Forensic psychology is a fascinating field. And like clinical psychology, it can offer a challenging but rewarding career. As a result, master's programs for forensic psychology continue to grow in prominence and accessibility.
This subset of psychology involves the application of psychology to the legal system. Professionals in this field may choose to work in criminal or civil law areas and even apply their specialty to counseling and medical careers. Even though forensic psychology is considered a recent degree option, its roots date back to the first known psychology lab in Leipzig, Germany.
If you feel drawn to how behavior science intersects with the judicial and investigative fields, exploring a forensic psychology master's degree may offer an appealing option. This guide includes a ranked list of the best forensic psychology programs to assist prospective students in finding a master's program that aligns with their career goals.
Popular Online Forensic Psychology Master's Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
The Best Best Master's Degrees in Forensic Psychology
#1 Best Master’s Degrees in Forensic Psychology
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice
- New York, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
CUNY John Jay's master of arts in forensic psychology prepares practitioners to apply clinical psychology to the criminal and civil justice fields. The 42-credit curriculum teaches students how to perform personality and criminal forensic assessments.
Enrollees explore psychopathology's implications in criminality and learn counseling and psychotherapy methods. Students use elective courses to study complex issues, such as the personality profiles of homicidal offenders.
Participants gain experience through clinical and nonclinical fieldwork. An optional thesis prepares students for doctoral programs. Admission to the forensic psychology master's program requires no GRE scores.
Percent Online Enrollment
90%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#2 Best Master’s Degrees in Forensic Psychology
Tiffin University
- Tiffin, OH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students can earn Tiffin University's master of science in forensic psychology in just 18 months. The practitioner-focused degree emphasizes research and clinical training. Students can also obtain their chemical dependency counselor assistant certification to work in the addictions field.
The only program of its kind in Ohio, the MS explores concepts, such as victimology, sex crimes and paraphilias, and psychopathology and criminal behavior. Students enhance their learning with experiential activities, including case study analysis, role-play exercises, and mock trials. Participants get professional experience when they conduct original research and complete an internship.
Saturday classes make the forensic psychology master's program accessible to working professionals. Admission requests a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Percent Online Enrollment
59%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 Best Master’s Degrees in Forensic Psychology
California Baptist University
- Riverside, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
A rewarding career providing psychological services can begin with CBU's master of arts in forensic psychology. The 57-unit curriculum features flexible scheduling, applied research opportunities, and supervised field experiences.
Enrollees learn how to perform criminal profiling and conduct criminal investigations. During a nine-month practicum, students gain experience in a forensic setting that complements their career goals. Past practicum opportunities have included work with the FBI, the U.S. Marshals, rape crisis centers, and advocacy organizations.
A forensic evaluation course in this forensic psychology master's program requires either a culminating project or thesis. Admission requires a minimum 2.75 GPA on the last 60/90 units of a baccalaureate program.
Percent Online Enrollment
54%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#4 Best Master’s Degrees in Forensic Psychology
George Washington University
- Washington, DC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
GW's master of arts in forensic psychology is offered on campus in the nation's capital. The 37-credit program offers applied forensics and applied psychology tracks. The school's location opens access to externship opportunities unavailable in many programs.
All students complete courses, such as criminal behavior theories, consultation and testimony, and psychology and the legal system. Applied forensics students choose electives that include psychological profiling and interrogation and interviewing.
Applied psychology students explore key topics in forensic psychological assessment and the evaluation and treatment of sex offenders. Enrollees complete 250 externship hours at sites, such as federal and local law enforcement agencies and correctional institutions. Admission requires a minimum 3.0 GPA, and GRE scores are preferred.
Percent Online Enrollment
26%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#5 Best Master’s Degrees in Forensic Psychology
American International College
- Springfield, MA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
AIC's master of science in forensic psychology is designed primarily for degree-seekers planning to pursue a doctorate. The 36-credit program can also benefit learners interested in entering the workplace. Students learn counseling and assessment techniques and how to assess, diagnose, and treat psychopathology.
Other key topics include applied behavioral statistics and the psychological aspects of the criminal mind and criminal behavior. A notable course explores a variety of ethical dilemmas faced by criminal justice professionals.
Students complete an off-campus externship in the final year. Graduates can transfer credits into AIC's educational psychology doctorate or the doctorate in mental health counseling. Admission to the master of science program requires a minimum 2.75 GPA for most applicants.
Percent Online Enrollment
41%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#6 Best Master’s Degrees in Forensic Psychology
University of Denver
- Denver, CO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The master of arts in forensic psychology at DU prepares mental health professionals for clinical work. Enrollees complete the campus-based degree in two years. The program explores victim assistance, police consultation, correctional institutions, and domestic violence and child abuse programs.
Enrollees provide direct services to underserved populations during a practicum. Notably, DU operates Denver FIRST, a forensic mental health hub for research and a variety of services provided throughout the state.
MA students enhance their learning when they complete case consultation/peer supervision coursework. Admission to this forensic psychology master's program requires a minimum 2.5 GPA and no GRE scores.
Percent Online Enrollment
40%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#7 Best Master’s Degrees in Forensic Psychology
Kentucky State University
- Frankfort, KY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Kentucky State University's master of arts in interdisciplinary behavioral sciences takes a multidisciplinary approach to prepare providers of psychological services. The degree incorporates the fields of psychology, sociology, criminology, and research.
The 45-credit curriculum covers psychology and law, the psychology of criminal behavior, and the assessment and treatment of offenders. Participants can pursue specialized training in an area such as addiction and psychopharmacology.
Enrollees culminate the forensic psychology master's program with a thesis or professional paper. A limited number of graduate student assistantships offer tuition remission and stipends to qualified applicants. Admission requires a minimum 2.7 GPA and a 1,500-word essay.
Percent Online Enrollment
85%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#8 Best Master’s Degrees in Forensic Psychology
Roger Williams University
- Bristol, RI
- 2 years
- Online + Campus
RWU's master of arts in forensic mental health counseling provides a pathway to licensure as a mental health counselor or a similar certification. Students also receive foundational training for Psy.D. programs. The 60-credit curriculum introduces students to forensic psychology and the helping relationships.
Enrollees learn psychotherapy methods, vocational counseling, and group counseling and psychotherapy practices. Participants can use elective credits for advanced training in substance abuse counseling and/or health psychology interventions.
A practicum and a 300-hour internship provide immersive clinical training. RWU also offers a master of arts in forensic and legal psychology. Admission to either forensic psychology master's program requires all college transcripts but no GRE scores.
Percent Online Enrollment
43%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#9 Best Master’s Degrees in Forensic Psychology
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Anaheim
- Anaheim, CA
- 4 years
- Campus
Earning a master of arts in forensic psychology at the Chicago School positions degree-seekers for licensure as a professional counselor. The Chicago School is a leader in the professional application of psychology.
The curriculum offers a 60-credit professional counselor licensure track on campuses in Chicago, Anaheim, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. A 37-credit non-licensure track is available exclusively online. Both tracks require common courses, such as psychopathology, clinical and diagnostic interviewing, and the evaluation and treatment of the adult offender.
The licensure track practicum and internship provide 700 hours of clinical training over 9-12 months. Admission to the forensic psychology master's program requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and prerequisite coursework.
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
43%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#10 Best Master’s Degrees in Forensic Psychology
Marymount University
- Arlington, VA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Marymount's master of arts in forensic and legal psychology offers a concentration in intelligence studies. Enrollees complete the 39-credit degree in 18-24 months on campus in Arlington, Virginia. The curriculum explores wrongful convictions, the intelligence community, and the psychology of criminal behavior.
Elective courses can provide training in crisis intervention and substance abuse assessment and intervention. Students supplement coursework with activities like courtroom observations and site visits.
Marymount's close location to the nation's capital gives students access to internship opportunities at agencies, such as the FBI and the NCIS. Applicants must submit all school transcripts and a writing sample.
Percent Online Enrollment
60%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
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Master's in Forensic Psychology Overview
Forensic psychology combines psychological training with criminal justice and law application. A master's in this degree can take many forms. Some programs focus more on the treatment and clinical side of forensic psychology with studies in mental health, victimology, and rehabilitation.
Others may focus on the law and courtroom portion of forensic psychology with courses like legal studies, profiling, and police application. Schools may explore research and statistical analysis within forensic psychology, as well.
Typically, it takes two years to complete a master's degree in forensic psychology. Because of the various ways to complete the degree, your timeline may vary depending on the courses you take.
Common courses within the forensic psychology degree include:
- Criminal psychology
- Social behavior
- Cognitive psychology
- Criminal justice
- Psychology in the courtroom
- Ethics in psychology
- Police psychology
- Crisis intervention
Admission Requirements
The admission requirements for a forensic psychology master's program are similar to other graduate programs but vary among schools.
You will need to have earned a bachelor's degree or will soon complete your program to qualify. Though not a requirement, many schools prefer that the degree pertains to forensic psychology — like criminal justice, law, psychology, human resources, social work, or public policy. If you have an unrelated undergraduate degree, you may need to complete some psychology prerequisites before the master's program.
Most programs require at least a 3.0 undergraduate GPA and a GRE test score. Some programs accept test scores from comparable graduate-level standard exams, like the LSAT, GMAT, or MCAT.
It's also common for master's degree programs to ask for multiple letters of recommendation and a relevant writing sample. The application may also request evidence of relevant experience or a personal essay.
How to Become a Forensic Psychologist
As the American Psychological Association (APA) notes, forensic psychology has grown rapidly over the past half-century. The field's soaring profile has inspired surging interest among students in forensic psychology specializations.
It can take 10 years or more to become a fully licensed forensic psychologist. The following section provides a step-by-step pathway to the profession.
1. Earn Your Bachelor's Degree in a Related Field
The first step to building a career in forensic psychology is obtaining an undergraduate degree in psychology or a closely related field. A bachelor's program builds a foundation for the advanced research, study, and expertise the field requires.
2. Earn Your Master's Degree in Psychology
Forensic psychology master's programs typically take about two years to complete. By earning a master's in forensic psychology, you can build an advanced and specialized knowledge base. An advanced degree may help as you continue your studies at the doctoral level.
The Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council is the main specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. As of May 2024, the APA does not yet accredit master's programs.
3. Earn Your Ph.D. or Psy.D. in Psychology
Doctor of psychology (Psy.D.) and doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) programs in forensic psychology usually run for 4-7 years. Curricula often include extensive research requirements and fieldwork. Some states require that licensure candidates specifically hold APA-accredited doctoral degrees. Thus, pursuing a Psy.D. or Ph.D. program with APA accreditation is recommended.
Also, note that forensic psychology is only one of multiple unique careers you can pursue with a specialized psychology doctorate. Consider other options before making a decision.
4. Complete Supervised Experience Requirements
All states mandate that licensure candidates complete a minimum number of supervised clinical experience hours to build practical knowledge. The APA cites a required range of 1,500-6,000 hours, depending on the state. You must complete these hours as an intern and as part of an eligible postdoctoral training program. Consult the psychology licensing board of the state where you plan to seek licensure if you have questions about eligibility.
5. Pass the National Licensing Exam and Obtain Licensure
After meeting the educational and supervised experience requirements, you can proceed to the final step: examination. At this stage, you will need to pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology. Depending on your state, you might also need to pass a jurisprudence or ethics exam.
After passing your exams, you can apply to a state licensing board for formal recognition that you have completed all applicable requirements. As part of your application, you may need to submit additional documentation such as fingerprint scans or a background check.
6. Consider Earning Specialty Board Certification
As an optional step, you may want to pursue specialized board certification in forensic psychology. You can obtain this certification from the American Board of Professional Psychology or the American Board of Forensic Psychology.
The basic process includes:
- A board-led review of your credentials
- Written and oral examinations
- Verification of good professional standing and ethical conduct
Board-certified forensic psychologists have more professional credibility, which may support your future career advancement.
Career and Salary Outlook for Forensic Psychologists
According to Payscale data from May 2024, forensic psychologists earn an average annual base salary of about $78,930 per year.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not specifically track data for forensic psychologists. Instead, the BLS supplies the following earning ranges for all clinical and counseling psychologists:
- 10th percentile: $42,760 per year
- 25th percentile: $62,070 per year
- 50th percentile (median): $90,130 per year
- 75th percentile: $126,240 per year
- 90th percentile: $168,790 per year
Overall, the BLS projects a 6% employment growth rate for all psychologists from 2022-2032.
Scholarships, Grants, and Financial Aid for Forensic Psychology Students
There are a few notable scholarships available for forensic psychology students, along with general graduate and psychology degree funds you can apply for. Opportunities include:
- APA Dissertation Research Award: This award assists forensic psychology graduate students working on research dissertations. APA offers 30-40 grants of $1,000 each, with some larger grants of $5,000.
- Melanie Merola O'Donnell Memorial Scholarship: Candidates can apply for this $2,500 scholarship if they pursue master's or doctoral degrees in fields related to mental health.
- Dr. Christine Blasey-Ford Grant: This grant recognizes graduate students researching the understanding, prevention, or treatment of traumatic events with awards of up to $3,000. Each applicant must demonstrate affiliation with an institution, such as a nonprofit organization or government agency, for educational or charitable purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Master in Forensic Psychology
To practice professionally using the "psychologist" title, you need a license and a doctorate. You may still have a path to a forensic psychology career without a license, but your advancement prospects may be limited, and you cannot practice under the title of psychologist.
There may be opportunities in forensic psychology with a master's degree, but a doctorate is required to practice as a psychologist or forensic psychologist.
To succeed as a forensic psychologist, you must have sharp conflict resolution skills and excel at interpreting nonverbal communication cues. Other important skills and attributes include strong listening skills, critical thinking, empathy for crime victims, and careful attention to detail.
Forensic psychology applies the theories and principles of psychological science to issues of crime and criminality. In so doing, forensic psychologists work to protect public safety, bring criminals to justice, and aid crime-impacted people and communities.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by Grad School Hub. Page last reviewed on April 4, 2024.
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