Best Online Master’s in Forensic Psychology Programs
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- A master's in forensic psychology leads to careers in psychology, counseling, and more.
- Forensic psychology teaches you how to assess people involved with the legal system.
- The top-paid psychologists in the U.S. earn more than $133,000 per year.
Let's get one thing straight: Being a forensic psychologist only sometimes matches what you've seen on TV.
Yes, you might end up profiling criminals and working with cops to catch them. But your job may also include performing threat assessments for schools, doing child custody evaluations, or offering expertise on a defendant's mental state.
Still sound like something you want to do? If your answer is yes, let's dive deeper into the field and see how an online master's in forensic psychology can help you get there.
Why Should I Get an Online Master's in Forensic Psychology?
It can be tough to make a final call on pursuing your online master's in forensic psychology. The following are high-level benefits and reasons to go for it:
Benefits of an Online Master's in Forensic Psychology
- Choose from diverse career paths in psychology, corrections, social work, and counseling
- Play a crucial role in legal, justice, and school systems
- Work in private practice or public settings, like hospitals or mental health facilities
- Earn a competitive salary with benefits and perks
Reasons to Get Your Master's in Forensic Psychology Online
- Learn wherever you want
- Gain access to more customizable schedules
- Reduce your costs and time spent on commuting
- Continue working full time while you earn your degree
Featured Forensic Psychology Master's Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Master's in Forensic Psychology
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Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $565
Out of State | $565
Credits to Graduate
36
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Liberty University's master's in forensic psychology program offers courses in an eight-week format. It emphasizes academic rigor and Christian values. Plus, Liberty's master's degree has eight start dates a year, so you can fit the program in your schedule. You can also transfer up to 50% of your graduate-level credits.
Courses in the forensic psychology program include criminal psychology, crisis intervention, and reintegration of offenders. Online students at Liberty University also have access to tutoring, a writing center, live webinars, and an academic advising team.
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $498
Out of State | $498
Credits to Graduate
30
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission
Created with working professionals in mind, the master's in forensic psychology degree at North Dakota University is fully online and flexible. With an emphasis on the connection between psychology and the law, you'll gain an understanding of psychological theories. You'll also hone your analytical and evaluation skills.
UND's forensic psychology program includes real-life experience through a supervised field placement in a community setting. You should have at least a 2.75 cumulative GPA or a 3.0 GPA for your junior and senior years.
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $627
Out of State | $627
Credits to Graduate
36
Program Information
Program Accreditation | New England Commission of Higher Education
Recognized for its innovation, SNHU's master's in forensic psychology is taught by professors with a variety of professional and life experiences in forensic psychology. SNHU's master's program teaches you how to work in the criminal justice system, using critical thinking and research.
You can begin at one of five graduate terms, and the school accepts applications on a rolling basis. You must submit official undergraduate transcripts. In addition, you may need to enroll in prerequisites depending on your completed undergrad coursework.
National University
San Diego, CA - 4 years
- Online
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $872
Out of State | $872
Credits to Graduate
30
Program Information
Program Accreditation | WASC Senior College and University Commission
Students enrolled in the master's in forensic psychology degree at National University can choose between two concentrations. Options include threat assessment and management or general forensic psychology. The program consists of 10 courses designed around research and ethical practices. Four of the courses focus on your specialization area.
With courses starting every Monday, new students can enroll weekly and graduate in as little as 16 months. You must hold a bachelor's degree and provide official transcripts with your application.
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,303
Out of State | $1,303
Credits to Graduate
N/A
Program Information
Program Accreditation | WASC Senior College and University Commission
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology's online campus is Quality Matters certified. The school has several online master's in forensic psychology options, including a non-licensure track and a professional counselor licensure track. Be sure to check your state licensure requirements.
You can complete most coursework asynchronously, but the school requires a "synchronous virtual residency" each term. You'll have access to online resources, including career services. Along with an application and official transcripts, you must submit a resume, essay, and three recommendation letters.
Purdue University Global-Indianapolis
West Lafayette, IN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $420
Out of State | $420
Credits to Graduate
60-75
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission
With a forensic psychology concentration from Purdue, you'll learn how to apply theory to practice in legal and criminal settings. Purdue's master's in psychology courses are 10 weeks long. You'll end the program with either a thesis course or a capstone course.
You'll take courses in cybercrime, terrorism, and victim advocacy while gaining field service experience that you can use for future certification exams. You must hold a bachelor's degree to apply.
Arizona State University Digital Immersion
Scottsdale, AZ - 4 years
- Online
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $544
Out of State | $544
Credits to Graduate
33
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission
Arizona State University is a global research institute renowned for its focus on rigorous academic programs and innovation. ASU's master's in forensic psychology degree consists of 7.5-week classes in diverse subject areas, including courses in gangs and correctional psychology.
You must include official transcripts of a completed bachelor's degree in a closely related field with your admission application. You must also submit recommendation letters and a personal statement. And you need at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
Top Forensic Psychology Career Paths
A master's in forensic psychology gives you options. You can work in schools, hospitals, mental health centers, and social service agencies as a psychologist.
Or you could become a substance misuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselor. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs in this field will grow by 22% from 2021-2031, much faster than the average for all other occupations.
Other career paths include correctional counseling, forensic science, and social work.
| Jobs | Average Base Salary (Jan. 2023) |
|---|---|
| Psychologist | $86,020 |
| Correctional Counselor | $60,250* |
| Forensic Scientist | $56,830 |
| Social Worker | $51,530 |
| Mental Health Counselor | $47,270 |
How Much Money Can I Make With a Master's in Forensic Psychology?
Salaries vary with a master's in forensic psychology, depending on your career level and industry. Psychologists earned between $47,850 and $133,890 per year in May 2021, according to the BLS.
The top salaries for other career paths with this degree include social workers, who made up to $82,840 in May 2021, according to BLS data. And counselors earned nearly $77,000 annually in the same year, as reported by the BLS.
Source: BLS, May 2021
Read More: How to Become a Forensic Social Worker
How Much Does an Online Master's in Forensic Psychology Cost?
The cost of a master's in forensic psychology varies by school, but national data gives us some insight. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, an online master's in social or behavioral sciences costs $11,127 per year, while an online master's in psychology costs $10,805 annually.
Total Average Cost of a Master's Degree (Two Years)
Public Institution
$54,718
Private Institution (Nonprofit)
$72,572
Read More: Financial Aid Guide for Graduate Students
Read More: Busting the 10 Biggest Myths About Grad School
How Long Does an Online Master's in Forensic Psychology Take?
An online master's program usually takes about two years of full-time study to complete. You may need up to three years if you're a part-time student with a lighter course load. But sometimes, you can complete accelerated programs in a year.
Required Course Credits
30-60*
Field Study Requirements (Y/N)
Yes*
*Depending on your program and specialization
Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Degree Programs.
Everything Else You Need to Know About a Master's in Forensic Psychology
Are forensic psychology graduates in demand?
Yes, psychology graduates are in demand in two ways. BLS projections show psychology jobs will grow by 6% from 2021-2031, including roles in forensic psychology. The demand is even bigger if you apply your degree to mental health. The BLS projects jobs for substance misuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors will increase by 22% from 2021-2031. This growth rate is much faster than the average for all other occupations.
What can I expect from an online master's in forensic psychology program?
A major focus of a master's in forensic psychology program is learning how to make psychological assessments of people involved with the legal system. You'll learn key skills like doing clinical assessments, interviewing, and writing reports. You can use these skills to work with law enforcement, schools, and social services.
If you choose a master of arts in forensic psychology, you'll focus on counseling and psychological evaluations. A master of science in forensic psychology combines consulting, research, and analysis.
Finally, when it comes to being an online student, it helps if you're self-motivated and responsible. You'll need both traits to stay on track to graduate, regardless of whether you're in an asynchronous, synchronous, or self-paced course.
What courses will I take in an online master's in forensic psychology program?
A master's in forensic psychology program has classes in psychology, forensics, legal studies, statistics, and more. The following are examples of courses you may take:
- Advanced Social Psychology- This course explores social psychology concepts, such as interpersonal relationships, group behavior, stereotyping, and social cognition.
- Criminal Behavior- This course explores the major theories of criminal behavior, including cognitive, behavioral, and social theories. You'll learn about the current classification systems associated with criminal behavior and how to apply them within the criminal justice system.
- Eyewitness Testimony and Memory- Many researchers have carried out studies on eyewitness testimony and how memory is not necessarily a reliable source of information. This course explores psychological factors that may impact eyewitness testimony, including identification procedures and interviewing.
- Forensic Assessment- Memory is only sometimes a reliable information source. This course explores psychological factors that may impact eyewitness testimony, including identification procedures and interviewing.
- Mental Health Challenges in Policing- This course teaches you about issues like police stress and suicide. You'll also explore counseling techniques for forensic psychologists aiming to work with law enforcement.
