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Forensic psychologists apply their knowledge of human behavior to criminal proceedings and civil litigation. They take at least a decade to complete the education and training required to practice.
An online master's in forensic psychology qualifies workers for rewarding criminal justice and counseling careers in a shorter time frame. Explore the field of forensic psychology and the opportunities that await.
Popular Online Psychology Master's Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Most Affordable Online Master's in Forensic Psychology Degrees
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Most Affordable Online Master’s In Forensic Psychology Degrees
University of California, Irvine
Irvine, CA
4 years
Online + Campus
A public school situated in Irvine, California, University of California, Irvine administers a comprehensive catalog of degrees. Among the options is the master of legal and forensic psychology for online students.
Graduate students can use online education such as this program to accomplish a goal that may otherwise seem unachievable because of logistical issues. Busy enrollees may have access to recorded videos that facilitate anytime viewing and can complete their assignments within a reasonable timeframe as faculty allow. The program provides this opportunity without sacrificing the rigor that prepares students for higher-level work and further education.
The school admits about 27% of applicants each year, but this rate may vary across programs. For consideration to enter this program, degree-seekers will need a bachelor's degree unless otherwise stated. Applicants may also need to submit official transcripts and letters of recommendation, and they may participate in an interview.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$11,442
Out-of-state
$41,196
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,442
Out-of-state
$26,544
Retention Rate
94%
Acceptance Rate
27%
Students Enrolled
36,908
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
15%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Most Affordable Online Master’s In Forensic Psychology Degrees
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ
4 years
Online + Campus
Arizona State University has a reputation for developing rigorous online graduate programs. The online master of science in forensic psychology is one of those degrees, designed for degree-holders with a bachelor’s in forensic psychology or a related field. This program emphasizes rigorous academics and a flexible learning format.
Learners in the master's program study in classes with a 20-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio that is conducive to personalized learning. The curriculum is steeped in advanced theoretical concepts and practices in forensic psychology. The rigorous academic preparation that a master’s provides makes potential employees stand out.
The tuition rate stands at $11,720 per year for Arizona residents and $26,160 for out-of-state students. The scholarships and grants available to many degree-seekers help them reduce the price of tuition.When you add in student loans, used by about 34% of enrollees, there are plenty of ways to finance all or part of a program.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,710
Out-of-state
$28,800
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,720
Out-of-state
$26,160
Retention Rate
88%
Acceptance Rate
86%
Students Enrolled
53,286
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
47%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
Most Affordable Online Master’s In Forensic Psychology Degrees
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA
4 years
Online + Campus
Liberty University administers a number of quality online graduate programs. The forensic psychology master's program is one of those degrees, designed for degree-holders with a bachelor’s in criminal justice or a related field. Enrollees complete a curriculum that is very rigorous using a flexible format that accommodates their schedule.
Forensic psychology students enjoy a 17-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio in their classes. The curriculum immerses learners in advanced knowledge and training in forensic psychology. The training students receive is an important step for career advancement or a doctoral degree in this field or a related one.
Affordability is a top issue, and the school charges Virginia residents and out-of-state students $7,980 per year. If they qualify, degree-seekers can use grants and scholarships to help fund their master’s. When you add in student loans, used by about 57% of enrollees, there are plenty of ways to finance all or part of a program.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$15,417
Out-of-state
$15,417
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,980
Out-of-state
$7,980
Retention Rate
81%
Acceptance Rate
51%
Students Enrolled
85,586
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
92%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Most Affordable Online Master’s In Forensic Psychology Degrees
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Chicago, IL
4 years
Campus
Many students attend schools such as The Chicago School of Professional Psychology to earn degrees from a distance, and the private school develops programs with them in mind. Students can pursue the MA in psychology with a forensic psychology concentration among the options.
Logistics is no barrier to earning this degree, which offers graduate students the freedom to learn at their convenience. Professionals, caretakers, and other busy enrollees can attend virtual sessions and complete assignments at convenient times. The degree provides a rigorous education that does not sacrifice strong preparation for career advancement.
Interested learners will need a bachelor's degree in order to be considered for this program, but other requirements may apply. The department can provide more application information, such as what documents to submit and how to do that.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,992
Out-of-state
$10,992
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$20,610
Out-of-state
$20,610
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
1,307
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
10%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Most Affordable Online Master’s In Forensic Psychology Degrees
Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, FL
4 years
Online + Campus
Many students want to attend graduate school online, and Nova Southeastern University offers that privilege from the Fort Lauderdale, Florida, campus. The institution is a leader in online graduate education with 46 master's degrees available remotely. One option is the MS in forensic psychology.
Graduate students can appreciate online education's flexibility and adaptability. Recorded video sessions may be available to allow anytime viewing, and faculty may let enrollees complete coursework at their own pace within a given timeframe. Students receive the rigorous academic preparation they expect without sacrificing quality.
According to the latest data, the school accepts about 80% of applicants each year, but that may vary by program. Master's degree-seekers usually need to have a bachelor's degree in the same or a similar field in order to receive consideration. Contact the program for all of the application details, such as how to submit transcripts and letters of recommendation.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$31,150
Out-of-state
$31,150
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$19,665
Out-of-state
$19,665
Retention Rate
81%
Acceptance Rate
80%
Students Enrolled
20,576
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
45%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Most Affordable Online Master’s In Forensic Psychology Degrees
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND
4 years
Online + Campus
Many students want to attend graduate school online, and the University of North Dakota offers that privilege from the Grand Forks, North Dakota, campus. A leader in online graduate education, the institution offers 28 online master's degrees. Among these is its online master's in forensic psychology program for graduate learners in psychology.
Online education's flexibility and adaptability attract many graduate students to this graduate program. Professionals, caretakers, and other busy enrollees can attend virtual sessions and complete assignments at convenient times. Students receive the same advanced education as their on-campus peers in preparation for higher-level occupations.
The school’s admission statistics show that about 81% of applicants get in, with some variations across programs. Master's degree-seekers usually need a bachelor's degree in the major or a related one to receive consideration. Consult with the program to find out more about entrance and application requirements like transcripts, interviews, and recommendation letters.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,212
Out-of-state
$14,371
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,534
Out-of-state
$18,434
Retention Rate
78%
Acceptance Rate
81%
Students Enrolled
13,581
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
45%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
Most Affordable Online Master’s In Forensic Psychology Degrees
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK
4 years
Online + Campus
Oklahoma State University provides online learners with highly ranked graduate education they can complete from a distance. The master's in forensic sciences is an excellent choice for people with a bachelor’s in the field who want to advance their education with a master’s degree. This program emphasizes rigorous academics and a flexible learning format.
Forensic sciences students enjoy an 18-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio in their classes. Learners complete a strong curriculum in forensic science delivered by faculty with industry expertise. By far the biggest benefit of this master’s is preparation for career advancement in this field and related ones, along with the foundational knowledge for a Ph.D.
Tuition depends on state residency status, with Oklahoma students paying $5,531 per annum and those living out of state paying $21,034. Many degree-seekers reduce this bill with grants and scholarships from the school and third parties. When you add in student loans, used by about 42% of enrollees, there are plenty of ways to finance all or part of a program.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,366
Out-of-state
$20,877
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$5,531
Out-of-state
$21,034
Retention Rate
83%
Acceptance Rate
70%
Students Enrolled
24,079
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
42%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
Most Affordable Online Master’s In Forensic Psychology Degrees
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH
4 years
Online + Campus
Southern New Hampshire University’s flexible programs allow graduate students to earn a degree while they work and maintain other obligations. From the Manchester, New Hampshire, campus, the school delivers 22 online master's degrees that include a master's in forensic psychology. This online program does not require relocation or daily transportation, which contributes to the popularity among full-time workers and others who need flexible schedules.
A bachelor’s degree or the equivalent in the major, or a related field, is usually required for admission unless otherwise stated. A big draw to a master’s degree like the MS in forensic psychology program is the intensive coursework that provides enrollees with advanced preparation in their field. Some degree recipients interested in research, academia, or related positions will pursue a Ph.D. after this program.
Competitive tuition rates are a key selling point at this school, which charges residents of New Hampshire and out-of-state students $18,810 per year. Learners can use resources from the financial aid department to determine if they qualify for financial aid like grants and scholarships. Another source of funding is loans, which students can pursue from the government or private banks.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$30,756
Out-of-state
$30,756
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$18,810
Out-of-state
$18,810
Retention Rate
65%
Acceptance Rate
88%
Students Enrolled
113,514
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
94%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
Most Affordable Online Master’s In Forensic Psychology Degrees
University of Louisiana Monroe
Monroe, LA
4 years
Online + Campus
The University of Louisiana Monroe enrolls students in one of the nation’s best forensic psychology programs for online degree-seekers. This degree provides learners with advanced knowledge and training required for many higher-level job opportunities in the field. The MS in psychology with a forensic psychology concentration prepares students for doctoral degrees and other terminal programs.
The convenient online format makes this program an especially good choice for many. A big part of this degree's allure is that it allows students to manage other aspects of their lives without sacrificing their education. Enrollees move through the program with faculty support, assistance such as career advising, and the ability to tailor the educational experience to their career aspirations.
Applicants usually need a bachelor’s in order to be considered for this program. Though some programs post different averages, the school accepts about 80% of all who apply. If accepted, students in Louisiana can expect to pay about $6,490 per year before applying grants, loans, and scholarships.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,788
Out-of-state
$17,888
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,490
Out-of-state
$18,590
Retention Rate
73%
Acceptance Rate
80%
Students Enrolled
8,673
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
43%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
How We Rank Schools
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.
Forensic psychology applies psychological science to cases within the judicial system. Forensic psychologists perform duties like assessing suspects' mental health, advising on jury selection, and testifying in child custody disputes.
Practitioners with a master's in forensic psychology enjoy in-demand and well-paying careers, such as police officers and professional counselors. A master's degree lays the groundwork for doctoral programs and board certification as a forensic psychologist.
What to Expect in an Online Master's in Forensic Psychology
Students can complete 32-60 credits in a flexible online format. An online master's in forensic psychology can take 15-36 months to finish, depending on full- or part-time enrollment.Learners can also customize their education with a licensure or non-licensure track.
Most programs provide an introduction to both psychology and the legal system, examining topics in psychopathology, forensic counseling, forensic psychology principles, and crisis intervention.
The practicum requirements and license types available after graduation vary by state. Master's programs in forensic psychology prepare students for licensure, such as a licensed professional counselor, substance use counselor, or chemical dependency counselor assistant certification. This degree usually requires at least 60 credits and practicum/internship experience to meet state licensure requirements. Licensed counselors can provide services to clients with a range of psychological, emotional, and intellectual challenges.
Non-licensure track programs have fewer credits and may require a thesis, a capstone project, or another experiential learning activity.
Courses Taken
Psychology and the Legal System: Learners explore psychology's role in the legal system, from criminal profiling and investigative interviewing to false confessions and jury selection.
Offender Rehabilitation and Reintegration: This course examines the techniques and interventions that counselors use to assess, treat, and rehabilitate offenders to help them reintegrate into society.
Fundamentals of Forensic Psychology Research: Coursework includes an overview of various research design methods used to conduct research in forensic psychology. The course also helps students become critical consumers of psychological research.
Principles of Forensic Psychology: Learners study the U.S. legal and legislative systems and the history of forensic psychology. The course may also survey how law enforcement officials use psychological principles, techniques, and technologies to solve cases within the legal system.
Capstone in Forensic Psychology: Students demonstrate their breadth of theoretical and practical knowledge by investigating a research topic or producing a forensic psychology project in the final year.
Skills Learned
Critical thinking
Observation
Interviewing
Research methods
Counseling and treatment methods
Written communication
Admission Requirements
While admission requirements vary, prospective students for an online master's in forensic psychology usually need a bachelor's degree and a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.5-3.0. Some programs may also require prerequisite coursework in the social sciences or a writing sample.
Careers with an Online Master's in Forensic Psychology
Other career opportunities for forensic psychologists include forensic social workers, mental health or substance use counselors, and police and sheriff's patrol officers.
Professionals may work in police departments, prisons, and courthouses, but responsibilities vary by career pathway. Regardless, these careers work at some stage of the legal system. Responsibilities may include:
Testifying in court
Collecting and analyzing evidence
Rehabilitating incarcerated or recently released offenders
Counseling people in the legal system with mental health and substance use issues
Maintain records of evidence or clients' progress
Occupational data highlight the earning potential and job prospects for workers with a master's in forensic psychology. How much one earns in forensic psychology depends on the worker's education, training, experience, and career choice.
Median Salary and Job Growth for Master's in Forensic Psychology Careers
Career
Median Annual Salary
New Jobs Projected Between 2022-2032
Forensic Social Worker
$63,770
4,500
Mental Health or Substance Use Counselor
$53,710
71,500
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
$61,800
2,400
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
$72,280
22,500
Forensic Science Technician
$64,940
2,300
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
How to Become a Forensic Psychologist
An online master's in forensic psychology positions graduates to begin their career or pursue additional education.
Alternatively, degree-seekers can earn a doctorate after completing an online master's in forensic psychology. A doctoral program in forensic psychology typically leads to a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) or doctor of psychology (Psy.D.) and requires a 5-7-year commitment.
Besides forensic psychology, other doctoral majors include psychology or clinical psychology with a concentration in forensic psychology. Participants complete coursework, research, and clinical fieldwork through an internship. Graduates must also complete post-doctoral supervised clinical experience for licensure as a psychologist.
The next step is to pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology exam. Once licensed, forensic psychologists can pursue American Board of Professional Psychology board certification.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Master's Programs in Forensic Psychology
How much money do people make with an online master's in forensic psychology?
Graduates of an online master's program in forensic psychology can earn median annual salaries between $53,710-$72,280. Earning potential varies depending on your career choice and other factors, such as location, education, work experience, and work setting.
Are forensic psychology graduates in demand?
Many forensic psychology jobs have a projected job growth rate much higher than the 3% growth rate for all occupations, as reported by the BLS. Most forensic psychology careers are projected to need more than 10,000 new jobs for each field between 2022 and 2032. For instance, substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors could have 71,500 new jobs during that time frame, according to the BLS.
What can you do with an online master's in forensic psychology?
Graduates can immediately pursue a doctorate or begin a rewarding forensic psychology career, such as forensic technician, police officer, or probation officer.
How much does an online master's in forensic psychology cost?
The cost of an online master's in forensic psychology depends on the program, institution, and, in some cases, residency status. Based on a small sample of schools, students can expect to pay between $750-$1,275 per credit.
Is it worth becoming a forensic psychologist?
Becoming a forensic psychologist can result in higher-than-average salaries and make a difference in people's lives. PayScale data from April 2024 reports an average salary of $78,900 for forensic psychologists. A mid-career forensic psychologist with at least five years of experience earns an average total compensation of $87,000. The greatest reward for many in this profession comes from making a difference in the lives of others.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by CollegeChoice. Page last reviewed April 25, 2024.
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