The Best Forensic Psychology Degrees for 2025
What are the best colleges for forensic psychology? This guide helps you find the top schools for your career goals.
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The forensic psychology field has captivated people around the world, partly due to the popularity of police procedural dramas on television. However, beyond entertainment, this interdisciplinary field can provide prospective students with a fulfilling and practical career path.
By combining principles of psychology and law, forensic psychology students learn how to navigate the complex intersection of mental health and the criminal justice system. Discover some of the best forensic psychology programs, admission requirements, and factors to consider when choosing a program.
The Best Forensic Psychology Programs of 2025
Bay Path University
- Longmeadow, MA
- 4 year
- Online
Why We Chose This School:
Bay Path University's forensic psychology degree trains undergraduate women to apply their knowledge of psychology and human behavior to criminal justice, law, and mental health. The program offers two formats: an on-campus, weekday option for high school graduates and transfer students in Longmeadow, Massachusetts, or online study at Bay Path's American Women's College for adult learners.
Students learn about the motivations of criminal behavior, the different needs of incarcerated individuals, the role of mental illness in criminal behavior, and how families are affected by incarceration.
Highlights:
- Women-only undergraduate programs
- "Stay on the Path" 20% discounts on graduate degrees
- Seniors can count 1-2 graduate courses toward both undergraduate and graduate degrees
Considerations:
- Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System exams are required for applicants from Massachusetts public high schools
78%
Yes
76%
N/A
$35,781
$35,781
70%
2,465
Private
Quincy University
- Quincy, IL
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School:
Quincy University's bachelor of science in forensic psychology focuses on the science behind crime. We liked the breakdown of five subspecialties within the major: correctional psychology, legal psychology, police psychology, psychology of crime and delinquency, and victimology and victim services. The Catholic liberal arts college offers classes at its Quincy, Illinois, campus and internships at local child welfare, domestic violence, public health, and social services agencies.
Undergraduates complete Bonaventure Program requirements, which include liberal arts foundational courses, theology and philosophy, writing, and technological literacy.
Highlights:
- 100% of full-time enrollees receive financial assistance
- 90% of graduates find jobs or are admitted to graduate school within six months
- 100% of students engage in service learning
Considerations:
- On-campus study only
63%
Yes
50%
N/A
$31,940
$31,940
63%
1,192
Private
Walla Walla University
- College Place, WA
- 4 year
- Campus
Why We Chose This School:
Walla Walla University’s bachelor of science in forensic psychology offers comprehensive courses from a Christian perspective. We chose this school for its required courses, which span anthropology, criminology, statistics, and biological, developmental, and social psychology. Learners also choose a science sequence and a philosophy course.
Students attend classes at Walla Walla's College Place campus in southeastern Washington and complete a 60-hour psychology practicum at a local community service organization or agency.
Highlights:
- Small class sizes
- Lower tuition costs than other private schools
- 83% first-year retention rate
Considerations:
- Seniors must take the major field test in psychology
- No online study option
- Full-time enrollment only
13%
Yes
60%
N/A
$30,672
$30,672
85%
1,357
Private
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice
- New York, NY
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School:
The CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice offers a forensic psychology degree leading to a bachelor of arts. This program stood out to us for its variety of electives that explore the effects of human behavior on the broader community. The curriculum includes internships at agencies and prisons relating to family courts, hospitals for incarcerated people with mental health conditions, and treatment service centers for incarcerated youth.
Students also complete two capstone courses and can opt to submit an honors thesis.
Highlights:
- Accelerated bachelor's and master's forensic psychology programs available
- Part-time study offered
- In-state tuition costs about half of private school costs
Considerations:
- No online option offered
- Campus located in an expensive city
71%
Yes
55%
N/A
$6,930
$14,880
76%
13,319
Public
Florida Institute of Technology
- Melbourne, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School:
The forensic psychology degree at the Florida Institute of Technology is one of the nation's first bachelor's programs in the field. We liked the curriculum's solid psychology focus combined with experience in criminology and statistics. Through internships and applied projects, students learn skills in data analysis, research, and writing to analyze evidence and draw conclusions. Courses are offered at Florida Tech's Melbourne, Florida, campus. Senior internships offer opportunities to work with area law enforcement, legal, and correctional professionals.
Enrollees can also earn their bachelor's degrees in applied forensic psychology fully online. Concentration courses cover integrated theories of crime, forensic clinical psychology, law and psychology, psychology of leadership, and victim studies and advocacy.
Highlights:
- 10:1 student-faculty ratio
- Flexible online study available
- On-campus program offers a child advocacy specialization
Considerations:
- Field experience internships not offered through the online program
- First-year and transfer applicants with fewer than 24 credits submit ACT, SAT, or CLT scores
41%
Yes
63%
N/A
$42,770
$42,770
77%
8,585
Private
Thomas College
- Waterville, ME
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School:
Located in Waterville, Maine, Thomas College's bachelor's in forensic psychology offers study in human behavior with a focus on criminal justice and law. We noted the program's emphasis on how human actions, feelings, and thoughts intersect with legal and correctional systems.
The career-focused curriculum offers internship and leadership development opportunities. Coursework includes abnormal psychology, developmental psychology, experimental design and analysis, introduction to criminal justice, and psychology and the law. Graduates are also prepared for law school or graduate study.
Highlights:
- Three- and four-year curriculum options
- Guarantee of finding employment within six months of graduation
- All applicants considered for merit-based scholarships
Considerations:
- No online study
- On-campus classes only
30%
Yes
97%
N/A
$28,954
$28,954
77%
1,737
Private
Saint Ambrose University
- Davenport, IA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School:
St. Ambrose University's forensic psychology degree invites students to challenge their biases about criminal behavior. We selected this Catholic school's bachelor of arts program because it offers concentration areas in adult and children's services. Students attend class at St. Ambrose's Davenport, Iowa, campus.
The curriculum includes field experiences at community-based sites and coursework in counseling theory, criminal behavior, psychology and treatment of trauma and the victim, and research methods. The children's services concentration features classes in juvenile justice and child and adolescent psychopathology. Adult services courses cover treatment for incarcerated individuals and theories and probation, parole, and community corrections.
Highlights:
- Practicums and experiential learning experiences in both junior and senior years
- 95% of graduates employed, serving, or in graduate school within six months
- More than 90% of students believe instruction is excellent and faculty are knowledgeable
Considerations:
- On-campus classes only
- Standardized test scores may be required for academic scholarships
- Full-time enrollment encouraged
8%
Yes
73%
N/A
$34,290
$34,290
83%
2,703
Private
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott
- Prescott, AZ
- 4 year
- Campus
Why We Chose This School:
Students pursuing their bachelor of science in forensic psychology at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University attend classes at the school's Prescott, Arizona, campus. The curriculum blends psychological training with forensic science. The course sequence spans the basis of psychology, forensic psychology core classes, investigations and the law, and electives that include forensic accounting, interview techniques and tactics, and white-collar crime.
The program's significant field training requirement offers opportunities to conduct hands-on research and present at scientific conferences, mentor juvenile offenders, volunteer with local civil and criminal justice systems, and work in the school's Forensic Science Laboratory.
Highlights:
- Courses taught by faculty, not graduate students or TAs
- Veterans and military benefits
Considerations:
- No online study
- Full-time enrollment encouraged
- Higher tuition than other schools on the list
9%
Yes
68%
N/A
$38,976
$38,976
78%
3,162
Private
Vermont State University
- Randolph, VT
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School:
Vermont State University offers a bachelor of science in forensic psychology degree for students interested in careers in clinical forensic psychology, corrections, law, research, or victim advocacy. We liked the program's hybrid format, offering in-person classes at the Castleton and Johnson campuses and remote study.
The program also features a research option, where students can work with a faculty member on an independent project that has the potential for publication or presentation at a conference. Enrollees can also choose to complete internships in their final year at local police departments, the Vermont Department of Corrections, and local law offices.
Highlights:
- The most affordable tuition among the schools on this list
- New England residents receive discounted tuition
- Three-year accelerated option available
Considerations:
- Fewer electives than other listed schools
- Fully online learning is unavailable
48%
Yes
54%
N/A
$14,712
$28,128
60%
1,369
Public
St. Andrews University
- Laurinburg, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School:
St. Andrews University's forensic science program with a psychology concentration trains graduates for careers in forensic psychology, crime scene investigation, and law enforcement. We noted the focus areas in courtroom procedure, evidence collection, and investigative techniques. The program also features internships and in-depth training in abnormal and social psychology, biopsychology, and personality theory.
Coursework includes psychology in legal concepts, drugs and behavior, microanalysis of trace evidence, and introduction to American law. Learners attend classes at the school's Laurinburg, North Carolina, campus.
Highlights:
- Standardized test scores and minimum GPAs are not required for admission
- Affordable tuition
- Small class sizes
Considerations:
- No online study options
- Transfer credits are accepted from regionally accredited schools and North Carolina Community Colleges but may not be accepted from other schools
- Limited electives
51%
Yes
65%
N/A
$28,600
$28,600
59%
809
Private
How To Choose A Forensic Psychology Program
When comparing forensic psychology programs, it’s important to consider several factors, including its accreditation, how well it can prepare you for potential careers, and the total cost after financial aid.
Other important considerations include the program’s admission requirements and format.
Use the following five factors to help you analyze potential schools and create a shortlist of options:
Accreditation
If you’re studying psychology at the bachelor’s level, make sure the school you attend is accredited. Look for accreditation endorsements from organizations recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Graduate students can look for programs accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA), which only accredits graduate degrees, including master’s in forensic psychology and doctoral programs.
APA accreditation is especially important if you’re planning to become a licensed forensic psychologist. Many state-level licensing agencies require candidates to hold APA-accredited doctoral degrees.
Admission Requirements
Schools vary in their admission standards: Some have more inclusive policies, while others are selective and competitive. In either case, you’ll want to ensure your academic and personal backgrounds match the admission requirements published by the school.
Career Relevance
Schools offer specialized forensic psychology degrees at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Look carefully at program objectives and available courses to ensure they align with your interests and goals. You can also complete an undergraduate psychology generalist program before pursuing a forensic specialty as a graduate student.
Flexibility
If you need scheduling flexibility, look at each program’s offerings. Some programs follow only full-time, in-person delivery formats, which may not be ideal for working adults and other nontraditional learners.
Online psychology programs generally maximize flexibility, especially if they have asynchronous courses with no set class times. Studying part-time can also make scheduling easier, but it also extends your completion timeline.
Cost and Financial Aid
Forensic psychology programs can be expensive, but it’s possible to minimize future student debt. Look beyond tuition fees to consider what each school offers in terms of scholarships and financial aid awards. These funding sources can dramatically reduce the amount you actually pay out-of-pocket.
Many of the best colleges for forensic psychology offer graduate students additional funding, especially at the doctoral level. These may include grants, tuition waivers, teaching positions, and stipends. Applying for these opportunities can help control college costs.
How To Apply To A Forensic Psychology Program
While each school has its own application process, many forensic psychology colleges share common requirements. The steps outlined below describe the typical college application process:
- 1
Meet Admission Requirements
Associate and bachelor’s forensic psychology programs typically require a high school diploma or its equivalent and a minimum grade point average. Some may also require SAT or ACT scores.
As a graduate applicant, you’ll likely need at least a bachelor’s degree in a related area like criminal justice, psychology, or a related social science field. You may also need high grades in your undergraduate major coursework.
- 2
Research Testing Requirements
While many schools have moved away from mandatory testing requirements, they may still apply. As an undergraduate, you might need ACT or SAT scores. As a graduate, you may need to submit GRE or MAT scores.
If schools require tests, they’ll often specify the minimum scoring requirements you must meet for admissions consideration. You can also contact the school to request this information if it isn’t readily available.
- 3
Prepare Supporting Documentation
Schools commonly require these additional documents and materials:
- Academic transcripts from all schools you’ve previously attended.
- A personal essay or statement of purpose describing your career plans and reasons for applying.
- Letters of recommendation from people who know you well academically or professionally, such as teachers, guidance counselors, or supervisors who can endorse you as a strong program candidate/
Some schools may also use admissions interviews to evaluate applicants.
- 4
Submit Your Application
Pay any application fees, and check to see if the school requires additional proof of payment. Double-check all your application materials for accuracy and completeness, and submit your documents as instructed by the school or its psychology department.
Frequently Asked Questions About Forensic Psychology Colleges
Forensic psychology is the field of psychology that specializes in law and criminality. Forensic psychologists work in the criminal justice system, government, legal system, and programs to prevent crime. They also support survivors or help prevent people who committed crimes from recommitting.
Forensic psychology focuses on understanding the intersection of psychology and the legal system, including the causes and prevention of crime and offender profiling.
