Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology

Prepare to work as a change agent within your community. This psychology degree program is based on a philosophy of restorative justice and designed to prepare students to make an impact in the criminal justice system. Students learn about engaging individuals through the lens of the principles of forensic psychology, co-occurring mental health and substance use behaviors, and post-traumatic disorders. The program also engages in the critical analysis of our criminal justice institutions, especially in thinking about how various groups informed by race, gender, gender orientation, class, etc., are impacted by our current system of justice.

The Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology is a 35-unit stand-alone, non-clinical degree that prepares its graduates for a career in a variety of settings, including restorative justice organizations, probation, parole and correctional settings. Students will gain theoretical knowledge of the criminal justice system, methods of forensic assessment and forensic intervention and treatment in criminal justice contexts. This program is uniquely based on the principles of restorative justice and therapeutic jurisprudence. Students completing this program are not eligible for state licensure as an MFT or LPCC.

Program Director

Talia Moore, Ed.D., tmm27@stmarys-ca.edu

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Familiarity with the Legal and Criminal Justice Systems

• Students will demonstrate knowledge of the basic principles of the legal and criminal justice systems as well as core legal cases relevant to the practice of Forensic Psychology.
• Demonstrates understanding of the culture of institutionalization and is able to utilize emotional intelligence and set appropriate boundaries when interacting with various individuals in forensic institutional settings.

2. Professional, Ethical and Legal Competence

• Knowledge of forensic psychological evaluation methods, including specialized assessment instruments used in forensic psychological practice.
• Students will develop awareness of the legal and ethical standards as they apply to professional forensic practice.
• Students will demonstrate mastery in their ability to think critically and apply legal and ethical standards to resolve ethical dilemmas while maintaining fidelity to principles of social justice.

3. Diversity and Cultural Competence

• Demonstrate an appreciation of contextual influences on individual behavior and diversity of perspectives, including those related to race, class, gender, sexuality, disability, nationality and culture.
• Students will understand the importance of cultural competence and diversity while demonstrating the capacity to engage in self-reflection, particularly on their implicit biases as evidenced by the ability to monitor their effect on others while engaging in professional activities.

4. Research and Writing Fluency

• Demonstrate ability to gather, read, synthesize and critically evaluate and interpret psychological and psycho-legal research and how it applies to forensic practice and one’s own work.
• Communicate effectively through oral and written presentations and reports and demonstrates appropriate use of APA style.