Department of Psychology Graduate Study

The Department of Psychology

FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY OPTION

The M.S. in Forensic Psychology option is designed for students whose primary interest is in working or studying in areas of psychology that intersect with the Criminal Justice system. A key feature of the program is a close mentoring relationship with a faculty member who oversees the student's progress toward his or her individual career goals. All students begin their program in the fall quarter and take several core courses together. The program offers an M.S. degree and consists of 52 units of course work, which includes a 9 month practicum where students receive hands on training and on site supervision in a forensic setting related to their individual interests and career goals (e.g., Rape crisis center, Department of Children and Family Services counseling center, the Dependency Courts, the Sheriff's Department, prisons, probation). The program emphasizes theory and research, while providing practical training in the areas of assessment and treatment that will prepare them for their entree to the marketplace after graduation. The course of study is designed to accommodate both students who plan to progress on to doctoral study as well as students who wish to enter the field as Masters level practitioners.

Students will need to submit an application for the Forensic option by April 1st of any given year for consideration for the following September. Students are responsible for providing all materials to accompany their application and only complete applications will be processed. Applicants will be notified of their status by July 1st following their submission. In addition to materials required for admission to the University, students will need to submit materials for admission to the Forensic Psychology option through the Department of Psychology.

Students are required to have a Baccalaureate degree with a major in Psychology and a grade point average(GPA) of 3.0 to be eligible for the Forensic Option. Non-majors in Psychology should refer to Introduction to Graduate Study in Psychology for further details. Students with a GPA of 2.75 to 3.0 must present evidence that they are committed to and qualified for graduate work. This evidence could include (but is not limited to) relevant experience, or GRE scores with an Advanced Psychology Score of 550 or higher. Students with a GPA below 2.75 will not be considered.

To be considered for enrollment in the Fall Quarter, students will need to forward the following materials to the Psychology Department in the prior Spring Quarter no longer than April 1st : (1) Official transcripts; (2) 3 letters of recommendation; and (3) A one to three page statement of career goals and objectives (Double spaced, 12 point font). Students may also submit GRE scores (general and/or subject tests) to support their application, although the GRE is not required for admission to the program. Please note that the University has it's own deadlines and requirements independent of the Psychology Department that also must be met to be considered for Fall admission.

Interested students should contact the Department of Psychology at California State University Los Angeles (323) 343-2250, or contact the program Director, Professor Mitchell L. Eisen at (323) 343-5006. Professor Eisen can also be reached via E-mail at meisen@calstatela.edu.

University Catalog

Application Form

See Application Form in Graduate Handbook

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