COURSE CURRICULUM

The Clinical Forensic Psychology MA program at Fairleigh Dickinson University is an intensive 45-credit graduate program completed in approximately 1.5 years through a structured, sequential curriculum designed to train students in both clinical psychology and forensic practice. The program begins each fall semester, and all students follow the same ordered course progression to ensure consistent skill development in psychopathology, assessment, forensic theory, and clinical application. Academic performance standards are strict, requiring a minimum grade of B- in all graduate-level courses. In addition to coursework, students must demonstrate competence in discipline-specific knowledge and professional skills as outlined in the program’s Student Handbook. A major component of the program is a comprehensive final examination taken in the last semester, which evaluates students through case-based vignettes requiring applied knowledge of forensic and psychopathology concepts. The exam is graded blindly by two psychology professionals, and students must pass all sections to graduate. Practical training is emphasized through a required 300-hour externship completed in the final semester, typically alongside a course in Ethical Issues in Forensic Practice. This field placement involves approximately 20 hours per week in real-world settings such as prisons, courts, psychiatric hospitals, law enforcement agencies, outpatient clinics, or private practices, and includes weekly supervision by a licensed clinical psychologist. Students also complete coursework across foundational and advanced topics including psychopathology, forensic psychology, psychological assessment, psychometrics, interviewing techniques, cultural diversity, and professional development. An optional elective and study-abroad opportunity in England further enrich the learning experience. Research opportunities are available in faculty labs focusing on topics such as violence risk assessment, sexual offending behavior, trauma, substance use, personality disorders, and forensic treatment interventions. The program supports both immediate entry into health service psychology roles and preparation for doctoral study (PhD or PsyD), though it is not itself a licensure program, as licensing requirements vary by state. Overall, it combines rigorous academics, applied clinical training, research exposure, and professional development to prepare graduates for forensic and clinical psychology careers.