Best Colleges for Forensic Psychology

Students interested in earning a forensic psychology degree need a high school or GED diploma. Some schools accept other high school equivalency exams. Degree-seekers complete major and general education courses. Some programs allow learners to double major or minor.

Bachelor's degree holders can apply to master's programs. They can also pursue careers as caseworkers, claims supervisors, or psychological stress evaluators. This page highlights the best forensic psychology degrees, including common courses and licensure requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions About Forensic Psychology Degrees

What's the difference between forensic psychology and forensic science?

Forensic psychologists work with criminals and survivors to understand why crime occurs. Forensic scientists collect and analyze physical crime scene evidence.

How many years does it take to become a forensic psychologist?

A licensed forensic psychologist may need up to 10 years of higher education. This figure includes four years in an undergraduate program, two years in a master's program, and four years in a doctoral program. Students must also gain professional experience to qualify for licensure. Required hours vary by state.

What can I do with a bachelor's degree in forensic psychology?

Graduates can work as disability case managers, financial aid counselors, or human resource advisors. Some positions require additional education or training.

Why Get a Degree in Forensic Psychology?

Bachelor's degree holders can explore many forensic psychology degree jobs. They can also pursue a master's or doctorate in forensic psychology. States require the latter for licensure.

Online forensic psychology courses offer many benefits. Students attending an accredited school receive the same education as on-campus learners. Many online forensic psychology programs also run asynchronously. Learners can complete coursework around job and family responsibilities.

How Much Does a Forensic Psychology Degree Cost?

The cost of a forensic psychology degree varies by school. In-state, public schools charge the most affordable tuition. Students pursuing bachelor's degrees at in-state, public colleges spent an average of $26,820 in 2020-21. Learners at private colleges spent an average of $54,880. Students can lower their out-of-pocket costs by applying for financial aid such as scholarships and grants.

Online learning may require extra expenses, such as a new computer and commuting to internship or practicum sites. Some courses may include lab fees. Prospective students can check school websites for information on extra costs.

How Much Do Forensic Psychology Majors Make?

Salary depends on forensic psychologists' degree level, employer, and geographic location. Bachelor's graduates working as market research analysts or training and development specialists earn median annual salaries above $60,000. These salaries exceed what the typical U.S. worker earns by more than $20,000.

Professionals can increase their salary by earning an advanced degree. Licensed forensic psychologists earn a median annual salary of $82,180. All workers with a psychology background can boost their earning potential through continuing education (CE).

Courses in Forensic Psychology

Forensic psychology programs include general education and forensic psychology courses. Coursework helps learners hone communication, analytical, and research skills. Students can apply these skills in their graduate education and career. Enrollees can customize their education through electives to prepare for graduate school or a specific career path.

See below for three undergraduate forensic psychology courses. Course topics and requirements vary by program. Prospective students can learn more by visiting a school's online student handbook or contacting an admissions representative.

• Psychological Disorders

  Forensic psychologists must understand why people commit crimes. The answer may involve a psychological disorder. Coursework covers different conditions, symptoms, and the latest treatment methods. This course helps students reinforce the skills they developed in introductory psychology courses. Assessments require learners to analyze case studies.

• Forensic Evaluation

  Licensed forensic psychologists interview criminals and survivors. These professionals must follow basic procedures and the law. Coursework covers different interview strategies and best practices. Master's and doctoral programs build upon these topics and prepare learners for licensure. Students take this course after completing prerequisites.

• Courts and Judicial Process

  Enrollees study how forensic psychologists work within the criminal justice system. The course emphasizes the justice system's structure and functions. Degree-seekers analyze how psychologists, lawyers, and other officials work together to prosecute criminals. Learners also research the latest trends impacting the legal system.

How to Become a Forensic Psychologist

After earning a bachelor's degree, aspiring forensic psychologists should enroll in career-aligned master's and doctoral programs. Enrollees complete extended projects and lengthy internships. Many top universities offer online graduate psychology degrees. Licensure candidates must meet other experience and exam requirements.

Forensic psychologists may testify in court, give tests, and maintain records. Other tasks vary depending on specialization and years of experience. Some forensic psychologists work exclusively with children, families, or criminals. Most psychologists work for themselves or a government agency.

Licensure for Forensic Psychology

Forensic psychologists need a license to practice. Licensure requirements vary by state. Candidates in New York need a doctorate in psychology from a state-approved program. This program should include coursework in child abuse identification reporting. The state board of licensure reviews out-of-state degrees on a case-by-case basis.

New York forensic psychologists must also meet a 1,750-hour experience requirement. Candidates may begin work on this requirement while completing their doctoral program. The state uses strict guidelines on what qualifies as relevant experience. Candidates spend most of their time working directly with patients. Those meeting the education and experience requirement take the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology exam.

New York requires forensic psychologists to renew their license every three years. Psychologists earn 36 CE credits for license renewal. The state maintains a list of approved CE providers. Typical CE activities include presenting at a conference, publishing a research paper, and taking a course.

Best Forensic Psychology Degrees 2022

The following ranking highlights the best forensic psychology bachelor's programs. These programs offer rigorous curricula, helpful support services, and institutional financial aid opportunities. Prospective students should research each school to learn about curriculum and admission requirements. Information may have changed since this article's publication.