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Forensic Psychology

What is Forensic Psychology?

Forensic psychology is the practice and application of psychology to issues within the legal system, including correctional counseling, forensic mental health evaluations, police and public safety psychology, criminal and civil court systems, criminal behavior, juvenile delinquency, victim services, child protection issues, and public policy advocacy.

Forensic Psychology Programs at The Chicago School

Via training in clinical and nonclinical settings, students in The Chicago School’s Forensic Psychology programs learn to apply their psychological knowledge and skills directly to the legal justice system. Two of our programs—M.A. Forensic Psychology: Professional Counselor Licensure and Psy.D. Clinical Forensic Psychology—meet the educational requirements in multiple states to allow graduates to sit for professional licensure exams. The Online M.A. Applied Forensic Psychology program provides a nonclinical pathway for those interested in applying psychological principles to areas such as criminal justice, policy, and advocacy.

Our Forensic Psychology graduates are well-equipped for rewarding careers in correctional counseling, victim advocacy, public policy and safety, child protection services, and more.

Degrees in Forensic Psychology offered at The Chicago School
M.A. Applied Forensic Psychology
Online
M.A. Forensic Psychology: Professional Counselor Licensure
Anaheim
Chicago
Los Angeles
Online
Washington, D.C.
Psy.D. Clinical Forensic Psychology
Anaheim
Los Angeles

Careers in Forensic Psychology

Graduates from our Forensic Psychology programs have the skills necessary to work in one of the fastest growing areas of psychology in a rapidly expanding range of roles and settings.

Public and Private Sector Employers:
  • Child welfare agencies
  • State mental health facilities
  • Jails or prisons
  • Community mental health centers
  • Juvenile correctional facilities
  • Government agencies
  • Family courts
  • Victim advocacy agencies
Forensic Psychology Job Titles:
  • Licensed professional clinical counselor
  • Correctional counselor
  • Rehabilitation counselor
  • Probation officer
  • Correctional officer
  • Law enforcement officer
  • Therapist
  • Victim advocacy specialist

Forensic Psychology FAQs

What’s the difference between a forensic psychology M.A. and M.S. degree?

An M.A. is a Master of Arts degree, and an M.S. is a Master of Science degree. A Master of Arts degree in Forensic Psychology typically focuses on the theoretical aspects of psychology, which is a good path for students looking to pursue a career as a professional counselor. A Master of Science degree is typically more focused on scientific research, making it a great pathway for individuals looking to pursue a career in academic research.

What are the differences between the M.A. Forensic Psychology programs and the Psy.D. in Clinical Forensic Psychology?

The Chicago School offers three distinct programs in forensic psychology, each designed to align with different professional goals and licensure pathways:

  • M.A. Forensic Psychology: Professional Counselor Licensure – This two-year, campus-based program is designed for individuals seeking to become licensed professional counselors. The curriculum blends core forensic psychology theory with clinical training, preparing graduates to work in correctional settings, community mental health, or private practice.
  • Online M.A. Applied Forensic Psychology – This two-year, fully online program is ideal for students interested in nonclinical roles within the criminal justice system, such as policy analysis, case management, or research. It emphasizes psychological principles as they apply to legal and investigative contexts, without the clinical training required for licensure.
  • Psy.D. Clinical Forensic Psychology – A rigorous four-year doctoral program that prepares students to pursue licensure as clinical psychologists. This blended-format program includes both online coursework and in-person instruction at either the Los Angeles or Anaheim campus. It equips graduates to provide psychological assessment, expert testimony, and treatment in forensic settings.

Together, these programs offer flexible paths for students interested in the intersection of psychology and the law—whether they aim to work directly with clients or influence systems and policy.

How do I choose between campus and online Forensic Psychology programs?

We offer Forensic Psychology programs both online and in person at many of our campus locations.

For the classic college experience, check out the M.A. Forensic Psychology: Professional Counselor Licensure program offered at our Anaheim, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., campus locations or the Psy.D. Clinical Forensic Psychology program offered at the Anaheim and Los Angeles campuses.

If you’re looking for more flexible options, both the M.A. Applied Forensic Psychology and M.A. Forensic Psychology: Professional Counselor Licensure programs offer online modalities that provide the same academic excellence as our in-person courses.

What are the admission requirements for Forensic Psychology graduate programs?

Our Forensic Psychology programs have unique requirements for admission. Please review the Academic Catalog and each program page closely for full information regarding the specific admission requirements.

What GPA is needed for Forensic Psychology graduate programs?

The Chicago School has a minimum GPA requirement of 3.0 for Forensic Psychology students. If you have a GPA below 3.0, you may submit your application with a resume or CV and personal essay for our M.A. Applied Forensic Psychology program.

Can I study forensic psychology part-time?

Yes. The M.A. Applied Forensic Psychology and M.A. Forensic Psychology: Professional Counselor Licensure programs offer part-time and full-time learning options.

The Psy.D. Clinical Forensic Psychology program is only offered on a full-time schedule.

Anna Belmonte headshot

Ana Belmonte, Psy.D.

Division Chair and Assistant Professor
The faculty prepare students to become a contributing member of the forensic community upon graduation. The current faculty have a wide variety of connections with other forensic clinicians across the country and are able to utilize those connections to aid our students’ education and growth as future clinicians."
Learn More About Ana Belmonte

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