The Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology (MAFP) degree incorporates master’s level clinical psychology training with coursework and practicum experiences that focus on psychology and law. The program ties the application of psychological theory, knowledge, skills and competencies to the civil and criminal justice systems. It's designed to develop mental health professionals who effectively work in a variety of clinical settings within the criminal and civil legal system.
Program Highlights
Emphasis on Diversity
Our belief in the essential nature of diversity means students prepare to work for the common good in collaboration with a range of individuals and communities.
Denver FIRST
Graduate students have the opportunity to work with the Denver Forensic Institute for Research, Service and Training (Denver FIRST), which serves as a regional hub for all things forensic.
Serving the Community
The program and GSPP as a whole are committed to serving as an active presence in the community through direct service to underserved populations and continued collaboration with community agencies.
Featured Courses
CPSY 4340
Psychopathology, Evaluation, & Treatment of the Adult Offender
About this Course
Psychological theories related to etiology, development and prediction of violent crime; types of intervention possible within in the criminal justice setting, Topic areas may include special offender populations (e.g. sexual offender, offenders with developmental disabilities or those classified as mentally retarded).
CPSY 4105
Psychology, Public Policy, and Advocacy
About this Course
This course is designed to provide students in clinical training with an overview of the political advocacy process in the United States, its potential impact on the practice of mental health, and opportunities for involvement in public policy discourse.
CPSY 4410
Criminal Evaluations
About this Course
Incidence and prevalence of criminal violence; risk assessment within the context of prediction, supervision and intervention in both a correctional and mental health setting. Special topics will include assessment of various legal competencies, the insanity of defense and assessment of dangerousness.
Bachelors degree: All graduate applicants must hold an earned baccalaureate from a regionally accredited college or university or the recognized equivalent from an international institution.
Grade point average: The minimum undergraduate GPA for admission consideration for graduate study at the University of Denver is a cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale or a 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits (approximately two years of work) for the baccalaureate degree. An earned master’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution supersedes the minimum standards for the baccalaureate. For applicants with graduate coursework but who have not earned a master’s degree or higher, the GPA from the graduate work may be used to meet the requirement. The minimum GPA is a cumulative 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for all graduate coursework undertaken.
Program GPA requirement: The minimum undergraduate GPA for admission consideration for this program is a cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
Applicants without a psychology background (major or minor), must meet the department's psychology prerequisite prior to matriculation. The psychology prerequisite can be met either through psychology coursework or by obtaining a score of at least 660 or higher on the psychology subject GRE exam. Applicants should state how they plan to meet the psychology prerequisite in their application. For the psychology coursework prerequisite, applicants must complete four (4) psychology courses earning a 'B' or better in these classes from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants offered admission should be aware that all psychology classes must be completed before registration in September.
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required. Scores must be received directly from the appropriate testing agency by the deadline. The institution code for the University of Denver is 4842.
