Online MA in Counseling Psychology – Forensic Track
Felician’s online MA in Counseling Psychology - Forensic Track prepares students to meet the growing need for professionals working at the intersection of mental health and the justice system.
Through specialized coursework in forensic assessment, criminal behavior, trauma, and counseling, students gain a deep understanding of how psychological care is applied in correctional, court, and community-based settings.
Gain the knowledge and skills needed to support individuals who interact with the court system each year—nearly 3.7 million* adults in the U.S. are under community supervision, with many required to participate in counseling or treatment services.
Graduates are prepared to pursue licensure and work in forensic and justice-related environments, including correctional facilities, victim services, juvenile programs, probation and parole agencies, and community mental health organizations.
Specialize in Forensic Populations
Launch a counseling career built within the context of the legal system
Field Placement Support Included
Don’t navigate field placement alone—we’re happy to support you
Flexible for Working Professionals
Find balance completing your degree online & graduate in 7 semesters
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The online MACP–Forensic program allows you to launch your counseling career in just over two years (full-time)—while connecting you with a supportive community rooted in shared values.
- 60 credit hours
- 100 practicum hours and 600+ internship hours
- Seven semesters (full-time), Ten semesters (part-time)
- Three intakes per year (Spring, Summer, Fall)
- MPCAC Aligned
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The online MACP–Forensic program allows you to launch your counseling career in just over two years (full-time)—while connecting you with a supportive community rooted in shared values.
- 60 credit hours
- 100 practicum hours and 600+ internship hours
- Seven semesters (full-time), Ten semesters (part-time)
- Three intakes per year (Spring, Summer, Fall)
- MPCAC Aligned
Transform Lives. Fight for Justice.
Flexible Online Pathway
Study on your time with three intakes per year, online coursework and full-time or part-time study options.
Low Tuition Rates
Save tuition with a university ranked as one of the Best Value Colleges in New Jersey in 2024 by Niche.com.
Experienced Faculty Mentorship
Experienced program faculty provide you with support and mentorship as you gain skills in various counseling settings.
This course will introduce students to the legal system, including the relationship between law and the mental health system. This course will cover the role of mental health counselors in the legal system and explores topics such as the ethical issues regarding assessment screening, mental health testimony, competency to stand trial, the insanity defense, and child custody disputes. Also, this course will focus on ethical, legal and professional dilemma, and decision making models to address these dilemmas. The relationships among children and family services, juvenile justice, and correctional services are presented. Multicultural contexts and diversity are central elements in this course.
(3 credits)
The course will introduce students to major theories of criminal and aggressive behavior, including the historical context of criminal behavior. Behavioral, social learning, cognitive, psychoanalytic, psychodynamic, developmental, biological and sociocultural perspectives are presented. Case examples are used to illustrate these various perspectives. Topics include mental disorders associated with offending, substance abuse and crime, sexual crimes, juvenile delinquency, women and crime, and victim/perpetrator rights.
(3 credits)
This course will introduce students to the role of the forensic evaluator as well as the forensic assessments that are typically used by mental health practitioners in the criminal justice system. Students will learn how to administer, score and interpret selected forensic assessment instruments. This includes risk assessment, competency, mental state at the time of offense, psychopathy and malingering. The course will include an introduction to when causes, assessment, classification and treatment of juvenile delinquency. Ethical issues are also addressed.
(3 credits)
This course explores the causes and effects of traumatic events. Although Posttraumatic Stress Disorder is typically thought of as trauma experienced as a result of combat, there is increasing recognition that traumatic events may occur at any age, from childhood through advanced adulthood and in many circumstances. The approach in this course will be, not only to obtain a clear understanding of the disorder in all its manifestations, but also thorough exposure to a variety of readings, films, and guest lectures to encounter the various ways in which trauma is experienced, the ways in which intervention is possible, and the multiple modalities for treatment.
(3 credits)
Learn More
We’re here to answer any questions you may have about the program, including enrollment, tuition, admission requirements, curriculum details, and more.
Field Placement
Field placement is the hands-on learning component of Felician University’s MA in Counseling Psychology (MACP) program. You’ll complete the required practicum and clinical hours that are necessary for licensure.
While coursework is 100% online, you’re never on your own. Faculty with real-world experience and dedicated student support teams will mentor and guide you throughout your fieldwork in a variety of professional settings.
Below are answers to commonly asked questions about field placement:
1. How does the field placement process work?
Field placement is one of the most valuable and rewarding parts of your degree. Practicum hours are overseen by Felician faculty and an on-site field supervisor at your chosen agency. You’ll receive personalized support to identify placement sites that align with your career interests — and those services are covered in your program cost.
2. How do field placement services support me?
Your coursework and field experiences are designed to work hand-in-hand, connecting theory with practice. In addition to completing 100 practicum hours and 600+ clinical hours, you’ll have access to a student success coach and Felician’s clinical placement team, who will help with resources, site recommendations, and handling paperwork to keep you on track.
3. How should I prepare for my field placement?
Start by considering the type of counseling setting and experience you’d like to pursue. Research local organizations, the services they provide, and their provider teams. This will help you make informed choices and have productive conversations with your student success coach when planning your field placement.
4. In what types of agencies do students complete their fieldwork?
MACP students typically complete their field hours in:
- Community centers and outreach organizations
- Human services facilities
- Counseling and therapy practices
- Addiction and mental health treatment centers
- Adoption and family services agencies
- Senior care facilities, including nursing homes
- Correctional institutions
- Hospitals and healthcare clinics
Where Do Forensic Counselors Work?
The online MA in Counseling Psychology - Forensic Track will prepare you for a rewarding future as an advocate. You’ll be ready to support individuals across legal and behavioral health systems—combining clinical skills with an understanding of justice-involved populations.
Graduates may work in court systems, correctional facilities, community agencies, and clinical settings. Below are common roles that may vary by state and require additional certification or licensure.
Forensic & Justice-Involved Roles
- Forensic Counselor
- Correctional Treatment Specialist
- Probation or Parole Officer
- Court Counselor or Court Liaison
- Case Manager (justice-involved populations)
- Victim Advocate
Clinical Roles with Forensic Populations
- Mental Health Counselor (justice-involved clients)
- Substance Abuse Counselor (court-mandated or rehab settings)
- Trauma-Informed
- Counselor Crisis Counselor
Community & Behavioral Health Settings
- Community Mental Health Centers
- Nonprofit Organizations
- Crisis Intervention or Outreach Programs
- Residential or Rehabilitation Facilities
Advanced & Specialized Opportunities
- Forensic evaluation or assessment roles
- Expert witness support
- Leadership roles in correctional or behavioral health systems
What Will You Learn in the MACP Forensic Track program?
Prepare for advocacy roles within legal and justice systems through the online MA in Counseling Psychology – Forensic Track.
Understand Behavior in Legal Contexts
Build a foundation in psychological and criminological theories to guide your work with justice-involved populations, including trauma, PTSD, and intervention approaches.
Develop Clinical Assessment Skills
Gain hands-on experience in evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment planning across forensic and clinical settings, with field placement support included.
Practice Ethical, System-Informed Care
Deliver evidence-based, culturally responsive care within legal, correctional, and community systems to support client rehabilitation, recovery, and treatment goals.
Your Way to Success
Step one
Complete the form to get started
Enter your information and instantly access your digital program guide.
Step two
Speak with an advisor
An advisor will reach out to you, or you can schedule a call at a time that is right for you.
Step three
Submit your application
Gather the information you need and get started on your application.
Step four
Get started on your MACP degree
Confirm your admittance and earn your online MACP degree in as few as 2.3 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Licensed Forensic Counselors make an average of $87,877 per year
Source: https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Forensic-Counselor-Salary
Licensed Forensic Counselors practice in diverse environments, including victim services, correctional facilities, juvenile detention centers, probation and parole agencies, social service agencies, and more.
Felician University’s online Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology curriculum is aligned with the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC). Felician University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Our focus is on preparing students to be compassionate, community-focused, and facilitative of the potential of others, while striving to maintain the ideas of the Gospel and following the model of St. Francis through service to others. In the realm of counseling, a new paradigm – positive psychology – has emerged during the last 10 years. An emphasis on mindfulness, spiritual development, and empowering the potential of others has become a new and core theoretical expansion of models of counseling that we incorporate into our curriculum.
This program requires 60 credit hours of coursework with 100 practicum hours and 600+ internship hours. The program can be completed part-time in 10 semesters (3.3 years) or full-time in 7 semesters (2.3 years).
The online Master of Arts Counseling Psychology program costs $960.00 per credit hour for a total degree cost of $57,600, excluding fees. A discount is available to Felician University alumni. A 30% EdAssist discount may also be available to those who work for a qualifying employer. Visit our tuition page to learn more.
