Master the Criminal Mind.
The psychology behind criminal behavior has become a crucial element within the legal and intelligence communities and the MA in Forensic and Legal Psychology can prepare you to bridge your understanding of the criminal mind to tackle challenges in law enforcement, criminal investigation and defense, public policy, national security and more. Our close proximity to the metro D.C. area allows you to gain real-world exposure to the intersection of psychology and the legal system through courtroom observations, site visits, speaker series, and valuable internships with agencies and organizations such as the FBI, NCIS, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism, Arlington County Police, D.C. Metropolitan Police, and the Virginia Indigent Defense Commission.
Forensic and Legal Psychology
(M.A.)
At a Glance
39 Credit Hours
Fall Enrollment
18 - 24 Month Program
Sessions Begin May & September
About the Forensic and Legal Psychology (M.A.) Program
Program Highlights
We have designed your learning experience with you in mind—that means building in advantages where we can so you can focus on building your future. Here are just a few of these advantages in your program:
18 to 24-month program
Optional concentration in Intelligence Studies
Study abroad opportunities
Experiential learning opportunities in the metro D.C. region
What Can I Do With an MA in Forensics and Legal Psychology?
An MA in Forensics and Legal Psychology can position you for roles across the field of forensic psychology and in settings such as courtrooms, law enforcement, federal agencies, and nonprofits. A few career paths that value a background in forensic psychology include:
Correctional case managers
Crime analysts
Intelligence analysts
Law enforcement agents, analysts, and officers
Mitigation specialists
Parole and probation officers
Sentencing advocates
Victim specialists
Employment in criminal justice and related fields such as forensic psychology is projected to grow 7% this decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average salary for a Criminal Investigator in Virginia is $97,900, according to the Virginia Employment Commission.
Master of Arts in Forensics and Legal Psychology Courses:
Legal and Investigative Psychology
Psychology of Criminal Behavior
Crisis Intervention
Wrongful Convictions - Case Analysis
Let’s Get Started!
Marymount empowers graduate students to advance their careers, expand their expertise, and make a meaningful impact. Located in Arlington, Virginia—just minutes from Washington, D.C.—Marymount offers nationally ranked, career-focused programs grounded in the liberal arts and guided by a commitment to intellectual curiosity, service, and global perspective.
As a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and one of the nation’s most diverse campuses, Marymount provides a dynamic environment where students from around the world learn, lead, and Learn with Purpose.
Why Marymount University?
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“My professors guided me through uncertainty, helped shape my career goals, and gave me the confidence to consider a Ph.D. in education.”
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Aileen Martinez
M.Ed. in Special Education -
“The small program size helped me form lasting bonds with faculty and classmates—supportive relationships that shaped both my academic and personal growth.”
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Ellington Mendez
M.A. in Forensic and Legal
Psychology -
“Marymount gave me the support and flexibility to transition from engineering into physical therapy—and make a full-circle career change I’m proud of.”
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Eva Cepeda
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) -
“I’m earning dual master’s degrees in IT and business at Marymount to stand out in the competitive tech industry.”
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Mohamed Mongalgi (international)
Dual Master’s in Business
Administration and Information
Technology (MBA/MS)
Ready to advance your career at Marymount University?
Our programs give you the tools you need to build the future you want.