Our Adult Services concentration within our BA in Forensic Psychology program explores the intersection of psychology, law, and criminal justice to support adults in forensic settings. It provides a comprehensive understanding of forensic psychology principles, criminal behavior, mental health assessment, and interventions. You’ll develop the knowledge, skills, and ethical principles to make a positive impact on the lives of offenders and victims. With a focus on evidence-based interventions, forensic assessment techniques, and advocacy, graduates promote rehabilitation and fairness in the criminal justice system.
What is a BA in Forensic Psychology - Adult Services degree?
Reduce tuition by up to $24k
Why earn a BA in Forensic Psychology - Adult Services?
Our unique program teaches you to apply knowledge about the science of psychology to better understand adult offender behavior and victim reactions. You’ll thrive in our hands-on environment with opportunities to directly work with justice-involved adults or victims of trauma and crime at community-based sites. Our program fosters skilled, versatile, competent graduates employers want to hire.
Strong community partnerships
Gain experience with our community-based partners. You’ll work 8-10 hours a week at a site serving adult offenders or victims.
Unique degree
St. Ambrose University boasts one of only about fifteen Forensic Psychology undergraduate, in-person, programs in the country.
Experiential learning
In your junior and senior years, you’ll participate in a variety of practicum and service learning experiences.
Supportive environment
Our faculty and students create a supportive and collaborative learning environment, fostering creativity, innovation, and a sense of community.
Psychology learning community
Freshmen can join our psychology learning community which centers around the exploration of the variety of possible career paths.
Nationally recognized faculty
Our faculty have been recognized nationally for their internship model presenting the course at the National Teaching of Psychology conference.
What you’ll learn in your BA in Forensic Psychology - Adult Services program
You’ll begin the program with core courses in psychology and criminal justice. Then, you’ll concentrate on coursework on adult psychology and services. Over the course of the program, you’ll build the skills to communicate with vulnerable communities, gain an understanding of legal processes, and develop empathy for the impact of trauma on victims.
- Exploration of contemporary issues related to the correctional system
- Analyze theories pertaining to the treatment and classification of offenders
- Examination of probation and parole strategies
- Understanding of use of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)
- Mastery of APA-style research writing
Explore Forensic Psychology courses
- This degree will require you to complete a total of 120 credits.
- You will complete 39 gen ed credits, 40 major credits, 12 concentration credits, 29 elective credits, and 1 capstone course.
Sample courses
| Class code | Class title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSYC 328 | Psychology and Treatment of Trauma and the Victim | 3 credits |
| PSYC 325 | Psychology of Criminal Behavior | 3 credits |
| CRJU 313 | Offender Treatment and Theories | 3 credits |
| CRJU 314 | Probation, Parole, and Community Corrections | 3 credits |
| PSYC 324 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 credits |
| PSYC 421 | Forensic Psychology Internship | 4-8 credits |
How much does a BA in Forensic Psychology - Adult Services cost?
The cost of your degree will depend on several factors, like scholarships, housing, meal plans, and transfer credits. New students also pay a $100 matriculation fee. You will also need to budget for books, supplies, materials, transportation, personal costs, loan fees, and other expenses. Explore total cost of attendance.
Full-time student living on campus
| Expense | By Semester | By Year |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time tuition (12-18 credits)* | $18,189 | $36,378 |
| Housing** | $4,019 | $8,038 |
| Food*** | $2,670 | $5,340 |
| Technology fee | $140 | $280 |
| Total direct charges (billable) | $25,018 | $50,036 |
*Based on 2024-2025 tuition and fees. Tuition and fees are subject to change each summer.
**This cost is estimated, actual housing cost will vary by student selections.
***Cost estimate based on 3 meals per day.
How much does housing cost?
When it comes to housing, St. Ambrose University offers diverse options to meet the needs of our students. From traditional dormitories to apartment-style living, there's something for everyone. The cost of your housing will vary based on where you decide to live and the meal plan you choose.
Explore housing options
St. Ambrose University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Accreditation and recognitions provide the assurance we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability.
How does SAU support Forensic Psychology students?
St. Ambrose University’s psychology faculty have decades of real-world experience in addition to their teaching. Our professors have worked in state hospitals with individuals charged with violent crimes, assisted the Scott County Sheriff's Office in developing and evaluating programs for inmates, and provided psychological treatment to offenders and victims of trauma or crime. Their diverse experiences will benefit you as they provide guidance and mentorship on your journey to achieving your desired career.
Forensic psychology program faculty
Other support resources
Student Success Center
At St. Ambrose, we want you to succeed. Access free tutoring, study groups, and supplemental instruction through our Student Success Center.
Accessibility Resource Center
Whether you need classroom accommodations, alternative exam arrangements, or disability support strategies, our Accessibility Resource Center is here to help.
Career services
Our Academic and Career Planning Center is ready to help you polish your resume and land the job or internship that will launch your career.
Are there scholarships available for BA in Forensic Psychology - Adult Services?
At St. Ambrose University, we believe that education should be accessible to all. That's why we offer a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make college more affordable for our students. We are committed to providing our students with the resources they need to succeed academically and financially.
Ambrose Advantage scholarship
Through the Ambrose Advantage scholarship program, a tuition-free St. Ambrose University education is available to any Pell Grant-eligible Ioans. Learn more about Ambrose Advantage.
Merit-based and institutional scholarships
St. Ambrose offers excellent scholarships and grants based on your strong academic performance, your talent in fine arts or athletics, or your community involvement. Explore SAU scholarships.
Transfer credits
At SAU, you may be able to transfer previous college credit toward your bachelor’s degree, saving you significant time and money. Learn how to transfer credits.
Gain an education with an advantage
"I always wanted to go to college but finances were an issue. With the Ambrose Advantage, I don't have to worry. My tuition is paid and I'm getting a good education."
-Alexis Stovall, Davenport, Iowa
What’s on campus for Forensic Psychology students?
Engage in volunteer activities and services while cultivating your knowledge of the field of psychology by joining the Psychology Club. This student-led organization participates in the National Alliance On Mental Illness (NAMI) Walk every September. They also volunteer at Project Renewal for at-risk youth and engage in depression and alcohol screening events on campus.
“Ambrose helped open my mind in ways that I couldn’t do myself. It is difficult to shake preconceived biases, but the knowledge I learned goes hand-in-hand with empathy. I am able to help my clients work through events and traumas they endure due to Ambrose’s exposure with the real world.”
-Mack Clary ‘21, BA in Forensic Psychology
What are the general admission requirements for a BA in Forensic Psychology - Adult Services?
Ready to become a Bee? Here are the admissions requirements for our Forensic Psychology program.
- You must have graduated from an accredited high school or earned a GED
- You must have a minimum cumulative, unweighted GPA of 2.5
- You must provide an official high school transcript
International student requirements
If you live outside of the U.S. there are different admissions requirements. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Official transcripts from secondary education
- A minimum 2.5 CGPA out of a 4.0 scale, or equivalent
- Proof of English language proficiency (minimum scores: TOEFL - 79, IELTS - 6.0)
- Copy of your passport and other documentation
What can I do with a Forensic Psychology degree?
Your education and degree can help you reach your professional goals. St. Ambrose University can never promise a career or particular outcome upon graduating. We encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here is a list of potential job titles, traits, and settings a graduate in our Forensic Psychology program could achieve.
Potential job titles
- Clinical mental health counselor
- Probation officer
- FBI special agent
- Victim advocate
- Researcher in forensic psychology
- Crisis intervention specialist
Potential employment settings
- Correction facilities
- Federal law enforcement
- Police departments
- Mental health facilities
- Hospitals
- Outpatient care centers
- Government agencies
Traits of a Forensic Psychology graduate
- Documentation
- Written communication
- Collaboration
- Organization
- Oral communication
- Plan development
Industry facts
- Employment in the probation officers and correctional treatment specialists position has an annual average of $59,860. There is a lot of opportunity in management positions in the adult forensic science field.
- About 51% of probation officers and correctional treatment specialists work for the state government and receive good benefits with competitive government pay raises and promotions.
For more information on financial employment and wages, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook.
News and events at SAU
>
Hive Hangout: Student Life
Connect with current students and get your questions answered during this live, virtual event.
Read more
Affordable Ambrose: Natalie's grad story
They say ‘home is where the heart is’, and for SAU graduate Natalie Cremer this couldn’t be more true.
Read more
Autum Yarger: Dual Master Degrees, More Empowerment
Discover how Autum Yarger leveraged dual master's degrees in Social Work and Public Health from SAU to empower families in healthcare settings.
Read more
Become who you are meant to be
With more than 65 undergraduate and graduate programs, there’s something for everyone at St. Ambrose University! Explore our programs to find your place at SAU.
