If you want to work in a field where psychology is applied to criminal investigations and legal procedures, then pursuing an online degree in forensic psychology may be the right choice for you. This field includes, but is not limited to, criminal profilers. Degreed forensic psychologists also work with offenders and victims of crime, witnesses, conduct child custody evaluations and may act as expert witnesses. The first step to a great job in this exciting area is the right education, and these schools allow you to study from anywhere, on your own schedule.
For this list, we selected the deepest and most academically diverse accredited online programs we could find. This is just one of the many psychology degrees to consider if you’re interested in this field of study.
To learn more about this list, please visit our page: How We Choose the Psychology Degree Programs We Consider to Be the Best
Online Forensic Psychology Degrees
Maryville University – Online Forensic Psychology Bachelor’s Degree
Executive Summary
Maryville University’s online BA in Forensic Psychology features a fully online course of study supplemented with exciting experiential learning opportunities. Focused on psychology, criminal justice, and social science, this comprehensive degree is part of a nationally renowned university that’s been ranked among ‘America’s Top Colleges’ by Forbes in 2018 and ‘Best Colleges’ by Money magazine in 2018-19.
Tuition
The cost is $500 per credit hour.
Unique Features
Opportunities to explore forensic psychology in a 150-hour internship and team up with faculty members for research projects
Chicago School of Professional Psychology – Online Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology
Executive Summary
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology has been offering graduate-level programs since 1979. It is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition
Tuition is $1198 per credit hour.
Unique Features
The online MA in forensic psychology degree program includes courses in ethics and professional issues, psychopathology, mental health law, diversity in forensic psychology and substance abuse evaluation and treatment. The program can be completed in as little as 20 months.
More information on The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Walden University – Online Master of Science in Forensic Psychology
Executive Summary
Walden University is a private institution with a reputation for being one of the nation’s best known online schools. Headquartered in Minneapolis, it is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and offers degrees widely recognized and respected in the psychological community, while providing all the convenience of online courses.
Unique Features
Walden University offers 10 forensic psychology specializations, covering topics like family violence, sex offender behavior, terrorism and police psychology. Students can transfer in up to half of the program’s 48 credits, no admissions tests are required, and multiple start dates are offered.
Concentrations
- Criminal Justice
- Cyber Crimes
- Family Violence
- Legal Issues in Forensic Psychology
- Military
- Police Psychology
- Sex Offender Behavior
- Terrorism
- Victimology
- Self Designed
More information on Walden University
Southern New Hampshire University – Online Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology
Executive Summary
Southern New Hampshire University is a private, non-profit school. It is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
Tuition
Tuition is $320 per credit hour.
Unique Features
Students enrolled in this program will study criminal profiling, patterns of criminal behavior, eyewitness memory, and definitions for insanity, and more.
More information on Southern New Hampshire University
University of North Dakota – Online Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology
Executive Summary
The University of North Dakota is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition
In-state and out-of state learners pay the same low rate of $544 per credit hour.
Unique Features
Classes start in the fall (August) and spring (January) and the master’s in forensic psychology online program can be completed in approximately two years of study. Students are required to attend one, two-week capstone session during the last semester of their program.
Concentrations
More information on the University of North Dakota
Grand Canyon University – Master of Science in Forensic Psychology
Executive Summary
Originally chartered in 1949, today Grand Canyon University is the largest Christian university in the world. A private institution, it’s accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and headquartered in Phoenix.
Tuition
Tuition is $530 per credit for the online MS in Forensic Psychology program.
Unique Features
Including online enrollment, as of 2020 more than 90,000 students were studying at GCU. Students can transfer in up to 12 credits toward the 36-total credits the program requires. Courses are four credits and take eight weeks each to complete, with the exception of one two-credit four-week course. Classes take place entirely online, or as a hybrid-evening option.
More information on Grand Canyon University
Capella University – Master of Science in Clinical Psychology, Forensic Psychology
Executive Summary
Capella University is a private institution accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. As of 2022, there were over 41,000 students enrolled. Instructors here are world class, with 82% of all faculty holding doctoral degrees.
Tuition
Tuition is $495 per quarter credit.
Unique Features
Capella University boasts an alumni network of nearly 100,000 graduates. The forensic psychology program is structured with five core courses and six specialization courses. Students typically take between one and three courses per 10-week quarter, and can transfer in up to 15 quarter credits toward the program’s 55 total credits.
More information on Capella University
#8 Nova Southeastern University – Online Master of Science in Forensic Psychology
Executive Summary
Southern New Hampshire University is a non-profit private school accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education. US News and World Report ranked it the #1 Most Innovative School in 2020.
Tuition
Students at NSU pay $790 per credit hour.
Unique Features
The University uses the Blackboard course management system. Students stay in touch with their instructors and each other through e-mail, chat rooms, white boards, discussion boards, and multimedia presentations.
For more information on NOVA Southeastern University
Florida Tech University – Online Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology
Executive Summary
Florida Tech is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition
Students at Florida Tech pay $510 per credit hour.
Unique Features
The bachelor’s degree in applied psychology with a concentration in forensic psychology can be completed entirely online. Students can download weekly lectures to their cellphone or MP3 player if they wish.
More information on Florida Tech University
Southern New Hampshire University – Online Master of Science in Psychology with a Forensic Psychology Concentration
Executive Summary
Southern New Hampshire University is a non-profit private school accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education. US News and World Report ranked it the #1 Most Innovative School in 2020.
Tuition
Students pay $627 per credit hour.
Unique Features
All SNHU faculty are true experts in their fields, with 100% holding doctoral degrees. There are three start dates every year, making the program convenient and highly accessible to anyone serious about earning a master’s in psychology. Specialty course in the most high-demand subfields of psychology are the name of the game at SNHU, with Forensic Psychology being just one of the concentration options offered in this 36-credit MS in Psychology program.
For more information on Southern New Hampshire University
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