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What are the best colleges for forensic psychology? This guide helps you find the top schools for your career goals.
Psychology.org 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.
Are you ready to discover your college program?
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 potential career paths and salaries in this guide.
Popular Online Forensic Psychology Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
The Best Forensic Psychology Programs of 2025
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
Psychology.org 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.
from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.
#1 The Best Forensic Psychology Degrees for 2025
Bay Path University
Longmeadow, MA
4 years
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
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
76%
Students Enrolled
2,465
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
78%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#2 The Best Forensic Psychology Degrees for 2025
Quincy University
Quincy, IL
2 years
Online + Campus
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
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$31,940
Out-of-state
$31,940
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$12,000
Out-of-state
$12,000
Retention Rate
63%
Acceptance Rate
50%
Students Enrolled
1,192
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
63%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 The Best Forensic Psychology Degrees for 2025
Walla Walla University
College Place, WA
4 years
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
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$30,672
Out-of-state
$30,672
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$27,105
Out-of-state
$27,105
Retention Rate
85%
Acceptance Rate
60%
Students Enrolled
1,357
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
13%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#4 The Best Forensic Psychology Degrees for 2025
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice
New York, NY
2 years
Online + Campus
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
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,930
Out-of-state
$14,880
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,090
Out-of-state
$20,520
Retention Rate
76%
Acceptance Rate
55%
Students Enrolled
13,319
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
71%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#5 The Best Forensic Psychology Degrees for 2025
Florida Institute of Technology
Melbourne, FL
4 years
Online + Campus
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
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$42,770
Out-of-state
$42,770
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$22,338
Out-of-state
$22,338
Retention Rate
77%
Acceptance Rate
63%
Students Enrolled
8,585
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
41%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#6 The Best Forensic Psychology Degrees for 2025
Thomas College
Waterville, ME
4 years
Online + Campus
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
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$28,954
Out-of-state
$28,954
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$28,954
Out-of-state
$28,954
Retention Rate
77%
Acceptance Rate
97%
Students Enrolled
1,737
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
30%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#7 The Best Forensic Psychology Degrees for 2025
Saint Ambrose University
Davenport, IA
2 years
Online + Campus
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
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$34,290
Out-of-state
$34,290
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$19,040
Out-of-state
$19,040
Retention Rate
83%
Acceptance Rate
73%
Students Enrolled
2,703
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
8%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#8 The Best Forensic Psychology Degrees for 2025
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott
Prescott, AZ
4 years
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
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$38,976
Out-of-state
$38,976
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$19,488
Out-of-state
$19,488
Retention Rate
78%
Acceptance Rate
68%
Students Enrolled
3,162
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
9%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#9 The Best Forensic Psychology Degrees for 2025
Vermont State University
Randolph, VT
2 years
Online + Campus
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
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$14,712
Out-of-state
$28,128
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,410
Out-of-state
$25,650
Retention Rate
60%
Acceptance Rate
54%
Students Enrolled
1,369
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
48%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#10 The Best Forensic Psychology Degrees for 2025
St. Andrews University
Laurinburg, NC
4 years
Online + Campus
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
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$28,600
Out-of-state
$28,600
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$25,800
Out-of-state
$25,800
Retention Rate
59%
Acceptance Rate
65%
Students Enrolled
809
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
51%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Our Ranking Methodology
Psychology.org ranks education programs using data from reputable sources like the U.S. Department of Education. Our vetting process also includes a quality assurance team that assesses datasets for accuracy.
Psychology.org reserves the right to exclude any schools that lack significant data from the rankings to ensure accurate calculations. This list is for 2025. For more about how Psychology.org evaluates and ranks education programs, visit our full ranking methodology.
What to Look For in a Forensic Psychology School
When considering a forensic psychology degree, the most important factor to consider is the school's accreditation. Students interested in a doctorate in forensic psychology should seek out programs accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA).
APA accreditation demonstrates that the program meets the standards set by the American Psychological Association. Currently, the APA does not currently accredit fully online doctorate programs.
Other factors to consider include the program format (online, hybrid, on-campus), the curriculum, available electives, tuition costs, and the availability of financial aid options.
Practical Experience Requirements
Forensic psychology careers require different degree levels and field experience. For example, if you are interested in becoming a licensed forensic psychologist, you must attend graduate school and earn a doctorate. For a career in the correctional system, such as a police or parole officer, most entry-level positions require a bachelor's degree, depending on state regulations.
Graduate programs require fieldwork, including practicums and internships. The practicum typically occurs during your first year and includes mostly observation, with some hands-on work. During an internship, you work on real cases under close supervision.
How Much Will a Degree in Forensic Psychology Cost?
Forensic psychology degrees range from $12,000-$17,800 per year depending on the degree level. In general, a forensic psychology program at a private school will cost more than one at a public school, and an online program can help save room and board costs.
Some online programs at public schools offer the same tuition to all students, whether they live in the state or not. The final cost of a forensic psychology degree depends on your financial aid, including scholarships and grants, which can significantly reduce overall costs.
Average Annual Tuition and Fees for a Psychology Degree, 2020-21
These estimates do not include other student expenses such as technology requirements or books and materials.
What Are the Admission Requirements for a Forensic Psychology Degree Program?
Admission requirements for a forensic psychology program help assess your academic background and your potential to achieve in the program. In general, a GPA of 3.0 or higher in your most recent transcripts and good references can help you stand out. At the doctoral level, you must also demonstrate academic research and writing skills.
Most forensic psychology graduate programs accept students with any major that includes courses relevant to forensic psychology. These usually include psychological assessment methods; conducting psychology research; abnormal and criminal psychology; social psychology; counseling; and courses in crime and criminology.
What Can I Do with a Degree in Forensic Psychology?
A forensic psychology degree can prepare you for a range of careers in psychology, law, the judicial system, the correctional system, or academia. To be a psychologist or professor, you must have a doctorate. Other careers require a bachelor's or master's in forensic psychology.
To become a forensic psychologist, you typically need a bachelor's degree, followed by a master's and a doctorate.
After your doctorate, you must complete a period of supervised experience under a licensed psychologist and obtain licensure. The specific period varies by state, so be sure to check your state regulations for details.
Frequently Asked Questions About Forensic Psychology Colleges
What is forensic psychology?
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 previous offenders from returning to crime.
Forensic psychology focuses on understanding the intersection of psychology and the legal system, including the causes and prevention of crime and offender profiling.
How many years of college are needed for forensic psychology?
To become a licensed psychologist, you must earn a doctorate, which can take 4-7 years, in addition to an undergraduate and master's degree. However, some forensic psychology roles, such as police or parole officers or counselors specializing in criminal rehabilitation, require a bachelor's or master's degree.
What do forensic psychology undergraduate programs include?
Forensic psychology undergraduate programs include the basic psychology curriculum of theory, human development, and abnormal psychology. Students learn how to perform assessments, provide counseling, and conduct research. They also complete coursework in criminal psychology, law, and the justice and corrections systems.
Does the FBI hire forensic psychologists?
The FBI hires forensic psychologists, though the work is not as glamorous as it appears on television. FBI forensic psychologists analyze crimes, conduct research on preventing crime and recidivism, and may assist in cases.
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