M.A. in Forensic Psychology Online

Trauma and Crisis Interventions

Explores theories, research, and treatment modalities related to various types of trauma (i.e., combat; childhood abuse and neglect; and exposure to violence, rape, and domestic violence). Through the coursework, students develop knowledge related to post-traumatic stress disorder and acute stress disorder. Students also acquire knowledge related to vicarious stress/secondary stress, and explore unique aspects of working with individuals that have experienced trauma.

Mental Health Law

Examines landmark legal cases that have shaped the activities and practices of mental health professionals, the civil rights of persons with mental disabilities, and the uses of mental health knowledge within the legal arena. Students are exposed to the legal system, constitutional law, and case law. Focus is placed on those cases pertaining to expert witness testimony, violence risk assessment, criminal responsibility (insanity), capital punishment, sexual dangerousness, civil commitment, civil and criminal competencies, confidentiality, professional liability, and personal injury.

For information on where The Chicago School of Professional Psychology meets, does not meet, or has not determined if the program meets licensure eligibility requirements for the state in which you wish to be licensed, please visit Forensic Psychology License Requirements.

Students need a minimum of 700 training hours with a minimum of 280 direct hours of face-to-face client contact. Additionally, students in the Online M.A. Forensic Psychology, Professional Counselor Licensure Track(Online) program attend two mandatory, four-and-a-half-day on-ground residencies at the Chicago Campus.

Application to the M.A. Forensic Psychology online program is open to any person who has earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and who meets other entrance requirements. Applicants will be judged on their overall ability to do graduate work. Factors that are considered in admission are: undergraduate and any graduate coursework, GPA from undergraduate and any graduate schools, successful work history after completion of the baccalaureate degree, the admission essay, and letters of recommendation. Generally, an undergraduate GPA of a 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale is required for admission.

Applicants must submit official transcripts from all schools where a degree was earned. It is recommended that transcripts are submitted from all schools where credit was received to enhance their applications. Please see the application for detailed instructions and information regarding application requirements, application deadlines, and letters of recommendation.

The program also requires applicants to have successfully completed at least one undergraduate course in either statistics or research methods with a grade earned of C or better. Applicants without one of these courses must complete them in accordance with the policies outlined in the Progression Requirements section below.

Progression Requirements

This track requires applicants to have successfully completed (with a grade of C or better) at least one undergraduate course in either statistics or research methods by the end of their first semester for Forensic Psychology Licensure Track students and a second term for online students. Students must successfully meet this progression requirement through one of the following options:

• A grade of C or higher in TCS 390 Introduction to Statistics or TCS 385 Introduction to Research Methods;
• A grade of C or higher in a comparable course at The Chicago School; or
• A grade of C or higher in a comparable course at another regionally accredited institution.

The Chicago School is dedicated to keeping our professional degree programs accessible to anyone, regardless of financial status. In addition to the scholarships that may be available, our Financial Aid Department will help provide you with information to determine what financial arrangements are right for you.

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