M.A. in Human Services-Forensic Behavioral Health

Nationally Approved Master’s to Enhance Forensic Mental Health Knowledge

In CSP Global’s Master of Arts in Human Services – Forensic Behavioral Health program, you’ll study a career-connected curriculum to gain a deeper understanding of forensic disciplines and criminal justice issues. Complete your forensic mental health degree online with flexible coursework taught by industry-experienced faculty and learn proven intervention strategies to create solutions for clients. Gain the skills needed to become a courtroom advocate through this American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Studies (AIAFS)-approved program.

Career Outlook

With your forensic behavioral health degree, you can pursue careers at the intersections of criminal justice and human services. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in community and social services are projected to grow 10 percent from 2021 to 2031, which is faster than the average for all occupations.¹

CAREER SPOTLIGHT: ARBITRATOR, MEDIATOR, OR CONCILIATOR

$98,920/year

Help facilitate negotiation and dialogue between disputing parties. You’ll work to resolve conflicts outside of the court system.²

CAREER SPOTLIGHT: DETECTIVE OR CRIMINAL INVESTIGATOR

$91,610/year

Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of the law. You’ll help prevent and solve federal, state, or local crimes.³

Other positions you could qualify for:

• Child welfare and protection worker
• Children’s therapeutic support service worker
• Correctional caseworker
• Correctional treatment specialist
• Crisis intervention specialist
• Detoxification specialist
• Domestic violence counselor
• Geriatric care manager
• Group home manager
• Juvenile justice specialist
• Probation officer
• Psychiatric rehabilitation specialist

Course Spotlight: HSV 590 Forensic Behavioral Health Law for the Human Service Professional

This course will examine the relationship between behavioral health and the legal system and discuss the various roles that human service professionals can play in the forensic behavioral health law arena. Topics include competency, expert witness testimony, courtroom testimony protocols, and the insanity defense. Case studies and scenarios will be used to enhance the student’s understanding of the law as it relates to the mentally ill. Issues involving mentally ill offenders and developmentally impaired persons who commit crimes be addressed. The stages of a criminal case and exploration of therapeutic courts (i.e., drug, DUI, and mental health) will be included.

Course Spotlight: HSV 566 Risk Assessment in Human Services

This course introduces students to different types of risk assessments (e.g., actuarial and structured professional judgment) used with adolescents and adults in the human services arena. Topics will include an in-depth exploration of risk approximation as it relates to self-harm, future violence, familial violence, sexual predation, and trauma exposure. Students will become familiar with the intended use, potential for misuse, and limitations accompanying varied risk assessment tools and methods across different settings. Students will explore the theoretical and research findings that guide the development, selection, and implementation of risk assessment procedures that are relevant to the specific referral question and case. Students will be equipped to select, rate, and utilize information gathered from risk assessment instruments in the field of human services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you interested in one of CSP Global’s programs? Get answers to the most frequently asked questions about time to completion, accreditation, tuition and fees, admissions, and more. If applicable, you can also learn more about licensure, concentrations, or specializations offered in the program. Get more information about any online program or contact an enrollment counselor at (855) 641-2525 with further questions.