Forensic Psychology, M.S.

Overview and Program/Learning Outcomes

The Master of Science in Forensic Psychology is a 36 credit degree program designed to provide
skills in psychological and intelligence analysis within the criminal and civil justice systems, and to
prepare students for doctoral studies in the field. This program focuses on understanding,
evaluation, and treatment of offenders and victims, both individually and in aggregate. The
program includes a set of required courses, with some flexibility to customize coursework based
on individual interests. In the 2nd year, students may choose a traditional track or an Intelligence
Studies track. For Capstone, students will choose to pursue an Applied/Practicum project or a
Research/Thesis project. Program outcomes include:

• Advocate for and extend psychology’s role and responsibility in promoting agency and
the psychological well-being of individuals, communities, and organizations.
• Adapt to shifting demands and ill-structured problems by critically evaluating the
relevance, priority, and appropriateness of various information and potential courses of
action.
• Design, conduct, and evaluate research through the lens of its potential to advance
knowledge in psychology as well as the psychological well-being of individuals,
communities, and organizations.
• Integrate psychological theories, methods, and research to generate new knowledge and
promote agency and the psychological well being of individuals, communities, and
organizations.
• Incorporate the values of RISES to the application of forensic psychology.

Program Design

The Master of Science in Forensic Psychology requires 12 courses for a total of 36 credits. All
courses incorporate the Core Franciscan values of Reverence, Integrity, Service, Excellence, and
Stewardship, particularly as those values relate to and integrate with course content. The
program is designed as a 5-year BA-MS program for Psychology and Criminal Justice
undergraduate students, with the first year of Masters coursework being completed during their
4th year of undergraduate studies. This program will also serve as a standalone Masters program
for students who have already graduated. The standalone program can be completed in 2 years.

Admission Requirements

Incoming undergraduate students applying to the 4+1 program must have have a high-school
GPA of a 3.5 or higher. Current Neumann students matriculating into the 4+1 program must have
an undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or higher to be accepted into the program. Once in the program,
students must maintain a GPA at Neumann of at least 3.0 to remain in the program, with at B or
higher on all Psychology, Criminal Justice, and Forensic Psychology courses.

Applicants with a baccalaureate degree from an accredited, degree-granting institution are
eligible for entrance to the Master of Science in Forensic Psychology Program, subject to the
approval of the Program Director. Acceptance is on a competitive basis after submission of all
credentials and an interview with the Program Director. All applicants must submit the following:

• A completed Graduate Student Application, in online through www.neumann.edu/apply.
• Official transcripts from all institutions attended.
•  Letter of intent which outlines why you wish to pursue the Master of Science in Forensic Psychology degree.
• Two official, professional letters of reference.
• Current professional resume.

A maximum of six [6] Credits may be transferred into the Program with the approval of the
School Dean. Once all admission materials have been received and processed through the
Office of Admissions, the Program’s Director will review of all candidate credentials and arrange
for an interview, if appropriate.

Progression/Retention/Graduation Requirements

For the Master of Science in Forensic Psychology, continued progress requires that the student
maintain an overall “B” average (cumulative 3.00 GPA) in the required courses and satisfactory
participation in the program. Completion of all degree requirements for the program is not to
exceed five years. Exemption to this time limitation must be applied for in a written request to the
Division Dean. Graduation from the program is contingent upon (1) submitting a signed
Application for Graduation form to the Registrar on or before the date specified in the Academic
Calendar; and (2) successful completion of all course work, including report(s) of action research,
and an effective, formal presentation of learning to a faculty committee. The student must
maintain an overall “B” average (cumulative 3.00 GPA) in all required courses, with no more than
two grades of “C” level work.

Program Information

The Master of Science in Forensic Psychology is a 36 credit program. Students who can
demonstrate that they took Psychopathology or Criminal Behavior as undergraduates, and
earned a B or better, can credit their undergraduate classes toward the Masters program, for a
total of 6 credits maximum transferred in to the program.

Students will choose either the applied/Practicum track or the research/Thesis track.