Forensic Behavioral Science Overview
If you have a passion for making the world safer and more secure, and a desire to prevent, investigate, and mitigate conflict and violence, this program is for you. Learn about working within the criminal justice system, addressing and managing crises methodically, and scientifically. If you have an interest in mental health and human behavior and you're looking to make a difference in your community, enroll in our master's in forensic behavioral science degree today.
This program offers five (5) concentrations:
- Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies: Designed for students interested in gaining a greater understanding of conflict dynamics and in obtaining evidence-based knowledge and skills to support conflict resolution in multiple contexts.
- Criminal Behavior: Designed for students interested in understanding offenders from a motivational, psychological, and social perspective. Designed to enhance the knowledge base for students aspiring to law enforcement, correctional, investigative, or consulting careers.
- Forensic Victimology: Designed to support those who want a deeper understanding of victim-offender dynamics to aid in safety planning and civil and criminal investigations.
- Professional Protection & Security Management: Designed for those seeking to enhance their ability to lead in a variety of security and critical incident contexts.
- Trial Consulting: Designed for students interested in working alongside attorneys in criminal or civil actions and applying behavioral science to legal proceedings, or in applied research designed to enhance the pursuit of justice.
Program Highlights
Quality Concentrations
Pursue a concentration in conflict resolution and peace studies, criminal behavior, forensic victimology, professional protection & security management, or trial consulting.
Real-world Knowledge
Learn the most current, evidence-based tools and theories which are proven to be effective, and how to apply them to a variety of professions, disciplines, and environments.
Designed for Working Professionals
The forensic psychology program is offered online with two weekend residencies including simulations, case studies, and a capstone project to support the application of theory to practice.
Admissions
Learn About Admissions Requirements
Faculty
Get to Know Our Diverse Faculty
Degree Information
Faculty Spotlight: Diana Concannon
Diana M. Concannon, PsyD, is associate provost for Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships at Alliant International University, dean of CSFS, and director of the APA-accredited California Psychology Internship Consortium. To each of these positions, she brings more than 25 years of executive leadership experience to support the development and delivery of quality, practical, and accessible education in various mental health disciplines.
She is a forensic psychologist, licensed to practice in California, New York, Utah, and Washington D.C., a professional certified investigator by the American Society for Industrial Security, a rape escape instructor, and a Loyola Law School-trained mediator
She is the author of Kidnapping: An Investigator’s Guide to Profiling and Neurocriminology: Forensic and Legal Applications, Public Policy Implications, as well as numerous journal articles on extremism, threat assessment, and risk management.
Links and Downloads
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of job can I expect to get with this degree?
Graduates of the program can potentially work in the legal system as a crime analyst or in law enforcement. They may also consider pursuing roles in private security, social work and emergency medical services, fire services, corrections, mental health and allied fields, risk management, and forensic linguistics.
What scholarship and financial aid options are available?
Private and public scholarships can help you meet the cost of your education. Alliant is pleased to be able to offer a significant number of institutional scholarships for many of our students. Learn more about these scholarship opportunities here. Additional financial aid is available for those who qualify in the form of loans, grants, federal work study, and military aid. Learn more in our Financial Options Guide.
When does the master’s in forensic behavioral science degree program start?
This is an eight-week term program and is open for enrollment during those enrollment periods. You can find a copy of our eight-week term academic calendar here.
How long does it take to complete the MS in forensic behavioral science program?
This is a 36-credit program and takes a minimum of one year to complete, across seven terms.
Who teaches the classes?
CSFS faculty members include criminologists, forensic psychologists, law enforcement officers, security professionals, and legal professionals who are engaged in professional practice.
What is the modality of this program?
The program is offered online with two weekend residencies, offering flexibility without sacrificing quality.
"The National Academy of Sciences has concluded what many students—particularly those already working in the field—have confirmed: the knowledge they have gained through mentorship, and the expertise conferred by informed intuition, is greatly enhanced when anchored in science. As the National Academy concluded, “Legitimating practices in the forensic science disciplines must be based on established scientific knowledge, disciplines, and practices, which are best learned through formal education.” The goal of CSFS MS in forensic behavioral science is to support our students to ground their skills, expertise, and knowledge in evidence-based practices that allow rapid and effective decision-making and responses that address complex forensic challenges."
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Why Alliant
At Alliant, our mission is to prepare students for professional careers of service and leadership and to promote the discovery and application of knowledge to improve lives. We offer an education that is accredited, focused on practical knowledge and skills, connected with diverse faculty and alumni, and aimed at the student experience.
Why CSFS
CSFS is dedicated to graduating rigorously educated and trained professionals who impact society, public opinion, and policy by applying science in preventing, investigating, and mitigating conflict and violence. CSFS is a corporate partner of the International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association (ILEETA), and many of our advanced practice certificates are eligible for continuing education credit.
