Mental Health Applications
Many adult and juvenile offenders suffer from mental health issues that must be addressed if they are to return to their communities and lead productive lives. In this specialization, learn to evaluate and use traditional forms of intervention, including individual and group psychotherapy, as well as recent innovations in restorative justice. Gain the skills to work directly with individuals in correctional facilities, community mental health agencies, and through the court system.
Completion Requirements
- 56 total quarter credit hours
- Foundation course (1 cr.)
- Core courses (30 cr.)
- Specialization courses (20 cr.)
- Capstone or Field Experience (5 cr.)
Estimated time to completion is 1.5 years. Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. For a personalized estimate of your time to completion, call an enrollment adviser at 1-866-492-5336.
Curriculum
The courses are delivered in a prescribed sequence. Each quarter includes two concurrent 12-week courses.
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
| Quarter 1 | ||
| PSYC 6001 | Foundations for Graduate Study in Psychology | 1 |
| FPSY 6101 | Introduction to Forensic Psychology | 5 |
| Quarter 2 | ||
| FPSY 6720 | Abnormal Behavior | 5 |
| FPSY 6115 | Understanding Forensic Psychology Research | 5 |
| Quarter 3 | ||
| FPSY 6125 | Assessment in Forensic Psychology Settings | 5 |
| FPSY 6135 | Criminal Behavior | 5 |
| Quarter 4 | ||
| FPSY 6145 | Ethical Issues and Professional Responsibilities in Forensic Psychology | 5 |
| PSYC 6331 | Interviewing and Observational Strategies | 5 |
| Quarter 5 | ||
| FPSY 6511 | Treatment of Forensic Populations | 5 |
| PSYC 6912 | Mental Health Law | 5 |
| Quarter 6 | ||
| Elective (PSYC 6728, PSYC 6723, FPSY 6512, or PSYC 6785) | 5 | |
| Capstone Course or Field Experience | 5 |
For students interested in assessment and treatment of forensic populations and in the delivery of traditional mental health services to populations served by the legal system, Walden offers a Forensic Counseling specialization in its M.S. in Mental Health Counseling program. To learn more about this specialization and view the course descriptions, visit.
For assistance in deciding which online degree specialization fits your goals, request information or speak with an enrollment advisor by calling 1-866-492-5336. A list of international toll-free phone numbers is available for students outside the United States.
Note on licensure:
The M.S. in Forensic Psychology is not a licensure program and does not prepare an individual to become a licensed psychology professional.
