Reviewed November 2023 by Sean Jackson, B.A., Psychology; M.S. Counseling. First published April 2016; updated 8 times since then. Reading time: 12 minutes. Reading level: 11th and up. Questions about forensic psych masters programs? Email Toni at editor@online-psychology-degrees.org.
Forensic psychology is the application of psychological theories and principles in legal situations. It’s not just criminal profiling, though, as popularized on TV. As you’ll discover in this guide and, eventually, in your master’s program, forensic psychology involves much more than trying to identify potential criminal subjects. The masters degrees in forensic psychology below offer a broad-based curriculum in this field that prepares you for future studies and the world of work.
Methodology for Ranking the Top Online Forensic Psychology Master’s Programs
The methodology used to create this ranking includes an initial three-step process:
- Search for forensic psychology masters programs using the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) database.
- Narrow the list to online programs in forensic psychology.
- Narrow the list further to programs at regionally accredited universities.
Once a working list of forensic psychology graduate programs was developed, programs were evaluated using the following criteria:
- Estimated Annual In-State Graduate Tuition:
- Less than $10,000/year: 5 points
- $10,001/year to $15,000/year: 4 points
- $15,001/year to $20,000/year: 3 points
- $20,001/year to $25,000/year: 2 points
- Greater than $25,000: 1 point
- Number of Experiential Learning Opportunities (e.g., internships or practicums) or Specializations:
- 3 or more options: 3 points
- 2 or more options: 2 points
- 1 option: 1 point
- Level of Course Flexibility (e.g., course types, formats):
- High flexibility: 3 points
- Average flexibility: 2 points
- Adequate flexibility: 1 point
- Level of Online Support (e.g., online tutoring, online access to libraries, tech support, etc.):
- High support: 3 points
- Average support: 2 points
- Adequate support: 1 point
Why We Use These Ranking Factors for the Best Online Forensic Psychology Graduate Programs
A quality online program can deliver a good education without breaking the bank. As such, we’ve prioritized programs that strike a balance between affordability and high-level programming. Narrowing the field of programs to those offered by regionally-accredited schools ensures a quality academic experience, while assigning a higher point value to the most affordable schools ensures you get the most bang for your buck.
Experiential learning is crucial for understanding how to apply what you’ve learned in real-world situations. Likewise, the ability to specialize your studies in a niche area of forensic psychology can prepare you better for your career after graduation. Programs that get you out in the field or help you develop specialized skills can make the transition from graduate school to the workforce much easier.
The purpose of getting an online master’s degree is to benefit from a high degree of flexibility while having robust online support to help you in your studies. Including these factors in our ranking makes it more likely that you will have what you need to be successful in your online program.
Ranking Graduate Programs in Forensic Psychology
1. University of North Dakota – Grand Forks, North Dakota
Online Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology
- Unique Feature: You can specialize your degree with selected elective studies. Opportunities to assist faculty in research are also available.
- Required Credits: 30
- Regional Accreditor: Higher Learning Commission
- Estimated Annual In-State Graduate Tuition: $8,829.75
- Number of Experiential Learning Opportunities or Specializations: 2
- Level of Course Flexibility: High
- Level of Online Support: High
- Points: 13
The University of North Dakota in Grand Forks is the state’s oldest institution of higher learning. It offers a part-time, online, affordable master’s in forensic psychology that takes two years to complete. During your time in the program, you will gain an in-depth understanding of the legal system, develop effective communication skills needed in forensic settings, and take a deep dive into advanced psychological theories and concepts.
The program is tailored to meet the needs of working students, too. There are no on-campus residency requirements. You also have access to online support systems like tutoring, tech support, and academic advisement services. You get complete access to the Chester Fritz Library, the UND Writing Center, and career support services, too.
Your courses are taught by the same faculty who teach on-campus classes at UND. Some of the courses you might take include the following:
- Psychology and Law
- Cognitive Psychology
- Behavior Pathology
- Advanced Social Psychology
- Diversity Psychology
You’ll learn about these topics via a number of different methods. Some courses use online simulations, while others primarily use streaming video content. Other learning opportunities are available, such as posted lectures, lesson modules, and virtual library activities, to name a few.
2. National University – San Diego, California
Master of Science in Forensic Psychology
- Unique Feature: You will receive one-on-one mentorship from a doctoral-level faculty member throughout the program.
- Required Credits: 30
- Regional Accreditor: WASC Senior College and University Commission
- Estimated Annual In-State Graduate Tuition: $11,934
- Number of Experiential Learning Opportunities or Specializations: 3
- Level of Course Flexibility: High
- Level of Online Support: High
- Points: 13
This online degree program was developed with flexibility in mind. There is a new start date every Monday, so you can start your first class when it’s convenient for you. Likewise, the course sequence is arranged such that you complete core coursework first; then, you can choose electives or a specialization to advance your studies further.
Two specializations are available: General Forensic Psychology or Threat Assessment and Management. The General Forensic Psychology option is ideal if you wish to work directly with clients in child welfare, community-based mental health, or correctional settings. The Threat Assessment and Management specialization is especially useful for a career in law enforcement. However, this specialization is preparatory for many other careers, including those in education and training, the court system, and private employment.
Coursework explores various aspects of this field, including:
- Policy and Justice in Forensic Psychology
- Theories of Criminal Behavior
- Principles of Forensic Psychology
- Fundamentals of Risk and Threat Assessment
Likewise, you’ll take a research design course to familiarize yourself with psychological research, statistics, and ethics. A summative capstone project is also available, enabling you to synthesize what you’ve learned and apply it to a real-world problem.
3. Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences – Tulsa, Oklahoma
Online Master of Science in Forensic Sciences – Forensic Psychology
- Unique Feature: This non-thesis program is designed specifically for forensic investigators who wish to gain advanced insights into criminal behavior.
- Required Credits: 32
- Regional Accreditor: Higher Learning Commission
- Estimated Annual In-State Graduate Tuition: $3,740.80
- Number of Experiential Learning Opportunities or Specializations: 2
- Level of Course Flexibility: High
- Level of Online Support: Average
- Points: 12
This specialized forensic psychology program not only gives you the flexibility of learning online, but it also allows you to study full-time or part-time. In fact, you have up to seven years to complete this degree.
As a program designed specifically for forensic investigators, you’ll find a wide range of coursework that helps you understand criminal behavior and explore psychology’s applications in forensic environments. For example, you can take courses in subjects like Forensic Psychology, Criminal Behavioral Analysis, and Forensic Victimology. There are no thesis or internship requirements. As such, this is a non-licensure track.
You do, however, have to complete a creative capstone project. Typically, these projects involve a high level of research on a forensic psychology-related topic. In some cases, you might seek to add to the current body of research with original investigations into a forensic psychology topic of your choice. In other cases, you might be presented with a problem or issue related to forensic psychology that requires you to use the knowledge and skills you’ve gained in the program to identify and elucidate a solution.
With in-state tuition of less than $7,500 for the entire program, this is by far the most budget-friendly option in this ranking.
4. Southern New Hampshire University – Manchester, New Hampshire
Online Master of Science in Forensic Psychology
- Unique Feature: This program focuses on research in forensic psychology with multiple courses in research methods, psychological measurements, and psychological assessments.
- Required Credits: 36
- Regional Accreditor: New England Commission of Higher Education
- Estimated Annual In-State Graduate Tuition: $9,555
- Number of Experiential Learning Opportunities or Specializations: 2
- Level of Course Flexibility: High
- Level of Online Support: Average
- Points: 12
This online program has no set class times an offers you 24/7 access to all course materials. This gives you the ultimate flexibility for completing your degree at your own pace. With the ability to transfer up to 12 credits – one-third the amount required to graduate – you can save additional time and money.
Your coursework will be in various forensic psychology topics taught by experts in the field. Not only are your professors academic experts, but they also have real-world experience practicing forensic psychology. You’ll learn from their expertise in courses like:
- Intersection of Law and Psychology
- Assessment for Forensic Psychology
- Psychology in the Courtroom
- Forensic Psychology
As a result of your studies, you may qualify for a job in any number of fields, including law enforcement, victim advocacy, or juvenile justice. Graduates of this program have also gone on to careers with local, state, and federal agencies, court systems, and probation settings.
5. Liberty University – Lynchburg, Virginia
Master of Science in Criminal Justice-Forensic Psychology
- Unique Feature: You can transfer up to 50 percent of the total credits needed to graduate.
- Required Credits: 36
- Regional Accreditor: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Estimated Annual In-State Graduate Tuition: $10,170
- Number of Experiential Learning Opportunities or Specializations: 1
- Level of Course Flexibility: High
- Level of Online Support: High
- Points: 11
The MS in Criminal Justice-Forensic Psychology from Liberty University has no set log-in times for coursework. What’s more, there are no on-campus intensives or internships required. And with flexible course offerings, you can complete your studies in as little as 1.5 years. With a generous transfer policy (up to 50 percent of the total credits needed), you might be able to complete this program and graduate in less than a year.
As a combined criminal justice and forensic psychology program, you’ll take classes in both disciplines. Some of the topics you might explore include the following:
- What it’s like working in the criminal justice system
- The admissibility of psychologists to provide expert testimony in court
- Child custody and dependency issues
- The assessment of various mental states to meet legal requirements for competency
- Crisis theory and strategies required for criminal justice first responders
Beyond core coursework, you can customize your learning experience by taking electives in areas that interest you. Alternatively, you can opt to complete a thesis, which gives you high-level research experience that prepares you for continuing your education in a doctoral program.
6. Arizona State University – Tempe, Arizona
Online Master of Science in Forensic Psychology
- Unique Feature: Arizona State University offers more than 200 tools and resources for online learners.
- Required Credits: 33
- Regional Accreditor: Higher Learning Commission
- Estimated Annual In-State Graduate Tuition: $12,373
- Number of Experiential Learning Opportunities or Specializations: 1
- Level of Course Flexibility: High
- Level of Online Support: High
- Points: 11
Arizona State University’s graduate forensic psychology programs rank highly for many different reasons. First, courses are taught by the same award-winning faculty who teach on campus. Second, courses are about seven-and-a-half weeks long, giving you greater flexibility regarding course scheduling. This format also allows you to focus on one course at a time rather than juggling multiple courses. Third, there are no residency requirements – all coursework is completed online.
This 33-credit program explores many facets of forensic psychology, too. You’ll take courses in areas like the following:
- Advanced Correctional Psychology
- Seminar in Courts and Sentencing
- Fundamentals of Forensic Psychology Research
- Advanced Legal Psychology
- Advanced Psychology of Criminal Investigation
In addition to your coursework, you’ll complete a capstone project that enhances your research skills and your ability to make policy recommendations.
7. Nova Southeastern University – Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Online Master of Science in Forensic Psychology
- Unique Feature: This program offers a unique concentration in Forensic Psychology for Mental Health Workers, First Responders, and Disaster Teams.
- Required Credits: 36
- Regional Accreditor: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Estimated Annual In-State Graduate Tuition: $16,110
- Number of Experiential Learning Opportunities or Specializations: 4
- Level of Course Flexibility: High
- Level of Online Support: Average
- Points: 11
This online master’s degree in forensic science is experientially based and relies on the expertise of faculty who specialize in psychology, law, and public policy. You’ll complete 12 courses that cover a broad spectrum of forensic psychology topics. These courses prepare you for future studies in a doctoral program or for a career in forensic psychology. Foundational courses include an exploration of the following:
- Forensic Psychological Science
- Psychopathology, Personality Disorders, and Behavioral Interventions
- Best Practices and Policies for the Mentally Ill in the Criminal Justice System
- Methods and Tools of Psychological and Violence Risk Assessment
- Communication Skills, Tools, and Expert Witness Testimony
Once you complete these and other core courses, you will specialize your studies by choosing one of two tracks. Option one is Forensic Psychology in the Legal System, which includes classes like Psychological Issues in Dependency and Family Law Cases. Completing this track will prepare you for a career in law enforcement or legal settings.
The second option is the Forensic Psychology for Mental Health Workers, First Responders, and Disaster Teams track. As the name indicates, this program of study focuses on building skills among first responders to provide critical mental health care in crisis situations. If you choose this specialization, you’ll take classes like:
- Suicide Prevention and Crisis Intervention Skills
- Trauma-Informed Assessment and Intervention
- Intervening in School and Workplace Violence
- Substance Abuse, Mental Illness, and Trauma
- Police Psychology
No matter which track you choose, you have the option to participate in high-level forensic psychology research or take part in a field placement.
8. Monroe College – Bronx, New York
Online Master of Science in Forensic Psychology
- Unique Feature: This program includes online, hybrid, or in-person options as well as practicum opportunities for real-world learning.
- Required Credits: 42
- Regional Accreditor: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Estimated Annual In-State Graduate Tuition: $17,986 (including fees)
- Number of Experiential Learning Opportunities or Specializations: 3
- Level of Course Flexibility: High
- Level of Online Support: Average
- Points: 11
This graduate program in forensic psychology includes three components that help you become an expert in this field. First, you’ll complete foundational courses in forensic psychology that form the basis of future studies. These courses, which include topics like Criminological Theory, Perspectives on Drugs and Alcohol in the Criminal Justice System, and the Psychology of Behavior, offer a broad-based look at critical forensic psychology topics.
The next phase of the program includes specialized studies in areas such as:
- The Psychopathology of Serial Offenders
- Assessment, Intervention, and Treatment of Domestic Violence
- Psychological and Neurobehavioral Assessment Tools
- Forensic Mental Health in the Courts
These specialized courses are what give you deep insights into the intersection of psychology and criminal justice. You’ll then build on these learning experiences by participating in the third component of the program – a field placement in a professional forensic psychology setting. Past placements have been in a wide range of settings, from correctional facilities to mental health hospitals to social service agencies.
9. Capella University – Minneapolis, Minnesota
Online Master of Science in Clinical Psychology – Forensic Psychology Specialization
- Unique Feature: This program uses Capella’s GuidedPath format, which has set online class meetings and opportunities to interact with your professors and peers.
- Required Credits: 53
- Regional Accreditor: Higher Learning Commission
- Estimated Annual In-State Graduate Tuition: $13,117.50
- Number of Experiential Learning Opportunities or Specializations: 1
- Level of Course Flexibility: Average
- Level of Online Support: High
- Points: 10
Capella’s forensic psychology master’s program gives you the flexibility of online learning with the structure of a GuidedPath curriculum. GuidedPath involves synchronous learning opportunities that help you successfully work through the requirements of the degree.
The 53 quarter credits required for graduation include research-based and scholarly classes. You’ll take courses like Survey of Research Methods to build a solid foundation of empirical research in this field. You’ll also take courses that explore clinical forensic counseling techniques. For example, you’ll take courses like:
- Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy
- Counseling Skills and Procedures
- Current Issues and Trends in Forensic Practice
- Techniques of Forensic Practice
- Ethics and Multicultural Issues in Psychology
More specifically, you’ll gain the skills needed to conduct expert forensic assessments and forensic psychology research. Your skills will be widely applicable to many different populations and settings, including law enforcement, corrections, and probation and parole. The knowledge and skills acquired in this program are also helpful for continuing your education in a forensic psychology doctoral program.
This program does not require a thesis, capstone, or the completion of field experiences. Instead, your learning will take place in a robust online classroom where you’ll learn from scholar-practitioner faculty members.
10. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology – Chicago, Illinois
Online Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology
- Unique Feature: The Chicago School offers licensure and non-licensure tracks to fit your specific occupational goals.
- Required Credits: 37 (non-licensure track); 60 (licensure track)
- Regional Accreditor: WASC Senior College and University Commission
- Estimated Annual In-State Graduate Tuition: $24,624
- Number of Experiential Learning Opportunities or Specializations: 4
- Level of Course Flexibility: Average
- Level of Online Support: Average
- Points: 9
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology has campuses across the country. It also has a robust online campus where you can enroll full-time or part-time in one of two forensic psychology tracks: non-licensure or licensure.
The 37-credit non-licensure track is a flexible online-only program ideal for non-clinical forensic psychology applications. This might include preparation for careers in probation, parole, or correctional environments, government organizations, or child welfare programs. Furthermore, non-clinical positions might be found in mental health organizations, law enforcement, or domestic violence agencies.
The licensure track requires 60 credits to graduate. This includes detailed forensic psychology coursework and a 9 to 12-month supervised practicum and internship. The internship requires at least 16 hours of work per week, including one or more hours of supervision each week. You must complete 700 hours of clinical training during the practicum and internship experience. This includes 280 or more hours of direct client contact time. Some of the activities that count toward client contact time include the following:
- Intake interviewing
- Therapy sessions with individuals, couples, families, or groups
- Diagnostic or assessment activities
- Crisis interventions
You will also participate in administrative and case management tasks. For example, you’ll take part in consultation meetings with licensed therapists, attend court proceedings, and provide victim advocacy services. These activities help prepare you to sit for licensure as a licensed professional counselor (LPC). Individual states oversee licensure; check with your state to determine if this program satisfies the state’s licensure requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Kinds of Classes Do Forensic Psychology Students Take?
Common topics in a forensic psychology master’s program include:
- Psychological research methods (e.g., experimental design, research ethics)
- Human behavior (e.g., psychopathology, juvenile delinquency)
- General mental health issues (e.g., personality disorders, anxiety disorders)
- Social psychology (e.g., the influences of society on human behavior)
- Counseling techniques (e.g., cognitive-behavioral therapy, group therapy processes, grief counseling)
You can expect to take courses in criminal justice, too, such as:
- Victimology (e.g., the processes experienced by victims as they recover)
- Criminal evaluations (e.g., how to conduct criminal interviews and assessments)
- Forensic evidence (e.g., how to collect and analyze evidence in a criminal case)
- Criminology (e.g., social influences on criminal behavior)
- Legal terminology
What are My Career Options with Master’s in Forensic Psychology Degree Programs?
A graduate degree in forensic psychology prepares you for a career in psychology, criminal justice, or a combination thereof. The list below reflects this, with options that place you in clinical, investigative, and advocacy settings, among others.
Forensic Psychologist
Forensic psychologists can be licensed psychologists who work in private practice. They might also be employed by law enforcement agencies to evaluate suspects and persons of interest. Forensic psychologists might be mediators or expert witnesses and conduct mental health examinations to determine the competency of defendants to stand trial.
Expert Witness
Expert witnesses testify on behalf of the defense or prosecution in criminal cases. They have expert knowledge in specialized fields such as sexual violence or terrorism. They are typically paid for their testimony, which is not a conflict of interest as far as the legal system is concerned.
Victim Advocate
Victim advocates provide counseling to victims of crimes. They help clients fill out paperwork and might testify on behalf of victims in court. Those who have earned a graduate degree in forensic psychology may also choose to lead staff hotlines and support groups to further help those who have been directly affected by a serious crime.
Forensic Science Technician
Forensic science technicians help criminal investigators analyze and collect evidence. Some technicians work in laboratories, while others work directly at crime scenes. Even with a master’s degree in forensic psychology, you would need additional training in forensic science to pursue this career.
Correctional Administrator
Correctional administrators oversee federal and state prisons. Most correctional administrators have a background in criminal justice or law enforcement. However, that background combined with a graduate degree in forensic psychology can assist in developing more effective services for inmates, like psychoeducational interventions that help reduce recidivism.
What Are the Various Disciplines of Forensic Psychology Programs?
In 2001, the American Psychological Association (APA) named the professional practice of forensic psychology as a recognized specialty within the larger areas of school psychology, counseling psychology, and clinical psychology. Though their specific duties might vary from one setting to the next, forensic psychologists are often called upon by attorneys and other stakeholders to evaluate defendants, assist in jury selection, and to provide their professional psychological expertise. There are three main areas of focused practice within the forensic psychology specialty:
- Legal, including specific knowledge of the legal system and law
- Forensic, including forensic ethics and the assessment of symptoms in a legal context
- Clinical, including the ethics, testing, treatment, and diagnosis of mental disorders
The annual salary potential for psychologists, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is $85,330, though you might earn more with a specialization in forensic psychology.
How Do You Choose Between Online Master’s in Forensic Psychology Programs?
Deciding which forensic psychologist degree programs are best for you really comes down to your specific needs and interests as a student and your career goals. Some online master’s in forensic psychology programs focus on specific areas of this discipline, such as clinical applications of forensic psychology. Others have more of a focus on applying psychological principles in the criminal justice field. There are many variations in between, too.
You’ve already taken a good first step in your educational journey by exploring this ranking. Now your task is to dive deeper into the programs that pique your interest. When narrowing down your list of potential programs, look for features like the following:
- Flexible course schedules
- A robust online learning environment
- Opportunities to get field experience
- A variety of course specializations
- Experienced faculty with real-world experience in forensic psychology
Of course, you should also explore the cost of attendance, available financial aid, and the reputation of the program and school. Some of this information is laid out for you in this ranking to give you a head start.