Marymount University’s Forensic & Legal Psychology master’s degree program has been ranked second in the nation by the website learn.org, which praised the school for its internships and access to professional opportunities in the nation’s capital.
“In this program you’ll be introduced to such organizations as the FBI, the U.S. Department of Justice and the state juvenile justice department through observations, research activities and in-class lectures,” the website wrote.
Marymount’s program, one of about 20 in the U.S., balances traditional psychological knowledge and skills with a specialized understanding of the legal system, said Dr. Mary Lindahl, professor and chair of the Department of Forensic & Legal Psychology.
Graduates can work in intelligence analysis, counterterrorism, victim advocacy, law enforcement, public policy and other fields.
The website noted that Marymount’s required internships provide practical, hands-on experience.
“We have access to so many internships, and if you get the internship, you have a good chance of eventually getting a job with that organization,” Lindahl said.
Marymount’s forensic psychology program was the first of its kind in the Washington, D.C., area. Since its inception, a new concentration in intelligence studies has been added. Students can also earn a second degree in clinical mental health counseling.
“You’ll be able to pursue research opportunities while you earn your degree and can participate in the school’s chapter of Psi Chi, which is the national honor society in psychology, or the psychology club,” the website added.
Lindahl said the field has grown rapidly. Marymount’s program began in the fall of 1999 with seven students. Since then, 896 master degrees have been conferred. Around 85 students now are accepted each year. In 2014, about half were from Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia and the other half were from across the country.
