Walden University is now offering a new psychology program and a new counseling specialization in the emerging field of forensics.

M.S. in Forensic Psychology
One of the only online graduate programs in forensic psychology, this program can help prepare students to work in a wide range of forensic settings, including law enforcement agencies, correctional institutions, community-based agencies, family courts, and forensic units in mental health facilities. Students can

• Apply psychological theories as they identify offenders in a wide range of forensic settings, including correctional institutions, law enforcement agencies, community-based organizations, family courts, and forensic units in mental health facilities.
• Use diagnostic and assessment tools in forensic settings.
• Tailor the program to their own interests by choosing from five specializations:
  • Forensic Psychology in the Community
  • General Program
  • Mental Health Applications
  • Program Planning and Evaluation in Forensic Settings
  • Psychology and Legal Systems

“Walden’s new M.S. in Forensic Psychology program was created in response to the need to develop more community-based programs for offenders,” said Dr. Nina Nabors, associate dean of Walden’s School of Psychology. “The program helps to prepare students for a variety of positions that can effectively bring about change in the courts and the criminal justice system.”

Forensic Counseling Specialization
The first specialization available in Walden’s CACREP-accredited M.S. in Mental Health Counseling program, the Forensic Psychology specialization can help prepare students to work as a counseling practitioner with individuals in correctional institutions, juvenile justice, family courts, and community-based settings. Available to current students and graduates of the M.S. in Mental Health Counseling program, the specialization can be completed with just two additional courses. Students can

• Acquire the knowledge and counseling skills they need to work within the legal and criminal justice systems.
• Build competencies in interviewing, assessment, negotiation, and conflict resolution.

“We are entering an era of greater collaboration within the courts and the criminal justice system,” says Dr. Savitri Dixon-Saxon, associate dean of Walden’s School of Counseling and Social Service. “Forensic counselors have an important role to play in bringing about the best possible resolution for individuals involved in the legal system, from children in family court to criminal offenders.”

More Information
Prospective students interested in either program should contact an enrollment advisor at 1-866-492-5336. Walden is currently accepting applications for a September 8, 2009, start date.

Notes on licensure:
The M.S. in Forensic Psychology is not a licensure program and does not prepare an individual to become a licensed psychology professional.

Walden University’s M.S. in Mental Health Counseling is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), which is a requirement for licensure in many states. The M.S. in Mental Health Counseling program is designed to prepare graduates to qualify to sit for licensing exams and to meet the academic licensure requirements of many state counseling boards. Because no graduate program can guarantee licensure upon graduation, we encourage students to consult the appropriate agency to determine specific requirements. For more information about licensure, students should visit the National Board for Certified Counselors at www.nbcc.org/stateboardmap and contact the appropriate licensing body. International students are encouraged to identify and contact their appropriate licensing body.

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