Best Online Master’s in Forensic Psychology

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Combine your interests in crime, human behavior, and law by earning a degree from one of the best online master’s in forensic psychology programs.

Professionals who understand the perceptions of the criminal mind are vital for justice. By obtaining a master’s degree in forensic psychology, students will gain an in-demand skill set that is necessary in assisting with legal action.

Online Schools Report 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.

What is a Master’s in Forensic Psychology Degree?

A master’s in forensic psychology is a graduate-level degree that studies the integration between legality and human behavior on a criminal level. Throughout this program, students will play a role within the justice system from a psychological perspective.

After earning this master’s degree, students will be confident in applying their knowledge of forensic psychology within the justice system, law enforcement, courts, and corrections offices. Since forensic psychology is a specialty within clinical psychology, students will also receive a deeper education on assessing and treating individuals with psychological problems.

Consider a general psychology degree if you’re not sold on the criminal justice side of this degree.

How Much Can You Earn with A Master’s in Forensic Psychology Degree?

According to PayScale, the average salary for a person who has obtained a master’s degree in forensic psychology is $48,000 per year. PayScale also reports that 92% of survey respondents were women and highly satisfied with their job choice.

Here are some examples of potential careers that graduates could explore after earning a master’s in forensic psychology:

  • Forensic Analyst
  • Mental Health Therapist
  • Forensic case worker
  • Operations Manager
  • Forensic consultant

What is Required for a Master’s in Forensic Psychology degree?

To enroll into a forensic psychology master’s program, students must hold a four-year undergraduate degree. Depending on the institution, it may be a requirement that the student hold a bachelor’s degree with a major pertaining to forensics, psychology, or another related field.

During the application process, students may or may not have to show test scores of the GRE or GMAT. Once enrolled in a program, most institutions will require a senior exit exam, capstone course, or internship in order to graduate. This program typically takes two years to complete.

What Are The Best Master’s in Forensic Psychology degrees?

OSR uses six data points: three school-wide and three program specific. For school-wide, OSR uses Student Satisfaction, Admission Rates, and the number of programs the school offers online. For program-specific, OSR checks the Median Debt of graduates from that program, how many degrees are offered within that program’s umbrella department, and what percentage of students at that school graduated from that department.

The six statistics are displayed by each school. The sliding bar under each statistic represents how that school compares to other US institutions. “Not reported” means a school did not release that information to the US Department of Education. A more detailed description of the OSR process can be found on the methodology page.

Quick Facts

  • Total of 55 quarter credit hours
  • Transfer-friendly program
  • Direct path to doctoral study 
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Programs Offered Online

Not reported

Median Debt

$41,377

Programs in Department

13

Popularity at School

16%

100%OSR Score

You can earn your master’s degree in clinical psychology with a focus in forensics at Capella University entirely online at your own pace. This program requires five core courses and six specialization courses. Your coursework will involve readings, discussions, and other research activities while keeping an evidence-based approach in mind.

Northcentral University

Quick Facts

  • Total of 30 credit hours
  • GRE or GMAT not required
  • Completion time: 20 months
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

70%

Programs Offered Online

3

Programs in Department

5

Popularity at School

32%

88%OSR Score

Northcentral University offers a master’s in forensic psychology that focuses on exploring the mind and behavior of criminals. You get to choose your class schedule since Northcentral offers new courses available the Monday of every week. Graduates of this program found themselves within careers as behavior analysts, clinical case managers, and mental health assistants.

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Los Angeles

Quick Facts

  • Non-licensure program 
  • Full time / Part time tracks offered 
  • GRE or GMAT not required
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Acceptance Rate

36%

Programs Offered Online

1

Median Debt

$82,000

Programs in Department

5

Popularity at School

100%

86%OSR Score

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology offers a fully online MA program in forensic psychology that can completed within two to four years. Throughout this program, students will gain psychology skills they can apply to juvenile, civil, and criminal justice. Some of your coursework may include social psychology and aggression, ethics, and trauma and crisis intervention.

Walden University

Walden University

Quick Facts

  • Total of 48 credit hours
  • 10 degree specializations offered
  • Transfer up to 24 credits
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

66%

Programs Offered Online

20

Median Debt

$41,000

Programs in Department

5

Popularity at School

9%

83%OSR Score

With 10 degree specializations to choose from, you can earn your master’s in forensic psychology with a focus on your personal and professional interests. Students will be required to complete a capstone or internship prior to graduating. Half of a student’s coursework can be applied to the PhD in Psychology program at Walden.

Saint Leo University

Saint Leo University

Quick Facts

  • Total of 36 credit hours 
  • One course per eight-week term 
  • Capstone course required
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

74%

Acceptance Rate

58%

Programs Offered Online

22

Median Debt

$56,375

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

10%

74%OSR Score

Do you want to understand human behavior on a global scale? The master’s program in psychology at Saint Leo University exposes students to the social, developmental, and physiological sides of psychology, as well as the research side. Students can expect to take courses including lifespan development, learning and cognition, and research methods.

Online Schools Report 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.