Forensic Psychology Graduate Degree Programs in New York

<p>CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice's 42-credit Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology degree program features coursework in subjects like victimology, family violence, social psychology, and psychological assessment. Students also gain real-world experience through an optional externship where they are placed in a professional setting and are mentored by a licensed psychologist or mental health professional. This forensic psychology program is designed to prepare students for careers in social service agencies, family court, or community mental health centers as well as for future educational doctoral study. </p> <h2 id="section---FairleighDickinsonUniversity"> Fairleigh Dickinson University</h2> <p>Fairleigh Dickinson University has a Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology degree program that can be completed in only 1.5 years and offers students the option of completing a thesis and/or forensic psychology research. This program is offered at the university's New Jersey Metropolitan campus, which is in close proximity to New York City, and students can also participate in a week-long special immersion program on the England-based campus where they study British Common Law. </p> <h2 id="section---KeanUniversity"> Kean University</h2> <p>The Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology degree program at Kean University, which is just 30 short minutes away from New York City, requires 36 credits with coursework that covers subjects like criminal law, behavior modification, evolutionary psychology, and personality assessment. This program is designed for a range of students, including those already in law enforcement, those who want to pursue doctoral psychology degrees, and those who want a career in forensic psychiatric settings or court clinics. </p> <h2 id="section---NewYorkUniversity"> New York University</h2> <p>New York University has a 36-credit Master of Arts in Psychology degree program that offers an informal concentration track in forensic psychology, which features courses in forensic assessment, psychology of violence, and psychology of criminal behavior. This 2-year program keeps working professionals in mind with evening classes, part-time attendance options, and plenty of optional research and internship opportunities. </p> <h2 id="section---FordhamUniversity"> Fordham University</h2> <p>Fordham University offers a 5-year, American Psychological Association (APA)-accredited Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with a Forensic Psychology specialization degree that helps students fulfill the eligibility requirements for the New York State Licensing Examination in Psychology. Along with completing a comprehensive examination, a dissertation, research, an externship, and internship, students take courses in juvenile justice, trauma/family violence, and psychology in civil and criminal law. </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> CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice </td><td>Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology </td><td> $11,090</td></tr> <tr><td> Fairleigh Dickinson University</td><td> Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology </td><td> $22,186</td></tr> <tr><td>Kean University </td><td> Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology </td><td> $15,326</td></tr> <tr><td> New York University </td><td>Master of Arts in Psychology with a Forensic Psychology focus </td><td>$33,408</td></tr> <tr><td> Fordham University </td><td> Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with a Forensic Psychology specialization </td><td> $34,608</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: National Center for Education Statistics</i> </p> <h2 id="section---AdmissionRequirementsForForensicPsychologyGraduatePrograms"> Admission Requirements for Forensic Psychology Graduate Programs</h2> <p>To apply to a graduate program in forensic psychology, you need a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, and many programs require a 3.0 GPA or higher. Additionally, you must have completed undergraduate coursework in psychology and statistics. Other admissions materials include letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and GRE scores. </p> <h2 id="section---ForensicPsychologyCareerPaths"> Forensic Psychology Career Paths</h2> <h3 id="section---ForensicPsychologist"> Forensic Psychologist</h3> <p>Psychologists generally evaluate and diagnose patients who are suffering from behavioral, mental, or emotional issues. A forensic psychologist's work, however, entails working within the criminal justice system where they might act as expert witnesses or work with attorneys and judges, lending their psychology knowledge to help those legal professionals understand psychological factors of cases. Licensed clinical psychologists must earn a doctorate in psychology. </p> <h3 id="section---SubstanceAbuseBehavioralDisorderAndMentalHealthCounselor"> Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselor</h3> <p>Substance abuse counselors and behavioral disorder counselors work with individuals who are suffering from issues related to addiction or behavioral issues. In this role, they may work with clients one-on-one or in group sessions where they counsel them about how to modify their behavior, use coping skills, and deal with stress. </p> <p>Mental health counselors focus more on helping those who suffer from such things as depression, anxiety, and grief. They can also counsel people one-on-one or in groups. This type of counselor usually works with one kind of population, such as students or couples. </p> <p>While entry-level counselors may only need a bachelor's degree, those with a master's degree are able to provide one-on-one counseling and need less supervision. </p> <h3 id="section---PsychologyProfessor"> Psychology Professor</h3> <p>Psychology professors work within universities or community colleges where they teach psychology courses within their specialty. Along with designing course curriculums, holding classes, and grading assignments, psychology professors must conduct their own research. Professors generally need a doctorate or a master's degree in their field. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th>Job Title </th><th> Median Annual Salary (2019) </th><th> Estimated Job Growth (2018-2028)</th></tr> <tr><td> Psychologists </td><td>$80,370 </td><td> 14%</td></tr> <tr><td> Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors </td><td>$46,240 </td><td> 22%</td></tr> <tr><td> Postsecondary Teachers (Psychology Professor) </td><td>$76,620 </td><td> 12%</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <p>There are several types of forensic psychology graduate programs in New York, including master's, doctorate, and certificate programs. Depending on your level of forensic psychology education, you could pursue a career as a psychologist, a counselor, or a professor.</p>