Best Online Forensic Psychology Programs

If you want to understand and prevent crime, an online forensic psychology program is just the thing. Here are the best programs for 2023.
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Updated on March 20, 2024
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  • Forensic psychology is a relatively new field that offers exciting job opportunities.
  • With an online bachelor's degree in forensic psychology, you can qualify for jobs in law enforcement, social services, and criminal justice.
  • Forensic scientist careers offer high pay, interesting work, and strong job prospects.

Forensic psychology: Is it as twisted and interesting as "Criminal Minds" makes it seem?

Actually, it's better. As a real-life forensic psychologist, you may not spend 100% of your time wearing cool sweater vests (hello, Spencer Reid) and hunting down serial killers. But you will find yourself doing fascinating work at the intersection of law, psychology, and criminal justice — the sweater vest part is totally up to you.

If that sounds like fun, you should consider an online bachelor's degree in forensic psychology. Here's how to get started:

  • Explore this page to make sure this path is the right choice for you.
  • Check out the top-ranked online bachelor's in forensic psychology programs
  • Request more information from the schools you're interested in.

Popular Forensic Psychology Programs

What Can You Do With a Degree in Forensic Psychology?

You can land a number of forensic science jobs with an undergraduate degree in forensic psychology.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects average or above-average job growth for forensic science techs, detectives, and criminal investigators from 2022-2032. The BLS reports above-average salaries for these careers, too.

Forensic Psychology Jobs (Bachelor's Degree)
Jobs Median Annual Salary
Private Detective $52,120
Probation Officer $59,860
Forensic Science Technician $63,740
Investigator/Police Officer $69,160
Criminal Investigator $91,610
Source: BLS

Read More:

Why Should You Get a Bachelor's in Forensic Psychology Online?

  1. You want to become a forensic psychologist. A bachelor's degree in the field prepares you to qualify for graduate school and licensure, both of which are required for clinical work.
  2. You want to work in the criminal justice system more broadly. A four-year degree in forensic psychology gives you a foundational understanding of criminal justice. It also gives you a better sense of what role you want to play in the system (or how you might want to change the system for the better).
  3. You want interesting career options. Forget the boring desk job — with this degree, you can compete for less conventional roles in law, policing, community or social work, and criminal justice.
  4. You want to save time and money. Pursuing your bachelor's degree online reduces commuting costs, on-campus fees, and in many cases, tuition. It also gives you the freedom to fit school into your schedule instead of the other way around.

Popular Forensic Psychology Programs

How Much Money Will You Make With a Degree in Forensic Psychology?

With a bachelor's degree in forensic psychology, you can earn between $60,000-$86,000 per year in various jobs in the field. But if you go on to become a forensic psychologist, which requires a doctoral degree, you can earn a higher salary. Forensic psychologists earned an average annual salary of over $90,000 according to Payscale as of March 2023.

How Long Does a Bachelor's in Forensic Psychology Take?

Bachelor's programs require 120-130 credits, including any associate degree credits. Bachelor's degrees can take four years of full-time enrollment to finish. Accelerated psychology programs can take half as long.

Many programs require psychology internships or capstone projects.

Required Course Credits*

120-130 credits

*Varies depending on your school/program

Popular Forensic Psychology Programs

How Much Does an Online Bachelor's Degree in Forensic Psychology Cost?

There are a few ways to think about the cost of your online education.

First, consider the cost of tuition. In general, public schools and in-state schools are less pricey. Affordable online degree programs can also save you money.

Second, consider financial aid. Grant-based aid and scholarships will reduce your bottom line — and you don't need to pay them back later. Psychology students may qualify for psychology-specific scholarships.

Third, consider your opportunity costs. Will you be able to work while you pursue this degree? Will you need to pay more for childcare or other expenses to make studying possible? Online degrees offer more flexibility for students who are working or who are caretakers.

Finally, think about your return on investment. Will your starting salary be enough to cover your loans, your bills, and your rent? Will you be able to meet your personal and financial goals once you graduate?

Average Annual Tuition Cost of a Bachelor's Degree

Public Institution

$9,596

Private Institution

$34,041

Source: National Center for Education Statistics

Total Average Net Cost of Four Years of College

Public Institution

$56,000

Private Institution (Nonprofit)

$112,000

Source: BestColleges

Read More: How Much Does an Online College Cost?

Best Online Master's in Forensic Psychology

Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team

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#1 Best Online Forensic Psychology Programs

Bay Path University

  • Longmeadow, MA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

100% Online | Asynchronous Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $410
Out of State | $410

Credits to Graduate
120

Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | New England Commission of Higher Education

Bay Path's online degree in forensic psychology includes a capstone course with hands-on learning opportunities. The forensic psychology program at Bay Path also allows you to take up to two graduate-level courses while completing your undergrad degree.

The school's Social Online Universal Learning program helps you succeed with accelerated classes and personalized instruction. It also provides you with connections to other students, faculty, and education coaches. 

This private women's school welcomes first-year students with a high school diploma or the equivalent and transfer students.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$35,781
Out-of-state
$35,781
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$19,235
Out-of-state
$19,235
Retention Rate
70%
Acceptance Rate
78%
Students Enrolled
3,224
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
100% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education
#2 Best Online Forensic Psychology Programs

Maryville University of Saint Louis

  • Saint Louis, MO
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

100% Online | Asynchronous Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $781
Out of State | $781

Credits to Graduate
128

Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission

Maryville, a private university in St. Louis, Missouri, designed its program to blend psychology with criminal justice. Plus, the degree incorporates an internship with its forensic psychology undergraduate curriculum. You'll complete 135-150 hours of practical experience, bringing together what you've learned about psychology, criminal justice, and social science.

The school's accelerated class schedule means you can choose from multiple start dates throughout the year. Maryville also offers early access to graduate-level courses, allowing you to get a head start on a master's degree.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$24,766
Out-of-state
$24,766
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$14,346
Out-of-state
$14,346
Retention Rate
83%
Acceptance Rate
95%
Students Enrolled
10,979
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
83% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#3 Best Online Forensic Psychology Programs

Southern New Hampshire University

  • Manchester, NH
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

100% Online | Asynchronous Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $320
Out of State | $320

Credits to Graduate
120

Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | New England Commission of Higher Education

The forensic psychology program at SNHU allows you to incorporate social science research throughout your studies, exploring where psychology meets law. The embedded data literacy certificate and electives coursework allow you to tailor your forensic psychology degree at SNHU to your career interests.

SNHU does not charge application fees, and the school will transfer up to 90 credits toward a bachelor's degree. Plus, you can choose from six start dates each year.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,600
Out-of-state
$9,600
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$18,810
Out-of-state
$18,810
Retention Rate
67%
Acceptance Rate
94%
Students Enrolled
134,345
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
96% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education
#4 Best Online Forensic Psychology Programs

Faulkner University

  • Montgomery, AL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

100% Online | Asynchronous Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $155-325
Out of State | $155-325

Credits to Graduate
121

Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

Based in Montgomery, Alabama, Faulkner integrates ethics and cultural competency in its online forensic psychology program. You'll begin by building a foundation in tangible skills and then specialize as you advance through the degree. Plus, Faulkner's program requires you to complete an internship in your senior year.

First-year students must submit ACT or SAT scores. Transfer students with at least 24 credits do not need to submit test scores. Active-duty military service men and women, veterans, and their families may qualify for tuition benefits.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$21,000
Out-of-state
$21,000
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,350
Out-of-state
$10,350
Retention Rate
60%
Acceptance Rate
76%
Students Enrolled
2,961
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
58% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Best Online Forensic Psychology Programs

Arizona State University

  • Phoenix, AZ
  • 4 years
  • Campus

100% Online | Asynchronous Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $552
Out of State | $552

Credits to Graduate
120

Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission

ASU offers you the option of pursuing a BS or BA through its online forensic psychology degrees. Both options prepare you for careers in mental health or criminal justice, but the BS includes extra lab classes.

ASU welcomes first-year students to apply. You must have earned a high school diploma or the equivalent with at least a 3.0 GPA or approved scores from a college entrance exam. If you're a transfer student, you can apply up to 64 credits earned at other colleges.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
Not provided
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

Forensic Psychology: Beyond the Bachelor's Degree

We've already mentioned that to become a forensic psychologist, you'll need a doctoral degree. You'll also need professional certification, which typically requires 1,000 hours of supervised clinical work at forensic sites like courts, jails, or mental hospitals.

Your undergraduate degree can help you qualify for the best online master's or doctoral programs in psychology.

If you want to use your bachelor's in forensic psychology for a social work career, you may need graduate-level social work degrees and professional licensure to practice in that field as well.

Everything Else You Need to Know About a Degree in Forensic Psychology

What Is Forensic Psychology?

Forensic psychologists specialize in assessing crime and criminal behavior from a clinical perspective. It's a fairly new field — the American Psychological Association only officially recognized it in 2001.

As a forensic psychologist, your expertise will help investigate, punish, and prevent crime. You may work as an expert witness, criminal profiler, or consultant for law enforcement.

Forensic psychology is a great career path for anyone who is fascinated by human psychology, questions of mental health, and the many ways the law can affect people and their behavior.

Is a Bachelor's in Forensic Psychology Worth It?

Yes. If you already know you want to be a forensic psychologist, then a bachelor's in forensic psychology is a good first step in that direction.

Eventually, you'll need an advanced degree to work in research or clinical psychology positions within the field. But even without a graduate degree, a bachelor's degree in forensic psychology can set you up for a number of cool entry-level jobs in law enforcement, criminal justice, or even forensic social work. Some examples include victim advocacy, correctional treatment, policing, or detective roles.

BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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