PhD Forensic in Psychology

Gain the specialized knowledge you need to advance in the exciting and diverse field of forensic psychology. In this online program, you’ll acquire a deeper understanding of the criminal justice system as well as mental health issues that may drive criminal behavior. Explore ways to evaluate programs designed for forensic populations such as the incarcerated, recently released offenders, the mentally ill, and juvenile offenders.

Choose from six specializations that allow for intensive exploration of the area of forensic psychology that aligns with your career goals. Prepare for a role as a teacher, researcher, or consultant in the law enforcement, government, education, or nonprofit sector.

What Our Students Say:

“Walden made my personal reinvention possible.”

Joan Swart

Walden Graduate

Learning Outcomes

In this program, you will:

1. Evaluate behavior using psychological theory and research from a forensic psychology perspective.
2. Analyze seminal works in forensic psychology in terms of their relation to education and/or research.
3. Differentiate between advanced legal concepts pertaining to forensic psychology.
4. Integrate principles of advanced research methods to produce independent scholarly research related to forensic psychology.
5. Evaluate how assessment elements (psychological assessment, risk assessment, psychological reports) are used within forensic psychology settings.
6. Engage in decision-making using relevant ethical codes (e.g., APA and Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists) in forensic work settings.
7. Promote social change through the integration of principles of forensic psychology in scholarly and/or professional activities.

Specializations

• General Program
• Criminal Justice Self-Designed
• Crisis Leadership Management
• Crisis Response
• Legal Issues in Forensic Psychology
• Self-Designed
• Victimology

Earn Your PhD Faster

If you hold a master’s degree, you may be eligible to apply previously earned credits toward the PhD in Forensic Psychology program, significantly reducing your time to completion and total cost.* Contact an enrollment advisor at +1-866-390-0461 for details.

Career Options

As a graduate of Walden’s PhD in Forensic Psychology program, your career options may include:**

Why Our PhD in Forensic Psychology?

	Choose a Specialization — Gain added exposure in the area of forensic psychology that best reflects your interests and career goals.
	Subject Matter Experts — Our doctoral-level faculty includes acclaimed authors and thought leaders in the field of forensic psychology.
	Exceptional Student Support — Benefit from our 24/7 tech support, Writing Center, Career Services Center, and more.
	Real-World Learning — Delve into real case studies and hear from actual offenders throughout your coursework.

*The number of credits eligible for transfer from a Walden or other accredited university master’s degree may vary depending upon the date the master’s degree was completed.

**Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this program.

Note on Licensure
The PhD in Forensic Psychology is not a licensure program and does not prepare an individual to become a licensed psychology professional.