Schools with emphasis on forensic psychology

[ellieotter]

Hi everyone! I am looking towards applying this upcoming fall to clinical psychology programs and am seeking advice. I am wanting to specialize in forensic psychology (really big interest in juveniles & sex offending research) and am having trouble finding APA accredited programs where forensic psychology is somewhat prominent in the department. I have schools such as Palo Alto, Fordham, Sam Houston State, University of Alabama, etc. on my list already but I still want to look at every option available.

Anyone have suggestions on some specific schools/professors/labs I should look into?

{also, not looking to apply to John Jay so I don't need any information on that school}

[pkanga]

I'm not sure if you've been here but on the American Psychological-Law Society (Division 41 of the APA) site, they have a list of schools that have a forensic emphasis. Here's the link: http://www.apadivisions.org/division-41/education/programs/index.aspx.

I don't think this list is comprehensive, but it's a place to keep searching.

 

 

[ForensicPsych93]

Hey, I am interested in pretty much the same type of programs as you. To be honest, I have found it difficult to find programs that truly specialize in forensic psychology (only a handful) that are FULLY FUNDED, in fact I suggest looking for schools with professors who have a certain research interest you might share. For example the school may not have a specialty in forensic psychology per say, but their are professors in that school that study juvenile delinquency or work with at-risk populations. One thing that might help is also to expand research interest within the field but also be more general to your research interest. So maybe in your statement of purpose stating your only interested in this particular population (juvenile delinquents) might not look as good as saying you are interested in "Adolescence development and predictive risk factors for deviant behavior" (Something along those lines) Also, not sure if funding is much of an issue for you but Palo Alto is not fully funded. John Jay is a reputable school, Why is it that you do not wish to apply? Look into UMASS, Drexel, & Fairleigh Dickinson (75% funded- but opportunities to gain even more knowledge). 

[COGSCI]

Are you just looking for schools in US? I would encourage you to look into University of Toronto and UBC. UBC Okanagan has many profs in forensic psyc research. Good luck!

[AerialistPhD]

Other than any already listed, does anyone know of any professors/programs with some law enforcement psych-focused research/courses? I have other interests too and have already looked at pretty much all the schools that have been listed here as well as the Division 41 list. Prarie View A&M has a similar program to what you're looking for however, they are fairly new and I don't know if they are in the process or seeking accreditation. 

 

[daisy_may]

I am a huge forensic person but I opted for a generalized program with a mentor that specializes in externalizing problems such as substance abuse and delinquency and I couldn't be happier! There are some perks to going to a generalist program with professors who do the research you are interested such as getting a great foundation of clinical training from many different viewpoints instead of just forensics. I interviewed at some strictly forensic programs and felt that you may lack some of the general clinical training that is preferred at forensic specialized programs. For example in my program i will have over 3000 clinical hours by the time i'm done in diverse settings including some forensic ones, where a lot of schools struggle to get the 900-1000 needed for internship.

Just something to think about! also if you're a strictly research person disregard this spiel.