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.
Explore the intersection of human behavior and the law. Learn how forensic psychologists contribute to the legal system through psychological assessments, investigations, court testimonies and research.
Forensic psychology is the application of psychology to the law. The concentration in forensic psychology within the BS program in psychology combines general training in psychology with 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.
This program teaches students about the various roles of psychologists in the legal system and helps them discover which roles they might like to pursue through careers in mental health or criminal justice, or through graduate training.
The Bachelor of Science degree differs from the Bachelor of Arts degree in that it requires additional lab science coursework and advanced statistical training, both of which are increasingly important for destinations in research or clinical practice. The Bachelor of Arts degree allows for exposure to a wider breadth 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
- First required math course: MAT 170 - Precalculus
-
Math intensity:
Moderate
Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. 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.
Study abroad allows students in the psychology program to acquire enhanced knowledge and experience that will enable them to stand out in many career fields. Students are exposed to unique differences in the human condition worldwide, are able to improve language and cross-cultural skills for effective communication, and are challenged to adapt under new social and cultural circumstances.
With more than 300 options available, whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, Global Education programs give students a global perspective and knowledge in preparation for their career. 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 students for careers and graduate training that involve psychological research, clinical research and legal policy research. 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 |
|---|---|---|
|
6.6%
|
$61,420
|
|
|
17.2%
|
$43,390
|
|
|
1.5%
|
$86,280
|
|
|
7.5%
|
$135,740
|
|
|
11.4%
|
$90,130
|
|
|
18.4%
|
$49,710
|
|
|
5.1%
|
$106,420
|
|
|
6.7%
|
$226,880
|
|
|
5.3%
|
$50,820
|
|
|
10.6%
|
$51,240
|
School of Interdisciplinary Forensics
|
FAB N101
sifadvising@asu.edu
602-543-3000
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
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. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. 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.
