Psychology (Forensic Psychology) ,BS
Behavior, Corrections, Counselor, Court, Criminologist, Forensic Psychologist, Forensics, Justice, Legal, Psychology, Research, clinical, crime, forensic, law
Accelerated options for this program are not currently available to ASU Online students.
Fascinated by crime and behavior? Study how psychology and law connect while learning how forensic psychologists conduct assessments, assist in investigations, and provide expert testimony. Build skills that prepare you for graduate study or careers that change lives.
Forensic psychology is the application of psychology to the law. The concentration in forensic psychology within the Bachelor of Science program in psychology combines general training in psychology and specialized coursework in criminal law, criminal behavior, the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders, and legal decision-making.
When courts are faced with cases in which a psychology-related question arises, they may turn to psychologists for help. For example, psychologists might assist the court in understanding a criminal's mental state at the time of a crime or whether a particular jury might have been biased against a defendant based on his or her race. This is the realm of forensic psychology.
You learn about the various roles of psychologists in the legal system, which helps you to discover which roles you might like to pursue.
All New College psychology programs have a quantitative research focus, equipping you with skills in critical thinking, statistical analysis and academic writing. The BS degree differs from the Bachelor of Arts degree in that it requires additional coursework in lab science and advanced statistical training, both of which are increasingly important for destinations in research or clinical practice. The BA degree provides exposure to a broader range of psychological and related topics through additional elective coursework. Both pathways provide a strong foundation for future graduate studies.
- College/school:
New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences
- Location: West Valley or Online , ASU Local
- Second language requirement: No
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
- First
required math course:
MAT 119 - Finite Mathematics
or a higher level MAT course - Math
intensity: Moderate
What If: See how your courses can be applied to another major and find out how to change your major.
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.
It is now possible to earn an ASU degree with ASU Local, an integrated college experience in which students take advantage of in-person success coaching and programming experiences on site while completing one of 130+ undergraduate online degree programs, all of which come with online faculty interaction and tutoring support.
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.
ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:
- Appropriately use quantitative analyses to argue for or against a particular hypothesis
- Formulate mock testimony in a fictional case that will set out their knowledge of the history, context, basis, best practices, and training components of the field of forensic psychology
- Conduct psychological research
- Effectively communicate forensic psychology information in writing
When studying abroad in the psychology program, students are exposed to unique differences in the human condition worldwide.
With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, students are able to tailor their experience to their unique interests and skill sets. Students in these programs build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships across the world, increasing their professional network. Participation in a study abroad program provides students with the heightened cultural competency, and leadership and critical thinking skills that enhance their resumes and help them stand out in a competitive career field. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students in the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences can explore how their varied fields and interests interact in different settings around the world.
Graduates are prepared for careers in the criminal justice and mental health fields. The advanced statistical training further prepares graduates for careers and graduate training that involve psychological research, mental health, clinical research and legal policy research. They often work in the areas of criminal justice, law and human services. Many careers in psychology require graduate training, and this program also is designed to prepare students for master's degree and doctoral programs in legal, clinical and forensic psychology.
Example job titles and salaries listed below are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
| Career | *Growth | *Median salary |
|---|---|---|
|
3.9%
|
$71,900
|
|
|
12.6%
|
$50,860
|
|
|
-0.7%
|
$93,790
|
|
|
4.1%
|
$159,670
|
|
|
11.2%
|
$100,580
|
|
|
16.8%
|
$59,350
|
|
|
4.3%
|
$110,840
|
|
|
6.1%
|
$281,870
|
|
|
3.4%
|
$59,550
|
|
|
9.7%
|
$60,280
|
School of Interdisciplinary Forensics
|
FAB N101
SIFadvising@asu.edu
602-543-3000
Program term definitions
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
