Forensic Psychology Graduate Degree Programs in Florida

<p>Nova Southeastern University offers a Master of Science in Forensic Psychology degree program that requires 36 credits and can be completed online; there is the option for one field experience that takes place within a forensic setting. This master's program prepares students for careers in a wide range of fields, including in social services, law enforcement, and criminal justice. </p> <h2 id="section---BarryUniversity"> Barry University</h2> <p>Barry University's 60-credit Master of Science in Clinical Psychology program features a Forensic Psychology specialization that includes coursework as well as a clinical internship and practicum. After completing this master's degree, students will meet the educational requirements needed to earn licensure as a Mental Health Counselor in Florida. </p> <h2 id="section---FloridaGulfCoastUniversity"> Florida Gulf Coast University</h2> <p>Florida Gulf Coast University has a Master of Science in Forensic Studies degree program; it's an interdisciplinary course of study where students take classes on behavioral analysis, criminology, and legal methods. This program fully prepares students for doctoral-level programs in forensic psychology or for careers in investigative/law enforcement. </p> <h2 id="section---CarlosAlbizuUniversity"> Carlos Albizu University</h2> <p>Carlos Albizu University awards an American Psychological Association (APA)-accredited Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology with a Forensic Psychology concentration, which features an on-campus training clinic and 30 practicum settings throughout South Florida. This PsyD program prepares students to work in the criminal justice and correctional systems as expert witnesses or to provide psychodiagnostic assessments. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th>School Name </th><th>Program Offered </th><th> Graduate Tuition &amp; Fees (in-state; 2019-2020)</th></tr> <tr><td> Nova Southeastern University</td><td> Master of Science in Forensic Psychology </td><td> $21,206</td></tr> <tr><td> Barry University </td><td> Master of Science in Clinical Psychology with a Forensic Psychology specialization </td><td> $17,910</td></tr> <tr><td> Florida Gulf Coast University </td><td> Master of Science in Forensic Studies </td><td>$8,961</td></tr> <tr><td> Carlos Albizu University </td><td> Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology with a Forensic Psychology concentration </td><td>$12,740</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: National Center for Education Statistics</i> </p> <h2 id="section---OverviewOfForensicPsychologyGraduatePrograms">Overview of Forensic Psychology Graduate Programs</h2> <p>Graduate programs in forensic psychology, including master's degrees and doctoral degrees, include the study of psychology, criminology, and behavioral science. These types of degrees aim to prepare students for careers in law enforcement, social services, or in the criminal justice system. </p> <h3 id="section---Psychopathology"> Psychopathology</h3> <p>This course offers students foundational knowledge in the field of psychopathology, which is the classification and etiology of mental health disorders. Students learn about the symptoms and treatments of mental health disorders that are included in the DSM-5 diagnostic manual. Many courses also focus on the psychopathology of criminal behavior, including biological, neurochemical, and cognitive factors. </p> <h3 id="section---Victimology"> Victimology</h3> <p>Victimology is a course where students study the clinical and theoretical aspects of victims. There is a focus on how victims interact with the criminal justice system as well as an exploration of policy issues about victims, intervention, and prevention. Students might also study the relationship between victims and their assailants and as well the relationship between victims and the community. </p> <h3 id="section---TheoriesOfCriminalBehavior"> Theories of Criminal Behavior</h3> <p>This class centers on the study of all aspects of criminal behavior, including biological, psychodynamic, genetic, and social factors that affect behavior. Most courses explore a range of criminal behavior theories, both classical and contemporary. Some courses also look at cultural issues surrounding criminal behavior. </p> <h3 id="section---EthicsInForensicPsychology"> Ethics in Forensic Psychology</h3> <p>A course on ethics in mental health and forensic psychology prepares students for the ethical dilemmas and/or conflicts that may arise during their careers. Students learn about ethical codes and standards of practice related to the profession of forensic psychology. Many courses of this type also focus on the relationship between the law and ethics, including the constitutional rights of criminal defendants, the legal role of expert witnesses, and issues surrounding treatment and consent. </p> <h3 id="section---PsychologicalProfiling"> Psychological Profiling</h3> <p>This is a course that develops a student's profiling and criminal investigative skills within a psychological context. Taught are the processes and methods for analyzing things like case files and criminal behavior to identify potential offenders. There may also be an emphasis on ethical and legal issues related to profiling. </p> <h2 id="section---AdmissionRequirementsForForensicPsychologyGraduatePrograms">Admission Requirements for Forensic Psychology Graduate Programs</h2> <p>To apply to a forensic psychology master's programs, you must already hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution, and most programs require a 3.0 GPA and GRE test scores. Other application materials might include: </p> <ul><li>Application and fee </li><li>Statement of purpose </li><li>Letters of recommendation </li><li>Interview </li></ul><p>Doctoral forensic psychology programs require at least a bachelor's degree with a 3.0-3.2 GPA or higher, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, a CV or resume, and a statement of purpose. Most doctoral programs (and a limited number of master's programs) also require prerequisite psychology coursework, such as experimental psychology, general psychology, and/or abnormal psychology. </p> <p>There are several graduate-level forensic psychology programs in Florida, including master's and doctoral degrees. In these types of programs, students learn about psychology and criminology topics that prepare them for forensic psychology-focused careers.</p>