One of the best forensic psychology graduate programs will set you up for the success you deserve.
It’ll help a lot of other people, too. A forensic psychologist is one of the most vital people in the judicial and psychology sectors. Forensic psychology professionals:
- verify witness claims
- assess the mental state of suspects
- research trends that may curb crime rates
The 10 Best Forensic Psychology Masters Programs will teach you the skills you need to know how to prosper in the field.
Forensic psychology has its roots in centuries past. The nature of the profession has changed significantly since then, with progressions in:
- technology
- psychology
- legal fields
Now, forensic psychologists are most concerned with the psychological assessments of people involved in the legal system.
Can a suspect plead insanity? Was a person in possession of a guilty mind at the time of the crime? These are a couple of the questions that forensic psychologists ask themselves. But forensic psychologists look at other sides of the legal sector, too, such as:
- threat assessments
- child custody evaluations
- counseling services to victims of crime
What Is a Forensic Psychology Degree?
There aren’t many forensic psychology masters programs in America. Why? Well, master’s degrees aren’t required for the field. Almost every employer requires forensic psychologists to have a Ph.D. or Psy.D. in the field. And to get into a Ph.D. or Psy.D. program, you only need an undergraduate degree. Thus, a master’s degree doesn’t suit any professional requirement. But that doesn’t mean forensic psychology graduate programs aren’t useful.
Imagine arriving at a doctoral degree program with two more years of education experience than your competition. With your competitive advantage, you’re more likely to flourish in your program, meaning you’re more likely to find excellent jobs outside of it. Thus, while master’s programs in the field are neither required nor abundant, they are beneficial.
Some courses that students take in masters forensic psychology programs are:
- Advanced Social Psychology
- Criminal Profiling
- Biological Bases of Behavior
To gain admission to one of the top forensic psychology graduate programs, you should have:
- a bachelor’s degree
- letters of recommendation
- a proven dedication to the field
Some but not all top forensic psychology masters programs ask for GRE or GMAT scores, personal essays, and a professional resume.
Careers for Forensic Psychology Graduates
Most forensic psychology degree majors seek careers as forensic psychologists. Forensic psychologists are usually employed by public services, but some work in the private sphere. Some common employers for forensic psychologists are:
- courthouses
- law firms
- police stations
- community mental health centers
- juvenile detention centers
- prisons
- jails
As we’ve said, most forensic psychologists must have a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in the field. This requirement is consistent for all psychologists. After all, would you want a person with limited schooling and experience deciding whether a serial killer can make an insanity plea? Probably not.
The path to becoming a forensic psychologist is long. And if you’re adding a master’s degree, it’s even longer. But know that your efforts will be rewarded handsomely. This is a high-paying field, especially for those who accumulate experience and express their dedication to the profession. We advise you not to let the years of schooling deter you: Once you get to the finish line, you’ll acknowledge the inherent benefits of the path you took to get there.
The Salary Potential of a Forensic Psychologist
By this point, you know that forensic psychology is a fascinating field. You also know that forensic psychology requires a lot of schooling. You’re probably wondering whether it’s worth it. And one of the best metrics for this calculation is salary. So does the salary measure up to the educational investment?
We’ll let you decide that. The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides no specific statistics for forensic psychology careers, so we are using statistics from PayScale, a crowdsources website. The average forensic psychology professional earns $69,514 per year. That’s more than most professions in the United States. Your salary will be lower when you enter the field; it will be much higher as you gain experience, skills, and a reputation as an excellent forensic psychologist.
The top 10% of forensic psychologists make $102,000 or more per year. The bottom 10% of forensic psychologists earn $39,000 or less per year, but some of these people only work part-time.
What Are the Best Schools for a Degree in Forensic Psychology?
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California Baptist University
California Baptist University offers one of the few dedicated master’s in forensic psychology programs in the country. And it’s very, very good. Students benefit from excellent faculty members and fascinating courses. CBU offers relatively affordable tuition, considering the quality of this program. Most students complete this 57-credit master’s degree program in two years.
Throughout the two-year forensic psychology master’s degree program, students take exciting courses, such as:
- Advanced Psychopathology and Criminality
- Criminal Profiling
- Qualitative Forensic Research Methods
- Advanced Criminal Law
- Advanced Social Psychology
Students also enroll in a three-part, nine-month forensic practicum. In this practicum, students receive practical experience in the field and gain skills they’ll use for the rest of their lives.
Students in this master’s in forensic psychology degree program choose between writing a thesis or taking a seven-hour comprehensive exam. California Baptist University encourages students to write a thesis paper: The research students do on their thesis will reflect and inform them in their later experience in postgraduate school and the field.
California State University-Los Angeles
California State Los Angeles is an excellent school. Being a public school, tuition rates are quite affordable, especially for in-state students. The school’s Master of Science in forensic psychology is the best program offered by a public university in the country. It focuses on coursework and a nine-month practicum in which students gain experience observing and practicing forensic psychology.
Some notable forensic psychology courses in this program are:
- Principles of Research
- Seminar: Abnormal Psychology
- Analysis of Variance
- Advanced Statistical Methods
- Seminar: Developmental Psychology
All graduate students in this master’s in forensic psychology degree program must write a thesis based on original research.
Are you interested in joining the ranks of one of the best graduate forensic psychology programs in the world? Applying students must submit:
- an online application
- a one-to-three-page statement of career goals
- three letters of recommendation
- unofficial transcripts from all universities attended
- GRE scores
Note that the GRE isn’t required—students may submit it, though, if they think it will strengthen their application.
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice
The John Jay College of Criminal Justice is one of the most notable aspects of the City University of New York system. Graduates from this school have become leaders in all things criminal justice, from law enforcement to administration to forensic psychology. The John Jay College of Criminal Justice offers the best Master of Arts in forensic psychology in the Eastern United States.
The master’s in forensic psychology puts a significant emphasis on the intersection of social identity and peoples’ understanding of psychopathology. Some notable courses in this program are:
- Intermediate Statistics in the Social Sciences
- Clinical Interviewing and Assessment
- Objective Personality Assessment
- Social Science Evidence in Court
Students must write a thesis to graduate with their master’s in forensic psychology. Each student’s thesis must demonstrate their ability to:
- synthesize scholarly material
- critically analyze literature
- contribute to the field
- design a project with sound methodology
- demonstrate their aptitude for professional writing
Holy Names University
Some schools for forensic psychology focus on the theoretical foundations and practices of forensic psychology. Holy Names University is one of these schools, but it also puts a special focus on the intersection of psychology, law, and social justice. Students here learn not just about the criminal justice system, but why crime happens and how systemic issues directly affect crime rates in the country. If you’re interested in the social justice side of forensic psychology, consider Holy Names University’s master’s in forensic psychology.
Some of the many notable courses in the master’s in forensic psychology at Holy Names University are:
- Foundations of Counseling: Models and Skills
- Forensic Psychology and the Law
- Psychology of Criminal Behavior
These courses focus on your role as a forensic psychologist and the background to the work you do.
Students who want to go above and beyond should consider the school’s dual Master’s of Arts in counseling and forensic psychology. This program is ideal for those who want to practice both professions and people who are torn between the two.
Roger Williams University
Roger Williams University acknowledges that most of its students will continue on to earn a doctoral degree in forensic psychology and other psychology fields. Their master’s in forensic psychology prepares students for those programs and life beyond. If you want to attend a program that emphasizes academic achievement and education, consider Roger Williams University’s Master of Arts in forensic psychology.
This forensic psychology master’s degree program is 45 credits, and most students take two years to graduate. Students take around a dozen courses, complete a research practicum or directed research project, and write a thesis. Some classes students take are:
- Assessment in Criminal Law
- Adult Psychopathology
- Multicultural Competence in Psychological Practice
- Assessment in Criminal Law
Are you ready to apply to Roger Williams University? Let’s make sure you have the requirements. To be considered for admittance, forensic psychology master’s degree students must submit:
- official transcripts
- a statement of purpose
- GRE scores
- three letters of recommendation
- a completed application form
University of North Dakota
Forensic psychology is a complicated field. Sitting at the intersection of psychology and the legal system, gaining a full understanding of the field is challenging. But the University of North Dakota’s master’s degree in forensic psychology program does an excellent job of distilling the vital pieces of the puzzle. The master’s in forensic psychology program emphasizes psychological foundations, forensic-relevant knowledge, an understanding of our legal system, and the soft skills that forensic psychologists need to prosper.
Students at the University of North Dakota take excellent classes like:
- Behavior Pathology
- Forensic Assessment
- Cognitive Psychology
- Advanced Social Psychology
- Psychology and Law
These courses will give you the foundations you need to prosper in postgraduate school and beyond.
Forensic psychology master’s program graduates from the University of North Dakota have become successful, working in places like:
- prisons
- social service agencies
- probation services
- hospitals
- addiction services
Others have become acclaimed:
- researchers
- administrators
- law enforcers
- educators in the field
University of New Haven
Are you at least as focused on criminal justice as forensic psychology? Perhaps you want to become a police detective, an investigator, or simply a police officer with an understanding of forensic psychology. If so, consider the University of New Haven’s Master of Science in criminal justice program with an emphasis on forensic psychology. One of the top forensic psychology schools in the country, the University of New Haven’s master’s program students have become successful working for public and private organizations as:
- police officers
- administrators
- forensic psychologists
Some notable courses that forensic psychology students in this program take are:
- Research Methods in Criminal Justice
- Theories of Criminal Behavior
- Mental Health Law
- Forensic Assessment
- Abnormal Psychology in Forensic Populations
These classes will equally prepare you for a future in forensic psychology and law enforcement.
To gain admission to this program, students must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. If students don’t have an academic background in criminal justice, they may have to take one additional class. Additionally, forensic psychology master’s students must submit:
- GRE scores
- letters of recommendation
- transcripts
- online application
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Are you a high school student or somebody who hasn’t yet started undergraduate school? Or perhaps you have started, but you realize the program you’re in doesn’t suit your needs? If so, you might be in luck. Fairleigh Dickinson University offers an excellent dual Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts program in forensic psychology. This six-year program is long and challenging, but it rewards students well.
Students take courses like:
- Experimental Psychology
- Juvenile Justice and Delinquency
- Theories of Personality
- Social Psychological Applications
- Criminal Practice in Forensic Contexts
- Ethical Issues in Forensic Practice
There is a clear line between the program’s undergraduate and graduate components. Students in the graduate school must also complete an externship in the field.
As one of the best forensic psychology programs in the country, it is highly selective. If you’re applying straight from high school, you must have a high school GPA of 3.5 or higher. Additionally, you must submit:
- official transcripts
- two letters of recommendation
- a personal statement expressing your academic and professional goals
Marymount University
Do organizations like the CIA, NSA, U.S. Department of Justice, and FBI sound like ideal employers to you? Or are they organizations you otherwise greatly respect? Marymount University’s Master of Arts program in forensic and legal psychology allows students to:
- intern with these organizations
- visit their campuses
- attend lectures by the leaders of these organizations
Some notable courses in the forensic and legal psychology program are:
- Psychology of Criminal Behavior
- Wrongful Convictions: Case Analysis
- Issues in the American Legal System
- Psychology of Law Enforcement
- Victims of Interpersonal Violence
Students also complete a project and internship in this graduate program, which requires meticulous research and experience in the field.
To gain admission to this program, students must first submit a professional resume, official transcripts, the online graduate application, GRE scores, two letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Marymount University is selective in its admissions, but with excellent academic and professional experience, there’s a good chance the university will invite you to be a student.
University of Denver
The University of Denver is one of the better private liberal arts universities in the nation. It’s by no means the most affordable option on this list, but the small class sizes, excellent academics, and experienced faculty members make up for the cost. If you don’t mind paying a pretty penny for a fantastic education, consider the University of Denver’s Master of Arts in forensic psychology program.
Some courses students in this program take are:
- Psychology
- Public Policy, and Advocacy
- Psychopathology
- Evaluation and Treatment of the Adult Offender
- Criminal Evaluations
These classes offer students insight into the foundational theories of the field and the practices that forensic psychologists use every day.
To gain admission to this program, students must have a bachelor’s from a regionally accredited college with a 2.5 or higher GPA. Additionally, applying students must provide:
- letters of recommendation
- meet the prerequisite requirement of the program
- complete the online application
Are there any masters in forensic psychology schools with online programs?
Students interested in an online forensic psychology master’s program will be excited to hear that there are several great online programs available.
Forensic psychology master’s programs are available in a variety of formats including online and hybrid. Online forensic psychology degrees are a great choice for students who need an alternative to a traditional brick-and-mortar program. Courses can be offered in a synchronous or asynchronous format. Synchronous courses are taught online to a live audience. Students log in at the same time and engage with their instructor (and each other) at a scheduled time. Asynchronous courses give students a little more flexibility. These courses can be completed within a set timeframe when it is most convenient.
The University of North Dakota offers an online Master of Arts degree in forensic psychology that takes two years to complete. The curriculum focuses on the intersection between law and psychology. The program is designed for working professionals. Courses cover areas like eyewitness testimony and diversity psychology.
Arizona State University is another great online choice for prospective forensic psychologists. Their forensic psychology master’s program covers a variety of areas including mental disorders and criminal justice systems. Unique electives give students insights into correctional psychology and gang activity. The program prepares students to become successful criminal investigators and forensic science technicians.
What is the difference between forensic science and forensic psychology?
Forensic science uses scientific methods to investigate crime and examine evidence. It is used throughout the criminal justice system. Forensic science can help make sense of a crime scene. It can be used to help identify or incriminate a suspect. A forensic scientist may collect evidence by working in the field. Others work to analyze evidence in a lab or medical facility. Some people specialize in a specific area within the field. They might:
- Examine fingerprints
- Conduct blood splatter analysis
- Study and compare shoe and tire impressions
Forensic psychology, on the other hand, is described as the intersection of human behavior and law. According to the American Psychological Association, forensic psychology is “the application of clinical specialties to the legal arena.” Forensic psychologists apply tools and research from psychology to specific legal situations. A forensic psychology master degree program can provide students with the solid foundation they need to get started in this exciting career.
If you’re interested in pursuing higher education, then you should check out The 20 Best Master’s in Public Health 2020 and The 25 Best Masters in Organizational Leadership!
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