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Get into the minds of criminals and help solve high-profile cases with an online Master’s in Forensic Psychology.
Are you a Sherlock Holmes when it comes to studying human behavior? Are you obsessed with shows like Criminal Mind and Psych - and do you usually solve the case before the show ends? Put your analytical mind to the test and become a forensic psychologist. You’ll work with the whole spectrum of a case: the victims, the criminals, the court system, and beyond. You will be the expert in assessing and investigating criminal intent.
What kind of online master’s in forensic psychology should you get?
An online master's program in forensic psychology can include focused specializations like victimology, cybercrime, and sex offender behavior. Because of the multidisciplinary nature of this field, there are a lot of different career intersections for graduates.
In a victimology forensic psychology program, students look at the profiles of victims of crime. They learn why criminals choose certain types of victims and how victims are affected by crimes. Students might also look at other related populations, such as first responders, who often struggle with emotional trauma after dealing with the aftermath of crimes.
A cybercrime forensic psychology program looks at the intersection of criminal psychology and technology. Students look at the role of new media like the internet and social media in crime, and the psychological elements of cybercrime.
Sex offender behavior looks at the psychological profiles of those who commit sex crimes. Students also look at ways in which the psychological issues of sex offenders can be treated, discouraging repeat offenses.
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How much money do people make with an online master’s in forensic psychology?
Psychologists, regardless of specialization, made just under $80,000 in 2018, but Payscale.com data indicates forensic psychologists made somewhat less. The median pay in the field was $65,403 in 2018, with high-end salaries coming in around $100,000. Pay significantly increases with experience in this field, with most of the high salaries going to professionals with more than two decades of background in the field.
Demand for psychologists has been increasing in recent years, with a projected growth rate over the next decade of 14%. Only a small portion of these jobs will focus on forensic psychology.
What can you do with an online master’s in forensic psychology?
Those with forensic psychology backgrounds can find employment in many areas in and surrounding the criminal justice system. Common environments include police departments, correctional facilities, and courthouse settings.
- Police Departments - Forensic psychologists who work as police consultants help police understand the minds of criminals. They also provide training on appropriate ways to engage with the community.
- Correctional Facilities - Forensic psychologists who work in correctional facilities, such as jails and prisons, coordinate the work done in these facilities. They also provide counseling and support for inmates.
- Courthouses - Some forensic psychologists support lawyers prior to and during trial proceedings. They assist with voir dire and the evaluation of witness testimony, among other duties.
What are the requirements for an online master’s in forensic psychology?
- Bachelor's degree - A master's in forensic psychology will require a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Some schools also set a lower limit for undergraduate GPA, or undergraduate GPA for related coursework. In this case, expect to verify the GPA with transcripts.
- Letters of recommendation - Typical master's programs will expect two to three letters of recommendation. Commonly accepted recommendation letter sources include professors and employers.
- Application fee - Schools that charge an application fee usually set the fee at about $50. Some will waive the fees for economic hardship reasons.
What are the best online master’s in forensic psychology degrees?
The programs below represent some of the best online master's degrees in forensic psychology, and can serve as a starting point for those looking for a quality education in the field. These programs all stand out in some way, whether through their great value, excellent faculty, or strong reports of student satisfaction. Every ranking draws on specific data from U.S. News & World Report and Payscale.com, ensuring that the schools that reach the top spots are those that have put out consistent real world results.
Top 10 Best Online Master's in Forensic Psychology Degrees
See our rankings methodology page.
Most Affordable Online Master’s In Forensic Psychology Degrees
University of California, Irvine
- Irvine, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
A public school situated in Irvine, California, University of California, Irvine administers a comprehensive catalog of degrees. Among the options is the master of legal and forensic psychology for online students.
Graduate students can use online education such as this program to accomplish a goal that may otherwise seem unachievable because of logistical issues. Busy enrollees may have access to recorded videos that facilitate anytime viewing and can complete their assignments within a reasonable timeframe as faculty allow. The program provides this opportunity without sacrificing the rigor that prepares students for higher-level work and further education.
The school admits about 27% of applicants each year, but this rate may vary across programs. For consideration to enter this program, degree-seekers will need a bachelor's degree unless otherwise stated. Applicants may also need to submit official transcripts and letters of recommendation, and they may participate in an interview.
Percent Online Enrollment
15%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Most Affordable Online Master’s In Forensic Psychology Degrees
Arizona State University
- Tempe, AZ
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Arizona State University has a reputation for developing rigorous online graduate programs. The online master of science in forensic psychology is one of those degrees, designed for degree-holders with a bachelor’s in forensic psychology or a related field. This program emphasizes rigorous academics and a flexible learning format.
Learners in the master's program study in classes with a 20-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio that is conducive to personalized learning. The curriculum is steeped in advanced theoretical concepts and practices in forensic psychology. The rigorous academic preparation that a master’s provides makes potential employees stand out.
The tuition rate stands at $11,720 per year for Arizona residents and $26,160 for out-of-state students. The scholarships and grants available to many degree-seekers help them reduce the price of tuition.When you add in student loans, used by about 34% of enrollees, there are plenty of ways to finance all or part of a program.
Percent Online Enrollment
47%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
Most Affordable Online Master’s In Forensic Psychology Degrees
Liberty University
- Lynchburg, VA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Liberty University administers a number of quality online graduate programs. The forensic psychology master's program is one of those degrees, designed for degree-holders with a bachelor’s in criminal justice or a related field. Enrollees complete a curriculum that is very rigorous using a flexible format that accommodates their schedule.
Forensic psychology students enjoy a 17-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio in their classes. The curriculum immerses learners in advanced knowledge and training in forensic psychology. The training students receive is an important step for career advancement or a doctoral degree in this field or a related one.
Affordability is a top issue, and the school charges Virginia residents and out-of-state students $7,980 per year. If they qualify, degree-seekers can use grants and scholarships to help fund their master’s. When you add in student loans, used by about 57% of enrollees, there are plenty of ways to finance all or part of a program.
Percent Online Enrollment
92%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Most Affordable Online Master’s In Forensic Psychology Degrees
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
- Chicago, IL
- 4 years
- Campus
Many students attend schools such as The Chicago School of Professional Psychology to earn degrees from a distance, and the private school develops programs with them in mind. Students can pursue the MA in psychology with a forensic psychology concentration among the options.
Logistics is no barrier to earning this degree, which offers graduate students the freedom to learn at their convenience. Professionals, caretakers, and other busy enrollees can attend virtual sessions and complete assignments at convenient times. The degree provides a rigorous education that does not sacrifice strong preparation for career advancement.
Interested learners will need a bachelor's degree in order to be considered for this program, but other requirements may apply. The department can provide more application information, such as what documents to submit and how to do that.
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
10%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Most Affordable Online Master’s In Forensic Psychology Degrees
Nova Southeastern University
- Fort Lauderdale, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Many students want to attend graduate school online, and Nova Southeastern University offers that privilege from the Fort Lauderdale, Florida, campus. The institution is a leader in online graduate education with 46 master's degrees available remotely. One option is the MS in forensic psychology.
Graduate students can appreciate online education's flexibility and adaptability. Recorded video sessions may be available to allow anytime viewing, and faculty may let enrollees complete coursework at their own pace within a given timeframe. Students receive the rigorous academic preparation they expect without sacrificing quality.
According to the latest data, the school accepts about 80% of applicants each year, but that may vary by program. Master's degree-seekers usually need to have a bachelor's degree in the same or a similar field in order to receive consideration. Contact the program for all of the application details, such as how to submit transcripts and letters of recommendation.
Percent Online Enrollment
45%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Most Affordable Online Master’s In Forensic Psychology Degrees
University of North Dakota
- Grand Forks, ND
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Many students want to attend graduate school online, and the University of North Dakota offers that privilege from the Grand Forks, North Dakota, campus. A leader in online graduate education, the institution offers 28 online master's degrees. Among these is its online master's in forensic psychology program for graduate learners in psychology.
Online education's flexibility and adaptability attract many graduate students to this graduate program. Professionals, caretakers, and other busy enrollees can attend virtual sessions and complete assignments at convenient times. Students receive the same advanced education as their on-campus peers in preparation for higher-level occupations.
The school’s admission statistics show that about 81% of applicants get in, with some variations across programs. Master's degree-seekers usually need a bachelor's degree in the major or a related one to receive consideration. Consult with the program to find out more about entrance and application requirements like transcripts, interviews, and recommendation letters.
Percent Online Enrollment
45%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
Most Affordable Online Master’s In Forensic Psychology Degrees
Oklahoma State University
- Stillwater, OK
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Oklahoma State University provides online learners with highly ranked graduate education they can complete from a distance. The master's in forensic sciences is an excellent choice for people with a bachelor’s in the field who want to advance their education with a master’s degree. This program emphasizes rigorous academics and a flexible learning format.
Forensic sciences students enjoy an 18-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio in their classes. Learners complete a strong curriculum in forensic science delivered by faculty with industry expertise. By far the biggest benefit of this master’s is preparation for career advancement in this field and related ones, along with the foundational knowledge for a Ph.D.
Tuition depends on state residency status, with Oklahoma students paying $5,531 per annum and those living out of state paying $21,034. Many degree-seekers reduce this bill with grants and scholarships from the school and third parties. When you add in student loans, used by about 42% of enrollees, there are plenty of ways to finance all or part of a program.
Percent Online Enrollment
42%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
Most Affordable Online Master’s In Forensic Psychology Degrees
Southern New Hampshire University
- Manchester, NH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Southern New Hampshire University’s flexible programs allow graduate students to earn a degree while they work and maintain other obligations. From the Manchester, New Hampshire, campus, the school delivers 22 online master's degrees that include a master's in forensic psychology. This online program does not require relocation or daily transportation, which contributes to the popularity among full-time workers and others who need flexible schedules.
A bachelor’s degree or the equivalent in the major, or a related field, is usually required for admission unless otherwise stated. A big draw to a master’s degree like the MS in forensic psychology program is the intensive coursework that provides enrollees with advanced preparation in their field. Some degree recipients interested in research, academia, or related positions will pursue a Ph.D. after this program.
Competitive tuition rates are a key selling point at this school, which charges residents of New Hampshire and out-of-state students $18,810 per year. Learners can use resources from the financial aid department to determine if they qualify for financial aid like grants and scholarships. Another source of funding is loans, which students can pursue from the government or private banks.
Students Enrolled
113,514
Percent Online Enrollment
94%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
Most Affordable Online Master’s In Forensic Psychology Degrees
University of Louisiana Monroe
- Monroe, LA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Louisiana Monroe enrolls students in one of the nation’s best forensic psychology programs for online degree-seekers. This degree provides learners with advanced knowledge and training required for many higher-level job opportunities in the field. The MS in psychology with a forensic psychology concentration prepares students for doctoral degrees and other terminal programs.
The convenient online format makes this program an especially good choice for many. A big part of this degree's allure is that it allows students to manage other aspects of their lives without sacrificing their education. Enrollees move through the program with faculty support, assistance such as career advising, and the ability to tailor the educational experience to their career aspirations.
Applicants usually need a bachelor’s in order to be considered for this program. Though some programs post different averages, the school accepts about 80% of all who apply. If accepted, students in Louisiana can expect to pay about $6,490 per year before applying grants, loans, and scholarships.
Percent Online Enrollment
43%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges