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1. Does the forensic psychology master's program prepare you for a California Board of Psychology license?
A master's in forensic psychology does not qualify you to become a licensed clinical psychologist with the California Board of Psychology.

The main reason is that the program is a two-year program, and the curriculum for an MA in Forensic Psychology differs from that of a clinical program.

The Forensic Psychology MA program is a graduate-level program that integrates psychological principles with the legal and criminal justice systems. It prepares students to work in settings such as courts, prisons, federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, as well as victim advocacy and other institutions. 

2. When do students begin their practicum, and how is placement determined?
Students have the opportunity to engage in a two-semester (nine-month) practicum experience with local community agencies, including the district attorney's office, the FBI, the Secret Service, local law enforcement, victim advocacy and many more.

Students typically apply for practicum placement at the end of their second semester. They work closely with the practicum director to identify and secure a site that aligns with their interests and career goals. 

3. What careers can I pursue with this degree?
Graduates of the forensic psychology program pursue a wide range of careers. Common roles include: 

  • Victim advocate 
  • Probation officer 
  • Correctional counselor 
  • Law enforcement consultant 
  • Jury consultant 
  • Forensic case manager (non-clinical) 
  • Criminal profiling 
  • Researcher or grant writer 
  • Professor

Some graduates also choose to pursue doctoral degrees in psychology, criminology or related fields to advance their clinical, academic or research careers. 

4. Is this program suitable for working professionals?
The program is designed with working professionals in mind. Classes are held in the evenings, typically from 4–6:45 p.m. and 7:15–10 p.m., allowing students to balance work and academic commitments.

Most students attend classes two evenings per week, providing flexibility while maintaining steady progress toward their degree. In addition to their class time, it is recommended that students allocate about 10-15 hours per week for study time. 

5. Are there opportunities for research (e.g., research lab, publications or conference presentations)?
Yes. The forensic psychology master's program at CBU offers students the opportunity to engage in faculty-led or independent research projects. Students may work on topics related to police psychology, immigration psychology, criminal behavior, serial killers, criminal profiling and more. Research can be published in textbooks, peer-reviewed journals or presented at academic conferences. 

6. Are there opportunities for global or international experiences in forensic psychology?
The forensic psychology program offers international learning experiences that allow students to broaden their understanding of how legal systems, cultural norms and forensic practices vary across the world.

These opportunities help students develop a more global perspective on the application of forensic psychology within diverse justice systems. The international experience is available to students who enroll in the Special Topics course.