While it isn’t all serial killers, private FBI jets, and shootouts the way that television dramas like "Criminal Minds" portray it, forensic psychologists work at the intersection of psychology practice and the legal field. Find out more about forensic psychology degrees, what forensic psychologists do, and how to work in this field.
What to Look For in a Forensic Psychology Program
There are relatively few bachelor's programs in forensic psychology, though some offer specializations or minors.
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.
Aside from the curriculum, look for general indicators of course quality such as accreditation, graduation rate, graduate school acceptance rate, and employment rate. All forensic psychology programs in this guide are accredited, which means they meet third-party educational standards.
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 will work with real-world cases, though under close supervision.
Featured Online Forensic Psychology Programs
Best Online Forensic Psychology Programs
#1 The Best Colleges for Forensic Psychology
Washington University in St Louis
- Saint Louis, MO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
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.
Percent Online Enrollment
85%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#2 The Best Colleges for Forensic Psychology
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice
- New York, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
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.
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#3 The Best Colleges for Forensic Psychology
California State University-Fresno
- Fresno, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
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.
Percent Online Enrollment
99%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#4 The Best Colleges for Forensic Psychology
George Washington University
- Washington, DC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
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.
Percent Online Enrollment
25%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#5 The Best Colleges for Forensic Psychology
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Los Angeles
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
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.
Retention Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
90%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#6 The Best Colleges for Forensic Psychology
Montclair State University
- Montclair, NJ
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
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.
Percent Online Enrollment
95%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#7 The Best Colleges for Forensic Psychology
University of Denver
- Denver, CO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
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.
Percent Online Enrollment
89%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#8 The Best Colleges for Forensic Psychology
SUNY College at Oswego
- Oswego, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
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.
Percent Online Enrollment
96%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#9 The Best Colleges for Forensic Psychology
Maryville University of Saint Louis
- Saint Louis, MO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
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.
Percent Online Enrollment
83%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#10 The Best Colleges for Forensic Psychology
Corban University
- Salem, OR
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
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.
Percent Online Enrollment
24%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
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, support victims, or help prevent previous offenders from returning to crime. Unlike criminal psychologists, their work focuses on understanding the legal nature of crime and its prevention, rather than specific crimes or criminals.
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.
Page last reviewed on November 11, 2022