Top Online Programs for Forensic Psychology

Southern New Hampshire University

This university offers forensic psychology at the undergraduate and graduate level. One of those programs is the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a concentration in Forensic Psychology. After completing this degree, graduates also gain the certification of Data Literacy in Psychology.

In total, 120 credit hours are needed to complete this program. These can all be taken entirely online with no requirement to meet faculty or complete courses on campus. Up to 90 credit hours can be transferred into this undergraduate program.

General education accounts for 42 total credit hours and requires the completion of Applied Statistics. Example courses in the major include Lifespan Development, Research Methods, and Theories of Social Psychology. The major requires 27 credit hours with an additional 12 credit hours for electives or a selected concentration.

Rounding out the program are 39 credit hours of free electives. This gives students the capability to fully customize the remainder of their advanced studies to apply psychology to many career fields. Other concentrations offered in the program include child development and mental health counseling.

For advanced study, there is a Master of Science in Forensic Psychology. 36 total credit hours are needed and enhances psychological theory and further career opportunities in law enforcement and being the communicator between them and courts. This graduate program does not provide licensure opportunity in psychology.

Liberty University

The Bachelor of Science in Psychology features a concentration in Criminal Psychology. Average completion time for the program is at 3.5 years and the Christian-based university has it available completely online. This program is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

120 total credit hours are needed in this program. At least a quarter of these studies must come from upper-level courses at the 300 and 400 level. Each of these courses must be passed with a C grade or higher. All students must complete an internship during their studies.

General education topics include communication, quantitative reasoning, and critical thinking skills. There are three required courses related to Christianity in this requirement. Core subjects taken by all students include Statistics in Psychology, Behavioral Modification, and Multicultural Counseling.

To gain admission into the undergraduate degree, incoming students should submit a high school diploma with at least a 2.0 GPA. Any official or unofficial college transcripts are also needed. Graduates have gone on to become criminologists and parole officers with this degree.

Grand Canyon University

The College of Humanities and Social Sciences offers the Master of Science in Forensic Psychology. 36 total credit hours are needed to complete curriculum requirements. Course distribution is in eight-week modules and takes approximately two years to complete.

Example courses include Social and Cultural Psychology, Theories of Criminal Behavior, and Graduate Statistics. A capstone project ends the program and verifies what the student has learned. They apply these skills in a professional setting geared toward the career they are interested in.

Up to 12 credit hours are transferrable into the program. This means at least one year of study must be completed through the university. Availability in coursework changes depending on student demand and alternative subjects may be explored to satisfy curriculum requirements.

Courses are distributed both online and physically on campus during evening hours. The night courses are offered only once per week. Students desiring an on-campus experience can still have the flexibility with full-time work at the Phoenix location.

Alliant International University

A number of graduate programs are available through the university in a convenient online format. One of the unique options is pursuing the Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology, Public Policy, and Law through online study. Concentrations available include Forensic Linguistics, Criminal Behavior, and Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies.

Each course is distributed in eight-week intervals across the doctorate study. Similar to a traditional doctorate program, students complete a dissertation and defend this research. Most of the second half of the program features dissertation and concentration courses. Start times are available in the months of September, January, and May.

Admission into the doctorate program requires a Bachelor’s degree from an institution with regional accreditation. Many requirements are similar to that of a Master’s degree, such as holding a 3.0 cumulative GPA, professional resume, and multiple letters of recommendation.

Studies are available in forensic psychology and clinical forensic psychology at the university. Various advanced practice certifications feature Forensic Linguistics and Forensic Victimology. These certifications are applicable to continuing education requirements through the APA.

Undergraduate Programs in Forensic Psychology

Prospective students have the option to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in a number of different disciplines. Common for forensic psychology include Criminal Justice and Psychology. In some cases, specialization is offered in Forensic Psychology that provides electives blending courses in various psychology topics and criminology.

This specialization can be a set of electives or an established minor. Typically, the minor will be from a different school and is applicable to the main discipline selected. Combining psychology education with criminal justice is often possible as these concepts are taught at different schools in the university.

120 total credit hours are often required for a full Bachelor’s degree. The curriculum often requires general education in mathematics and social sciences that prepares students for topics in the major. Full-time study is recommended for a Bachelor’s degree, which often takes four years to complete.

It is possible to pursue foundational concepts and some general education with an associate degree. These are widely available at smaller institutions and community colleges. Graduates of these programs can transfer their studies to a larger university. Prospective students should check with an academic advisor to determine if all credits are transferrable.

Bay Path College

The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology offers specialized study in Forensic Psychology. Education in this program prepares individuals for correctional and legal-based job opportunities. There is capability to earn the Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in psychology over just four years at the university.

This program is offered at the main campus in Longmeadow in Massachusetts or online through the American Women’s College. In addition to required general electives, students add electives in history, humanities, mathematics, and healthy living. Forensic studies feature personality theory, abnormal psychology, and

As an all-woman college, some coursework is dedicated to psychological factors specially toward female offenders. A wellness course is dedicated to female leadership and women empowerment. Unique resources, including the Through Her Eyes Conference, provides perspective on at-risk women of all ages.

Many connections to internship opportunities are available, including the Hampden County Sherriff’s Department and Western Massachusetts Regional Women’s Correctional Center. There is an opportunity to complete all coursework in the Bachelor’s degree in three years. Individuals interested in Clinical Mental Health Counseling can complete two graduate-level courses in the curriculum

University of Alabama-Birmingham

The College of Arts and Sciences offers a Forensic Psychology minor within their Criminal Justice studies. This addition to the Bachelor’s degree provides additional skill in understanding and treating psychological issues in offenders and victims. Studies also provide a closer look at different perspectives from the mindset of offenders.

24 total credit hours are needed to satisfy the Forensic Psychology minor. Entry-level topics are explored in this psychology specialization along with forensic science in general. Other required courses include Abnormal Psychology, Social Psychology, and Victimology.

At least a C grade is required in all courses of the minor and Criminal Justice major. At least a 2.3 cumulative GPA is needed prior to entering an internship. Pursuing a minor is not required to complete the degree, but recommended for those considering forensic-based jobs in psychology.

Reviewing the entire Bachelor’s degree, a statistics course is also required. Students can consider an introductory course from the criminal justice school or Sociological Literacy. The latter provides a better understanding of social science research and how this correlates to evaluating patients.

Graduate Programs in Forensic Psychology

Students may consider a Master’s degree or doctorate-level education in forensic psychology. There are more opportunities to specifically pursue the discipline of Forensic Psychology at this level. Many program options are available online and offer advanced criminal theory, statistical and research methods, and forensic evaluation.

For many Master’s degrees, around 30 credit hours are needed to complete the program. The curriculum is often divided with core concepts that all students take along with electives that customize skills to a particular job position. It is common to complete these studies with a capstone project, thesis, or internship option.

According to the APA, there is a 95 percent rate of employment among individuals with a Master’s degree in the Psychology discipline. Higher salary is another common advantage for professionals that hold a graduate degree. This is due to a competitive advantage in job opportunity and becoming better prepared for executive and leadership roles in psychology.

At the clinical level, forensic psychologists must complete a Doctor of Philosophy or Psychology that has APA accreditation. Along with the degree, at least a few years of post-graduate experience is needed under adequate supervision. State licensure requires a different amount of hours for this requirement and final examination is generally needed.

University of North Dakota

30 total credit hours are required for the Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology. Topics feature advanced psychology methods, statistical analysis, and American law. This program is available 100 percent online with no on-campus residencies.

The curriculum features six courses required by all students to complete and four electives to customize the program. All coursework is similar when comparing the online and on-campus formats. Students have the ability to interact with other peers and faculty members along with accessing the same resources.

Common electives include Cognitive Psychology, Diversity Psychology, and special topics that differ in concepts. The latter course may be repeated due to unique subject matter in each semester. Other electives may be used if approved by an academic advisor and justified for the student’s career pathway. No more than eight credit hours can be transferred into the program.

Admission to the program requires submission of transcripts showing a completed Bachelor’s degree, resume, and three letters of recommendation. Start times are available in the fall and spring semesters. No GRE scores are necessary to send in with the application.

Farleigh Dickinson University

The School of Psychology and Counseling offers the Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology. This program focuses on preparation of various job opportunities in research, courts, or law enforcement. A clinical component is available with a 300-clock hour externship that expands capability to apply skills.

36 total credit hours are needed to fulfill curriculum requirements. This is spread across approximately 18 months if students pursue courses in one summer semester. The externship, along with a comprehensive examination, is mandatory for all students. An exclusive course in ethics is taken in the fall semester at the same time as the externship.

Students have the capability to pursue a week-long study abroad session at the England campus. A Master’s thesis is also available to complete for further study at the doctorate level. Neither of these opportunities are required for students to complete.

Specific admission requirements into this program include official transcripts, resumes, and a personal statement describing career goals. There is no cumulative GPA needed, but this still remains a competitive part of the admission process. Two letters of recommendation are needed along with the other requirements. No GRE scores are needed.

Top Courses in Forensic Psychology

Criminal Psychology

Students gain an understanding of why criminal activity occurs from a variety of perspectives. The offender may have been influenced from societal or community pressure, or believing that an activity must be accomplished for a certain reason. Professionals can take potential motive and thought processes to diagnose issues in other clients.

Sociology and Crime

Focuses exclusively on the culture and society surrounding criminal activity and how it impacts a person’s behavior. These courses provide case study and theory on why this activity occurs, including propaganda and influence from other groups. Similar topics may be covered in social and cultural psychology courses.

Courtroom Psychology

One of the subcategories of social psychology is understanding these concepts and what impacts are made within a court of law. Often covers behavioral patterns in the examination and cross-examination process of witnesses. Students also learn how the presentation of evidence and client behavior can impact a jury in their decision making.

Abnormal Psychology

Study of disorders that do not follow typical trends or characteristics. Students learn to identify these issues and how to diagnose and treat unique situations. Often focuses on mental disorders.

Research Methods

Provides an overview of different research and statistical methods used in the psychological process. Often features quantitative or qualitative data, correlational research, and may include study on humans and animals. Popular data collection and analysis methods in psychology include program evaluation and case study.

Ethical Standards

It is important for professionals to hold ethical principles and responsibility when working in the field of forensic psychology. These courses emphasize properly diagnosing clients and determining if they are fit for trial and how this impacts their case. They may contrast different standards for professionals entering clinical or forensic psychology. Clinical studies often review ethics and the Code of Conduct set by the APA.

Advanced Statistics

Beyond traditional statistical coursework, these advanced classes in graduate studies expand on what is used in psychology. Touches on classical and/or modern theory and testing hypothesis to gain competence in using various statistical methods. Common statistical methods include logical regression, linear regression, and cluster analysis.

Neurocriminology

Advanced study blending biocriminology and criminology to gain an advantage on detecting crime before it takes place. Explores theory and previous cases that validates brain activity and environmental influences that causes certain crimes. This remains an emerging type of psychological study that is reserved at the graduate level.

What Can You Do With a Forensic Psychology Degree?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, psychologists make an average salary of $80,370 as of May 2019. Forensic psychologists are identified under this broad category. Typical duties include working with legal teams and investigators to provide the psychological perspective of criminal activity.

Being a criminal psychologist requires strong capability in theory, analysis, and communication. There are many factors to consider when determining motive or why the offender committed a particular crime. They may be in charge of determining mental health and capability of the individual going in the court of law to testify.

In some situations, the forensic psychologist themselves will have to testify their understanding of the case. This requires strong communication skills not only on trial, but when working with investigators. They may also specialize in psychology in the courtroom setting that may impact suspect testimony and decisions made by the jury.

Other common job positions within this field include probation officers and forensic case manager. Probation officers works stringently with recovering clients that have committed criminal activity. Case managers provide resources to troubled clients in an effort to keep similar activity from taking place again.

All Schools with Forensic Science Programs