Forensic Psychology Certification and Certificate Program Summaries
Forensic psychology combines the study of psychology and criminal justice, with a concentration on the psychology of crime and criminal behavior. A post-graduate certificate program in forensic psychology prepares students for clinical, research and counseling careers in the criminal justice system. Doctoral-holders can gain board certification as forensic psychologists through the American Board of Professional Psychology and American Board of Forensic Psychology.
Post-Graduate Certificate in Forensic Psychology
This certificate program prepares students to participate in criminal justice procedures such as interviewing crime victims and developing criminal profiles of potential suspects. Clinical studies introduce students to the process of assessing clients, developing theories of behavior and diagnosing mental illness. Students learn to develop treatment plans, provide expert testimony and assess clients in a correctional environment. Other areas of focus are rehabilitation, investigations and victimology. Admission requires a master's degree in psychology or a related field, a 3.0 graduate GPA (grade point average) and a personal statement essay.
Program Coursework
The certificate coursework is research-intensive. The program includes a clinical component and substantial studies in criminal law. Other topics in the program include:
- Risk assessment
- Juvenile justice
- Constitutional law
- Domestic violence
- Child abuse
- Sex crimes
- Interrogation
Popular Career Options
Graduates who do not hold a Ph.D. and who want to become licensed psychologists will need to enroll in a Ph.D. program in a related area of psychology. Other career options for certificate graduates include:
- Research assistant
- Clinical director
- Correctional counselor
Certification Information
Graduates who hold or obtain a Ph.D. in Forensic Psychology can pursue the Diplomate in Forensic Psychology through the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) and the American Board of Forensic Psychology (ABFP). Applicants are required to have 1,000 hours of supervised forensic psychology experience obtained through post-doctoral training or qualifying work experience. Applicants are also required to hold state licensure as psychologists in order to obtain the forensic psychology designation. The American Academy of Forensic Psychology (AAFP) offers professional development opportunities to its members, including workshops that can be applied to continuing education requirements.
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21 Popular Schools
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Master
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- MS in Psychology
- MS in Psychology - Child and Developmental Psychology
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- MS in Psychology - Industrial Organizational Psychology
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- Bachelor
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 21 years of age or older and have completed some college or 24 years of age or older and a high school graduate for a Bachelor's degree
- Masters degree applicants must have a Bachelors degree
- Doctorate degree applicants must have a Masters degree
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
- Doctorate
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Master
- Bachelor
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Bachelor
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- BS in Forensic Psychology
- BS in General Psychology
- BS in Psychology
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- BS in Applied Psychology
- BS in Psychology of Religion
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Applicants must be 22 years of age or have active military status
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Bachelor
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- BA in Applied Psychology - Forensic Psychology
- BA in Applied Psychology
- BA in Applied Psychology - Child Advocacy
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- BA in Applied Psychology - Clinical Psychology
- BA in Applied Psychology - Organizational Psychology
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Associate
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- AA in Applied Psychology
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
- Arizona (1 campus)
- California (5)
- Colorado (1)
- Florida (2)
- Georgia (1)
- Hawaii (1)
- Illinois (2)
- Minnesota (1)
- Tennessee (1)
- Texas (1)
- Utah (1)
- Virginia (1)
- Washington (1)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
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Doctorate
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- Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology
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Master
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- MA in Forensic Psychology
- MA in Forensic Psychology - Assessment
- MA in Forensic Psychology - Homeland Security
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- MA in Forensic Psychology - Law Enforcement
- MA in Forensic Psychology - Treatment
- MA in Clinical Psychology
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- Bachelor
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Associate
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- AA in Psychology
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
- Doctorate
- Master
- Bachelor
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
- Master
- Bachelor
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must have either two or more years of college or active military status if you are under 24 years of age
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
- Doctorate
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Master
-
- MS in General Psychology
- MS in Applied Behavior Analysis
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- Bachelor
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Masters degree applicants must have a Bachelors degree
- Doctorate degree applicants must have a Masters degree
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
- Doctorate
- Master
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Bachelor
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- BS in Psychology
- BS in Psychology - Human Development, Education and Health
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- BS in Psychology - Organizational Studies
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