Quick Highlights:
- Our #1 ranked school for an online master’s in forensic psychology is Liberty University, followed by Southern New Hampshire University.
- These programs prepare students for careers in the legal and criminal justice systems.
- They focus on the intersection of psychology and law, covering topics like criminal behavior and legal processes.
- Most programs offer flexibility with online coursework, which is ideal for working professionals.
- Admission typically requires a bachelor’s degree, a satisfactory GPA, and sometimes professional experience or specific prerequisites.
If you’re searching for the best way to launch or advance a career at the intersection of psychology and the legal system, an online master’s in forensic psychology offers the perfect blend of flexibility, specialization, and professional relevance. Whether your goal is to work in criminal profiling, court consulting, correctional psychology, or victim advocacy, this degree equips you with the psychological insight and legal understanding to thrive in high-impact environments.
Online master’s programs in forensic psychology are designed for working professionals who want to earn a respected credential without putting their careers on hold. These programs typically offer asynchronous coursework, experienced faculty, and real-world case studies that bridge the gap between academic theory and applied forensic practice. Many also waive GRE requirements, making them more accessible for busy adults and career changers alike.
This updated guide ranks the top online forensic psychology master’s programs in the country—evaluating them based on accreditation, curriculum strength, affordability, flexibility, and career outcomes. You’ll discover which schools offer the best return on investment, how each program supports your long-term goals, and what to expect in terms of coursework, specialization options, and job opportunities after graduation.
If you’re ready to turn your interest in criminal behavior, legal systems, and mental health into a focused, respected career path, this guide will help you find the best online program to get there.
In this article, we’ll teach you about:
- Forensic psychology master’s programs
- Potential careers for forensic psychology graduates
- Salary ranges of forensic psychologists
- The ten best online forensic psychology masters degrees
- How to identify which program is right for you
What Are the Best Online Forensic Psychology Masters?
At CollegeRank, we strive to do our best to guide you and your family toward a fruitful academic career. The pursuit of knowledge is a noble one, and we want to help you reach your goals.
We’ve considered the following factors to ensure that students receive a high-quality education in forensic psychology:
- We evaluated the curriculum for its comprehensiveness, including core courses in criminal behavior, psychological assessment, ethics in forensic practice, and opportunities for specialized study.
- Programs led by faculty with significant experience in forensic psychology and active involvement in research and practice provide students with valuable insights and mentorship.
- The availability of part-time options, asynchronous courses, and a supportive online learning environment were considered, as many students balance work and personal commitments.
Please feel free to visit our dedicated methodology page for a step-by-step breakdown. For questions, comments, badge downloads, or data corrections, please feel free to reach out to us at editor@www.collegerank.net.
Liberty University
With ultimate affordability, excellent programs, and a laundry list of accomplished faculty members, it’s no surprise that Liberty University’s Master of Science in Criminal Justice with a forensic psychology concentration is #1 on this list. While forensic psychology is a concentration rather than the core of this program, students still receive a fantastic education that outdoes any online master’s program.
Some courses that students in this online master’s in forensic psychology take are:
- Fundamentals of Forensic Psychology
- Psychology and the Legal System
- Understanding Criminal Behavior
- Crisis Intervention in Law Enforcement
- Rehabilitation and Reintegration of the Offender
While these courses will introduce you to essential forensic psychology topics, they will also orient you to the criminal justice issues that you need to become familiar with as a forensic psychologist.
To gain admission to this forensic psychology online master’s program, students must submit:
- Official college transcripts
- The application fee
- The online application
- Proof of English proficiency
- A regionally or nationally accredited bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 or above GPA
Southern New Hampshire University
If you’ve researched online programs in any subject, Southern New Hampshire University probably needs no introduction. It is one of the foremost online-focused universities on the planet, with dozens of programs that are:
- Excellent quality
- Flexible
- Affordable
Southern New Hampshire University offers a fantastic online masters in psychology with a forensic psychology concentration.
Some core classes in this online master’s program are:
- Psychology in the Courtroom
- Forensic Psychology
- Assessment for Forensic Psychology
- Intersection of Law and Psychology
These forensic psychology courses teach students about:
- The foundations and fundamentals of forensic psychology
- The ethics of the field
- How psychologists play a vital role in the legal system
Southern New Hampshire University charges $637 per credit for the 36-credit program, which is reasonable for a master’s degree. The university doesn’t require applying students to submit GRE or GMAT scores. However, you may submit them if you believe they would strengthen your profile. Notably, admitted SNHU students can transfer up to twelve credits to the program.
Nova Southeastern University
As the first dedicated Master of Science in Forensic Psychology degree on this list, Nova Southeastern University stands out as a focused, high-quality, and affordable program. Students in this 36-credit program learn about:
- Psychology
- The legal system
- How the two intersect
Students in this online masters in forensic psychology are either professionals who want to advance in their field or interested students who want to learn more about forensic psychology before gaining a Ph.D. or Psy.D.
Some courses in this online master’s in forensic psychology are:
- Psychological Issues in Dependency and Family Law Cases
- Assessment of Psychological Injury for Legal Cases
- Therapeutic Jurisprudence and Problem-Solving Courts
- Behavioral Criminology
Each class will teach you essential information regarding the field and place you one step closer to becoming a successful forensic psychologist.
At $925 per credit hour, Nova Southeastern University isn’t the most affordable university on this list. It is, however, one of the best. There are only a few other programs that have a sole focus on forensic psychology, and NSU is the best of these programs.
University of California-Irvine
The University of California Irvine is perhaps the most reputable university on this list. It’s also one of the most selective and demanding schools. Students at UCI:
- Take competitive classes
- Learn from highly regarded faculty members
- Earn a name that looks good on any resume
If you feel up to the challenge, consider the University of California Irvine’s online master’s of legal and forensic psychology program.
This online forensic psychology master’s degree takes students one year to complete. And while it’s an online program, the University of California Irvine requires each student to attend a one-week introductory course on the campus. While the trip may sound like a hassle, know that you’ll be near some of the best beaches and nightlife in Southern California during this short trip.
Interested in joining this reputable program? To gain admission, students must have:
- A 3.0 or higher GPA in undergraduate coursework
- Official transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation
- A purpose statement
- A history statement
- An updated professional resume that highlights relevant experience in the field
Oklahoma State University-Main Campus
Would you like to attend a fantastic program that focuses on research and immersion in the field? If so, consider Oklahoma State University’s Master of Science in Forensic Sciences with an emphasis in forensic psychology.
There is one catch to this master’s degree: Students are often required to take on-campus laboratory classes during the second year of the program. That means the master’s in forensic psychology program isn’t 100% online, but if you’re willing to spare some online learning for on-campus immersion, you won’t regret your choice to attend OSU.
Some notable courses in this online master’s in forensic psychology program are:
- Survey of Forensic Sciences
- Questioned Document Examination
- Technical Aspects of Forensic Document Examination
- Ethical Research and Scientific Writing
- Theory and Practice of Forensic Handwriting Examination
These courses are demanding, but they’re some of the most rewarding classes you can take.
To graduate from this master’s in forensic psychology students must complete 39 credits with a 3.0 GPA in seven years or fewer. Students must also:
- Complete a thesis or capstone project
- Participate in graduate seminars
- Pass the capstone exam
Saint Leo University
Saint Leo University offers a fantastic online Master of Science program in criminal justice with a concentration in forensic science.
This program isn’t as focused on forensic psychology as others on this list. Instead, it focuses on preparing students to become leaders, administrators, and supervisors in the criminal justice system. If you’re unsure about a future in forensic psychology but you know you want a place in law enforcement, consider this criminal justice degree.
Some classes in this online master’s in forensic psychology program are:
- Public Policy Making in Criminal Justice
- Ethical Issues in Criminal Justice Administration
- Introduction to Forensic Management
- Advanced Forensic Science
- Leadership Applications in Criminal Justice
Graduate students also choose two electives from a list of over thirty, allowing them to become experts in niche subjects.
The 36-credit program takes most students two years to complete. Saint Leo University graduates have taken jobs as:
- Criminal justice practitioners
- Federal law enforcement officers
- State and local law enforcement officers
- Loss prevention investigators
- Criminal behavior analysts
Note that you can go onto a Ph.D. or Psy.D. program in forensic psychology, but these classes won’t prepare you for the psychology side of the curriculum.
Arizona State University
Arizona State University probably needs no introduction. It’s one of the largest schools in the world, and the school has promoted distance learning since online classes came into existence. And with one of the only master’s in forensic psychology programs in America, there’s very little not to like about the program. The online forensic psychology degree format is simple:
- Eleven classes
- 7.5 weeks per class
- 33 credits to graduate
Some courses in this program include:
- Research Methods
- Advanced Correctional Psychology
- Advanced Legal Psychology
- Quantitative Analysis
- Seminar in Criminal Justice
Between the statistics and methods, criminal justice, and psychology classes, students become knowledgeable in all things forensic psychology. And they become ready to join the best Ph.D. programs in the field.
To join this online master’s in forensic psychology program, applicants must have a 3.0 or higher GPA in the last 60 credits in their undergraduate degree or a 3.0 or higher GPA from a master’s program. Additionally, students must provide:
- Official transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation
- The application fee
International students must also provide proof of English proficiency.
Grand Canyon University
Why do people commit crimes? What is psychology’s role in the legal system? These are some of the many topics you’ll examine in Grand Canyon University’s Master of Science in Psychology with a concentration in forensic psychology program.
This master’s in forensic psychology program is available online or on-campus; students can also enroll in a hybrid format if they wish. Notably, students may also transfer up to twelve credits to this program.
Some classes that Grand Canyon University students take are:
- Research Methods
- Psychopathology of Crime
- Theories of Criminal Behavior
- Psychology and the Legal System
- Offender Rehabilitation and Reintegration
Through these classes and the research that students undergo, attendees learn about the biological, genetic, neurochemical, cognitive, and sociological elements of why people commit crimes.
Graduates from this master’s in forensic psychology degree have gone on to careers such as:
- Victim advocates
- Court liaisons
- Police consultants
- Jury consultants
The career settings are numerous. Graduates have worked in environments like:
- Courtrooms
- Police departments
- Law firms
- Public agencies
- Rehabilitation centers
University of Houston-Victoria
The University of Houston-Victoria offers an outstanding master’s in forensic psychology degree.
The university has relatively strict requirements: Students must have taken statistics, research methods, and abnormal psychology courses to gain entrance to this program. They should also have completed coursework in forensic psychology. Besides that, applying students must provide:
- At least one letter of recommendation
- A personal statement
- Official transcripts
- An interview with a faculty member
Some notable classes in this master’s in forensic psychology are:
- Vocational Psychology and Career Counseling
- Intellectual Assessment
- Techniques of Psychotherapy
- Group Psychotherapy
- Addictions Counseling
Students must also complete the nine-credit Practicum in Forensic Psychology.
Students begin school every Fall semester. To apply for this master’s in forensic psychology, students must submit their application prior to the February 15th deadline. Note that this program specifically meets the requirements for Texas licensure. While it meets most other states’ requirements, you should check before enrolling in the school.
University of Louisiana at Monroe
Do you want to become a psychologist, and you’re pretty sure you want to practice forensic psychology but you’d rather leave other options open? If so, consider the University of Louisiana at Monroe’s Master of Science in Psychology with a forensic track.
Some notable courses in this master’s in forensic psychology program are:
- Intelligence Testing
- Psychological Assessment
- Counseling in Criminal Justice
- Sociology of Law
- Proseminar in Criminal Justice
These are the courses in the forensic track. Besides that, students take general psychology courses that focus on theory, foundation, and practice.
To gain admission to the University of Louisiana at Monroe’s esteemed program, applicants must meet two of the three following requirements, per the school’s website:
- A minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- A minimum combined score of 800 (GPA x GRE)
- A total of at least 1900 points based upon the formula—400 times the overall undergraduate grade-point average plus the GRE General Test score (Verbal plus Quantitative)
How to Choose the Right Forensic Psychology Program
Choosing the best online master’s in forensic psychology means understanding what this degree prepares you for—and what makes one program more effective than another in this uniquely interdisciplinary field. Unlike general psychology programs, forensic psychology is tightly integrated with criminal law, correctional systems, and courtroom procedure.
The right program must prepare you not only to understand behavior, but to apply that knowledge in high-stakes, legal settings.
Here’s what to look for:
1. Does the Program Teach You How to Work in Court-Connected Roles?
Many psychology programs loosely reference the law—but in forensic psychology, fluency in the legal system is non-negotiable. You need a program that includes:
- Courtroom psychology and legal procedure
- Expert witness training or forensic report writing
- Criminal competency evaluations or risk assessment protocols
These aren’t just academic topics—they’re core competencies if you want to work with attorneys, judges, parole boards, or correctional agencies. If the curriculum doesn’t teach you how psychological findings are used in legal decisions, it’s not a true forensic program.
2. Clinical vs. Correctional vs. Policy Focus
Some programs train students to become licensed mental health professionals working with offenders or victims. Others are designed for roles in criminal investigation, policy analysis, or research. Choosing the wrong track can delay your career goals by years. Ask:
- Does this program support licensure in my state?
- Does it offer training in offender rehabilitation or only criminal theory?
- Are graduates working in applied forensic roles—or mostly in research or administration?
If your goal is direct clinical work with justice-involved populations, make sure the program includes supervised hours or offers a path toward LPC, LMHC, or psychologist licensure. If you’re focused on investigative psychology or criminal profiling, look for programs with coursework in behavioral analysis and psychological autopsy.
3. Evidence-Based Risk Assessment and Diagnostics
The legal system doesn’t care how “interesting” your insights are—it needs standardized, admissible evaluations. Top programs train you in the use of validated forensic assessment tools such as:
- HCR-20 (Historical Clinical Risk Management)
- PCL-R (Psychopathy Checklist–Revised)
- Static-99 (sex offender risk assessment)
- Competency to Stand Trial evaluations
If a program glosses over forensic instrumentation or relies on generalized psychological testing, it won’t prepare you for work in court-ordered evaluations, prison settings, or forensic hospitals.
4. Exposure to Real Forensic Settings—Even Online
A strong online forensic psychology program allows you to build experience in the environments you’ll be working in throughout your career. Look for:
- Virtual simulations of forensic interviews or court proceedings
- Remote practicum placements with correctional facilities or legal agencies
- Case study–driven assignments based on actual forensic evaluations
Programs that treat forensic psychology like an academic abstraction often fail to prepare students for the professional realities of managing violent offenders, assessing malingering, or navigating conflicting ethical duties in court-ordered settings.
5. Faculty Backgrounds in Forensic Practice, Not Just Psychology
Forensic psychology isn’t simply “psychology in a legal setting.” It’s its own domain—with its own standards, methodologies, and professional norms. The most valuable instructors are those who’ve:
- Conducted forensic evaluations for the courts
- Worked inside correctional institutions
- Served as expert witnesses in legal proceedings
- Collaborated with law enforcement or public defenders
If faculty bios list only academic research and private practice experience, you may not get the applied training forensic roles demand.
A master’s in forensic psychology is not just a more specialized psychology degree, it’s a foundation for meaningful work in some of society’s most complex, high-stakes environments. The right program will give you tools that hold up in court, methods that meet legal standards, and training that matches the psychological realities of crime, risk, and justice. If a program can’t prepare you for that, it’s not worth your time.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Master’s in forensic psychology can be worth it for individuals passionate about understanding the intersection of psychology and the legal system. It provides specialized knowledge that can lead to careers in criminal profiling, victim advocacy, or court consultation. However, the worth depends on personal career goals and the specific opportunities the degree can open in the field of forensic psychology.
Getting into forensic psychology programs can be competitive, as they often seek applicants with strong academic backgrounds and relevant experiences. Students interested in this field should focus on maintaining a solid GPA, gaining relevant research or internship experiences, and showcasing their commitment to understanding the intersection of psychology and the legal system. Developing strong communication and critical thinking skills can also enhance the chances of being accepted into forensic psychology programs.
General Psychologists earn an average of $92,740. Some make more and others make less. According to PayScale, forensic psychologists earn an average of $96,229 per year. The highest-earning 10% of forensic psychologists earn $151,880 or greater per year, while the lowest-earning 10% make under $52,430.
• criminal behavior
• mental health assessments
• legal processes
Upon completion, graduates are equipped to work in various forensic settings, contributing their expertise to the intersection of psychology and the legal system.
Forensic psychologists work in various settings in the criminal justice system:
• Courts
• Hospitals
• Prisons
• Jails
• Juvenile detention centers
• Offices
The field is growing, and it’s one of the most stable fields because it complements institutions that are as old as the country. Forensic psychology graduates can have a promising career ahead of them.
Other potential professions for forensic psychology majors are:
• Forensic psychology assistants
• Caseworkers
• Counseling psychologists
• Mental health psychologists
Some of these forensic psychology jobs are accessible with only a master’s or bachelor’s degree in the field; others require more schooling and field training.
Being a forensic psychologist can be rewarding but also challenging. The job may involve dealing with intense situations, such as working with individuals involved in criminal activities or serving as an expert witness in court. Developing strong coping mechanisms, self-care practices, and having a supportive network can help manage stress in this profession.
The main difference between a Master of Science (MS) and a Master of Arts (MA) in forensic psychology lies in their focus. An MS program tends to emphasize a more scientific and research-oriented approach, while an MA program may have a broader focus that includes both scientific and applied aspects of forensic psychology. It’s essential to consider your career goals and preferences to choose the program that aligns with your interests and desired professional path.
In reality, most forensic psychology work happens in clinical and legal settings, not crime labs or interrogation rooms. The majority of professionals spend their time conducting competency-to-stand-trial evaluations, risk assessments, custody evaluations, and treatment of offenders, often writing reports for courts rather than participating in investigations.
If you’re drawn to the field because of TV portrayals, it’s important to know that success in forensic psychology depends far more on clinical skills, ethics, and clear legal writing than on detective-style work. Students who enjoy psychology, assessment, and the legal system tend to thrive—those seeking constant criminal investigation often feel misaligned once in the program.
Related: