Psychology (Forensic Psychology), BA
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.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
or a higher level MATH course
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accelerated options for this program are not currently available to ASU Online students.
Degree description
Psychology (Forensic Psychology) degree description
Forensic psychology is the application of psychology to the law. The Bachelor of Arts program in psychology with a concentration in forensic psychology combines general training in psychology and 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 in determining whether a particular jury might have been biased against a defendant based on his or her race. This is the realm of forensic psychology.
You learn about the various roles for psychologists in the legal system, which helps you to discover which roles you might like to pursue through careers in mental health or criminal justice, or through graduate training.
All New College psychology programs have a quantitative research focus, equipping you with skills in critical thinking, statistical analysis and academic writing. The Bachelor of Science differs from the BA 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 BA program 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.
Courses
Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.
| Sample courses |
|---|
| PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology |
| PSY 230 Introduction to Statistics |
| PSY 290 Research Methods |
| CRJ 260 Criminal Law I: Introduction to Substantive Criminal Law |
| CRJ 203 Courts and Sentencing |
| PSY 211 The Criminal Mind |
Course checksheet and curriculum archive
The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.
Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).
Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.
If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.
See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Conduct psychological research
- Formulate mock testimony in a fictional case that will set out their knowledge of the history, context, basis, best practices, and training components of the field of forensic psychology
- Appropriately use quantitative analyses to argue for or against a particular hypothesis
- Effectively communicate forensic psychology information in writing
Conduct psychological researchAdmission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.
Explore expanded study opportunities
This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Studying abroad in the psychology program exposes students to distinct differences in the human condition worldwide.
With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, students are able to tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets. Students in these programs build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships around the world, increasing their professional network. Participation in a study abroad program provides students with the heightened cultural competency and strengthened leadership and critical thinking skills that enhance their resumes and help them stand out in a competitive career field. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, 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.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimate
Build the career and future you want
Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
| Career | Growth | Median Salary | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Behavioral Health Specialist | 2.3% | $71,900 | Learn more |
| Detective Sergeant | 0.2% | $93,790 | Learn more |
| Lawyer | 4.7% | $159,670 | Learn more |
| Licensed Clinical Psychologist | 11.7% | $100,580 | Learn more |
| Mental Health Counselor | 18.4% | $59,350 | Learn more |
| Probation Officer | 3.0% | $66,270 | Learn more |
| Psychiatrist | 7.2% | $281,870 | Learn more |
| Social Worker | 4.4% | $59,550 | Learn more |
| Substance Abuse Social Worker | 10.3% | $60,280 | Learn more |
Example job titles and salaries listed 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.
Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
More about careers
Careers this forensic psychology concentration prepares you for
Graduates are prepared for careers in the criminal justice and mental health fields. Many careers in psychology require graduate training, and the program's graduates are prepared for master's degree and doctoral programs in legal, clinical and forensic psychology.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Interdisciplinary Forensics
|
FAB N101
SIFadvising@asu.edu
602-543-3000
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
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. 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.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
