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  • Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology
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Forensic Psychology Degrees

Broaden career options with a degree in Forensic Psychology

Challenge your biases and gain a deeper understanding of criminal behavior in our Forensic Psychology program. Ignite your passion and potential through internships and research.

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Tailor your Forensic Psychology degree

A SAU Forensic Psychology degree explores the relationship between the science of psychology and the legal system. You’ll learn about clinical, developmental, social, and cognitive psychology subfields to better understand human behavior – especially criminal behavior and victim responses.

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    Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology
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    Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology
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Forensic Psychology program overview

Our programs develop empathic professionals ready to use their understanding of human behavior to better serve offenders and victims. You’ll develop a strong knowledge base in the areas of human behavior, counseling theory, research methods in psychology, and the application of psychological principles to specific areas of the criminal justice system. You’ll enjoy expansive field experiences at community-based sites where you can work with justice-involved youth, adults, or victims of trauma and crime. Our program provides a well-rounded and versatile education, preparing you for a career in the field of forensic psychology.

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93%

of students believe the instruction in courses related to their major is excellent

94%

of students believe faculty are knowledgeable in their field

Potential career paths with Forensic Psychology

At SAU, your career path is up to you. Choose the concentration that fits your goals, and we will help you to achieve them.

  • Adult Services

    • Correctional psychologist
    • Probation officer
    • Victim advocate
    • Researcher in forensic psychology
    • Crisis intervention specialist
    • Victim/witness coordinator
    • Clinical mental health counselor
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    • Juvenile court liaison
    • Youth support specialist
    • Victim advocate
    • Child protection worker
    • Clinical mental health counselor - children
    • Forensic child interviewer
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What you’ll learn in your Forensic Psychology program

As a Forensic Psychology student, you’ll begin with core courses in psychology and criminal justice to strengthen your understanding of psychological behavior and the historical functions of the criminal justice system. From there, you’ll move into your concentration to grow your expertise and advance toward your career goals.

Core skills you’ll learn in the Forensic Psychology program

  • Examine the psychological and behavioral consequences of crime
  • Examine theories of crime causation 
  • Describe psychological and behavioral presentations of offenders and victims
  • Identify effective intervention strategies and treatment models for justice-involved individuals

Sample courses in the Forensic Psychology program

CLASS CODE CLASS TITLE CREDITS
PSYC 325 Psychology of Criminal Behavior 3 credits
PSYC 328 Psychology and Treatment of Trauma and the Victim 3 credits
CRJU 221 Criminal Law and Procedure 3 credits
CRJU 400 Criminological Theory 3 credits
SOC 342 Drugs and Society 3 credits

View course catalog

How much does a Forensic Psychology degree cost?

The total cost of your Forensic Psychology degree will depend on your major, scholarships and finances, transfer credits, and other factors. 

  • Part-time tuition: 1–11 semester credits, per semester credit: $1,156
  • Full-time tuition: 12–18 semester credits, per year: $37,833
  • Other: 19 or more semester credits, per semester credit: $1,156

Find detailed tuition information and cost scenarios for each specialization:

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Get an estimate of how much your Forensic Psychology degree will cost

Use our Net Price Calculator to get an estimate of how much your degree will cost. Get my estimate.

Reduce your tuition by up to $24k

Every student is awarded a scholarship based on their GPA. St. Ambrose University recognizes and rewards students for their academic performance.

Explore scholarships

Housing and meal plans for Forensic Psychology students

When it comes to housing, St. Ambrose University offers diverse options to meet your needs. From traditional dormitories to apartment-style living, there's something for everyone.

Freshman housing

For incoming freshmen, on-campus residence halls provide a convenient college experience. Living among peers creates a sense of community and support, helping new students transition smoothly into university life. View freshman dorms.

Transfer & upperclassmen housing

As students progress through their academic journey, they have the option to transition to on-campus, apartment-style living. These accommodations offer more independence while still being located conveniently close to campus facilities and resources. View upperclassmen dorms.

Meal plans

St. Ambrose offers flexible meal plan options to accommodate various preferences and schedules. Whether you're looking for full dining hall access or a smaller meal plan for occasional use, there's a choice that suits your needs. View available meal plans.

What are the Forensic Psychology admission requirements?

Applicants to the Forensic Psychology program must provide the following information for admission:

  • Applicants must have graduated from an accredited high school or earned a GED
  • Applicants must have a minimum cumulative, unweighted GPA of 2.5
  • Applicants must provide an official high school transcript

Apply now

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Build professionalism. Build empathy.

“Ambrose is an academic’s dream. The psychology teaching staff is impeccable; not only are they licensed and respected, but they are deeply empathetic and Ambrosian to their core. The program itself helps me bring a kind, psychological approach to my work.” 

-Mack Clary '21, BA in Forensic Psychology

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St. Ambrose University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission

Accreditation and recognitions provide the assurance we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability.

See all of SAU’s accreditations

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Visit St. Ambrose

Experience our vibrant campus firsthand. Schedule a visit to explore our facilities, meet faculty, and discover your future at St. Ambrose University.

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Why earn a Forensic Psychology degree from SAU?

Our programs cultivate critical thinking, ethical standards, and strong communication skills, equipping you with the knowledge and experience needed to thrive in this diverse field.

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Experienced faculty

Faculty guide students towards teaching excellence, encouraging learner-centered classroom strategies and subject knowledge and application.

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Industry-aligned curriculum

Our curriculum is designed to make sure graduates possess skills employers are seeking.

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Community-based partnerships

You'll work 8-10 hours a week at a site learning to effectively understand and intervene with offenders or victims.

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A unique degree

St. Ambrose University boasts one of only about fifteen Forensic Psychology undergraduate, in-person, programs in the country.

News and events at SAU

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Spring Commencement Ceremony

Join us for our Spring Commencement Ceremony to celebrate Spring 2025 degree recipients.

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Affordable Ambrose: Natalie's grad story

They say ‘home is where the heart is’, and for SAU graduate Natalie Cremer this couldn’t be more true.

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Autum Yarger: Dual Master Degrees, More Empowerment

Discover how Autum Yarger leveraged dual master's degrees in Social Work and Public Health from SAU to empower families in healthcare settings.

Read more

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Become who you are meant to be

With more than 65 undergraduate and graduate programs, there’s something for everyone at St. Ambrose University! Explore our programs to find your place at SAU.

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