<h2 id="section---FrequentlyAskedQuestions">Frequently Asked Questions</h2> <h3 id="section---WhatKindOfProgramIsIt">What Kind of Program Is It?</h3> <p>What are the basic principles of forensic psychology? How does the field of forensic psychology interact with courts, policing, and corrections? What is the role of the forensic psychologist in law and consulting? These are among the major topics you are likely to discuss in the Forensic Psychology concentration of Purdue Global's online Master of Science in Psychology program. Core classes could address professional psychology ethics and standards; biological, cognitive, and social development through the life span; psychological testing and assessment methods; and statistical applications of psychological data. In the thesis track, you must research, write, and defend a thesis in the field of study, while the capstone track requires that you submit a detailed proposal addressing a current topic or challenge in psychology to demonstrate your mastery of all concepts covered in your studies. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreThePrerequisites">What Are the Prerequisites?</h3> <p>Before enrolling, you should have earned a bachelor's degree, most notably in psychology or a related area. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are important, as forensic professionals analyze data and behaviors and provide solutions to issues in areas of counseling, consulting, or advocacy. Applicants to Purdue Global should have a high school diploma or GED; some programs may have additional requirements. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreTheCourseRequirements">What Are the Course Requirements?</h3> <p>You could choose between a thesis track or a master's capstone track for this program; quarter credit hours range from 60 - 65 depending on the track chosen. For the thesis track, you must complete 40 credits in core coursework and 25 credits in the concentration, while the capstone track requires 35 credits in core coursework and 25 credits in the concentration. </p> <p><u>Core Courses for Thesis Track</u> </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th>Course Code</th><th>Course Title</th></tr> <tr><td>PS501</td><td> Foundations of Professional Psychology</td></tr> <tr><td>MM570</td><td> Applied Statistics for Psychology</td></tr> <tr><td>PS502</td><td> Ethics and Standards of Professional Psychology</td></tr> <tr><td>PS504</td><td> Advanced Research Methods</td></tr> <tr><td>PS505</td><td> Testing, Measurement, and Assessment</td></tr> <tr><td>PS506</td><td> Life Span Development</td></tr> <tr><td>PS601</td><td> Master's Research and Thesis I</td></tr> <tr><td>PS602</td><td> Master's Research and Thesis II</td></tr> </table><p><u>Core Courses for Capstone Track</u> </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th>Course Code</th><th>Course Title</th></tr> <tr><td>PS501</td><td> Foundations of Professional Psychology</td></tr> <tr><td>MM570</td><td> Applied Statistics for Psychology</td></tr> <tr><td>PS502</td><td> Ethics and Standards of Professional Psychology</td></tr> <tr><td>PS504</td><td> Advanced Research Methods</td></tr> <tr><td>PS505</td><td> Testing, Measurement, and Assessment</td></tr> <tr><td>PS506</td><td> Life Span Development</td></tr> <tr><td>PS598</td><td> Master's Capstone in Psychology</td></tr> </table><p><u>Forensic Psychology Concentration Requirements</u> </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th>Course Code</th><th>Course Title</th></tr> <tr><td>PS525</td><td> Foundations of Psychopathology</td></tr> <tr><td>PS550</td><td> Principles of Forensic Psychology</td></tr> <tr><td>PS551</td><td> Forensic Psychology and the Law</td></tr> <tr><td>PS552</td><td> Theories of Criminal Behavior</td></tr> <tr><td>PS553</td><td> Advanced Principles of Forensic Psychology</td></tr> </table><h3 id="section---WhatCouldIDoAfterIGraduate">What Could I Do After I Graduate?</h3> <h4 id="section---CareerOpportunities">Career Opportunities</h4> <p>As a graduate of the Master of Science in Psychology - Forensic Psychology program, you could possess the skills needed to provide counseling or analytical services for crime victims, inmates, ex-convicts, witnesses, or law enforcement professionals. Your duties might range from supporting domestic violence victims to conducting psychological evaluations of prison inmates to heading anger management or stress management classes for police officers. </p> <p>Specific roles you might be eligible to fill include: </p> <ul><li>Prison supervisor </li><li>Victim advocate </li><li>Probation officer </li><li>Correctional counselor </li></ul><h4 id="section---AdvancedDegrees">Advanced Degrees</h4> <p>Should you desire to teach at the postsecondary level or take on advanced counseling roles, you might need to pursue a doctorate after completing the MS in Psychology with a concentration in Forensic Psychology program. Doctoral studies could delve deeper into such topics as police psychology, forensic assessment tools, behavioral assessment, and intervention strategies. </p> <p>A list of relevant doctoral degrees might include: </p> <ul><li>Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology </li><li>Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology - Forensic Psychology </li><li>Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology - Forensic Psychology</li></ul>