Forensic Psychology Master's Programs in New Jersey (NJ)

<p>College of Saint Elizabeth has a Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology and Counseling program that consists of 48 credit hours and takes 2.5 years to complete. The program explores various counseling topics through courses such as group dynamics, substance abuse counseling, and psychopathology, as well as forensic psychology classes including trauma &amp; crisis, criminal behavior, and law. </p> <h2 id="section---FairleighDickinsonUniversityMetropolitanCampus">Fairleigh Dickinson University - Metropolitan Campus</h2> <p>The Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology program at Fairleigh Dickinson University consists of 36 credit hours and takes around 1.5 years to complete. The program includes courses in criminal responsibility, forensic interviewing methods, and forensic psychology ethics, and offers an optional 10-day experience in England as part of one of the courses. </p> <h2 id="section---KeanUniversity">Kean University</h2> <p>Kean University has a Master of Arts in Psychology with a concentration in Forensic Psychology program for students who are interested in law/psychology careers including law enforcement research, correctional institution positions, and court clinics. The program allows students to select some electives within their program in psychology, criminal justice, and sociology, and consists of 36 credit hours with courses in abnormal psychology, neuropsychology, as well as aggression &amp; violence. </p> <h2 id="section---MontclairStateUniversity">Montclair State University</h2> <p>The 36-credit-hour Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in Forensic Psychology program at Montclair State University prepares students for work in areas such as child &amp; family advocacy, drug court, rehabilitation and public service agencies. The forensic psychology program has an overall focus on child &amp; family issues including abuse, neglect, domestic violence and rehabilitation. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th>School Name </th><th>Programs Offered </th><th>Average Graduate Tuition (2018-2019)*</th></tr> <tr><td>College of Saint Elizabeth </td><td>Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology and Counseling </td><td>$18,018</td></tr> <tr><td>Fairleigh Dickinson University - Metropolitan Campus </td><td>Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology </td><td>$22,896</td></tr> <tr><td>Kean University </td><td>Master of Arts in Psychology <br /><i>Forensic Psychology</i> </td><td>$15,025 in-state <br />$19,890 out-of-state</td></tr> <tr><td>Montclair State University </td><td>Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology <br /><i>Forensic Psychology</i> </td><td>$12,188 in-state <br />$17,876 out-of-state</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *National Center for Education Statistics</i> </p> <h2 id="section---AdmittanceRequirementsForForensicPsychologyMasterSDegreeProgramsInNJ">Admittance Requirements for Forensic Psychology Master's Degree Programs in NJ</h2> <p>Forensic psychology master's degree programs in New Jersey require students to have a bachelor's degree in psychology, or a non-psychology bachelor's degree with some undergraduate coursework in psychology. Programs prefer students to have a GPA of at least 3.0 and may also require students to have completed the GRE. Students will likely be required to submit a resume and an essay expressing their career and educational goals, as well as references or letters of recommendation. </p> <h2 id="section---WhatCanYouDoWithAMasterSDegreeInForensicPsychology">What Can You Do with a Master's Degree in Forensic Psychology?</h2> <h3 id="section---Mediator">Mediator</h3> <p>Mediators serve as neutral parties in disputes between individuals and groups. Mediators do not make recommendations, but rather guide conversations towards a middle ground. Mediators often need a master's degree in their field of expertise. A master's degree in forensic psychology may enable applicants to have an edge through their extensive knowledge of psychological behaviors and the law. </p> <h3 id="section---Psychologists">Psychologists</h3> <p>Psychologists are required to have a doctoral degree to work independently in most situations, but graduates of a psychology master's degree program can often work in supervised and research positions. Psychologists study social processes, emotions, and behaviors in order to find better approaches and treatments. Forensic psychologists apply psychological aspects to criminal justice and law, often working with professionals, such as attorneys and judges, as well as testifying in court. </p> <h3 id="section---SubstanceAbuseBehaviorDisorderMentalHealthCounselors">Substance Abuse, Behavior Disorder, &amp; Mental Health Counselors</h3> <p>Substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors work with clients who may deal with issues such as addictions and behavioral problems. These counselors may work with certain groups or issues, helping clients to rebuild their lives and relationships. Some employers require applicants to have a master's degree in a field such as psychology, and some counselors may also need applicable licensure. </p> <h3 id="section---TrialConsultant">Trial Consultant</h3> <p>Trial consultants may assist with jury selection, developing strategies for trial, as well as work with witnesses. For example, a trial consultant working in civil cases may work to create effective opening statements and arguments to convince and sway jurors. Many legal positions require law degrees, but a master's degree in forensic psychology can provide graduates with a unique approach to the psychological processes and considerations within trial consulting. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th>Job Title </th><th>Median Annual Salary (2018)* </th><th>Estimated Job Growth (2018-2028)*</th></tr> <tr><td>Mediators </td><td>$62,270 (Arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators) </td><td>8% (Arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators)</td></tr> <tr><td>Psychologists </td><td>$79,010 </td><td>14%</td></tr> <tr><td>Substance Abuse, Behavior Disorder, &amp; Mental Health Counselors </td><td>$44,630 </td><td>22%</td></tr> <tr><td>Trial Consultants </td><td>$70,336 (Legal consultants; 2019)** </td><td>15% (Clinical, counseling, and school psychologists)</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; **Glassdoor</i> </p> <p>Students can earn a master's degree in forensic psychology in about two years through one of at least four schools in New Jersey. Forensic psychology programs give students a broad understanding of psychological and legal processes that can be applied in a variety of roles and industries including law, psychology, and counseling.</p>