The Forensic Psychology area of focus is an informal track within the M.A. Psychology Program that does not appear on students' transcripts.
If you are a prospective applicant interested in the Forensic area of focus, you should apply directly to the M.A. Psychology Program and indicate Forensic Psychology as your area of interest.
FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY AREA OF FOCUS DESCRIPTION
Forensic Psychology focuses on the intersection between psychology and the justice system. Forensic Psychology is the professional practice by psychologists within the areas of clinical, counseling, school, or other specializations of psychology, when providing professional psychological expertise to the judicial system.
The three areas of knowledge required for the practice of forensic psychology are:
- Forensic (e.g., forensic ethics, tools and techniques for assessing symptoms, response style, and capacities relevant to legal questions)
- Clinical (e.g., diagnosis, treatment, psychological testing, prediction, and intervention assessment, epidemiology of mental disorders, ethics)
- Legal (e.g., knowledge of law and the legal system, knowledge of where and how to obtain relevant legal information).
Careers in Forensic Psychology include: academic researcher, consultant to law enforcement, correctional psychologist, evaluator for criminal or civil cases, expert witness, treatment provider, trial consultant, among many others.
FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY COURSE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Forensic Psychology curriculum is flexible, and students will work individually with a faculty advisor to develop a study plan tailored to their specific career goals in Forensic Psychology.
See Program Requirements link for required Foundation and Core Courses - 15 credits
Forensic Psychology Courses (At least 4 are recommended) – 12 credits
- Basic Forensic Psychology (required unless waived by instructor or M.A. Director)
- Clinical Forensic Practice
- Forensic Assessment
- Psychology of Violence
- Traumatic Stress Reactions
- Psychology of Criminal Behavior and the Prison Systems
Other Courses Relevant to Forensic Psychology – 9 credits
A total of 9 credits (3 courses) of electives must be taken in addition to the above 27 credits. One of these elective courses (3 credits) must be taken within the Psychology Department.
- Foundations of Psychopathology*
- Theories of Personality*
- Psychology of Social Behavior*
- Anxiety and Affective Disorders
- Psychological Testing and Assessment
- Theories of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Psychosis in Social Context
*May be counted toward core requirements
Electives in other departments and schools at NYU
As the largest private University in the country, NYU has multiple Schools, Centers, and Departments with psychology related courses. Cross registration requires advisor approval.
NYU M.A. FORENSIC FACULTY
Our forensic professors are all licensed psychologists with active clinical practices and/or research programs. Some hold law degrees and other postdoctoral credentials. They have extensive experience in outpatient and inpatient clinical-forensic assessment and psychotherapy. As a group, they have worked with multiple populations and disorders: violent offenders, sexual predators, stalkers, substance abusers, trauma victims, and pathological family systems (including domestic violence, child abuse, and delinquency). Their diverse experiences include police and detective work; psychological evaluation of police; civil and criminal law practice, expert witness work, forensic media consultation, and social science research.
Forensics @ NYU:
As the largest private University in the country, NYU has multiple Schools, Centers, and Departments with forensic interests and courses. There are multiple opportunities to absorb and integrate the broader multidisciplinary field of forensics. This includes the physical and social sciences (e.g., biology, anthropology, criminology); clinical practice (social work, psychiatry); computer science (cybercrime); business (forensic accounting); and politics and international relations. The School of Law at NYU is affiliated with the interdisciplinary Law and Society M.A. Program within the Graduate School of Arts & Science, where psychology students can take courses.
