Master's Programs in Psychology and Law

Relevant Components for Training

Although, by definition, master's level graduate training does not offer the same breadth or depth of experience as one would receive in a doctoral-level psychology and law program or a joint degree (Ph.D./ J.D. or Psy.D./J.D.) program, aspects of such training remain critical to the development of a competent master's level graduate. Broadly, master's level training should include education in law and the legal aspects (e.g., statutes, case law, and legal theory) affecting professional forensic psychology practice, knowledge of the relevant literature and ways of assessing the legal questions posed to clinicians/researchers, familiarity with broad and specialty area ethics and guidelines, and field placements in forensic settings. As the population of the United States is changing and becoming increasingly diverse, it is imperative that psycholegal researchers, scholars, and clinicians become competent to address the multiple and varied needs of a diverse forensic community.

The curriculum for master's level training in forensic psychology will vary depending on the program's orientation, with greater emphasis on research, clinical skills, or public policy to fulfill the requirements for completion of the degree. At minimum, forensic psychology curricula should include one or two law courses, including one in mental health law. Students should receive coursework that will provide them with the technical knowledge and practical skills to facilitate their clinical work in the forensic psychology field, such as clinical interviewing and psychotherapy and psychopathology and diagnosis. In addition, students should receive sufficient grounding in research design and methodology and statistical analysis. For more clinically focused programs, curriculum may include coursework in the historical basis of assessment and measurement of different variables in forensic settings and a sequence of traditional and/or specialized assessment courses. To prepare students for a wide range of possible careers, coursework may include specialty topics, such as understanding and treatment of offenders (male/female, sexual, juvenile), trauma and crisis intervention, substance abuse, and group therapy. As mentioned above, each course should reflect the diversity inherent in the United States, such that sociocultural issues should be infused within the curriculum as well as offered as a distinct course.

...