Neumann University offers a Master of Science in Forensic Psychology — a rigorous, dynamic graduate program for future forensic psychology professionals. 

We speak with one forensic psychology expert, a professor at Neumann University, who pioneered the Analyst's Notebook in the forensic psychology program. Learn more about the Analyst's Notebook, including what it is and why it’s important, from one of our notable faculty members, Jamie Maginnis!

What is Forensic Psychology?

A relatively new subfield of psychology, forensic psychology is a dynamic, competitive, and mission-driven field related to psychology and the law. As a discipline, forensic psychology explores the connection between human behavior and the justice system — serving as the application of psychology to issues relating to the legal system. 

“Forensic psychology is a specialty in professional psychology characterized by activities primarily intended to provide professional psychological expertise within the judicial and legal systems.”

—The American Psychological Association 

This is why forensic psychology is so important: forensic psychologists are interested in understanding why certain behaviors occur and using psychological analysis to minimize negative behaviors in the future. By using tools, ideas, and clinical research from psychology and applying them to complex legal situations, forensic psychologists have the critical ability to promote the psychological well-being of individuals, communities, and organizations within a legal framework.

Let's talk to one professional who answers the question, "What is a forensic psychologist?"

What first interested you in the field of forensic psychology?

I have a master’s degree in law enforcement intelligence and crime analysis.

I have always had an interest in why people commit crimes — what motivated them and their rationale to do so. As an investigator/intelligence analyst, I have been very inquisitive my entire life. I use my investigative skills to dive into people's lives and investigate their activities.

What is your current position? Tell us about your responsibilities.  

I am a Senior Investigator for a law firm outside of Philadelphia, investigating Corporate Securities Fraud, Consumer Fraud, Whistleblower and Qui Tam actions, among other things. 

Previously, I was an Intelligence Analyst with the Delaware State Police/Department of Homeland Security. I absolutely loved working alongside state, local, and federal law enforcement.  Even in my current position at the law firm, I continue to work with retired FBI agents.

Tell us about the Analyst’s Notebook. What is it, why is it important, and what kind of competitive edge does it provide to forensic psychologist students? 

The Intelligence Track will bring forensic psychology students to IBM Analyst Notebook (AN). The Analyst’s Notebook is a software product from IBM for data analysis and investigation. It reveals relationships between data entities and discovers patterns to provide insight to decision-makers.  

Tell us what kind of projects and/or tools students master by utilizing the Analyst’s Notebook? 

The Analyst’s Notebook brings to the program the opportunity for students to understand link analysis in a way that shows crime and behavior patterns for criminal enterprises and individuals.

Each and every FBI behavior analysis center has an analyst, and those analysts use AN to track and monitor criminal patterns and activity. My course trains students to understand and use this program. 

By graduating with the MS in Forensic Psychology with the Intelligence Track, what career opportunities are available to students?

Students will have the opportunity to put AN on their resume! The software costs agencies and corporations thousands of dollars to own and more so to train their employees. Our students will be ahead of other individuals who haven’t learned to use a link analysis tool.

Having a master’s degree in forensic psychology and AN allows students to apply to federal and state jobs and become an intelligence analyst, if they desire that direction. 

What is one piece of advice you would give to a prospective student of NU’s master's degree in forensic psychology?  

This program is an amazing opportunity to learn so much. Utilize your professors' knowledge and experience as much as possible!

LEARN MORE ABOUT NEUMANN'S MASTER'S DEGREE IN FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY — Get in Touch with us today!

At Neumann University, we are proud to offer a Master of Science in Forensic Psychology — a complex and competitive graduate program for future leaders in the field of forensic psychology.

Your questions are important to us, so in the meantime, we encourage you to connect with us — we can’t wait to help you land your dream career in forensic psychology!

Thinking about getting a master's in forensic psychology?

Learn more about careers in forensic psychology with NU's Forensic Psychology Guide!