UND will offer nation's only online M.A. in forensic psychology The University has received approval from the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education to offer an online Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology degree program. The degree program is the only M.A. in Forensic Psychology to be offered online by a nationally recognized, fully accredited university. The SBHE approved the new distance program during the June 15 board meeting. Beginning in Fall 2006, UND will offer the online program to help feed the rapidly growing specialty area of psychology. Forensic psychology broadly refers to the application of psychological theory, knowledge, skills and competencies to the civil and criminal justice systems. The Department of Psychology in the UND College of Arts and Sciences worked with the UND Division of Continuing Education to design and deliver the graduate program targeted for working professionals. Graduates of the program will be trained to apply psychology to issues relating to law and to legal systems. "Thanks in part to the popularity of shows like CSI, Profiler and Criminal Minds, our society's interest in forensic psychology is on the rise. Unfortunately, so is the need. Students will learn how to provide the psychological expertise and knowledge greatly needed by the legal community and agencies having a strong forensic focus," said Douglas Peters, professor of psychology and online program director. "I anticipate students in the program will be in-service professionals, such as law enforcement personnel, who want to further their career as well as those with a behavioral or social science background, such as counselors or social workers, who are interested in applying psychology to their work involving forensic issues," said Peters. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited university with a minimum GPA of 3.20. New applications are accepted every fall. The application deadline for the Fall 2006 semester is Aug. 1. If students prefer to start the program in Fall 2007 or later, the application should be made prior to Jan. 15 of that calendar year. Space is limited. For more information, contact Continuing Education toll-free at 877-450-1842 or visit www.conted.und.edu/ddp/mafp . -- Jennifer Swangler, Marketing Coordinator, Division of Continuing Education.