Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

The non-licensure M.S. in Forensic Psychology program with a specialization in Forensic Psychology in the Community at Walden University provides study in social psychology, counseling, and the role of forensic psychology in community-based programs. Specialization and core courses address the impact of community psychology on social intervention, community service programs, conflict management, juvenile programs, and criminal behavior. Other topics covered in the program coursework include profiling, police psychology, forensic research methods, ethical conduct, and abnormal psychology. Students also have the opportunity to participate in field experience in a professional setting. The program is designed to be completed in less than two years, but time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable.

What Are the Prerequisites?

An academic background or at least three years of experience in the social psychology, criminal law or criminal justice fields or related fields is required for those seeking to enroll in Walden University's M.S. in Forensic Psychology program with a specialization in Forensic Psychology in the Community. Walden master's programs also require a bachelor's degree or higher. Applicants may need to complete additional requirements for some programs.

What Are the Course Requirements?

Degree program curriculum and credits are subject to change; contact Walden University for the most current information before enrolling in a program. You must complete 56 total quarter credit hours to earn Walden University's M.S. in Forensic Psychology degree with a specialization in Forensic Psychology in the Community. This credit total includes 30 credits in core courses, 20 in specialization courses, a one-credit foundation course, and a field experience or capstone course worth five credits.

Course Requirements

• Foundations for Graduate Study in Psychology
• Introduction to Forensic Psychology
• Abnormal Behavior
• Understanding Forensic Psychology Research
• Assessment in Forensic Psychology Settings
• Criminal Behavior
• Ethical Issues and Professional Responsibilities in Forensic Psychology
• Forensic Applications in Community Settings
• Community Psychology
• Prevention, Intervention, and Consultation
• Choose one of the following:
  • Social Psychology
  • Disaster, Crisis, and Trauma
  • Conflict, Conflict Resolution and Peace
  • Multicultural Counseling
• Capstone Course or Field Experience

What Could I Do After I Graduate?

Career Opportunities

After graduating from Walden University's M.S. in Forensic Psychology program with a specialization in Forensic Psychology in the Community, you could pursue leadership positions in the management of crime prevention and intervention programs. You could be employed by police departments, local government agencies, nonprofit organizations, or juvenile detention centers. Positions you could pursue include:

• Crime prevention officer
• Public safety officer
• Community service coordinator
• Victim services specialist

Advanced Degrees

Walden University's M.S. in Forensic Psychology program with a specialization in Forensic Psychology in the Community is also designed to prepare graduates to enter doctoral degree programs if they so desire. In addition to academic and research positions, a doctorate could be required for some administrative or management positions in community-based forensic psychology. Degrees listed are not institution-specific but constitute a sampling of continuing education options for graduates. Doctoral degrees graduates could pursue include:

• Ph.D. in Forensic Psychology
• Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology
• Ph.D. in Criminology

The M.S. in Forensic Psychology is not a licensure program and does not prepare an individual to become a licensed psychology professional.