Image
Sunny rooftop terrace with tables, plants, and city buildings in the background.

Our Program

  • A Strong Foundation

    Designed to train practitioners to provide psychology services to and within the criminal & civil justice systems & prepare students for doctoral study in psychology

  • Courses, Electives, & Tracks

    Students develop an advanced understanding of psychological development & psychopathology, personality assessment, psychotherapeutic techniques & research methods

  • Externship & Thesis

    Students can complete an externship, a thesis or both with the dual track

The MA in Forensic Psychology program is designed to provide a strong foundation in forensic psychology that can be applied to, and within, the criminal and civil justice systems. The 42-credit curriculum focuses on understanding, serving, and studying both offenders and victims, and is designed to prepare students for doctoral study in psychology and/or work in settings such as mental health courts, legal offices, jails/detention centers, or parole/probation offices. Upon completion of the program, graduates may hold job titles—including, but not limited to—advocates, research assistants, case managers, or court liaisons.

Through the program, students are provided with an advanced understanding of psychological development and psychopathology, personality assessment, psycho-therapeutic techniques, and research methods. The program places a strong emphasis on developing multicultural awareness and understanding the unique tensions between psychology and law. The program requires completion of one of the following to supplement your course work: clinical fieldwork, non-clinical fieldwork, or a thesis.

Please note: the Forensic Psychology program is not a license-eligible program. Students interested in a license-eligible master’s program are encouraged to explore the MA in Forensic Mental Health Counseling program.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Forensic Psychology MA program

More information about the doctoral program in Psychology

For specific questions regarding advisement, please see the Graduate Psychology Advisement page

Highlights

Scroll for more

Resources

  • Image
    Two female students work together on a laptop at a long table in a classroom
    Graduate Psychology Advisement
    Visit the Graduate Psychology Advisement page for further information and resources.
  • Image
    A young woman in glasses reads on a black tablet at a library table, with books and bookshelves visible in the background.
    FAQ
    Find answers to frequently asked questions
  • Image
    Flyer for the Master's Student Research Group (MSRG), supporting research and professional development for John Jay's PSY MA students
    Master’s Student Research Group
    Research at the graduate level
  • Image
    Newsletter
    PSY MA Student News

    Stay connected with the PSY MA Community through our weekly digests and monthly newsletters!

    Student News
    Stay connected with the PSY MA Community through our weekly digests and monthly newsletters!
  • Image
    Four students are seated in a campus lounge and discussing
    How to Apply
    Apply now
Scroll for more

Contact Us

  • Email

    forensicpsychologyma@jjay.cuny.edu

    *Email communication is strongly preferred*

  • Call

    212.237.8771

    *Phone lines are non-operable during the summer semester*

  • Visit

    10.65.35 New Building