Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

Once you enroll in Walden University's online M.S. in Mental Health Counseling program with a specialization in Forensic Counseling, you'll have an opportunity to learn about how forensic counselors treat offenders within the criminal justice system. The degree program is designed to teach you about conflict management and negotiation, mental health law, and delinquency and juvenile justice. Other topics covered in the curriculum include the treatment of populations, substance abuse counseling, ethics and legal issues in counseling, techniques in counseling, and multicultural counseling.

What Are the Prerequisites?

If you apply to Walden University's M.S. in Mental Health Counseling program with a specialization in Forensic Counseling, you should have an interest in helping offenders in the criminal justice system and have strong communication, critical-thinking, and interpersonal skills. An interest in the U.S. legal system is also helpful. Applicants to Walden University's master's degree programs must have a bachelor's degree and may need to complete additional requirements for some programs.

What Are the Program Requirements?

Degree program curriculum and credits are subject to change, and you should contact Walden University for the most current information before enrolling in a program. To earn Walden University's M.S. in Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Forensic Counseling, you must complete 100 credits. The degree program is divided into foundation courses, core courses, and a field experience consisting of a practicum and an internship. Two 6-day residencies are also required. In addition to the core mental health counseling courses, two specialization courses are required, one of which is required and the other is your choice from three course options.

Core Courses

• Foundations for Graduate Study in Counseling
• Introduction to Mental Health Counseling
• Ethics and Legal Issues in Counseling
• Counseling and Psychotherapy Theories
• Techniques of Counseling
• Multicultural Counseling
• Assessment in Counseling and Education
• Lifespan Development
• Diagnosis and Assessment
• Career Counseling
• Research and Program Evaluation
• Couples and Family Therapy
• Group Process and Dynamics
• Prevention, Intervention, and Consultation
• Substance Abuse Counseling
• Psychopharmacology
• Crisis, Trauma, and Disaster Response
• Counseling Practicum
• Counseling Internship I
• Counseling Internship II

Specialization Courses

• Treatment of Forensic Populations (required)
• Choose one of the following:
  • Juvenile Justice, Delinquency, and Development
  • Conflict, Conflict Resolution, and Peace
  • Mental Health Law

What Could I Do After I Graduate?

Career Opportunities

Once you have completed Walden University's M.S. in Mental Health Counseling program with a specialization in Forensic Counseling, you have an opportunity to pursue career options in the field. However, before you apply for forensic counselor positions, you must hold a license. The process for licensure may vary so check with the state in which you plan to work for specific information. Potential employers could include the U.S. court system, social work agencies, community-based organizations, and private practices. As a job candidate, you should be able to demonstrate an ability to communicate effectively and possess strong critical-thinking skills. Job titles could include:

• Forensic counselor
• Trauma specialist
• Therapeutic mentor
• Child counselor

Advanced Degrees

Once you have finished Walden University's M.S. in Mental Health Counseling program with a specialization in Forensic Counseling, you have an opportunity to pursue a doctoral program in a related field. A doctoral program that focuses on forensic psychology will likely include a substantial clinical component, which offers students an opportunity to participate in assessment and diagnoses of individuals while under the supervision of a licensed professional. Core courses may also be included and touch on issues such as domestic violence, criminal behavior, insanity, and the assessment of legal competencies. Degrees listed are not institution-specific but constitute a sampling of continuing education options for graduates. Degrees you could pursue include:

• Doctor of Philosophy in Forensic Psychology
• Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology
• Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling
• Doctor of Psychology (Child Counseling)