Our Children Services concentration within our BA in Forensic Psychology program explores the intersection of psychology, law, and social services to advocate for children and families. Designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of forensic psychology principles, child development, trauma-informed care, and the juvenile justice system, you will develop the knowledge, skills, and ethical principles needed to work effectively with children and families in forensic and social service settings. With a focus on trauma-informed care, evidence-based interventions, and advocacy for juvenile rights, graduates emerge as compassionate and competent professionals making a positive difference in the lives of children and families.
What is a BA in Forensic Psychology - Children Services degree?
Reduce tuition by up to $24k
Why earn a BA in Forensic Psychology - Children Services?
Our unique program teaches you to apply knowledge about the science of psychology to better understand child offender behavior and victim reactions. You’ll excel in our hands-on environment with opportunities to directly work with justice-involved youth or victims of trauma and crime at community-based sites. Graduate as a skilled, versatile, competent professional employers are eager to hire.
Strong community partnerships
Gain experience with our community-based partners. You’ll work 8-10 hours a week at a site serving juvenile offenders or victims.
Unique degree
St. Ambrose University boasts one of only about fifteen Forensic Psychology undergraduate, in-person, programs in the country.
Experiential learning
In your junior and senior years, you’ll participate in a variety of practicum and service learning experiences.
Supportive environment
Our faculty and students create a supportive and collaborative learning environment, fostering creativity, innovation, and a sense of community.
Psychology learning community
Freshmen can join our psychology learning community which centers around the exploration of the variety of possible career paths.
Nationally recognized faculty
Our faculty have been recognized nationally for their internship model presenting the course at the National Teaching of Psychology conference.
What you’ll learn in your BA in Forensic Psychology - Children Services program
You’ll begin the program with core courses in psychology and criminal justice. Then, you’ll concentrate on coursework on child psychology and services. Over the course of the program, you’ll build the skills to communicate with vulnerable communities, gain an understanding of legal processes, and develop empathy for the impact of trauma on victims.
- Exploration of theories related to why criminal behavior develops in children and adolescents
- Understanding of abnormal child and adolescent psychology
- Analyze and apply theories of adolescent development as it relates to discipline
- Examination of juvenile crime and delinquency as an individual and social problem
- Learn and strengthen APA-style research writing skills
Explore Forensic Psychology courses
- This degree will require you to complete a total of 120 credits.
- You will complete 39 gen ed credits, 40 major credits, 12 concentration credits, 29 elective credits, and 1 capstone course.
Sample courses
| Class code | Class title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CRJU 316 | Juvenile Justice | 3 credits |
| PSYC 326 | Child and Adolescent Psychopathology | 3 credits |
| PSYC 327 | Psychology and Treatment of the Juvenile Offender | 3 credits |
| PSYC 384 | Advanced Child & Adolescent Development | 3 credits |
| PSYC 421 | Forensic Psychology Internship | 4-8 credits |
How much does a degree in BA in Forensic Psychology - Children Services cost?
The cost of your degree will depend on several factors, like scholarships, housing, meal plans, and transfer credits. New students also pay a $100 matriculation fee. You will also need to budget for books, supplies, materials, transportation, personal costs, loan fees, and other expenses. Explore the cost of attendance.
Full-time student living on campus
| Expense | By semester | By year |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time tuition (12-18 credits)* | $18,917 | $37,833 |
| Housing** | $4,140 | $8,280 |
| Food*** | $2,750 | $5,500 |
| Technology fee | $140 | $280 |
| Total direct charges (billable) | $25,947 | $51,893 |
*Based on 2025-2026 tuition and fees. Tuition and fees are subject to change each summer.
**This cost is estimated, actual housing cost will vary by student selections.
***Cost estimate based on 3 meals per day.
How much does campus housing cost?
When it comes to housing, St. Ambrose University offers diverse options to meet the needs of our students. From traditional dormitories to apartment-style living, there’s something for everyone. The cost of our housing will vary based on where you decide to live and the meal plan you choose.
St. Ambrose University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Accreditation and recognitions provide the assurance we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability.
How does SAU support Forensic Psychology students?
St. Ambrose University’s psychology faculty have decades of real-world experience in addition to their teaching. Our professors have worked in state hospitals with individuals charged with violent crimes, assisted the Scott County Sheriff's Office in developing and evaluating programs for inmates, and provided psychological treatment to victims of trauma or crime. Their diverse experiences will benefit you as they provide guidance and mentorship on your journey to achieving your desired career.
Forensic psychology program faculty
Other support resources
Student Success Center
At St. Ambrose, we want you to succeed. Access free tutoring, study groups, and supplemental instruction through our Student Success Center.
Accessibility Resource Center
Whether you need classroom accommodations, alternative exam arrangements, or disability support strategies, our Accessibility Resource Center is here to help.
Career services
Our Academic and Career Planning Center is ready to help you polish your resume and land the job or internship that will launch your career.
Are there scholarships available for BA in Forensic Psychology - Children Services?
At St. Ambrose University, we believe that education should be accessible to all. That's why we offer a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make college more affordable for our students. We are committed to providing our students with the resources they need to succeed academically and financially.
Ambrose Advantage Scholarship
Through the Ambrose Advantage scholarship program, a tuition-free St. Ambrose University education is available to any Pell Grant-eligible Ioans. Learn more about the Ambrose Advantage.
Merit-based and institutional scholarships
St. Ambrose offers excellent scholarships and grants based on your strong academic performance, your talent in fine arts or athletics, or your community involvement. Explore SAU scholarships.
Transfer credits
At SAU, you may be able to transfer previous college credit toward your bachelor’s degree, saving you significant time and money. Learn how to transfer credits.
Stress less with an Ambrose Advantage
"Cost is obviously a big thing for anybody going to college. When I found out about the Ambrose Advantage, it took the stress off me and my family. Now I can focus on my classes and getting a start on my career."
-Bailey Hird, Fairfield, Iowa
What’s on campus for Forensic Psychology students?
Engage in volunteer activities and services while cultivating your knowledge of the field of psychology by joining the Psychology Club. This student-led organization participates in the National Alliance On Mental Illness (NAMI) Walk every September. They also volunteer at Project Renewal for at-risk youth and engage in depression and alcohol screening events on campus.
“Ambrose helped open my mind in ways that I couldn’t do myself. It is difficult to shake preconceived biases, but the knowledge I learned goes hand-in-hand with empathy. I am able to help my clients work through events and traumas they endure due to Ambrose’s exposure with the real world.”
-Mack Clary ‘21, BA in Forensic Psychology
What are the general admission requirements for a BA in Forensic Psychology - Children Services?
Ready to become a Bee? Here are the admissions requirements for our Forensic Psychology program.
- You must have graduated from an accredited high school or earned a GED
- You must have a minimum cumulative, unweighted GPA of 2.5
- You must provide an official high school transcript
International student requirements
If you live outside of the U.S. there are different admissions requirements. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Official transcripts from secondary education
- A minimum 2.5 CGPA out of a 4.0 scale, or equivalent
- Proof of English language proficiency (minimum scores: TOEFL - 79, IELTS - 6.0)
- Copy of your passport and other documentation
What can I do with a Forensic Psychology degree?
Your education and degree can help you reach your professional goals. St. Ambrose University can never promise a career or particular outcome upon graduating. We encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here is a list of potential job titles, traits, and settings a graduate in our Forensic Psychology program could achieve.
Potential job titles
- Juvenile court liaison
- Youth support specialist
- Victim advocate
- Child protection worker
- Clinical mental health counselor - children
- Forensic child interviewer
Potential employment settings
- Correction facilities
- Police departments
- Outpatient care centers
- Hospitals
- School districts
- Government agencies
Traits of a Forensic Psychology graduate
- Documentation
- Written communication
- Collaboration
- Organization
- Oral communication
- Plan development
Industry facts
- Child protection worker has an annual average of $58,380 per year
- Overall employment of child protection worker is projected to grow 7% percent by 2032.
For more information on financial employment and wages, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook.
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With more than 65 undergraduate and graduate programs, there’s something for everyone at St. Ambrose University! Explore our programs to find your place at SAU.
