discuss approaches to resolving these issues when they arise.

FP6540 Forensic Psychology Seminar (3 credits)

This seminar will include a review of a special topic in the field of forensic psychology. During the end of the 2nd year of study, the student will create a Special Topics Paper. Students completing the Special Topics Paper review an issue related to forensic psychology that becomes the focus of their contribution to the seminar.

Concentration Requirements (12 credits)

Assessment Concentration (the following 3 courses plus one other elective)

FP6035 Evaluation & Treatment of Offenders (3 credits)

This course will provide an overview of forensic assessment topics with an emphasis of relevant literature, theory, procedure and tools, including risk assessment, legal competencies and criminal responsibility. Topic areas will include types of intervention with adults and juveniles within the criminal justice setting including special offender populations.

FP6901 Sex Offender Evaluation & Treatment (3 credits)

This course familiarizes the student with the following five areas: etiology and developmental issues of sex offense behavior; sex offender assessment; sex offender treatment interventions; criminal and legal issues related to sex offending; and program evaluation, treatment efficacy, and issues related to recidivism.

FP6520 Forensic Psychological Assessment (3 credits)

This course provides an overview of forensic assessment topics, with an emphasis on the literature, theory, procedures, and assessment tools. Specific areas covered may include risk assessment, legal competency, polygraph use and criminal responsibility.

Treatment Concentration (the following 3 courses plus one other elective)

FP6900 Substance Abuse Counseling (3 credits)

This course reviews key concepts to substance abuse counseling, including theoretical models for understanding and treating chemically dependent clients. Various screening and assessment tools, drug history, and interviewing skills are reviewed to help students assess the severity of addiction and develop an initial treatment plan. Treatment settings and interventions commonly used with chemically dependent clients are reviewed.

FP6901 Sex Offender Evaluation & Treatment (3 credits)

This course familiarizes the student with the following five areas: etiology and developmental issues of sex offense behavior; sex offender assessment; sex offender treatment interventions; criminal and legal issues related to sex offending; and program evaluation, treatment efficacy, and issues related to recidivism.

FP6905 Correctional Psychology (3 credits)

This course reviews the role of psychology and mental health professionals in correctional settings. Students will become familiar with a number of services that correctional mental health professionals provide, as well with general prison/jail security procedures. The study of correctional mental health services will include: conducting intake assessments, providing crisis intervention services, psychiatric services for mentally ill inmates, psychological treatment of emotional disturbance, rehabilitation of offenders, case management, and preparation for release within jail and prison settings. Additionally, the following areas related to general custody procedure will be reviewed: inmate classification, training and coordination with the multidisciplinary staff of jails and prisons, procedures and general security practices. This course will also provide an overview of correctional program development and evaluation.

Law Enforcement Concentration (the following 3 courses plus one other elective)

FP6880 Police Psychology

This course examines the role of mental health professionals in the police and public safety fields. Topics focus on psychological issues underpinning the core constructs of police work including assessments and evaluations of officers, culture of police work, and police policies and procedures. Additionally, the course addresses common stressors of police work, coping mechanisms, and special topics, such as suicide in the police force. The course also covers clinical services provided to officers, legal and ethical issues, and current research in the field of police psychology.

FP6902 Issues in Psychological Profiling

This course is intended to introduce the student to the basics of offender profiling as well as different methodologies and issues facing the field. The focus of this course will cover techniques of criminal profiling. Additional content areas include career paths in criminal profiling including professional organizations and affiliations relevant to criminal profiling, legal considerations, and professional ethics.

FP6906 Interrogation & Interviewing: History & Techniques

This course examines the current practices and techniques of interviewing and interrogation. Students will get a comprehensive understanding of the historical precedents set in this ever-changing field. The application of interviewing and interrogation is prevalent in a vast array of forensic settings including criminal investigations, psychological autopsies, behavioral analysis, workplace violence investigations, and military applications. The goal of interviewing and interrogation regardless of setting is information solicitation. Students will learn about the current practices and techniques of soliciting information which are most accepted by the relevant scientific community. Specific areas to be covered include learning the difference between interviewing and interrogation, interpretation of verbal and physical behavior, memory and false confessions, causes of denial, why people confess, how best to use evidence in the interrogation, psychological theoretical models of confession, and legal aspects. This course will also focus on the ethical considerations involved in interviewing and interrogation.

Homeland Security Concentration (3 of the following 4 courses plus one other elective)

FP6906 Interrogation & Interviewing: History & Techniques

This course examines the current practices and techniques of interviewing and interrogation. Students will get a comprehensive understanding of the historical precedents set in this ever-changing field. The application of interviewing and interrogation is prevalent in a vast array of forensic settings including criminal investigations, psychological autopsies, behavioral analysis, workplace violence investigations, and military applications. The goal of interviewing and interrogation regardless of setting is information solicitation. Students will learn about the current practices and techniques of soliciting information which are most accepted by the relevant scientific community. Specific areas to be covered include learning the difference between interviewing and interrogation, interpretation of verbal and physical behavior, memory and false confessions, causes of denial, why people confess, how best to use evidence in the interrogation, psychological theoretical models of confession, and legal aspects. This course will also focus on the ethical considerations involved in interviewing and interrogation.

FP6902 Issues in Psychological Profiling

This course is intended to introduce the student to the basics of offender profiling as well as different methodologies and issues facing the field. The focus of this course will cover techniques of criminal profiling. Additional content areas include career paths in criminal profiling including professional organizations and affiliations relevant to criminal profiling, legal considerations, and professional ethics.

FP6903 Psychology of Counterintelligence

This course will examine the history and status of espionage and terrorism with a special focus on the psychological constructs underpinning motivations and actions. The phenomenon of non-state actors, volitional and ideational motivations, and current relevant scientific studies examining the role of psychological factors will be reviewed. Potential future concerns such as the role of terrorism and intelligence within online virtual worlds will also be explored.

FP6904 Operational Psychology

Operational psychology is the application of psychology and scientific inquiry to the activities of national defense. This course examines the history, current trends, and future of operational psychology as a public service. Topics include roles of forensic mental health professionals in the military, government, and national security with a focus on psychological and ethical underpinnings of this field.

Concentration Electives (choose 1 of the following)

FP6525 Psychology of Victim

This course presents an intensive study, both theoretical and clinical, of the victim. This course will concentrate on the psychological impact of emotional, physical, sexual, or environmental victimization. Students will become familiarized with evaluation and treatment issues in working with victims. Additionally reviewed will be the manner in which social, legal, judicial, and treatment systems interact with victims. Special topic areas may include victim populations such as child victims, domestic violence survivors, war trauma, and political refugees.

FP6035 Evaluation & Treatment of Offenders

This course will provide an overview of forensic assessment topics with an emphasis of relevant literature, theory, procedure and tools, including risk assessment, legal competencies and criminal responsibility. Topic areas will include types of intervention with adults and juveniles within the criminal justice setting including special offender populations.

FP6530 Program Development and Evaluation

This course is designed to explore the planning, development, implementation, evaluation and analysis of forensic programs and their operation: prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, training, custody programs, and the services provided to offender and victim populations. The course will focus on the application of scientific and empirical models to examine elements necessary for functional program design and the assessment of forensic programs, their organization, operation, cost-benefit analysis and management.

PC6000 Counseling Theory

The basic theories, principles, and techniques of counseling, as well as applications to a variety of therapeutic settings, are explored. This course also focuses on personal theory construction, bias embedded in theory, cultural diversity, and ethical considerations.

PC6104 Counseling Skills 1

This course provides an integration of counseling methods and strategies. The topics covered are interviewing, goal setting, creating a therapeutic alliance, and session structuring. Course includes an introduction to more advanced adult psychotherapy skills. Students will be introduced to three related methods of listening, focusing and interviewing with clients. Students will work with client vignettes and practice applying the learned skills to a variety of diagnoses and client situations.

PC6505 Group Counseling

This course provides a broad understanding of group development, dynamics, and counseling theories. Group leadership styles are discussed, in addition to basic and advanced group counseling methods and skills. Several different approaches to conducting group counseling are reviewed.

Concluding Comments

Argosy assigns each student to an Academic Counselor, who assists and advocates for that student throughout the degree program. This is an important benefit as many online students run with risk of getting lost in the crowd. Having a designated person that you can turn to with questions or to assist in resolving issues is an important and key factor to successful online education.

The coursework for this degree program appears to be well-rounded and to cover all the relevant areas for forensic psychology practice. Although students are not eligible for licensure as a masters-level psychologist upon completion of this online program, the coursework appears to cover all the same areas as would be expected in an on-campus masters program in clinical forensic psychology. This online degree would certainly provide someone with a solid grounding in forensic psychology, and with the information and skills to be better equipped to understand the specific concerns and issues of various forensic populations.

I really like the areas of concentration set out in the program. There are more choices here that one would typically find in on-campus masters programs and all the courses in each area of concentration appear to provide a good breadth and depth to the information covered.

The lack of a residency requirement (as would be the case with any fully online degree program) means that anyone from anywhere can complete this program. As online education grows, we are sure to see an increase in the international representation of the students who complete these degrees. For students from countries where forensic mental health services are in a stage of infancy, this degree may be a very viable option.

As I indicated in the first article in this series—about the Chicago School of Professional Psychology’s Online Masters Program—I have been thinking a lot about online education. As a professor who has recently begun to teach online, I find that the pedagogy and style of online teaching can facilitate greater and more in-depth discussions than is typically experienced in more traditional teaching formats. My question, then, is what about taking an entire program of study, such as a Master’s degree, online? With the significant increase in the number of online programs of study available over the last few years, I decided to have an in-depth look at some of the more popular fully online masters programs in forensic psychology. This article takes a look at the program offered by the University of North Dakota.

Online Master’s Program in Forensic Psychology

The University of North Dakota (UND) offers a fully online Masters program in Forensic Psychology, with the only residency requirement being a 2-week intensive on-campus capstone course that is to be taken in the last summer semester of the program.

Without too much trouble, I was able to locate the list of coursework to be completed as part of this program as well as information that described this program as being comparable to the coursework, assignments, and deadlines for the on-campus masters program in forensic psychology.

In addition to completing 11 courses (8 of which are required; 3 of which are electives, meaning that students get to choose 3 courses from approximately 9 choices according to their interests), each student is required to complete an intensive 2-week, on-campus experience, which is described as follows:

The summer after you complete all of your coursework, you will spend 2 weeks on the UND campus in Grand Forks for the cumulating experience of your master’s degree program. As the only on-campus component of the program, the capstone experience integrates, extends and applies the knowledge you learned in previous online courses and readings. You will interact face-to-face with your instructors and work with fellow online students to prepare a paper and presentation. In addition, you will meet local professionals who deal with forensic issues, including:

• county judge
• FBI agent
• chief of police
• forensic psychologist
• violence intervention center director
• prosecuting and trial attorneys

Credit Hours

The online masters program in forensic psychology consists of 34 credits of coursework as well as an intensive 2-week, on-campus capstone experience completed in the last summer semester. From the Catalogue, it appears as if students have a maximum of 7 years in which to complete all degree requirements.

It appears as if the typical student takes 6 credit hours (2 courses) per semester and completes the program in 6 semesters (2 full years).

Tuition

Students in online degree programs at UND are charged tuition at the in-state rate, regardless of where they live. The estimates cost per credit hour is $406.74 (including fees), which brings the total approximate cost for the online Masters degree program to $13,829.16. This appears to be lower than many other online degree programs and is certainly comparable to many on-campus masters programs at state universities.

Program Description

The online masters program in forensic psychology is described in the Catalogue as follows:

The Department of Psychology, in conjunction with the Division of Continuing Education, has designed an online forensic psychology program targeted for working professionals. The M.A. Forensic Psychology program is the first to be offered online by a nationally recognized, fully accredited university. Through the 34-credit M.A. program, students will learn how to provide the psychological expertise and knowledge needed by the legal community and agencies having a strong forensic focus. Students in the program will likely be in-service professionals, such as law enforcement personnel, who want to further their career, as well as those with a behavioral or social science background, such as counselors or social workers, who are interested in applying psychology to their work involving forensic issues.

UND’s high-quality forensic psychology program gives you: knowledge of advanced psychological concepts and theories related to contemporary forensic issues, outstanding analytical, statistical and evaluation skills, enhanced communication skills needed to function effectively in forensic settings, in-depth understanding of our legal system and the roles forensic psychologists play.

The website describes the program as follows:

The University of North Dakota’s online Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology program prepares you to apply psychology to legal systems. It emphasizes how to relate psychological evaluations to the criminal justice and social service systems.

UND’s online Forensic Psychology program gives you:

• knowledge of advanced psychological concepts and theories.
• outstanding analytical, statistical and evaluation skills.
• enhanced communication skills needed to function effectively in forensic settings.
• in-depth understanding of our legal system and the roles forensic psychologists play.

The program focuses on developing the skills and knowledge you need to work in the field of forensic psychology, including how to:

• conduct focus groups and assists lawyers in trial preparation and jury selection.
• select and utilize the most appropriate instruments for forensic assessment or evaluation.
• testify as an expert witness.
• provide agencies with research-based program evaluations.
• assist courts and state agencies in addressing forensic issues, such as:
  • child custody
  • sexual harassment
  • malingering
  • injury assessment
    

Admission Requirements

Applicants are expected to have completed an undergraduate degree with a behavioral or social science major allied with psychology. In addition, they are expected to have obtained a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0. The fine print on UND’s website, however, indicates that students who do not meet these requirements may be provisionally admitted to the online program with continued enrollment dependent upon success in the program.

The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is not required for admission to the online masters program (although it IS required for the on-campus masters program). This most likely means that admission to the online masters programs is less restrictive than it is for other graduate programs (since the majority require at least taking the GRE, if not specific minimum scores on the test).

Licensure as a Psychologist

The information that I examined did not provide any details regarding whether a graduate of the online program might be eligible for licensure as a master’s level psychologist (in those jurisdictions that offer such a license). It is likely the case that this is possible, depending upon the specific electives the student chooses to complete. A student who completes the masters program without taking advantage of the supervised fieldwork experience will most likely have a more difficult time becoming licensed than the student who gains supervised clinical experience as part of the program.

Coursework

The 34-credit hours are broken out into a total of 9 required courses (including the 2-week intensive on-campus experience) and a minimum of 3 elective courses. A brief description of each of the required courses and the available elective courses is provided below.

Required Courses (25 Credits)

PSYC 520 Foundations of Forensic Psychology (3 credits)

An in-depth examination of the field of forensic psychology including professional training, forensic work settings, and the application of psychological knowledge to issues like risk assessment, custody evaluations, assessment of sanity, competency, eyewitness accuracy, jury decision-making, police stress, and criminal profiling.

PSYC 521 Diversity Psychology (3 credits)

The purpose of this course is to provide students with an advanced consideration of the major issues in the study of diversity as it applies to the field of psychology.

PSYC 524 Psychology & Law (3 credits)

An in-depth examination of the interaction between psychology and law. The course will look at how psychological research and theories are applied to legal issues.

PSYC 528 Forensic Psychology Capstone (2 credits) On-Campus: 2 weeks

Provides students with an opportunity to meet the faculty and forensic students and to share the results of their Independent Study during the summer on the UND campus. Students will also work on a team project related to developing an amicus brief. This two week course is required for all MA in Forensic Psychology students and should be taken during the summer semester of their anticipated summer graduation.

PSYC 541 Advanced Univariate Statistics (3 credits)

Theory of univariate statistics; application to quantitative data in psychology.

PSYC 560 Advanced Social Psychology (3 credits)

In-depth examination of the theoretical and empirical literature in social psychology focusing on attitudes, stereotyping and prejudice, interpersonal relationships, social cognition, personality and the self, and group behavior. Also includes additional course readings and written work beyond the requirements for Psychology 460.

PSYC 575 Behavior Pathology (3 credits)

A survey of various forms of behavior pathology with emphasis upon current research and theories relating to pathology.

PSYC 593 Readings in Psychology (3 credits)

Selected readings in psychology.

PSYC 997 Independent Study (2 credits)

Requires a student to complete an empirical study based on either a research investigation or a scholarly review paper on a topic of interest. The student will identify a topic, followed by close interaction with an advisor to clarify the objectives and goals of the project. The student will then get approved by his/her advisor with an agreement reached about the final product expected, e.g., a research report or an integrative, review paper.

Elective Courses (9 Credits minimum)

PSYC 501 Psychological Foundations of Education (3 credits)

A study of the learning process with secondary emphasis on how the learning process is affected by individual differences, growth, development, and personality.

PSYC 526 Psychological Profiling & Criminal Behavior (3 credits)

An examination of modern profiling techniques applied to criminal behavior, e.g., serial murder, rape, stalking, and child molestation. Psychological autopsies will also be studied.

PSYC 539 Cognitive Psychology (3 credits)

An in-depth analysis and discussion (including laboratory work) of topics covering issues related to memory, attention, problem solving, comprehension, and thinking.

PSYC 572 Community Psychology (3 credits)

Theories and practicum in community mental health consultation.

PSYC 576 Child Psychopathology & Treatment (3 credits)

An overview of child and developmental psychopathology including discussion of pertinent treatments for disorders such as conduct disorders, attention-deficit, substance abuse, and developmental disabilities.

PSYC 587 Supervised Fieldwork (1-3 credits)

Used primarily for individualized field placement so that the student may acquire practicum experiences in clinical settings, community psychology, and group methods.

PSYC 594 Special Topics: Conflict Management (3 credits)

An intensive examination of the nature of social conflict, its effects on people, and processes and skills useful for the effective management of conflict.

PSYC 594 Special Topics: Neuropsychology (3 credits)

This course is designed to introduce students to the study of Neuropsychology. This introduction will cover topics including history of neuropsychology, how the brain works, how the brain develops, disorders of the brain, assessment and diagnosis issues, and rehabilitation and intervention.

PSYC 594 Special Topics: Psychopharmacology (3 credits)

This course provides students with knowledge in the pharmacology of psychopathology.

Concluding Comments

The coursework for this program appears to provide a broad survey of forensic psychology with some opportunity for supervised clinical placement experience. Although it appears that a student could complete this online degree with minimal supervised clinical experience, those who are contemplating licensure as a masters-level psychologist (in those jurisdictions where this is available) should seek out as many supervised clinical experiences as possible while in the program. The elective offerings include a supervised fieldwork course, which appears to provide the opportunity for real-world experience within various types of settings. The way this works in most programs is for the student to find an opportunity for a clinical placement (often called a practicum or externship experience) and a faculty member then provides supervision of the student’s clinical work. The online nature of this degree program might make it a bit more of a challenge for a student to find a clinical placement, but students who are serious about wanting to work with forensic populations should be motivated to do so.

The materials presented online and in the Catalogue do not indicate whether online students are assigned to a faculty mentor. This is an important consideration for students contemplating online degrees, as it is helpful to have a faculty member who can follow your progress and assist you in times of uncertainty.

The 2-week intensive on-campus experience is the only residency requirement of this program, meaning that anyone could take this program from anywhere, as long as they were willing to travel to Grand Forks, North Dakota for 2-weeks to complete this final requirement. I like the idea of having some face-to-face time with faculty but find it a bit odd that this occurs at the end of the program, rather than at the beginning when students could meet and become familiar with the faculty, the program, and other students and to have these connections to build on over the course of their online studies.