Best Online Master's In Forensic Psychology

A ranking of the most affordable master's programs in forensic psychology. Programs ranked by affordability, flexibility, and academic quality.

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Most Affordable Online Master's in Forensic Psychology badge

Forensic psychology professionals work in a range of fields: courts, correctional facilities, law offices, police departments, higher education institutions, protective services, juvenile facilities, and even the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The programs listed here can be taken fully online and they offer Masters degrees with a range of focuses and specializations. You can also take a look at our ranking of the top accredited online colleges as well.

One thing to note, the tuition rates listed below are for the entire program, from start to finish. We also compiled a ranking of the best  online master's programs in forensic psych.

Our data comes from the university and colleges’ websites as well as nationally recognized U.S. News and World Report and The National Center for Education Statistics.

Rankings

See our rankings methodology page.

#1 Best Online Master’s In Forensic Psychology

University of North Dakota

  • Grand Forks, ND
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The University of North Dakota is a public research institution located in Grand Forks, North Dakota but hosts a number of online programs as well. They offer a Master of Arts Degree in Forensic Psychology that can be taken almost fully online; this program requires a couple on-campus visits, including the two-week on-campus capstone experience. The University of North Dakota also stands out from the other programs on our list in that they offer in-state tuition (noted below) regardless of a student’s residency. They were ranked as the Top Online Master’s in Psychology in 2015 by Gograd.org and were included among the top 100 public universities in the country by U.S. News & World Report.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,540
Out-of-state
$12,810
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,060
Out-of-state
$16,590
Retention Rate
81%
Acceptance Rate
87%
Students Enrolled
13,615
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
83% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#2 Best Online Master’s In Forensic Psychology

University of Louisiana at Monroe

  • Monroe, LA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Part of the University of Louisiana System, the University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM) offers a Master of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Forensic Psychology, the only program offered entirely online. Graduates from ULM are not eligible to become licensed counselors, but are trained instead to work in the criminal justice system. The curriculum includes classes on psychological assessment, theories of crime, sociology of law, and more. The U.S. News & World Report ranked ULM as one of the Top Public Schools in the South Regional Universities division.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,788
Out-of-state
$17,888
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,490
Out-of-state
$18,590
Retention Rate
74%
Acceptance Rate
78%
Students Enrolled
8,888
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
70% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#3 Best Online Master’s In Forensic Psychology

Concordia University-Saint Paul

  • Saint Paul, MN
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Concordia University at St. Paul is an affiliate of the ten-member Concordia University System, which is operated by the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. In partnership with the American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Studies (AIAFS), Concordia offers a Master of Arts in Human Services with an emphasis on Forensic Mental Health. This is not a clinical or counseling program, but one that trains students to understand the complicated relationship between law and mental health. Ninety-two percent of graduates from this program receive jobs after graduation.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$23,400
Out-of-state
$23,400
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,550
Out-of-state
$8,550
Retention Rate
68%
Acceptance Rate
69%
Students Enrolled
5,585
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
68% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#4 Best Online Master’s In Forensic Psychology

Saint Leo University

  • Saint Leo, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Saint Leo University is a private, non-profit, Roman Catholic liberal arts university regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Their Master of Science in Criminal Justice includes a Forensic Psychology specialization. As part of The School of Education and Social Services, this program is specifically designed for those interested in the psychological aspects of world events and disasters. Graduates of Saint Leo typically go on to become criminal justice administrators, first responders, or government officials.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$23,990
Out-of-state
$23,990
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$14,568
Out-of-state
$14,568
Retention Rate
64%
Acceptance Rate
73%
Students Enrolled
9,832
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
92% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#5 Best Online Master’s In Forensic Psychology

Trine University

  • Angola, IN
  • 4 years
  • Campus

Trine University has several campuses across Indiana and several satellite campuses as well. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Trine’s Master of Science in Criminal Justice includes a concentration in Forensic Psychology. Their program is for those interested in an array of applications and opportunities in the psychology workforce: correctional counseling, investigative psychology, crises intervention, police psychology, child protection serves, victim psychology, sex offender psychology, and juvenile delinquency counseling.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$32,990
Out-of-state
$32,990
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$41,457
Out-of-state
$41,457
Retention Rate
84%
Acceptance Rate
79%
Students Enrolled
3,573
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
26% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#6 Best Online Master’s In Forensic Psychology

Post University

  • Waterbury, CT
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Accredited by the Connecticut Department of Higher Education and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Post University was established in 1890. They offer a fully online, accelerated Master of Science in Human Services with a concentration in Forensic Mental Health Counseling. Though students do not graduate with full licensure they do have the opportunity, through Post’s program, to take additional courses that work toward license eligibility. The curriculum at Post stresses theoretical, analytic, and clinical approaches to counseling juveniles and adults tangled in the justice system.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$15,258
Out-of-state
$15,258
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,500
Out-of-state
$7,500
Retention Rate
60%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
13,844
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
95% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education

#7 Best Online Master’s In Forensic Psychology

Nova Southeastern University

  • Fort Lauderdale, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Nova Southeastern University is a private nonprofit university with a number of online degree programs, including the Master of Science in Forensic Psychology with two concentration track options: Forensic Psychology in the Legal System and Forensic Psychology for Mental Health Workers, First Responders and Disaster Teams. While the former is marked by a curriculum that focuses on family, therapy, and law, the latter is comprised of classes focused on trauma, suicide prevention, and school violence. Nova Southeastern has created an online platform that promotes student-to-faculty communication and interactive classroom engagement.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$32,370
Out-of-state
$32,370
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$20,618
Out-of-state
$20,618
Retention Rate
80%
Acceptance Rate
76%
Students Enrolled
20,888
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
50% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#8 Best Online Master’s In Forensic Psychology

Capella University

  • Minneapolis, MN
  • 4 years
  • Online

Capella University, a for-profit institution of higher learning, delivers most of its education online, including its Master of Science in Clinical Psychology. With a Forensic Psychology Specialization, students at Capella learn how to apply criminal behavioral research to evidence-based practices. Their curriculum spans a breadth of topics that consider concept, theory, and technique. Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$14,148
Out-of-state
$14,148
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$14,767
Out-of-state
$14,767
Retention Rate
45%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
38,930
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#9 Best Online Master’s In Forensic Psychology

Southern New Hampshire University

  • Manchester, NH
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Southern New Hampshire University’s Master of Science in Psychology features a Forensic Psychology track for students looking to gain training in research methodology, analysis, human behavior assessment, and effective interpersonal communication. Accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit university. Their program can be completed in as little as fifteen months, making it one of the most efficient programs on our list.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,600
Out-of-state
$9,600
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$18,810
Out-of-state
$18,810
Retention Rate
67%
Acceptance Rate
94%
Students Enrolled
134,345
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
96% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education

#10 Best Online Master’s In Forensic Psychology

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Chicago

  • Chicago, IL
  • 4 years
  • Campus

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology—often referred to as just The Chicago School—is a member of the National Council of Schools and Programs of Professional Psychology, an organization that serves to enhance graduate training in professional psychology. It has recognized The Chicago School for the quality of its program and its ongoing service to cultural diversity. Offering an online Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology, the program at Chicago takes as little as twenty months to complete and is perfect for those eager to learn more about the legal and criminal components to psychology.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$11,160
Out-of-state
$11,160
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$22,212
Out-of-state
$22,212
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
1,285
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
28% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

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