George Mason offers a graduate certificate in forensic science for students enrolled in the psychology Ph.D. program or psychologists seeking additional training. Students complete 18 hours of graduate credits and focus on either general forensics for forensic sciences. According to the Mason Gazette, the certificate was "created partially in response to the growing national student interest in forensics fostered by popular TV shows such as CSI, Cold Case, [and] Bones [...] but it was also created in response to the substantial local and regional demand for graduates trained in the technical and legal aspects of forensic science." Located just outside of Washington, D.C., GMU's program offers a wide range of clinical training sites and access to some of the best forensic psychology faculty in the nation.
Students applying to the forensic science specialty should have an undergraduate degree in biology or chemistry; students applying for the general forensic track can have a bachelor's degree in any field.
George Mason University
Fairfax Campus
4400 University Drive
Fairfax, VA 22030
703-993-1000
gmu.edu
The University of Arizona's specialized Ph.D. program in psychology, policy, and the law instructs students in the art of forensic psychology. The program primarily trains students for a career in academia, teaching, and research although some clinical training is provided. The program is very rigorous and takes approximately six to seven years to complete. However, upon graduation, the Ph.D. student from Arizona, having been schooled in theoretical and methodological approaches of forensics, is far more competitive than the typical Ph.D. student from a general psychology program. Applications are due in the fall and acceptance notifications sent in May. An in-person interview is required.
University of Arizona Psychology
1503 E University Blvd. Building 68
Tucson, AZ 85721
520-621-7447
psychology.arizona.edu
Located in downtown New York, Fordham University is renowned for its clinical psychology program. The forensic program at Fordham, one of the best in the country, provides students with a range of courses and clinical experience in the field of psychology and the law. Sample courses include psychology and criminal law, psychology and civil law, and forensic assessment. Students interested in expanding their forensic knowledge to clinical practice will conduct internships and externships at local jails, courthouse, and hospitals.
Fordham University
Rose Hill Campus Bronx, NY 10458
718-817-1000
www.fordham.edu
Considered the "daddy" of all forensic psychology programs, John Jay has lived up to its reputation. The renowned doctoral program at JJC has two areas of focus in forensic psychology: clinical training (90 credits) and experimental training (60 credits). Students rotate each semester between coursework and applied training. At John Jay, students have access to top-notch faculty, all schooled in the area of psychology and law. The program is very competitive (accepts about five people a year), so make sure you meet all the prerequisites and have volunteer or paid experience in the area of forensics. Applications are due Dec 1 of the year preceding entry.
Ph.D Subprogram in Forensic Psychology
John Jay College of Criminal Justice
445 West 59th Street, Room 2445
New York, NY 10019
212-237-8252
jjay.cuny.edu