Forensic psychologists apply their knowledge of human behavior to criminal proceedings and civil litigation. They take at least a decade to complete the education and training required to practice.
An online master's in forensic psychology qualifies workers for rewarding criminal justice and counseling careers in a shorter time frame. Explore the field of forensic psychology and the opportunities that await.
Popular Online Psychology Master's Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Most Affordable Online Master's in Forensic Psychology Degrees
What Is Forensic Psychology?
Forensic psychology applies psychological science to cases within the judicial system. Forensic psychologists perform duties like assessing suspects' mental health, advising on jury selection, and testifying in child custody disputes.
Practitioners with a master's in forensic psychology enjoy in-demand and well-paying careers, such as police officers and professional counselors. A master's degree lays the groundwork for doctoral programs and board certification as a forensic psychologist.
What to Expect in an Online Master's in Forensic Psychology
Students can complete 32-60 credits in a flexible online format. An online master's in forensic psychology can take 15-36 months to finish, depending on full- or part-time enrollment.Learners can also customize their education with a licensure or non-licensure track.
Most programs provide an introduction to both psychology and the legal system, examining topics in psychopathology, forensic counseling, forensic psychology principles, and crisis intervention.
The practicum requirements and license types available after graduation vary by state. Master's programs in forensic psychology prepare students for licensure, such as a licensed professional counselor, substance use counselor, or chemical dependency counselor assistant certification. This degree usually requires at least 60 credits and practicum/internship experience to meet state licensure requirements. Licensed counselors can provide services to clients with a range of psychological, emotional, and intellectual challenges.
Non-licensure track programs have fewer credits and may require a thesis, a capstone project, or another experiential learning activity.
Courses Taken
Psychology and the Legal System: Learners explore psychology's role in the legal system, from criminal profiling and investigative interviewing to false confessions and jury selection.
Offender Rehabilitation and Reintegration: This course examines the techniques and interventions that counselors use to assess, treat, and rehabilitate offenders to help them reintegrate into society.
Fundamentals of Forensic Psychology Research: Coursework includes an overview of various research design methods used to conduct research in forensic psychology. The course also helps students become critical consumers of psychological research.
Principles of Forensic Psychology: Learners study the U.S. legal and legislative systems and the history of forensic psychology. The course may also survey how law enforcement officials use psychological principles, techniques, and technologies to solve cases within the legal system.
Capstone in Forensic Psychology: Students demonstrate their breadth of theoretical and practical knowledge by investigating a research topic or producing a forensic psychology project in the final year.
Skills Learned
Critical thinking
Observation
Interviewing
Research methods
Counseling and treatment methods
Written communication
Admission Requirements
While admission requirements vary, prospective students for an online master's in forensic psychology usually need a bachelor's degree and a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.5-3.0. Some programs may also require prerequisite coursework in the social sciences or a writing sample.
Careers with an Online Master's in Forensic Psychology
Other career opportunities for forensic psychologists include forensic social workers, mental health or substance use counselors, and police and sheriff's patrol officers.
Professionals may work in police departments, prisons, and courthouses, but responsibilities vary by career pathway. Regardless, these careers work at some stage of the legal system. Responsibilities may include:
Testifying in court
Collecting and analyzing evidence
Rehabilitating incarcerated or recently released offenders
Counseling people in the legal system with mental health and substance use issues
Maintain records of evidence or clients' progress
Occupational data highlight the earning potential and job prospects for workers with a master's in forensic psychology. How much one earns in forensic psychology depends on the worker's education, training, experience, and career choice.
| Career | Median Annual Salary | New Jobs Projected Between 2022-2032 |
|---|---|---|
| Forensic Social Worker | $63,770 | 4,500 |
| Mental Health or Substance Use Counselor | $53,710 | 71,500 |
| Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists | $61,800 | 2,400 |
| Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | $72,280 | 22,500 |
| Forensic Science Technician | $64,940 | 2,300 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
How to Become a Forensic Psychologist
An online master's in forensic psychology positions graduates to begin their career or pursue additional education.
Alternatively, degree-seekers can earn a doctorate after completing an online master's in forensic psychology. A doctoral program in forensic psychology typically leads to a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) or doctor of psychology (Psy.D.) and requires a 5-7-year commitment.
Besides forensic psychology, other doctoral majors include psychology or clinical psychology with a concentration in forensic psychology. Participants complete coursework, research, and clinical fieldwork through an internship. Graduates must also complete post-doctoral supervised clinical experience for licensure as a psychologist.
The next step is to pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology exam. Once licensed, forensic psychologists can pursue American Board of Professional Psychology board certification.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Master's Programs in Forensic Psychology
Graduates of an online master's program in forensic psychology can earn median annual salaries between $53,710-$72,280. Earning potential varies depending on your career choice and other factors, such as location, education, work experience, and work setting.
