One of the best online degrees in forensic psychology will put you in a great position to prosper in the field and beyond.
Forensic psychology is one of the most fascinating professional fields in existence. It merges technical legal training and psychology expertise to judge the conditions the criminal justice system, including suspects, witnesses, and juries.
A forensic psychologist is instrumental in determining the viability of insanity pleas, rendering their judgment invaluable to the legal system. Learn about what is involved in the industry through the 10 best online forensic psychology degrees.
A forensic psychologist has many duties in the legal process when dealing with suspects and professionals:
- the evaluation
- the assessment
- the treatment
- the consultations
Additionally, forensic psychologists research the intersection of psychology and the law to find new theories and ideas to propel forensic psychology forward, understand criminal behavior, and reduce crime.
Some forensic psychologists become educators. They can educate anybody from law enforcement units to university students, depending on their expertise and preferred teaching environment.
While forensic psychology may seem like a limited field, it has many applications. And as a growing profession, it has space for you to join it.
Related: Top Online Forensic Psychology Masters
What Are the Best Online Forensic Psychology Degrees?
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. 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.
Arizona State University
Arizona State University is one of the largest universities in the world, and its distance learning program is as robust as its campus offerings. The school offers an excellent Bachelor of Science in psychology program with a concentration in forensic psychology.
Note that the school offers a Bachelor of Arts in forensic psychology, but this forensic psychology degree online is preferable because of its two lab requirements and statistical training. The online program comprises 39 classes that each take 7.5 weeks to complete.
Some notable classes that Arizona State University forensic psychology majors take are:
- Correctional Psychology
- Abnormal Psychology
- Introduction to Statistics
- Statistical Methods
- Substantive Criminal Law
In addition to the legal and psychology classes, students enroll in general education courses to gain a well-rounded education.
Graduates from this online forensic psychology degree have pursued careers such as:
- Forensic psychologists
- Behavioral health specialists
- Counselors
- Clinical health psychologists
Because this bachelor’s degree program is foremost a psychology degree, you should enroll here if you’re still undecided about your career goals and whether you want to pursue forensic psychology.
Eastern Kentucky University
Eastern Kentucky University offers one of the best and most affordable forensic psychology online bachelor’s degrees in the country. Like the last ranking, EKU offers a Bachelor of Science in psychology with a forensic psychology concentration.
At $409 per credit hour and only $250 per credit hour for active service members, this online bachelor’s in forensic psychology is a steal. And it’s 100% online with six start dates per year.
Eastern Kentucky University’s bachelor’s degree program is notable for its willingness to accept up to 90 transfer credits. With its liberal transfer policy, students only need to complete 30 credits at EKU to graduate from its program. In this time, students can also complete a minor or choose from one of many undergraduate certificates.
Undergraduate students in EKU’s online degree in forensic psychology receive many benefits. Some of them are:
- Free online tutoring with the PASS Tutoring Program
- A personalized study plan
- Free career service assistance
Students can also engage in online research opportunities with the acclaimed faculty of this psychology degree.
Southern New Hampshire University
Once more, Southern New Hampshire University offers an excellent Bachelor of Arts in psychology with a criminal psychology concentration.
NHU offers perhaps the most affordable undergraduate forensic psychology program in the country, charging only $320 per credit. And with no SAT or ACT requirement, SNHU proves to be an accessible option for GED holders and high school graduates. Like EKU, students can transfer 90 credits to SNHU.
Students in this online forensic psychology degree take fascinating classes, including:
- Forensic Psychology
- Criminal Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Counseling Process and Techniques
- Social Crime and Violence
The university requires a few math courses, but students with an excellent understanding of math can receive credits for what they already know.
Many graduates from Southern New Hampshire University remain at the institution to obtain a master’s degree in forensic psychology. While a master’s degree neither provides you with the credentials to practice forensic psychology nor is a requirement for doctoral programs, the program is a great jump-off point for graduates who wish to work in social services or alongside forensic psychologists with a doctoral degree.
Liberty University
Are you a Christian who doesn’t want to stray far from your roots in faith as you pursue your other goals? If so, consider Liberty University’s online Bachelor of Science in psychology with a concentration in criminal psychology. This bachelor’s degree program emphasizes science and legal-backed theories in an atmosphere that encourages a Christ-like learning method.
Some courses that criminal psychology degree students take are:
- Social Psychology
- Abnormal Psychology
- Psychology of Criminal Behavior
While the Christian undertones may not be apparent in these courses, Liberty University is careful to choose professors who incorporate Christian thinking into their teaching.
Students can transfer 90 credits to Liberty University from community colleges or four-year institutions. Another notable statistic is that most Liberty University students graduate in three-and-a-half years, which is a half year quicker than the minimum requirement of many universities in America. Thus, if you want to expedite your learning, Liberty University may be a good option for you.
National Louis University
Students enrolled in National Louis University’s Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice program can major in criminal justice administration or forensic social justice. Business-minded students can supplement their studies with a concentration in entrepreneurship.
This criminal justice bachelor’s degree program is 100% online, but students living in the Chicago area who are enrolled in the forensic social justice major can take courses in a hybrid format if they wish.
Some courses in this program are:
- Criminology
- Research Methods in Criminal Justice
- Courts and Criminal Justice
- Criminal Investigations
Students must also take dozens of general education courses. Some notable classes on the list of general education options are:
- Basic Art Appreciation
- History Across the Globe
- Foundational Sociology
- Creating Professional Identity
- Introduction to Psychology
These courses will provide you with the knowledge you need as an ethical citizen and the context you need to prosper in your career.
Note that this program emphasizes the criminal justice system above forensic psychology; if you’re interested more in forensic psychology, consider another forensic psychology bachelor’s degree on this list.
Purdue University Global
Purdue University offers an excellent Bachelor of Science in criminal justice online degree with a forensic psychology concentration. This option is ideal for students who are torn between a criminal justice and forensic psychology career.
Besides the four courses in the forensic psychology concentration, this bachelor’s degree isn’t psychology-focused. Thus, you may want to double-check the requirements of your preferred doctoral program before enrolling at Purdue. Remember, though, that you can always take prerequisite courses for doctoral programs at your local community college.
Some notable courses available to Purdue University students are:
- Psychology for Law Enforcement
- Crisis Intervention
- Abnormal Psychology
- Introduction to the Criminal Justice System
- American Government
Purdue University offers courses in ten-week terms, and they tell students to expect to work in their courses for between 15 and 18 hours per week. Compared to many programs, this time commitment is relatively small. Students can also choose between four start dates: July 1st, July 29th, August 26th, and September 16th.
Florida Institute of Technology
The Florida Institute of Technology’s Bachelor of Arts in applied psychology with a concentration in forensic psychology is a 100% online program that will fit your career goals. The bachelor’s in forensic psychology focuses on the intersection of the psychology of human behavior and the legal system. However, the forensic psychology degree also focuses extensively on the liberal arts, creating a well-rounded curriculum.
Some core applied psychology courses in this program are:
- Social Psychology
- Abnormal Psychology
- Research Methods in Applied Psychology
- Mastering eLearning
Students in the forensic psychology online degree supplement these courses with:
- Victim Studies and Advocacy
- Forensic Clinical Psychology
- Integrated Theories of Crime
- Psychology of Leadership
Graduates from the Florida Institute of Technology’s forensic psychology program have gone onto work forensic psychology jobs in mental health centers, businesses, prisons, and law enforcement agencies. Given the applied psychology focus of the degree, this forensic psychology degree program prepares you for excellent doctoral programs and many jobs as a bachelor’s degree holder.
New England College
New England College’s 100% online Bachelor of Arts in psychology program focuses on the many sides of psychology, including forensic psychology. While the program doesn’t feature a concentration or minor in forensic psychology, it does include a forensic psychology class. And it offers many of the same courses included in bachelor’s in forensic psychology programs.
If you’re interested in the psychology aspect of the profession more than the criminal justice side, this psychology degree is perfect for you.
The NEC curriculum combines general education courses with classes focusing on the theory and science of psychology. Some general education courses are:
- History of Political Thought
- Introduction to Quantitative Reasoning
- Environmental Science: A Global Concern
- Survey of American Literature
Psychology-focused classes are:
- Introduction to Psychology
- Statistics for the Social Sciences
- Issues in Professional Practices: Psychology
Graduates from this program have pursue careers such as:
- Childcare center directors
- Social service managers
- Clinical psychologists
- Occupational therapy assistants
As long as you’re interested in psychology and the well-being of others, you’ll find many suitable positions after graduating from New England College.
Maryville University
Maryville University offers the only online bachelor’s in forensic psychology program on this list. The forensic psychology courses emphasizes the relevance of psychology in understanding:
- Social services
- Human behavior
- Criminal behavior research
- The legal system
Forensic psychology students can choose from three start times per year, allowing the flexibility to control the terms of their education. And applying students don’t need to worry about entrance exams or application fees.
Some notable courses in this forensic psychology degree are:
- Multicultural Psychology
- Biological Psychology
- Criminal Behavior
- Introduction to Criminal Investigation
- Human Cognition
Students must also take literacy, humanities, and social science courses to graduate from the bachelor’s in forensic psychology program.
Students with financial needs will find generous financial aid packages from Maryville University. In 2022, the university awarded $53 million in scholarships and financial aid to almost every Maryville student that applied for aid or scholarships. Some noteworthy scholarships available to first-year students are the Barat, Mouton, and Duchesne Scholarships, which each award over $10,000.
Union Institute and University
Union Institute and University offers an excellent online Bachelor of Arts in psychology program. Students at Union choose a concentration in:
- Addictions studies
- Forensic psychology
- Holistic psychology
Classes begin every eight weeks, and students can choose to enroll full-time or part-time. And notably, Union Institute and University accepts up to 90 transfer credits.
The university offers some of the most exciting courses in all its psychology programs. Some notable classes are:
- Abnormal Psychology: Explorations through Film
- The Helping Relationship
- Personality Theories: Frameworks of Understanding in Psychology
- Community Psychology: Cultural and Global Perspectives
Students also take elective courses, which include options like:
- Drugs in Society
- Forensic Science Management
- Emerging Trends in Forensic Science
At $545 per credit hour, Union Institute and University isn’t the most affordable option on this list. But it’s not terribly expensive, either. And for the courses you see above, the extra money you pay per credit may be worth it, especially considering the many scholarships available to students.
Frequently Asked Questions
A forensic psychology degree is worth it for many different reasons. On the one hand, you can use your undergraduate studies in this field to secure a job immediately after graduation. Having real-world experience early on will help you advance in your career and command a higher salary sooner rather than later. On the other hand, the skills you gain in a forensic psychology program allow you to provide tangible assistance to people in need, thereby improving their lives. An undergraduate degree in forensic psychology is also excellent preparation for graduate studies, which can help you pursue a broader range of jobs and higher-paying jobs.
As a forensic psychology major, you’ll spend an average of around $10,000 per year in in-state tuition at a public college or university. That number jumps to around $27,000 for out-of-state tuition at a public institution and nearly $39,000 at a private institution. Other costs are associated with getting a forensic psychology degree, including fees, books and supplies, and room and board. In all, you can expect to spend around $36,500 per year for all related expenses, according to the Education Data Initiative.
First, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in forensic psychology or a related field. There are many online forensic psychology degrees and on-campus programs to choose from. A bachelor’s degree can help you get the basic experience needed to find entry-level positions in forensic psychology-related fields, like law enforcement, victim advocacy, and law. However, to practice as a forensic psychologist, you’ll need at least a master’s degree. There are many online and on-campus graduate programs in forensic psychology, too. A Ph.D. or PsyD would put you at the top of the field with highly advanced training that is sought after for the most prominent careers.
Either a BA or a BS is a good start for a career in forensic psychology. A BA program gives you the opportunity to take more elective courses, including in fields outside of psychology, like sociology, criminal justice, or pre-law. A BS program usually has more science and math requirements, especially as they relate to psychological research and statistics. In either case, you’ll get a solid foundation of knowledge and skills that serve you well in entry-level forensic psychology positions or prepare you for graduate studies.
Forensic psychology programs are not considered hard to get into. Most schools have basic requirements for admission, like having a 2.5 GPA or higher, positive recommendations from teachers, and adequate ACT or SAT scores (though test scores aren’t always required). Once in a forensic psychology program, you will have to maintain a certain GPA to remain in good standing, like a 2.0 GPA or higher. Though there are some complex courses in forensic psychology, colleges and universities offer many different support programs to help you along the way, from academic advising to tutoring to technical support.
Most full-time students can complete a forensic psychology degree online in four years. Doing so requires you to take 12-15 credits per semester for a total of around 120 credits to graduate. You can take courses during the summer and add courses to your schedule in the spring and fall semesters to shorten the time needed to graduate, though. Depending on how many courses you take each semester, you might be able to finish your undergraduate degree in about three years.
There are numerous online Ph.D. programs in forensic psychology from colleges and universities around the nation. However, while coursework is usually 100 percent online, some programs require on-campus visits or field work like an internship or practicum. Frequently, fieldwork can be done in the area in which you live to minimize travel requirements.
Whether you get a PhD or PsyD in forensic psychology depends on your career goals. PhD programs are usually preparatory for careers in forensic psychology research settings, academics, and technical applications, such as in the legal system. PsyD programs are often geared toward therapeutic forensic psychology applications, such as working in a mental health clinic or private practice.
A degree in forensic psychology opens pathways to careers in psychology, law enforcement, and research, to name a few. For example, many people with a bachelor’s degree in forensic psychology work as police officers and detectives, probation and parole officers, and jail bailiffs. Others work in victim advocacy, ensuring that the victims of crimes get the emotional and practical support they need. With a graduate degree in forensic psychology, you can be a practicing psychologist and offer therapeutic services to clients. You can also work as a police consultant, jury consultant, or criminal profiler.
Forensic psychologists can make well into the six figures, according to PayScale. Whether you reach that kind of salary depends on many factors, though. Most forensic psychologists who make over $100,000 per year are highly educated with a master’s degree or higher. You’ll also need to be experienced working in this field – perhaps 20 or more years on the job before you can make six figures. The geographic area in which you work greatly impacts your salary as well. As ZipRecruiter notes, Washington State has the highest median salary for forensic psychologists in the nation at $104,222 per year.
Related Resources:
Best Colleges for Forensic Psychology
Best Online Psychology Degree Programs
Top Forensic Psychology Masters Programs