Master's Degree

Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Behavioral Sciences

Blend psychology, sociology, and criminology to prepare for advanced study or a career analyzing human behavior and the law.

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Degree

Master of Arts

Credit Hours

45 minimum

Format

100% Online · Thesis or non-thesis track

The Program

Program Overview

This program takes a multidisciplinary approach to the intersection of psychology and law, drawing on theoretical perspectives from psychology, sociology, and criminology. You'll engage in rigorous coursework, research, and service activities built on the scientist-practitioner model — preparing you for doctoral study in psychology or a career in industry, government, mental health services, or human service agencies.

Career Outlook

Where This Degree Can Take You

Graduates pursue doctoral study in psychology, or roles in industry, government, mental health care, or private practice — including clinical and research positions with human service, mental health, social, and forensic agencies. Psychologists and behavioral scientists are increasingly called on for evaluation and consulting work with courts, the criminal justice system, and the prison system.

Doctoral Study

Continue to a PhD or PsyD program with a strong research foundation in psychology and law.

Courts & Corrections

Evaluation and consulting work with courts, the criminal justice system, and the prison system.

Mental Health & Human Services

Clinical and research positions with human service, mental health, social, and forensic agencies.

Industry & Government

Behavioral research, policy analysis, and program evaluation in industry and government settings.

Admissions

Admission Requirements

In addition to standard graduate admission requirements, this program requires the items below.

  • Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above (exceptions considered case-by-case)
  • Grades of B or higher in undergraduate statistics and research methods
  • Letter of application (~1,500-word essay on educational goals and career objectives)
  • Resume or CV
  • Three letters of recommendation from professors or employers
See full admissions details

Curriculum

What You'll Study

The program requires a minimum of 45 semester credit hours. Core requirements are typically completed in sequence.

Taken in Sequence

Core Requirements

  • PSY 551 — Psychology and Law
  • PSY 552 — Law and Social Science
  • PSY 503 — Intermediate Statistics I
  • PSY 504 — Intermediate Statistics II
  • PSY 505 — Intermediate Research Methods I
  • PSY 506 — Intermediate Research Methods II
  • PSY 671 — Diversity and Law

Thesis vs. Non-Thesis

Most students complete the program on the thesis track, which also includes a comprehensive exam (PSY 690) and thesis coursework (PSY 699). A professional paper (non-thesis) option is also available.

How to Apply

When applying, select Psychology (Master of Arts) as your program. This leads to the Interdisciplinary Behavioral Sciences track described here.

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Your Next Step

Ready to Get Started?

When applying, select Psychology (Master of Arts) as your program. This leads to the Interdisciplinary Behavioral Sciences track described on this page.

Apply Now Request Info