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The 10 Best Forensic Psychology Schools In the US
As seen in popular media, forensic psychologists are essential members of the criminal justice system. These professionals work at the intersection of psychology and law. In their day to day, forensic psychologists can provide competency evaluations, sentencing recommendations, testimony as expert witnesses, and programs for correctional facilities.
Forensic psychologist services are useful throughout government organizations, correctional facilities, courts, and other settings. Their services can include psychological assessments of individuals involved in the legal system. Other forensic psychologists consult on public policy or work within the criminal justice system.
The interest in the field has grown significantly over recent years, thanks to popular media portrayals of forensic psychologists. Many universities nationwide offer dual degrees in psychology and law, while others provide specialization in the field. Students learn essential clinical skills at these programs, such as assessing and performing client interviews, report writing, and case presentations.
Forensic psychology students take various courses, including criminal psychology, social behavior, criminal justice, and law. From child and family law to law enforcement, many programs will offer further specialization within the field of forensic psychology. Through hands-on experience and coursework, students learn how to communicate and think critically.
With over 7,500 forensic psychologists across the United States, there are a growing number of programs. The top programs will provide the training and fieldwork necessary to continue to higher education and state certification as a practitioner.
Here are the 10 of the best forensic psychology schools in the nation.
College of Saint Rose (Albany, NY)
The forensic psychology program at Saint Rose has a strong integrated design, making it a popular choice in the growing field.
Housed in the Department of Psychology, the forensic psychology major acts as a double major in psychology and criminal justice. Forensic mental health law, criminal behavior, court systems, and abnormal psychology are just some of the classes that undergraduates will complete.
In order to tailor their education, students can choose from a variety of paths within the degree. By selecting a clinical, legal, or research concentration, students will be well-prepared for a graduate degree or employment following graduation.
Located in the capital of New York, there are plenty of opportunities for internships in the field of forensic psychology. The American Institute for Economic Research ranks Albany in the top ten small metro areas nationwide for providing learning opportunities outside of the classroom. Qualified students can intern with faculty advisors, working at the Cold Case Analysis Center.
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA)
At the Chicago School, forensic psychology students work directly in the arena of police and public safety. There are a variety of programs at the Los Angeles campus, including both BA and MA degrees. The programs prepare graduates for licensure as professional counselors and to provide specialized services to clients in forensic settings.
While in classes, undergraduates and graduates alike work alongside experienced and passionate faculty practitioners. They will benefit from significant networking opportunities and gain the skills needed to practice forensic psychology in legal and public policy arenas.
The Chicago School’s forensic psychology alumni are enabled to work in a rapidly expanding range of settings. Child welfare agencies, mental health facilities, government agencies, correctional facilities, and private practice are just some of the settings where alumni use their degrees.
Kean University (Union, NJ)
At Kean University, the MA in forensic psychology program is designed for students interested in forensic or law enforcement positions. The curriculum pulls from several departments, including sociology, criminal justice, and psychology. Whether graduates are interested in working in court clinics or forensic psychiatric settings, they will be able to pursue their passion at Kean.
Kean believes that learning and professional growth extend beyond the classroom. Students in the forensic psychology program can participate in practicum and externship experiences throughout the clinical setting. Through these valuable hands-on opportunities, students can apply the knowledge gained in the classroom.
Forensic psychology students can also participate in research teams to further their understanding of the field. Alongside department faculty, they present their research projects at the annual Kean Research Days event.
George Washington University (Washington, DC)
Students at GWU learn to examine mental health through social, cultural, and legal lenses. Forensic psychology students seek to understand the motivation behind crime using psychological concepts from their classes.
While studying at George Washington University, forensic psychology students must complete at least 250 hours of internship training. These hands-on experiences are tailored to their professional interests and provide the necessary skills to succeed as a psychologist.
Due to the school’s location in the nation’s capital, many local employers, from law enforcement agencies to nonprofits for victims, hire GWU alumni.
GWU forensic psychology alumni go on to pursue doctoral programs at top institutions across the United States. Others go straight into employment, working for notable employers such as the NCIS, FBI, US Department of Justice, and Maryland Department of Public Safety.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott (Prescott, AZ)
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is home to one of a handful of forensic psychology bachelor programs in the nation . Furthermore, it is one of the only psychology programs where faculty members teach courses instead of graduate students. Using small class sizes and hands-on activities, students are well-prepared for a future career in forensic psychology.
While on campus, undergraduates have access to a variety of state-of-the-art equipment for faculty demonstrations and research. Forensic psychology students can use forensic, cybersecurity, and intelligence labs through the College of Security and Intelligence.
Outside of classes, ERAU has plenty of social and professional resources for students. By mentoring juvenile offenders and volunteering in the local criminal justice system, undergraduates gain hands-on experience in the field.
One notable extracurricular activity, the Psych Club , is one of the most quickly growing organizations on campus, providing networking and professional development opportunities.
Maryville University of St. Louis (St. Louis, MO)
The forensic psychology program at Maryville is designed to prepare students for a career in the social, community, and human services fields. Emphasizing project-based learning, the curriculum provides unparalleled educational opportunities. Forensic psychology undergraduates may join a faculty member or team of students to pursue a research project.
As a member of the forensic psychology department, students will complete at least 150 hours of hands-on work experience in the St. Louis region. These internships provide experience working with mental illness, neuropsychology issues, and the probation process.
Faculty members at Maryville are well-respected in their fields and work to impact their communities positively. Furthermore, they aim to inspire students to cultivate critical thinking and communication abilities.
After over a decade working in law enforcement, one notable teacher, Professor Geriann Brandt , began teaching criminal justice for the program.
Montclair State University (Montclair, NJ)
Few specialized programs train students in forensic psychology, especially ones that emphasize child and family issues . Montclair State University is committed to producing psychologists to make legal decisions that impact their community’s justice systems. Students will study the unique intersection between psychology and law.
In classes, forensic psychology students will gain practical experience in clinical assessments, report writing, and providing treatment to various populations. This concentration highlights child, adolescent, and family issues.
Montclair State University also offers a certificate program in forensic psychology designed for psychologists, social workers, and professional counselors. This flexible program is tailored to each student’s schedule to meet the demands of practicing professionals. With options for intensive clinical supervision in forensic settings, this program will prepare graduates for practice.
Florida Institute of Technology (Melbourne, FL)
The forensic psychology degree program at Florida Tech is the only undergraduate program of its kind in Florida . At the intersection of law and psychology, the degree provides students with a top-tier education. The low student-to-faculty ratio ensures close collaboration between students and faculty.
While in classes, undergraduates develop skills in crime analysis, prevention, and acting as a community liaison. Senior undergraduates participate in a scholarly inquiry project. Through an intensive field internship and substantial research, forensic psychology students gain necessary hands-on experience.
Active Minds , a prominent student organization on campus, focuses on psychology and mental health. Members work together to change the perception of mental health on campus through seminars, lectures, and other events.
Along with Active Minds, forensic psychology students can join the Forensic Psychology Association to develop their leadership experience.
University of Denver (Denver, CO)
The Denver Forensic Institute for Research, Service, and Training ( Denver FIRST ) acts as a regional hub for forensic mental health expertise. Through policy and advocacy work, the center focuses on advocating for legislative reform for marginalized people.
Denver FIRST provides forensic mental health services throughout the state of Colorado. Students gain insight into implementing cutting-edge, evidence-based practice; outpatient competency restoration, forensic assessment, case management, and neuropsychological screening are just some of the services provided.
The University of Denver is a leading source for forensic mental health training for forensic evaluators and other professionals. Through training sessions, workshops, and consultations, the university is an essential part of the forensic community in Denver.
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice (New York, NY)
The John Jay College of Criminal Justice at CUNY is one of the nation’s most prestigious liberal arts colleges.
Nearly 10% of the 2,000 graduate students are part of the forensic psychology program. The Master of Arts in forensic psychology provides a strong foundation that can be applied within the criminal and civil justice systems.
While studying forensic psychology, students at CUNY learn from over 35 full-time faculty members . Offering a unique blend of expertise, professors are often actively working as clinicians. Many faculty members have extensive experience in forensic units of hospitals, family court, or law enforcement consultants.
After graduation, CUNY forensic psychology students are connected to a network of 60,000 active criminal justice alumn i. Nearly half of graduates work in public service, with top career preferences including government and non-profit organizations.
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Forensic Psychology Graduate Programs in America
1-25 of 28 results
Columbian College of Arts & Sciences
Washington, DC •
George Washington University •
- • Rating 5 out of 5 2 reviews
Master's Student: CCAS does a really great job of integrating different programs so that you can meet every so often to talk about cases that you may encounter together out in the real world. The graduate center is very helpful and I love their appreciation days for graduate students (who doesn't love free coffee and snacks to help power through the day?) ... Read 2 reviews
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George Washington University ,
Graduate School ,
WASHINGTON, DC ,
2 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.
Featured Review: Master's Student says CCAS does a really great job of integrating different programs so that you can meet every so often to talk about cases that you may encounter together out in the real world. The graduate center is... .
Read 2 reviews.
Graduate School of Professional Psychology - University of Denver
Denver, CO •
University of Denver •
- • Rating 1 out of 5 1 review
University of Denver ,
DENVER, CO ,
1 Niche users give it an average review of 1 stars.
Read 1 reviews.
College of Psychology - Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, FL •
Nova Southeastern University •
- • Rating 4.25 out of 5 4 reviews
Alum: One of the larger PsyD programs by far but has a much better reputation now. I’ve trained with people from very well regarded programs and make six figures. ... Read 4 reviews
Nova Southeastern University ,
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL ,
4 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.
Featured Review: Alum says One of the larger PsyD programs by far but has a much better reputation now. I’ve trained with people from very well regarded programs and make six figures. .
Read 4 reviews.
Tiffin University
Tiffin, OH •
- • Rating 4.1 out of 5 21 reviews
Current Master's student: My experience with Tiffin University has been excellent to date. I have had two fantastic professors who grade assignments in a timely manner and have been very approachable and available! As a part-time student, while also working full-time and raising a family, I have found the time commitment to be manageable while still being academically challenged. I feel good about my enrollment at TU for my graduate program! ... Read 21 reviews
Sponsored Result, Tiffin University
TIFFIN, OH ,
21 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.
Featured Review: Current Master's student says My experience with Tiffin University has been excellent to date. I have had two fantastic professors who grade assignments in a timely manner and have been very approachable and available! As a... .
Read 21 reviews.
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice
New York, NY •
- • Rating 4.65 out of 5 75 reviews
Master's Student: John Jay College provides it's student's with an excellent pathway to the real world of criminal justice. The professor's have real world experience, which allows them to bring a new perspective to the classroom. The staff is also very helpful and when they provide you with many opportunities for growth. My experience here has allowed me to successfully learn and apply to jobs in my field of interest. Many of the subjects that I have learned have also allowed me to use classroom knowledge into the real world work force. The opportunities and diverse programs offered at this college allow you to branch out and explore different educational opportunities. This school is unique and full of wonderful and successful staff and prospective criminal justice students. ... Read 75 reviews
NEW YORK, NY ,
75 Niche users give it an average review of 4.7 stars.
Featured Review: Master's Student says John Jay College provides it's student's with an excellent pathway to the real world of criminal justice. The professor's have real world experience, which allows them to bring a new perspective to... .
Read 75 reviews.
University of North Dakota College of Arts and Sciences
Grand Forks, ND •
University of North Dakota •
University of North Dakota ,
GRAND FORKS, ND ,
College of Behavioral and Social Sciences - California Baptist University
Riverside, CA •
California Baptist University •
- • Rating 4.67 out of 5 3 reviews
California Baptist University ,
RIVERSIDE, CA ,
3 Niche users give it an average review of 4.7 stars.
Read 3 reviews.
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W. Roger Webb Forensic Science Institute
Edmond, OK •
University of Central Oklahoma •
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School of Business and Applied Social Sciences - Holy Names University
Oakland, CA •
Holy Names University •
Holy Names University ,
OAKLAND, CA ,
College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences - University of Houston - Victoria
Victoria, TX •
University of Houston - Victoria •
University of Houston - Victoria ,
VICTORIA, TX ,
Kean University College of Liberal Arts
Union, NJ •
Kean University •
Kean University ,
UNION, NJ ,
Feinstein School of Social and Natural Sciences
Bristol, RI •
Roger Williams University •
Roger Williams University ,
BRISTOL, RI ,
College of Humanities and Social Sciences - Kentucky State University
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Saint Elizabeth University - Continuing Studies
Morristown, NJ •
Saint Elizabeth University •
Saint Elizabeth University ,
MORRISTOWN, NJ ,
University College - Fairleigh Dickinson University - Metropolitan Campus
Teaneck, NJ •
Fairleigh Dickinson University - Metropolitan Campus •
Fairleigh Dickinson University - Metropolitan Campus ,
TEANECK, NJ ,
School of Business, Arts and Sciences - American International College
Springfield, MA •
American International College •
American International College ,
SPRINGFIELD, MA ,
Tiffin University School of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences
Tiffin University •
Tiffin University ,
Capella University
Minneapolis, MN •
- • Rating 4.58 out of 5 789 reviews
Current Master's student: Overall the program is so great because I’m working full time as a nurse. Capella allows you to be completely self paced and completely online. It works beautifully for my schedule and I really appreciate the responsiveness of the staff and support. I do think, however, I’d like to get more feedback personalized to me after I submit an assignment. I also would recommend updating the websites messaging program between students and professors. Sometimes it’s slightly hard to navigate. Other than that, I’d recommend this program to anyone and currently do recommend it to so many people! Thank you for your time ... Read 789 reviews
MINNEAPOLIS, MN ,
789 Niche users give it an average review of 4.6 stars.
Featured Review: Current Master's student says Overall the program is so great because I’m working full time as a nurse. Capella allows you to be completely self paced and completely online. It works beautifully for my schedule and I really... .
Read 789 reviews.
College of Social and Behavioral Sciences - Walden University
Walden University •
- • Rating 4.57 out of 5 37 reviews
Doctoral Student: My current graduate program is awesome. The PhD program is exceptional. The advisors, library staff and professors are all so helpful. The online school provides all the tools that are needed to succeed. The university also offers a number of networking and social interactive activities. The courses prepare students for careers in the human and social services field. The knowledge that I have gained has prepared me to promote positive social change in the community. ... Read 37 reviews
Walden University ,
37 Niche users give it an average review of 4.6 stars.
Featured Review: Doctoral Student says My current graduate program is awesome. The PhD program is exceptional. The advisors, library staff and professors are all so helpful. The online school provides all the tools that are needed to... .
Read 37 reviews.
Arizona State University - Online
Scottsdale, AZ •
- • Rating 4.68 out of 5 68 reviews
Alum: Well-rounded and intensive Master's if Science in Psychology. I was able to complete this while working full time. Professors were helpful, supportive and flexible as long as students communicated their needs in time. After I completed my master's I got accepted into a PsyD program! Great preparation if you're also getting additional experience through work or volunteering. ... Read 68 reviews
SCOTTSDALE, AZ ,
68 Niche users give it an average review of 4.7 stars.
Featured Review: Alum says Well-rounded and intensive Master's if Science in Psychology. I was able to complete this while working full time. Professors were helpful, supportive and flexible as long as students communicated... .
Read 68 reviews.
The CUNY School of Professional Studies
CUNY Graduate School & University Center •
- • Rating 4.43 out of 5 14 reviews
Current Master's student: Studying Applied Theatre at CUNY under one of the pioneers of the profession, Christopher Vine has been an enlightening and rewarding experience. My cohort is supportive in both my academic and professional process. In recognizing that theatre and education in the US is still dominated by white leaders, it has been illuminating to be an Asian American in a space where my opinions and ideas are held in high regard by my professors and my classmates. Though I find the work to be sometimes hard and overwhelming, I'm driven to keep going because of the confidence the people in my program have in me. It's been inspiring and uplifting to be in an educational space like this. For the first time going to school, I feel seen and respected as an Asian American. ... Read 14 reviews
CUNY Graduate School & University Center ,
14 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars.
Featured Review: Current Master's student says Studying Applied Theatre at CUNY under one of the pioneers of the profession, Christopher Vine has been an enlightening and rewarding experience. My cohort is supportive in both my academic and... .
Read 14 reviews.
College of Education & Social Services - Saint Leo University
Saint Leo, FL •
Saint Leo University •
- • Rating 4 out of 5 3 reviews
Saint Leo University ,
SAINT LEO, FL ,
3 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.
The California School of Professional Psychology
San Diego, CA •
Alliant International University •
- • Rating 4 out of 5 1 review
Current Doctoral student: So far, all administrators are easy to connect with, current students are friendly and very inteligent, and the campus is in an amazing location. ... Read 1 review
Alliant International University ,
SAN DIEGO, CA ,
1 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.
Featured Review: Current Doctoral student says So far, all administrators are easy to connect with, current students are friendly and very inteligent, and the campus is in an amazing location. .
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology - Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA •
- • Rating 4.35 out of 5 31 reviews
Current Doctoral student: The Chicago School program is great because I feel supported by the professors, my confidence level grows each semester, and it provides me with clinical skills needed to work with clients. I strongly believe in myself to advocate for more learning, such as asking questions or seeking out office hours for more guidance. The professors constantly are encouraging and challenging me to become a better clinician. The ways the program can improve on is through communication. There needs to be more communication from the administration to the students in regard to class or professor changes, as well as support with issues in practicum sites. ... Read 31 reviews
LOS ANGELES, CA ,
31 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars.
Featured Review: Current Doctoral student says The Chicago School program is great because I feel supported by the professors, my confidence level grows each semester, and it provides me with clinical skills needed to work with clients. I... .
Read 31 reviews.
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology - Chicago
Chicago, IL •
- • Rating 4.5 out of 5 72 reviews
Current Master's student: This program helps me understand how to assist people from all backgrounds, add to their life encouragement, be with them on their healing journey, and help them find the strength to face adversity and life challenges. I want to graduate and help people from my country of Ukraine thrive through the challenges we all are facing now. I believe it is the perfect timing for me to start this program and move toward the direction of one of my biggest goals - becoming a clinical mental health counselor. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology has amazing professors, and I find it vital to become a successful clinician as I want to learn from the best! ... Read 72 reviews
CHICAGO, IL ,
72 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.
Featured Review: Current Master's student says This program helps me understand how to assist people from all backgrounds, add to their life encouragement, be with them on their healing journey, and help them find the strength to face adversity... .
Read 72 reviews.
School of Social and Behavioral Sciences - Northcentral University
Northcentral University •
- • Rating 4.5 out of 5 4 reviews
Doctoral Student: The resources are great. There is also a sense of togetherness in the power hour sessions that are provided for students where accountability, as well as helping one another reigns. ... Read 4 reviews
Northcentral University ,
4 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.
Featured Review: Doctoral Student says The resources are great. There is also a sense of togetherness in the power hour sessions that are provided for students where accountability, as well as helping one another reigns. .
University of Houston - Victoria
- • Rating 4.7 out of 5 10 reviews
Master's Student: I love UHV. It is a great school that cares about their students and their successes and will push you to become the best that you can be in your field of study. The school is small enough to have a great relationship with professors and other classmates that care about you and your schooling. One of my favorite things about UHV is the professors and how they always make time for you whether you have a simple question or want to plan a meeting. With the new library, the school has gotten better with a beautiful view to have while studying and more clubs and activities to participate in. UHV has now provided more options for students regarding food, study materials, living spaces, and better computer labs for multiple people. Student engagement has also grown and has become more entertaining to participate in. I would not change anything about it and can not wait to see what else this school has planned for the future. ... Read 10 reviews
Sponsored Result, University of Houston - Victoria
10 Niche users give it an average review of 4.7 stars.
Featured Review: Master's Student says I love UHV. It is a great school that cares about their students and their successes and will push you to become the best that you can be in your field of study. The school is small enough to have a... .
Read 10 reviews.
Sponsored Result, Tiffin University School of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences
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2023 Best Forensic Psychology Schools
For its 2023 ranking, College Factual looked at 35 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for forensic psychology students pursuing a degree. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 2,290 degrees in forensic psychology during the 2020-2021 academic year.
What's on this page: * Degree-Level Rankings
- Best Overall Forensic Psychology Schools List
Choosing a Great Forensic Psychology School
In order to find the schools that are the best fit for you, you may want to filter to one of the degree levels below.
Pick Your Forensic Psychology Degree Level
Since picking the right college can be one of the most important decisions of your life, we've developed the Best Forensic Psychology Schools ranking, along with many other major-related rankings , to help you make that decision. You can also filter this list by location to find schools closer to you.
In addition to College Factual's rankings, you may want to take a look at College Combat , our unique tool that lets you pit your favorite schools head-to-head and compare how they rate on factors that most interest you. When you have some time, check it out - you may want to bookmark the link so you don't forget it.
More information on how we come up with our rankings can be found here: College Factual's Data Methodology .
Featured Forensic Psychology Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
BA in Psychology - Forensic Psychology
Combine psychology and the law while developing research and critical-thinking skills with one of our bachelor's degrees in forensic psychology from Southern New Hampshire University.
MS in Psychology - Forensic Psychology
Understand the intersection of psychology and the law with this online forensic psychology graduate degree from Southern New Hampshire University.
BA in Psychology - Applied Psychology
Learn to interpret behavior and mental processes through diverse psychological perspectives with this specialized online bachelor's from Southern New Hampshire University.
Best Schools for Forensic Psychology in the United States
Although we recommend filtering by degree level first, you can view the list below to see which schools give the educational experience for the forensic psychology degree levels they offer.
10 Top Schools in Forensic Psychology
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Chicago is one of the best schools in the United States for getting a degree in forensic psychology. Located in the city of Chicago, The Chicago School Chicago Campus is a private not-for-profit school with a small student population.
There were roughly 46 forensic psychology students who graduated with this degree at The Chicago School Chicago Campus in the most recent year we have data available.
Every student who is interested in forensic psychology has to check out The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Los Angeles. The Chicago School Los Angeles Campus is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Los Angeles.
There were roughly 66 forensic psychology students who graduated with this degree at The Chicago School Los Angeles Campus in the most recent data year.
Every student pursuing a degree in forensic psychology needs to take a look at George Washington University. Located in the city of Washington, GWU is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #40 out of 2,241 colleges nationwide means GWU is a great university overall.
There were approximately 54 forensic psychology students who graduated with this degree at GWU in the most recent data year.
Every student who is interested in forensic psychology has to check out University of Denver. DU is a large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Denver. A Best Colleges rank of #144 out of 2,241 schools nationwide means DU is a great university overall.
There were roughly 32 forensic psychology students who graduated with this degree at DU in the most recent year we have data available.
The Graduate Center is a medium-sized public school located in the large city of New York. A Best Colleges rank of #104 out of 2,241 colleges nationwide means The Graduate Center is a great school overall.
There were roughly 9 forensic psychology students who graduated with this degree at The Graduate Center in the most recent year we have data available.
The Chicago School Washington DC Campus is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Washington.
There were about 34 forensic psychology students who graduated with this degree at The Chicago School Washington DC Campus in the most recent year we have data available.
Located in the suburb of Fort Lauderdale, NUS Florida is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. This university ranks 12th out of 77 colleges for overall quality in the state of Florida.
There were about 47 forensic psychology students who graduated with this degree at NUS Florida in the most recent data year.
Capella University is a very large private for-profit university located in the city of Minneapolis. A Best Colleges rank of #166 out of 2,241 schools nationwide means Capella University is a great university overall.
There were approximately 74 forensic psychology students who graduated with this degree at Capella University in the most recent data year.
ASU - Skysong is a fairly large public university located in the medium-sized city of Scottsdale. This university ranks 7th out of 26 schools for overall quality in the state of Arizona.
There were roughly 230 forensic psychology students who graduated with this degree at ASU - Skysong in the most recent data year.
Cal Baptist is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Riverside. This university ranks 86th out of 170 schools for overall quality in the state of California.
There were about 25 forensic psychology students who graduated with this degree at Cal Baptist in the most recent year we have data available.
Related Programs
Learn about other programs related to Forensic Psychology that might interest you.
BA in Psychology
Advance in your human services or psychology career, or prepare for graduate studies in a variety of fields at Southern New Hampshire University.
MS in Psychology
Our Master of Science in Psychology program is designed to extend your knowledge and discipline in psychology, preparing you for a wide variety of professions and contexts.
Forensic Psychology by Region
View the Best Forensic Psychology Schools for a specific region near you.
Other Rankings
Bachelor's degrees in forensic psychology, doctor's degrees in forensic psychology, master's degrees in forensic psychology.
View All Rankings >
Forensic Psychology Related Rankings by Major
Forensic Psychology is one of 16 different types of Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology programs to choose from.
Most Popular Majors Related to Forensic Psychology
View All Forensic Psychology Related Majors >
Notes and References
- The bars on the spread charts above show the distribution of the schools on this list +/- one standard deviation from the mean.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ( IPEDS ) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of the rest of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s ( College Scorecard ).
More about our data sources and methodologies .
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Best Online Forensic Psychology Programs of 2023
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- Forensic psychology is a relatively new field that offers exciting job opportunities.
- With an online bachelor's degree in forensic psychology, you can qualify for jobs in law enforcement, social services, and criminal justice.
- Forensic scientist careers offer high pay, interesting work, and strong job prospects.
Forensic psychology: Is it as twisted and interesting as Criminal Minds makes it seem?
Actually, it's better. As a real-life forensic psychologist, you may not spend 100% of your time wearing cool sweater vests (hello, Spencer Reid ) and hunting down serial killers. But you will find yourself doing fascinating work at the intersection of law, psychology, and criminal justice — the sweater vest part is totally up to you.
BestColleges.com 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.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
If that sounds like fun, you should consider an online bachelor's degree in forensic psychology. Here's how to get started:
- Explore this page to make sure this path is the right choice for you.
- Check out the top-ranked online bachelor's in forensic psychology programs, as well as our sponsored programs.
- Request more information from the schools you're interested in.
What Is Forensic Psychology?
Forensic psychologists specialize in assessing crime and criminal behavior from a clinical perspective. It's a fairly new field — the American Psychological Association only officially recognized it in 2001.
As a forensic psychologist, your expertise will help investigate, punish, and prevent crime. You may work as an expert witness, criminal profiler, or consultant for law enforcement.
Forensic psychology is a great career path for anyone who is fascinated by human psychology, questions of mental health, and the many ways the law can affect people and their behavior.
Popular Forensic Psychology Programs
Is a bachelor's in forensic psychology worth it.
Yes. If you already know you want to be a forensic psychologist, then a bachelor's in forensic psychology is a good first step in that direction.
Eventually, you'll need an advanced degree to work in research or clinical psychology positions within the field. But even without a graduate degree, a bachelor's degree in forensic psychology can set you up for a number of cool entry-level jobs in law enforcement, criminal justice, or even forensic social work . Some examples include victim advocacy, correctional treatment, policing, or detective roles.
Why Should You Get a Bachelor's in Forensic Psychology Online?
- You want to become a forensic psychologist. A bachelor's degree in the field prepares you to qualify for graduate school and licensure , both of which are required for clinical work.
- You want to work in the criminal justice system more broadly. A four-year degree in forensic psychology gives you a foundational understanding of criminal justice. It also gives you a better sense of what role you want to play in the system (or how you might want to change the system for the better).
- You want interesting career options. Forget the boring desk job — with this degree, you can compete for less conventional roles in law, policing, community or social work, and criminal justice.
- You want to save time and money. Pursuing your bachelor's degree online reduces commuting costs , on-campus fees, and in many cases, tuition. It also gives you the freedom to fit school into your schedule instead of the other way around.
Best Online Master's in Forensic Psychology
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Bay Path University
- Longmeadow, MA
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Asynchronous Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit In State | $410 Out of State | $410
Credits to Graduate 120
Program Information Degree Completion Program | No Program Accreditation | New England Commission of Higher Education
Bay Path's online degree in forensic psychology includes a capstone course with hands-on learning opportunities. The forensic psychology program at Bay Path also allows you to take up to two graduate-level courses while completing your undergrad degree.
The school's Social Online Universal Learning program helps you succeed with accelerated classes and personalized instruction. It also provides you with connections to other students, faculty, and education coaches.
This private women's school welcomes first-year students with a high school diploma or the equivalent and transfer students.
Maryville University of Saint Louis
- Saint Louis, MO
Avg. Cost per Credit In State | $781 Out of State | $781
Credits to Graduate 128
Program Information Degree Completion Program | No Program Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission
Maryville, a private university in St. Louis, Missouri, designed its program to blend psychology with criminal justice. Plus, the degree incorporates an internship with its forensic psychology undergraduate curriculum. You'll complete 135-150 hours of practical experience, bringing together what you've learned about psychology, criminal justice, and social science.
The school's accelerated class schedule means you can choose from multiple start dates throughout the year. Maryville also offers early access to graduate-level courses, allowing you to get a head start on a master's degree.
Southern New Hampshire University
- Manchester, NH
Avg. Cost per Credit In State | $320 Out of State | $320
The forensic psychology program at SNHU allows you to incorporate social science research throughout your studies, exploring where psychology meets law. The embedded data literacy certificate and electives coursework allow you to tailor your forensic psychology degree at SNHU to your career interests.
SNHU does not charge application fees, and the school will transfer up to 90 credits toward a bachelor's degree. Plus, you can choose from six start dates each year.
Faulkner University
- Montgomery, AL
Avg. Cost per Credit In State | $155-325 Out of State | $155-325
Credits to Graduate 121
Program Information Degree Completion Program | No Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Based in Montgomery, Alabama, Faulkner integrates ethics and cultural competency in its online forensic psychology program. You'll begin by building a foundation in tangible skills and then specialize as you advance through the degree. Plus, Faulkner's program requires you to complete an internship in your senior year.
First-year students must submit ACT or SAT scores. Transfer students with at least 24 credits do not need to submit test scores. Active-duty military service men and women, veterans, and their families may qualify for tuition benefits.
Arizona State University
- Phoenix, AZ
Avg. Cost per Credit In State | $552 Out of State | $552
ASU offers you the option of pursuing a BS or BA through its online forensic psychology degrees. Both options prepare you for careers in mental health or criminal justice, but the BS includes extra lab classes.
ASU welcomes first-year students to apply. You must have earned a high school diploma or the equivalent with at least a 3.0 GPA or approved scores from a college entrance exam. If you're a transfer student, you can apply up to 64 credits earned at other colleges.
What Can You Do With a Degree in Forensic Psychology?
You can land a number of forensic science jobs with an undergraduate degree in forensic psychology.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects average or above-average job growth for forensic science techs, detectives, and criminal investigators from 2021-2031. The BLS reports above-average salaries for these careers, too.
What Are the Different Types of Psychology Degrees?
- What Can You Do With a Psychology Degree?
How Much Money Will You Make With a Degree in Forensic Psychology?
With a bachelor's degree in forensic psychology, you can earn between $59,000-$84,000 per year in various jobs in the field. But if you go on to become a forensic psychologist, which requires a doctoral degree, you can expect an even higher salary. The BLS reports that forensic psychologists earned a median annual salary of $102,900 in 2021. The highest-earning clinicians earned over $133,890 .
Average Base Salary, BA, Forensic Psychology
Source: Payscale
Average Base Salary, BS, Forensic Psychology
Average Base Salary, Psy.D., Forensic Psychology
How Much Does an Online Bachelor's Degree in Forensic Psychology Cost?
There are a few ways to think about the cost of your online education.
First , consider the cost of tuition. In general, public schools and in-state schools are less pricey. Affordable online degree programs can also save you money.
Second , consider financial aid. Grant-based aid and scholarships will reduce your bottom line — and you don't need to pay them back later. Psychology students may qualify for psychology-specific scholarships .
Third , consider your opportunity costs. Will you be able to work while you pursue this degree? Will you need to pay more for childcare or other expenses to make studying possible? Online degrees offer more flexibility for students who are working or who are caretakers.
Finally , think about your return on investment . Will your starting salary be enough to cover your loans, your bills, and your rent? Will you be able to meet your personal and financial goals once you graduate?
Average Annual Tuition Cost of a Bachelor's Degree | 2020-2021
Public Institution
Private Institution
Total Average Net Cost of Four Years of College | 2020-2021
Private Institution (Nonprofit)
Read More: How Much Does an Online College Cost?
How Long Does a Bachelor's in Forensic Psychology Take?
Bachelor's programs require 120-130 credits, including any associate degree credits. Bachelor's degrees can take four years of full-time enrollment to finish. Accelerated psychology programs can take half as long.
Many programs require psychology internships or capstone projects.
Required Course Credits*
120-130 credits
Forensic Psychology: Beyond the Bachelor's Degree
We've already mentioned that to become a forensic psychologist, you'll need a doctoral degree. You'll also need professional certification, which typically requires 1,000 hours of supervised clinical work at forensic sites like courts, jails, or mental hospitals.
Your undergraduate degree can help you qualify for the best online master's or doctoral programs in psychology .
If you want to use your bachelor's in forensic psychology for a social work career , you may need graduate-level social work degrees and professional licensure to practice in that field as well.
Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Psychology Programs.
Best online organizational psychology programs, best online master's in behavioral psychology programs, best online child and adolescent psychology programs, everything else you need to know about a degree in forensic psychology, is forensic psychology hard to get into.
Well, it's certainly not easy. It takes 10-15 years to become a forensic psychologist. This includes the time it takes to earn a bachelor's degree and a master's or doctoral degree, as well as required practicum hours .
There is a lot of interesting work to do in the field along the way, though. For example, an online bachelor's degree in forensic psychology qualifies you to work as a forensic tech. In this role, you'll get to assist with criminal investigations by analyzing evidence, either at crime scenes or in a lab.
If you're analytical, a critical thinker, and deeply curious about human behavior relative to the law, you may thrive in this field.
What are the admission requirements for an online bachelor's degree in forensic psychology?
To gain admission to a forensic psychology program , you may need the following:
- Application
- Test scores
- Letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts
What classes will I take for a forensic psychology degree?
- Statistics: This core psychology course teaches you to analyze significant data and understand and solve problems.
- Abnormal psychology: This course explores major psychological disorders, including their classification, assessment, causes, and treatment.
- Victimology: In this course, you'll learn about survivors' relationships with offenders, criminal justice systems, and major victimization issues.
- Social psychology: This class explores how society and other people influence individual behavior. You'll learn about social beliefs and cultural influences.
- Introduction to counseling: Coursework prepares you for direct-services careers with an overview of the counseling psychology profession.
Explore More College Resources
How to become a forensic social worker.
Best Online Master’s in Forensic Psychology Programs in 2023
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Typical courses in a forensic psychology bachelor’s program include general psychology, law courses and introduction to criminology. Graduate from a Doctorate Program
With over 7,500 forensic psychologists across the United States, there are a growing number of programs. The top programs will provide the training and fieldwork necessary to continue to higher education and state certification as a practitioner. Here are the 10 of the best forensic psychology schools in the nation.
Explore forensic psychology graduate programs and graduate schools offering forensic psychology degrees. Compare graduate forensic psychology programs with government statistics and graduate student reviews. Find the best forensic psychology graduate schools for you.
The description and measurement of capacities relevant to legal questions is an important goal in forensic psychology. As a result, the forensic specialist attempts to create relevant, accurate and credible data and conclusions that inform legal arguments and judicial decision-making, but do not intrude upon it.
We wanted to find out which schools were the best colleges for forensic psychology degree programs, so we pulled tons of data from the archives of the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and broke it down into eight categories.
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Chicago is one of the best schools in the United States for getting a degree in forensic psychology. Located in the city of Chicago, The Chicago School Chicago Campus is a private not-for-profit school with a small student population.
Check out the top-ranked online bachelor's in forensic psychology programs, as well as our sponsored programs. Request more information from the schools you're interested in. What Is Forensic Psychology? Forensic psychologists specialize in assessing crime and criminal behavior from a clinical perspective.