Forensic Psychology Graduate Programs

Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology 

The Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology is designed to provide a strong foundation in forensic psychology that can be applied to, and within, the criminal and civil justice systems as well as to prepare students for doctoral study in psychology. The 42-credit curriculum focuses on understanding, serving, and studying both offenders and victims. This course of study explores the role of psychology in the legal system, in criminal behavior, in substance and alcohol abuse, and in terrorism. Through the curriculum, students are provided with an advanced understanding of psychological development and psychopathology, personality assessment, psychotherapeutic techniques, and research methods. For more information, please visit this page.

See degree requirements and admissions information. Note: The MA in Forensic Psychology is not a licensure program. States vary in their licensure requirements at the master’s level.

Program Email: forensicpsychologyma@jjay.cuny.edu

Master of Arts in Forensic Mental Health Counseling 

This Program, developed within the Psychology Department, has been approved by New York State as a "license eligible" academic program. It satisfies the state's educational requirements leadings toward professional licensure as a Mental Health Counselor, with a specialization in forensics. It develops skills in interviewing, counseling, and assessment, based upon established principles and research regarding human development, personality, psychopathology, and counseling. Students will be uniquely prepared to work towards licensure as counselors in prisons, juvenile detention centers, probation and parole agencies, and social service agencies that counsel and assess adolescents and adults at risk for criminal behavior. The program offers research opportunities for those students interested in pursuing doctoral education. The degree requires 60 credits. For more information, see the FAQ section. See admissions.

Program Email: FMHC@jjay.cuny.edu

Advanced Certificate in Victimology Studies

The Advanced Certificate in Victimology Studies in Forensic Psychology aims to develop specialized knowledge in the area of interpersonal victimization in a forensic psychology context. Areas covered include domestic violence, sexual assault, sexual harassment, child abuse, sex and labor trafficking, hate crimes, and other forms of interpersonal violence and victimization.

This non-licensable certificate allows BA graduates working in Victim Services agencies to develop a better understanding of relevant issues, and to possibly consider additional training. The core courses are PSY 700 (Mental Health Professionals, Social Science, and the Law), PSY 705 (Victimology), PSY 733 (Dissociation and Trauma), and PSY 742 (Family Violence and Disputes).

Please contact vicprogram@jjay.cuny.edu for more information.

Four-Year Forensic Psychology MA/JD Program 

The Four-Year Forensic Psychology MA/JD offers qualified students the opportunity to earn both a John Jay Master of Arts degree in Forensic Psychology and a New York Law School Juris Doctor degree in Law which may be completed in as little as four years. The curriculum is composed of the existing required and elective courses for the MA and for the JD, requiring a combined total of 128 credits, including 42 credits for the completion of the MA Program in Forensic Psychology and 86 credits for the completion of the JD Program in Law. However, 12 New York Law School credits focusing on mental disability law will be credited towards both the JD and the MA Program. Likewise 12 MA credits from the John Jay Forensic Psychology MA Program will be credited also to the New York Law School JD program. Consequently, due to the 24 transfer credits applied in the dual degree program, the actual number of credits taken will be 104, resulting in graduation for full-time students in four years instead of five. For more information, go to FAQ. See admissions and other information.
Program Coordinator: Professor Emily Haney-Caron (ehaney-caron@jjay.cuny.edu)

BA/MA Program 

Qualified undergraduate students may enter the B.A./M.A. Program and thereby graduate with both a bachelor's and a master's degree in forensic psychology.
Program Email: bamadirector@jjay.cuny.edu