There are at least three universities in Texas that offer graduate programs specifically in or with an emphasis in forensic psychology. These programs are available at the master's and doctoral levels and include extensive hands-on learning experiences that can lead to licensure. Learn about the different degree options and special learning opportunities.
Schools in Texas with Graduate Degree Programs in Forensic Psychology
University of Houston-Victoria
The University of Houston-Victoria offers a Master of Arts (MA) in Forensic Psychology program that totals 63 credits. Students can take the program part-time but are encouraged to take it full-time in order to finish the curriculum in 2 years (including summers). The program requires a comprehensive exam over core coursework and a practicum experience during the second year that allows students to get hands-on experience in treatment and assessment rotations. Graduates of the program can pursue state licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) if they have completed coursework in topics such as psychopathology, ethics, psychotherapy, assessment and forensic psychology.
Sam Houston State University
Sam Houston State University in Huntsville has a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Clinical Psychology program with an available emphasis in forensic psychology. The full-time program requires students to complete a master's thesis (if they do not hold a master's), a dissertation and comprehensive exams. Students are also required to complete a wide range of practicum experiences, including working in the on-campus Psychological Services Center (PSC), prior to their pre-doctoral internship experience that lasts a full year. Students in the forensic emphasis take additional coursework in areas like forensic assessment and mental health law and provide consultation and forensic evaluations for the courts in the local area.
University of North Texas
Denton's University of North Texas also provides a PhD in Clinical Psychology program with additional training available in forensic psychology. The program must be taken full-time and requires a minimum of 3 years of study before the required internship experience. Students must also complete a dissertation. PhD candidates in the forensic elective have additional research and coursework opportunities specific to forensics, such as courses in forensic interviewing and theory. Students in this elective also take a forensic externship for 2 semesters and at the end of the program receive a certificate stating they completed an Elective Experience in Forensic Training, which can be presented to potential internship matches.
Common Entrance Requirements
Graduate programs in forensic psychology in Texas generally require students to have at least a bachelor's degree and acceptable GRE scores. Many doctoral programs suggest that applicants also take the GRE Psychology subject test, but it is not usually required. Some programs also require applicants to have prior coursework in areas such as statistics, psychology and research.
Common application materials for these programs at both the master's and doctoral levels include official transcripts, GRE scores, letters of recommendation and a personal statement. Some programs also ask for a resume, and most programs require some kind of interview process.
Students in Texas can earn an MA in Forensic Psychology or a PhD in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis or training in forensics. Most of these programs are full-time programs and require multiple practicum experiences for hands-on learning.
