The Best Colleges for Forensic Psychology

Washington University in St. Louis, MO, offers several concentration options, including correctional and criminal psychology, legal psychology, investigative, and police psychology. 

The forensic psychology certificate program at WashU is a 15-unit course including all five concentrations. 

Online and on-campus programs are available. Tuition is $695 and $895/unit for residents and out-of-state students, respectively. 

Admission is open to non-degree students as well as previously enrolled degree students. There are no formal requirements for undergraduate certificate program admissions at WashU; speak with an advisor for specific admissions information.

CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice offers a forensic psychology bachelor of arts degree. 

The program requires 120 credits for graduation, with 43-52 credits in forensic psychology. 

Several capstone projects are available, including forensic social and experimental psychology, seminar in forensic psychology, seminar in the psychological analysis of criminal behavior, and an advanced undergraduate research experience in psychology. 

There is also an optional honors thesis in psychology project. Fieldwork placements are available in hospitals, prisons, and court-related agencies.

Students looking to earn a bachelor of science in forensic behavioral sciences may consider the California State University-Fresno. Fresno State is a public institution in Fresno, California.

Psychology, anthropology, and social work students can obtain a forensic behavioral sciences degree in preparation for careers in criminal justice. The 120-credit course requires a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher. Courses include the psychology of crime, forensic behavioral sciences and the law, and research methods in criminology. 

Tuition is $2,390/semester for part-time and $3,595/semester for full-time students.

George Washington University, in Washington D.C., offers a master of arts in forensic psychology. 

GW's program offers two concentrations, including applied psychology and applied forensics.  The applied psychology specialization prepares students to work in correctional facilities or community action organizations. Applied forensics prepares students to work in homeland security or law enforcement. 

Students need to complete 250 externship hours. Classes are available during the day, evening, or on weekends for part-time, full-time, or working students.

Applicants need official transcripts, an interview, and a 250- to 500-word statement of purpose for admission. Admissions testing includes the GRE general test, which the school waives for those with an MD, JD, or Ph.D. 

Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Los Angeles offers an MA in forensic psychology online, professional counselor licensure.  

The master’s program prepares graduate students to apply theories in psychology and counseling to people in the justice system with mental health conditions.

Potential job settings include child protection services, law enforcement, and correctional facilities

The program's online dashboard offers a forum for completing the coursework, interacting with other students, or corresponding with faculty members. 

Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, a GPA of 3.0 or higher, successful work history, an admission essay, and letters of recommendation. 

Montclair State University in Montclair, NJ, offers a forensic psychology certificate. 

The 15-credit program was created for graduate students, licensed psychologists, professional counselors, psychiatric nurses, and social workers. The curriculum is flexible for working professionals. Clinical and forensic settings have optional intensive supervision.

Montclair offers synchronous and asynchronous attendance options. There are some in-person requirements, such as in-residence seminars.

Admission requirements include official transcripts, a personal statement/essay, holding a psychology master’s degree, and a nonrefundable $60 application fee. 

The University of Denver, in Denver, Colorado, offers an MA in forensic psychology.

With a focus on psychology and law, the MAFP program combines clinical experience with master’s-level psychology coursework. The program caters to mental health professionals who work in adult, juvenile, and child assistance programs, specialty courts, correctional institutions, and other settings. 

The two-year, full-time program focuses on assessment skills, group and individual therapy, and guidance for people of all ages in the legal and criminal justice system. 

Admission requirements include a minimum 3.0 GPA from an undergraduate program, four psychology courses from an accredited institution for those with a non-psychology bachelor's degree, letters of recommendation, and a 1500-word combined essay. The school is waiving GRE scores for the 2023 fall admission cycle. 

SUNY College in Oswego NY offers a behavioral forensics advanced certificate post-baccalaureate degree. The college is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. 

The 15-credit program includes classes such as cognition and forensics, development of criminal behavior, and a graduate professional internship. 

Unique courses focus on mental health conditions that commonly occur in the criminal justice system, errors in forensic evidence analysis, and factors that influence criminal behavior. 

Tuition is $471/credit for New York residents and $963/credit for out-of-state students.

General admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree, resume, official transcripts, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and a nonrefundable $65 application fee. 

Maryville University of St. Louis, in Missouri offers a BA in forensic psychology criminal justice course focused on psychology, criminal justice, and social science research. 

In addition to coursework, the school requires 135 - 150 clinical practicum hours.  

The program adheres to the American Psychological Association (APA) guidelines. It is offered on-campus or as a 100% online course. Full-time students can expect to complete course requirements in under two years.  

Full-time tuition is $12,383 /semester, while part-time students pay $781 /credit.

Admission requirements include high school transcripts with a minimum GPA of 2.5 or a minimum GED certificate score of 660. There are no admission test scores or admission fees.

Corban University, a private Christian university in Corban, Oregon, offers a Biblical perspective on ethical and moral issues commonly experienced in forensic psychology. 

The 120-credit bachelor of arts in forensic psychology focuses on assessment skills for juveniles and adults in the criminal justice system. Classes include trauma therapy, serial violence, and juvenile delinquency. 

Students can find Internship opportunities in various specialty areas, such as prisons, law firms, treatment programs, etc. 

Tuition is $34,700 for full-time Oregon residents and out-of-state students. 

Admission requirements include a personal faith statement, Christian character reference, a 2.7 or higher GPA, and high school transcripts. ACT and SAT scores are not required; there is no admission application fee.