Detailed Information
Program of Study
Roger Williams University (RWU) is one of a select number of academic institutions offering degrees specifically focused on the field of forensic psychology. The Master of Arts in forensic psychology program at RWU prepares students in either a thesis or nonthesis track. Graduates are trained to conduct assessments and provide treatment services in a variety of forensic settings or pursue advanced training at the doctoral level. Students learn how to conduct psychological tests, explore various treatment methods, strengthen their research methodology skills, and become knowledgeable in psychopathology and clinical diagnosis.
In their second year of study, students are placed in a variety of internships and practicum sites. Students complete practical experiences in areas including group psychotherapy, sex offender treatment, individual psychotherapy, psychological testing, and specialized assessment techniques. Research-based internships are also possible for those students who are interested in preparing for further study at the doctoral level. The University strives to educate all students to become productive citizens of the social and professional communities in which they will live and build their careers, and faculty members are committed to fostering a strong sense of intellectual curiosity in all students, regardless of the intended career path.
Research Facilities
A robust research library is integral to graduate study. The Learning Commons at the Roger Williams University Library offers a wide array of instructional resources for the students. It is an improved model for research–a one-stop shop for instructional technology, traditional, and database research–that provides students access to myriad research resources. The University’s state-of-the-art computer laboratories allow student access to the latest word and statistical processing software packages available, including full Internet access. A new library café is available for study breaks.
The University’s expansive library houses approximately 2,000 volumes and hundreds of films and other nonprint materials related to the U.S. justice system. Master’s degree candidates also have access to the LexisNexis network and Westlaw as well as the RWU Law Library. In addition, the University is a member of the Helin Consortium, which gives students access to more than a million volumes of printed material. Quiet study space and group research areas are also available.
Financial Aid
Financing a graduate education can be challenging, especially in these trying economic times. Roger Williams University recognizes that some students may need financial assistance to meet the cost of higher education. Students with financial need may be able to receive funds from federal loan programs: those with fully accepted status who maintain a minimum of 6 credits per semester are eligible to receive loans that cover the cost of graduate education. In order to be considered for the federal loan program, students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is available from the Office of Financial Aid or at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov.
Cost of Study
The 2008–09 graduate tuition was $639 per credit. Each 3-credit course cost $1917. Some additional fees may apply. Tuition information for the 2009–10 academic year is available at http://financialaid.rwu.edu.
Living and Housing Costs
University housing is available for graduate students. However, it is not guaranteed, and the majority of graduate students seek a variety of off-campus housing options. In 2008–09, the average cost for on-campus graduate housing was $7313 per academic year. For more information about off-campus housing, visit http://housing.rwu.edu and click the “off-campus” living tab.
Student Group
The Forensic Psychology Master’s program is designed for students with an undergraduate degree in psychology, criminal justice, or another related field who are interested in contributing to the treatment of forensic populations.
Student Outcomes
Graduates of the program will be trained to serve forensic populations, including juveniles and sex offenders, in prisons or specialized treatment settings, through group and individualized psychotherapy, psychological testing, specialized testing with specific populations, specialized treatment or psycho-educational groups, work with families of juveniles, and work with psychiatrists and other clinical staff members in treatment and discharge planning. Program graduates may go on to act as trial consultants, work for family courts, research violent crimes for the FBI, become psychologists for the police department and federal government, and conduct psychological testing within populations.
Location
Roger Williams University is located in Bristol, Rhode Island, a seaside town that is home to antique stores, gourmet restaurants, ice cream shops and spas. The campus is less than 30 minutes by bus from Providence, Rhode Island’s capital and largest city, which is packed with museums, coffee shops, the Providence Place Mall, live music, and much more. Providence is also a regional transportation hub, with an international airport and both bus and train stations. Also less than 30 minutes away from campus is Newport, home of famous beaches, shopping, festivals, and open markets.
The University
Roger Williams University is a 52-year-old independent, coeducational liberal arts university that has quickly established itself as a leader in higher education. A dynamic educational environment in which students live and learn to be global citizens, the University is committed to its mantra of “Learning to bridge the world.”
With thirty-nine academic programs and a robust array of cocurricular activities available on its waterfront campus in historic Bristol, Rhode Island, RWU looks to a set of core values in fulfilling its mission to prepare students for life as twenty-first century citizen-scholars. Over the past decade the institution has achieved unprecedented academic and financial successes. In 2008, U.S. News & World Report. named Roger Williams the eighth-ranked baccalaureate college in the north.
Applying
A completed application includes a bachelor’s degree in psychology, criminal justice, or a related field, with a 3.0 GPA and course work in statistics and research methods; a two-page personal statement describing the student’s interest in forensic psychology and career goals and how the student can positively contribute to the graduate program; official college transcripts; minimum GRE scores of 1000; three letters of recommendation; and a $50 application fee. Applications are accepted for fall admission only; the application deadline date is March 15.
The Faculty
- Garrett L Berman, Associate Professor of Psychology; Ph.D., Florida International.
- Bonita Cade, Assistant Professor of Psychology; Ph.D., Iowa State; J.D., Washington (St. Louis).
- Frank DiCataldo, Assistant Professor of Psychology; Ph.D., St. Louis.
- Kim Knight, Professor of Psychology; Ph.D., Boston University.
- Judith Platania, Assistant Professor of Psychology; Ph.D., Florida International.
- Becky L. Spritz, Assistant Professor of Psychology; Ph.D., Penn State.
- Charles Trimbach, Professor of Psychology; Ph.D., Princeton.
- Laura L. Turner, Assistant Professor of Psychology. Ph.D., Penn State.
- Donald Whitworth, Professor of Psychology; Ph.D., Rhode Island.
- Matt Zaitchik, Associate Professor of Psychology; Ph.D., Connecticut.
Correspondence and Information
Roger Williams University
Jason Pina
Dean of Continuing Studies and Graduate Admission
One Old Ferry Road
Bristol, Rhode Island 02809
Email:
gradadmit@rwu.edu
