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Many organizations, such as federal or local agencies, seek qualified graduates with degrees in criminal psychology. This degree helps people understand how a criminal's mind works. Curricula also cover the legal systems in place to prevent and address all kinds of crime.
Criminal psychology degree-holders might work in law enforcement, corrections, or criminal investigation. A bachelor's degree in criminal psychology typically fulfills the education requirements for one of these high-profile careers.They may also work in forensic psychology with an advanced degree in criminal psychology.
Learners who want to work specifically in law enforcement should look for a hands-on degree that offers fieldwork. Students more interested in why people commit crimes may enjoy a degree with a psychology emphasis more.
This page ranks the best criminal psychology degrees. Learn about degree types, salary potentials, and careers for graduates.
What Are the Best Criminal Psychology Degrees?
Prospective students should look for the degree that provides them with the flexibility and adaptability necessary for them to pursue their academic and personal goals. The best programs provide high-quality education and are also affordable.
The list below features the schools that do not just have the best programs but are also the best choices for student satisfaction, affordability, and value. Check out the best criminal psychology degrees below.
#1 Best Criminal Psychology Degrees
Florida Institute of Technology
- Melbourne, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The bachelor's in forensic psychology program at Florida Institute of Technology, a private institution, earns top marks. The Melbourne-based school offers both in-person and online enrollment options. Undergraduates benefit from strong student support services and rigorous academics.
The program builds comprehensive skills and knowledge through both general education and major courses. Students complete general education requirements by taking classes in the social sciences, STEM, and humanities. Within the major, learners take upper-division courses that provide an advanced understanding of forensic psychology, preparing graduates for the job market.
Florida Institute of Technology at a Glance:
Admissions Rate: 66%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14-to-1
Total Bachelor's Programs: 58
Undergrad Tuition In State: $41,720
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $41,720
Graduation Rate: 59%
Average Graduate Earnings After Six Years: $46,900
Percent Online Enrollment
10%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Best Criminal Psychology Degrees
The College of Saint Rose
- Albany, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The College of Saint Rose offers 46 bachelor's degrees, including a bachelor's in forensic psychology. This program incorporates knowledge and skills that prepare students for many career paths. After completing a bachelor's degree, graduates can also pursue higher degrees to specialize their training.
The bachelor's curriculum introduces major principles and practices in forensic psychology. In addition to major coursework, undergraduates build communication and critical thinking skills in general education courses. Students can explore other interests by choosing a minor or a second major.
Student services supports incoming degree candidates academically and socially. For example, career counselors work with students to determine their professional goals and create a plan to reach them.
The College of Saint Rose at a Glance:
Location: Albany, New York
Type of School: private
Admissions Rate: 87%
Undergrad Tuition In State: $32,218
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $32,218
Percent Online Enrollment
18%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#3 Best Criminal Psychology Degrees
University of New Haven
- West Haven, CT
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The bachelor's in forensic psychology degree at University of New Haven, a private institution, stands out for its academic quality. Located in West Haven, Connecticut, the school serves students of all backgrounds through campus and online courses. Undergraduates benefit from rigorous academic standards and comprehensive college support services.
The program includes general education and major courses that emphasize key skills and knowledge. The general education curriculum includes classes in the humanities, mathematics, and communication. The major curriculum covers theoretical and practical approaches to the field, preparing graduates for entry-level roles in diverse industries.
University of New Haven at a Glance:
Admissions Rate: 83%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16-to-1
Total Bachelor's Programs: 61
Total Online Bachelor's Programs: 1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $39,000
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $39,000
Graduation Rate: 62%
Average Graduate Earnings After Six Years: $40,500
Percent Online Enrollment
28%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#4 Best Criminal Psychology Degrees
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice
- New York, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The bachelor of arts in forensic psychology program at CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice prioritizes accessibility in its course options. This program builds broad knowledge and skills that prepare students for entry- and mid-level careers. The degree also prepares graduates for master's-level programs, which open up additional career opportunities.
The bachelor's curriculum covers foundational and advanced criminology topics. Undergraduates also complete general education requirements, which strengthen analytical and critical thinking skills. Enrollees can explore other academic and professional interests by declaring a minor or a second major.
Incoming degree candidates benefit from the school's strong student services support. For example, career counselors recommend job training workshops and offer career assessments.
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice at a Glance:
Location: New York, New York
Type of School: Public
Admissions Rate: 41%
Undergrad Tuition In State: $6,930
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $14,880
Percent Online Enrollment
35%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#5 Best Criminal Psychology Degrees
California Baptist University
- Riverside, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
California Baptist University offers a total of 89 bachelor's programs, including a bachelor of arts in psychology with a concentration in forensic psychology. With this degree, students can pursue entry-level careers in diverse industries. Graduates also meet the requirements for master's and doctoral programs by earning a bachelor's degree.
The curriculum includes foundational and advanced courses in forensic psychology. Undergraduates complete general education courses that strengthen communication, writing, and critical thinking skills. Students can gain interdisciplinary training by choosing a minor or second major.
The school's student services provide support for incoming degree candidates. For example, financial aid counselors work with enrollees to determine sources of educational funding such as grants, scholarships, and loans.
California Baptist University at a Glance:
Location: Riverside, California
Type of School: Private
Admissions Rate: 78%
Total Online Bachelor's Programs: 24
Undergrad Tuition In State: $32,942
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $32,942
Percent Online Enrollment
55%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
At CollegeChoice, we use reliable data from trusted sources like the U.S. Department of Education to rank schools based on their academic quality, affordability, and return on investment. When determining a program's value, we consider metrics such as student debt, graduation rate, and average student earnings after enrolling.
To learn more, consultour ranking methodology..
What Kind of Criminal Psychology Degree Should You Get?
A degree in criminal psychology prepares learners to work in diverse fields, including law enforcement, corrections, and criminal justice. However, since these fields vary, students should research degrees that provide coursework in their career of interest.
In addition, a bachelor's degree should fit into learners' current life commitments. Working students can benefit from programs that provide both high academic quality and a flexible learning format. Our list of the best schools for criminal psychology includes both on-campus and online degrees, so you can find a program that works for your schedule.
Our list of degrees includes schools that offer both quality and affordability. Students unsure about which degree to pursue to meet their goals can look at our ranking of the best online colleges and universities.
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How Much Money Do People Make With a Degree in Criminal Psychology?
A bachelor's degree in criminal psychology prepares students for many careers. Average salaries and the potential for job growth vary by the exact career degree-holders decide to pursue. People with many years of experience and additional education often earn higher salaries.
Graduates can become detectives and criminal investigators. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), these professionals earn a median annual salary of $91,100. Criminal psychology degree-holders can also work as correctional treatment specialists. These specialists earn median salaries of $61,800 annually. Graduates of a bachelor's degree in criminal psychology program can also become police officers. Police officers make a median salary of $72,280 per year.
The BLS projects jobs for in law enforcement and corrections to grow 3% from 2022-2032, which is about as fast as the national average for all occupations. This growth amounts to the addition of 2,400 corrections jobs and 23,800 police and detective jobs.
What can you do with a degree in criminal psychology?
With a degree in criminal psychology, graduates can pursue a variety of careers. They might work as a crime analyst, FBI agent, correctional case manager, corrections treatment specialist, probation officer, detective, or police officer. Degree-holders may also become a mental health counselor or forensic psychologist, with additional education.
Many criminal psychology jobs focus on uncovering the psychological motivations that occur in the commission of crimes. Professionals may interview criminals or evaluate crime scenes to create a profile to assist law enforcement or to prevent crimes from occurring. Graduates could work for a local law enforcement office, a mental institution, or the National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime.
What Are the Requirements for a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Psychology?
To become a criminal psychologist, students take courses in many disciplines. After earning a bachelor's degree, students must earn a Ph.D. in psychology to become licensed psychologists.
Bachelor's in criminal psychology curricula include psychology and sociology courses. Students also take advanced coursework in criminal behavior and abnormal psychology. A high-quality degree in criminal psychology also includes hands-on, experiential classes. Some programs offer pathways to professional licensure with organizations like the Society for Police and Criminal Psychology.
Admittance to a bachelor's program in criminal justice requires a high school or GED diploma. Applicants should demonstrate strong communication, analytical, and critical thinking skills. Many schools request a high school GPA of at least 2.5. Some schools require SAT or ACT scores.
