An online Masters degree in Forensic Psychology offers a multitude of opportunities in many different fields including law enforcement, Homeland Security, and behavioral sciences. Forensic psychology allows you to become a part of an investigative team that works in a fast-paced environment using skills and tools that are both innovative and technologically advanced. You have the opportunity to assist in solving crimes or uncovering patterns that could lead to deciphering someone’s actions so that you better understand their motives.
Earning an online Master’s degree in Forensic Psychology makes it possible for you to go to work in the career of your choice and attend college at the same time. Online format is incredibly flexible making it possible for you to study in your spare time and continue to work, raise a family, and live life to the fullest. As an online student, you have access to the same quality education as other students who may spend their time sitting in a classroom.
Methodology: Ranking the Best Online Forensic Psychology Master’s
For the Best Master’s Programs ranking of the best online master’s in forensic psychology, BMP editors researched online and hybrid programs across the US offered by accredited, reputable colleges and universities. With this pool in place, programs are ranked according to their tuition, student satisfaction, and potential salary.
1. University of California, Irvine
The University of California, Irvine offers a Master of Legal and Forensic Psychology (MLFP) program that integrates coursework from the departments of law, criminology, and psychological science. UC Irvine’s online forensic psychology masters degree program requires degree candidates to complete 52 semester credits to meet program requirements. Coursework for this graduate psychology degree includes psychology and the law, forensic assessment, legal reasoning, human trafficking, clinical interviewing, and family and the law, to name a few. Additionally, students must complete a capstone course in lieu of a thesis.
The University of California, Irvine is a member school of the state’s university system. The university was established under the Morrill Land Grant College Act in 1965. More than 29,900 undergraduate and graduate students students attend classes offered by UC Irvine on its suburban campus. President Barack Obama delivered the commencement speech at UC Irvine in 2014.
Degree: Master of Legal and Forensic Psychology
2. University of Houston – Victoria
The University of Houston-Victoria offers an MA in Forensic Psychology that requires students to complete 66 semester credits to graduate. UH Victoria’s online forensic psychology masters degree program includes classes in psychopathology, life-span development, ethics, advanced social psychology, intellectual & personality assessments, group psychotherapy, and theories in psychotherapy, plus a psychology-related practicum. Students enrolled in UH Victoria’s graduate psychology degree have the option of studying abroad through the school’s existing programs.
The University of Houston (UH-Victoria) is a public higher learning institution that was established in 1973. The school operates dual campuses in Katy and Victoria, Texas. More than 4,400 undergraduate and graduate students attend classes offered by UH-Victoria. Although a member school of the University of Houston system, UH-Victoria operates and is accredited independently.
Degree: MA in Forensic Psychology
3. Northcentral University
Northcentral University offers an MS in Forensic Psychology (MSFP) prepares grads to find work in the criminal justice system and law enforcement from a psychological perspective. Northcentral University’s online forensic psychology masters degree program requires the completion of 30 semester credits over sixteen months. Students are offered weekly start dates and graduate to find rewarding work as behavior analysts, mental health counselors, probation officers, or clinical case managers, to name a few. Students enrolled in Northcentral University’s psychology degree online are offered one on one mentors.
Northcentral University is a private higher learning institution that is dedicated exclusively to online education. Founded in 1996, Northcentral University offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees and serves more than 10,100 undergraduate and graduate students. The graduate degree programs in Marriage and Family therapy are accredited by AAMFT.
Degree: MS in Forensic Psychology
4. Oklahoma State University
Oklahoma State University’s School of Forensic Sciences (Oklahoma State) offers a Master of Science (MS) degree in Forensic Sciences with an academic track in Forensic Psychology. Students enrolled in Oklahoma State’s online forensic psychology masters degree program are required to complete 39 semester credits to graduate. Coursework for Oklahoma State University’s graduate degree in psychology includes a survey of forensic sciences, technical aspects of forensic document examination and ethical research and scientific writing, plus thesis research and seminar course.
Oklahoma State University (Oklahoma State) was established as a result of the Morrill Land Grant College Act in 1890. Additionally, Oklahoma State is a space-grant institution and the flagship campus for the state. More than 23,800 undergraduate and graduate students students attend classes offered by the school. Oklahoma State University was established prior to Oklahoma reaching statehood in 1907.
Degree: MS in Forensic Sciences – Forensic Psychology
5. University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida offers an MS in Forensic Psychology (MSFP) that requires the completion of 32 to 34 semester credits, depending on the exact course of study. Central Florida’s online forensic psychology masters degree program prepares degree candidates for rewarding work as a forensic chemist, forensic statistician, forensic toxicology, or crime scene investigation, to name a few.
Established in 1963, UCF – the University of Central Florida (UCF) is a research higher learning institution to support the growing space program in the nation. Located near Florida’s space coast, the school serves nearly 70,000 undergraduate and graduate students students from more than 150 countries from its campus about fifteen minutes from downtown Orlando. The University of Central Florida operates multiple campuses through partnerships in Orlando and surrounding towns.
Degree: MS in Forensic Psychology
6. Arizona State University
Arizona State University offers an MS in Forensic Psychology (MSFP) that requires degree candidates enrolled in the program to complete 11 classes for a total of 33 semester credits. Coursework \ in Arizona State’s online forensic psychology masters degree program includes a seminar in criminal justice, psychopathology, research methods, advanced legal psychology, quantitative analysis, plus a capstone in forensic psychology, to name a few. Arizona State’s graduate degree in forensic psychology prepares students for work as a criminal investigator or forensic science technician, to name a few.
Arizona State University (Arizona State) is a public higher learning institution that was founded in 1885. The school operates multiple campuses throughout the greater Tempe metro area that serves more than 89,000 undergraduate and graduate students students. Arizona State University is home to a variety of student organizations, to the tune of more than 1,000 choices.
Degree: MS in Forensic Psychology
7. University of North Dakota
The University of North Dakota offers an MA in Forensic Psychology that is recognized among the nation’s best online forensic psychology masters degree program. North Dakota’s graduate degree in forensic psychology requires the completion of 30 credit units to graduate – over a two-year period. The University of North Dakota’s forensic psychology degree is accredited by the American Psych, Association. Students graduate from North Dakota’s forensic psychology degree program and enter the workforce in advocacy agencies, hospitals, juvenile facilities, social service agencies, research centers, or law enforcement agencies, among others.
Established in 1883, UND, the University of North Dakota (UND) is a research higher learning institution that is also the state’s flagship campus. This space-grant institution of higher learning serves more than 13,100 undergraduate and graduate students students from its 500+ acre campus in Grand Forks. The University of North Dakota operates the only medical and law school in the state of North Dakota.
Degree: MA in Forensic Psychology
8. Concordia University St Paul
Concordia University-St Paul offers a MA in Human Services with an academic track in Forensic Behavioral Health. CU St Paul’s online forensic psychology masters degree program requires the completion of 36 semester credits, with classes delivered in seven-week intervals. This program offered by CU St Paul was developed in partnership with the AIAFS. Coursework for this graduate forensic science degree program includes human services, family violence, sexual offending, risk assessment in human services, and forensic behavioral health law, to name a few.
Concordia University-St Paul (CU St Paul) was established as a private institution of higher education in 1893. More than 5,300 undergraduate and graduate students attend classes offered by CU St. Paul. The entire Concordia university system maintains an affiliation with the Missouri Synod, Lutheran Church.
Degree: MA in Human Services – Forensic Behavioral Health
9. Purdue University Global
Purdue University Global offers an MS in Psychology with an academic emphasis in forensics. This online forensic psychology masters degree program from Purdue University Global requires the completion of 60 -75 credits units, depending on previous degrees and one’s exact study path. The forensic concentration explores the ways in which professionals apply evidence-based psychological concepts/theories to advocate for populations in the criminal or civil justice systems. This forensic psychology degree from Purdue University Global is accredited by NASAC, with its course sequence verified by ABAI.
Purdue University Global (Purdue Global) is the distance learning division of Purdue University that began in 2018. Purdue Global serves more than 28,700 undergraduate and graduate students by offering the same on-campus degrees from Purdue. Purdue University Global began after Purdue University bought the existing private Kaplan University.
Degree: MS in Psychology – Forensic concentration
10. Stevenson University
Stevenson University offers an MS in Forensic Science that can be combined with a psychology degree. Stevenson University’s online forensic psychology masters degree program includes classes in litigation theory and practice, forensic journal research, incident response & evidence collection, investigative techniques, and file systems forensic analysis, to name a few. Stevenson University is a member of the FBI Nation Academic Alliance. Students graduating from Stevenson’s enter the workforce in forensic accounting, investigations, or information technology, among others.
Stevenson University (Stevenson) is a private higher learning institution that was established in 1947. The school’s suburban campuses, in Stevenson and Owings Mills, serve more than 3,500 undergraduate and graduate students and cover more than 300 acres. At its inception, Stevenson University was known as Villa Julie College.
Degree: MS in Forensic Studies (to be combined with psychology degree)
11. Montclair State University
Montclair State University offers a Criminal Forensic Psychology Graduate Certificate that can be combined with a Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology. When combined with a graduate degree in psychology, this online forensic psychology master’s degree and certificate program includes classes in expert testimony, theories of interpersonal and familial violence, criminal forensic assessment, and forensic psychology in criminal proceedings, among others. The certificate in forensic psychology, as a stand-alone program, requires the completion of fifteen semester credits to earn the credential.
Montclair State University (Montclair State) is a research higher learning institution that was established in 1908. The school’s suburban 250+ acre urban/suburban campus is located about one-half hour from downtown Manhattan and serves more than 16,500 s undergraduate and graduate students. Montclair State University is a comprehensive university that offers more than 290 minors, concentrations, and majors.
Degree: Criminal Forensic Psychology Graduate Certificate
12. CUNY John Jay College
The John Jay College offers an MA in Forensic Psychology that requires degree candidates to finish 42 semester credits to meet program requirements, which includes a thesis or prospectus. This online forensic psychology masters degree program from John Jay College of Criminal Justice includes classes in criminal behavior, victimology, alcoholism and substance abuse, eyewitness identification, and family violence and disputes, among others.
John Jay College of Criminal Justice, a member school of CUNY, was established in 1964 as a public institution of higher education. The school’s urban campus in New York City serves more than 14,800 graduate and undergraduate students. John Jay College of Criminal Justice is recognized as one of the senior campus schools of the CUNY system.
Degree: MA in Forensic Psychology
13. University of Louisiana-Monroe
The University of Louisiana-Monroe offers a MS in Psychology with an academic concentration in forensics that is recognized among the top This online forensic psychology masters degree program by a number of ranking agencies. In addition to the standard psychology master’s curriculum, students enrolled in the forensics track must also complete intelligence testing, advanced theories of crime and delinquency, criminal justice, sociology of law, and counseling criminal justice, to name a few.
The University of Louisiana (UL Monroe) is a member school of the state’s university system that was established in 1931. The university’s campuses serve more than 8,500 students but began as a parish junior college. The University of Louisiana at Monroe is home to a museum dedicated to natural history with more than 6 million specimens.
Degree: MS in Psychology, Forensic Track
14. Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University offers an MS in Forensic Psychology that requires students to finish 36 semester credits to meet program requirements. Grand Canyon University’s online forensic psychology masters degree program allows for up to 12 eligible credits to be transferred upon approval. Classes for this graduate forensic psychology degree include psychopathology of crime, theories of criminal behavior, offender rehabilitation, social and cultural psychology, and psychology and the legal system, among others. Students graduate from Grand Canyon’s degree program and enter the workforce working for police departments, rehabilitation centers, prisons, or law firms, among others.
Grand Canyon University (GCU) is a private Christian school that was established in 1949. More than 110,000 undergraduate and graduate students attend classes offered by Grand Canyon, with more than 90,000 studying exclusively online.
Degree: MS in Forensic Psychology
15. California Baptist University
California Baptist University’s College of Behavioral & Social Sciences offers a Master of Arts (MA) degree in Forensic Psychology that requires degree candidates to finish 57 semester credits to meet program requirements. Students graduate from California Baptist’s online forensic psychology masters degree program to find rewarding careers as law enforcement consultants, trial consultants, mediators, and case managers, to name a few. Coursework includes criminal profiling, advanced psychopathology & criminality, and biological bases of behavior, to name a few.
California Baptist University (California Baptist) is a private higher learning institution that was established by the California Baptist Convention in 1950. More than 10,800 undergraduate and graduate students attend classes offered by California Baptist University. California Baptist University’s campus is Mission revival as it was most popular at the time the buildings were constructed.
Degree: MA in Forensic Psychology
16. Liberty University
Liberty University’s School of Government offers a Master of Science (MS) degree in Criminal Justice with an academic emphasis on Forensic Psychology that requires the completion of 36 semester credits. Liberty University’s online forensic psychology masters degree program can be finished in only 18 months and allows for up to 18 eligible credits to be transferred upon approval. Classes included in this graduate degree in forensic psychology are crisis intervention in law enforcement, psychology, and the legal system, fundamental so forensic psychology and rehabilitation of the offender, among others.
Liberty University (Liberty) was established by Elmer Towns and Jerry Falwell, Sr, in 1971. The university serves more than 100,000 students, mostly online, with more than 14,000 undergraduate and graduate students attending classes on the Lynchburg campus. Liberty University requires its students to commit to a Christian honor code throughout their studies at Liberty, as it operates as a Christian evangelical institution of higher education.
Degree: MS in Criminal Justice – Forensic Psychology
17. Nova Southeastern University
Nova Southeastern University’s College of Psychology offers a Master of Science (MS) degree in Forensic Psychology that requires students to complete twelve classes for a total of 36 semester credits. Nova Southeastern University offers degree candidates enrolled in its online forensic psychology masters degree program three start dates each calendar year. Nova’s forensic master’s degree program includes two academic tracks from which students can choose – Forensic Psychology as it relates to the Law & Forensic Psychology for Mental health Professionals, First Responders & Disaster Teams. Students must complete a three-credit capstone course prior to graduation.
Nova Southeastern University (Nova) is a private higher learning institution that was established in 1964. The school’s main campus, located on an abandoned naval outlander field, serves more than 20,400 undergraduate and graduate students. Nova Southeastern University operates multiple campuses throughout the state of Florida and one in Puerto Rico.
Degree: MS in Forensic Psychology
18. Capella University
Capella University offers an MS in Clinical Psychology with an academic concentration in Forensic Psychology that requires students to complete eleven classes for a total of 53 quarter credits to meet program requirements. Capella offers a tuition discount to active-duty service members and their spouses, Guard and Reserve members, and veterans. Coursework for Capella’s graduate forensic psychology degree includes tests & measurements, techniques of forensic practice, psychology and the laws, psychopathology, and current issues in forensic practice, to name a few.
Capella University (Capella) was established in 1993 as a for-profit higher learning institution. The school mostly offers online programs but operates academic facilities in Orlando, Florida, and Atlanta, Georgia. More than 38,200 students attend classes offered by Capella. Capella University mostly serves graduate students.
Degree: MS in Forensic Psychology
19. Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University offers an MS in Psychology with an academic concentration in Forensic Psychology that requires students to complete eleven classes for a total of 36 semester credits to graduate. Students graduate from Southern New Hampshire University’s online forensic psychology masters degree program to find rewarding careers as victim advocates, court liaisons, jury consultants, or juvenile offenders counselors, to name a few. Classes for this graduate degree in forensic psychology include psychology in the courtroom, the intersection of law and psychology, and assessment for forensic psychology, among others.
Southern New Hampshire University (Southern New Hampshire) was established as a private higher learning institution in 1932. More than 90,000 students attend classes offered by Southern New Hampshire University, with only approximately 4,000 students studying on-campus. Southern New Hampshire University is considered one of the fastest-growing institutions of higher education in the United States.
Degree: MS in Forensic Psychology
20. Saint Leo University
Saint Leo University offers an MS in Criminal Justice with an academic track in Behavioral Studies that mandates degree candidates complete 36 graduate semester credits to meet program requirements. Saint Leo University’s online forensic psychology masters degree program lets students explore the operations of a forensic crime science unit with hands-on instruction. Students graduate from Saint Leo’s graduate forensic psychology degree and enter the workforce as a law enforcement officer, loss prevention investigator, or criminal justice practitioner, to name a few.
Saint Leo University (SLU) is a private school located in rural Saint Leo, Florida. Saint Leo was founded in 1889 (and reestablished in 1959) and serves more than 11,500 students attending classes online and on-campus. Saint Leo University holds the distinction of being one of the first higher learning institutions to offer distance learning in the 1970s to military members during the Viet Nam war.
Degree: MS in Criminal Justice – Behavioral Studies
21. Washington University in St Louis
Washington University in St Louis’ Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences offers Forensic Psychology Graduate Certificate that can be paired with a graduate degree in psychology. WashU St Louis online forensic psychology masters certificate degree program includes classes in criminal typologies, principles of forensic assessment, investigative psychology, introduction to criminology, introduction to forensic psychology, abnormal psychology, and crisis intervention – the criminal justice response to chaos and disorder, to name a few. Students explore the many intersections that occur between human behavior & the criminal justice system.
Washington University (WashU St Louis) is a research higher learning institution that operates multiple campuses. Founded in 1853, WashU St Louis serves more than 14,800 students. WashU St Louis has held more presidential/vice-presidential debates than any other school chosen by the Commission of Presidential Debates.
Degree: Forensic Psychology Graduate Certificate
22. San Diego State University
San Diego State University’s Global Campus offers a Forensic Psychology Graduate Certificate that can be completed in conjunction with a psychology graduate degree. San Diego State University’s Global Campus’s online forensic psychology masters certificate degree program can be finished in only eight months but can be completed in up to two years for those studying part-time. Classes for this forensic psychology course include forensic psychological assessments and report writing, cyberpsychology, fundamentals of forensic psychology, and mental health & criminal justice, to name a few.
San Diego State University (San Diego State) is a research institution of higher education that was established as a normal school in 1897. San Diego State University is also a space-grant school that serves more than 34,800 students. San Diego State University is recognized as one of the top schools that confer degrees to students with minority backgrounds.
Degree: Forensic Psychology Graduate Certificate
23. Chicago School of Professional Psychology
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology provides an MA in Forensic Psychology with licensure or non-licensure track. Each of these online forensic psychology masters degree programs can be attended as full-time or part-time students. Classes for the Chicago School’s graduate degree in forensic psychology include assessment in counseling, group process of therapy, and diagnosis & treatment planning, to name a few. Additionally, the Chicago School of Professional Psychology provides students with the opportunity to attain a dual Master of Arts (MA) degree in forensic psychology and a master of legal studies.
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) was established as a private institution of higher education in 1979. The school operates campuses in Illinois, Texas, and California, with a total student enrollment that exceeds 4,400 students. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology was established by practicing educators and psychologists.
Degree: MA in Forensic Psychology, Licensure or Non-Licensure Track (also certificate)
24. William James College
William James College offers an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an academic concentration in Forensic and Correctional Counseling that can be completed in two years, studying full-time or in 3 years studying part-time. Classed in William James College’s online forensic psychology masters degree program include theories of counseling, substance abuse treatment/evaluation, psychopathology, mental health counseling in the legal system, professional issues & ethics, lifespan development, and diversity, difference, and inclusion, plus two clinical practicums.
William James College was established as the commonwealth’s School of Professional Psychology in 1974. The school’s Newton Campus serves more than 700 students. William James College operates in line with an experiential education model that combines academic learning with clinical experiences that are supervised.
Degree: MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Forensic and Correctional Counseling
Why Should I Get My Forensic Psychology Master’s Online?
Online degree programs can be taken from almost any location across the world. This allows you to choose the college of your choice and enroll in the degree program you want, even though the university or college is a thousand miles away or more. It allows you to also take advantage of certain resources that may only be available to students who have chosen to study online. Being able to study in a particular school of learning will also give you access to all of the benefits and perks that school has to offer.
How Do I Choose an Online Master’s in Forensic Psychology?
In order to choose an online Master’s in Forensic Psychology, you will have to first set some goals for yourself. This will include what type of environment you want to work in. Do you want to work in law enforcement, in a laboratory, or out in the field where all of the action is? Knowing this alone will help you choose a program that is tailor-made for you. Your personal career goals will often weigh heavily on what type of online Master’s degree program in Forensic Psychology you end up choosing.
Another factor when choosing a Master’s degree program online has to do with the flexibility of your schedule and whether or not you are restricted as to when you can turn in your assignments. For many, a flexible schedule is a must simply because it is important for it to fit in with your 40-hour a week work schedule. Flexibility also allows you to work on your homework when it is most convenient for you. Learning online is an ideal option for individuals who are highly driven and prefer to work alone, without distractions or interruptions.
When studying the different online Master’s degree programs in Forensic Psychology, you will need to find out what type of courses are offered. The degree will do you no good if you don’t have the courses that are needed to follow along your chosen career path. If possible, add a few extra classes that will provide you with additional resources you can use no matter where you may be.
How Much Can I Make with a Master’s in Forensic Psychology?
Forensic psychology is a highly specialized field. It allows you to solve problem cases by performing a thorough review of many different types of events. Collecting evidence and working with other individuals with the same training will allow you to explore a wide variety of career options. Individuals who apply and get hired in an entry-level position will normally make much less than the natural average. In fact, in smaller towns, it can be as low as $38,000 per year. The more experience you have, the more likely you are to be considered for more advanced positions.
Working your way up through the levels of management can take time but will provide you with the type of experience that is not gained if you are constantly being called out to the field. The more experience you have in both areas, the more likely you are to start out at a much higher wage when you are first hired in. Forensic psychologists who have both experience and a college degree can sometimes earn as much as $100,000 a year in the right position. If you have your mindset on a specific position, take the time to research it thoroughly so you know you have the skills you need to earn the position.
Salaries will also vary based on location. A larger city will be able to offer a graduate a much larger wage than a smaller community with fewer resources. It is also important to understand that smaller communities may not have the need for such a highly specialized position. Setting your sights on a larger community will open more doors and earn you more money.
Related Rankings:
25 Best Online Master’s in Psychology
