Forensic Psychology Masters Online
Many schools offer master's in forensic psychology online programs. These programs prepare learners for careers in criminal justice and psychology. Applicants typically need a bachelor's degree. Some programs include a GPA cutoff. Graduates with a master's in forensic psychology may work for research centers, the government, or medical examiners' offices.
Most states require forensic psychologists to hold a doctoral degree. Students can earn a master's in forensic psychology online before pursuing a doctorate.
This guide lists the best master's in forensic psychology online programs. Read on to learn about costs, common classes, and how to become a forensic psychologist.
Questions About Forensic Psychology Online Degrees
What can I do with a master's in forensic psychology?
Graduates can pursue various forensic psychology careers. They may also enroll in a doctoral program to earn licensure.
What degree do I need to become a forensic psychologist?
Most states require a doctoral degree to practice. Doctoral applicants usually need a master's in forensic psychology.
How many years does it take to become a forensic psychologist?
Aspiring forensic psychologists spend about 10 years on higher education and supervised experience.
Featured Online Forensic Psychology Programs
Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.
Why Get a Master's in Forensic Psychology?
Forensic psychologists perform meaningful and intellectually stimulating work. Earning an online degree in forensic psychology can help graduates enhance their careers in a growing field.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not collect data on forensic psychologists specifically. However, the BLS projects jobs for forensic science technicians to grow 16% from 2020-2030. The organization projects jobs for psychologists to grow 8% during the same time frame.
How Much Does a Forensic Psychology Degree Cost?
A master's degree costs an average of $66,340, according to EducationData.org. However, costs vary widely by school. Learners who attend public in-state schools usually pay the most affordable tuition. Students attending out-of-state or private colleges may spend much more.
Earning a master's in forensic psychology online lets learners save on commuting and parking costs. An online format also means degree-seekers can attend the best program without relocating.
Additional Online Student Fees
Online degree-seekers should budget for extra expenses. Some schools charge technology fees to cover virtual classroom platform subscriptions, online research databases, and tech support. Online learning requires a reliable computer and internet access. Students may need to buy a new laptop or upgrade their software.
Online students should also budget for supplies and books. Learners can save money by renting books or buying used versions.
How Much Do Forensic Psychology Majors Make?
Psychologists earn a median annual salary of $82,180, according to the BLS. However, salaries for forensic psychologists vary by employer, experience level, and geographic location. For example, psychologists in California earn a mean annual wage of $124,910. The same professionals in West Virginia earn $54,260.
Forensic psychologists with less than one year of experience earn an average annual salary of $51,520, according to Jan. 2022 Payscale data. Professionals with more than 20 years of experience earn $92,840.
Courses in Forensic Psychology
Master's in forensic psychology online programs typically require 32-36 credits. Full-time learners can complete the degree in two years. Accelerated programs help students graduate in 1.5 years.
An online degree in forensic psychology may follow a synchronous or asynchronous format. Synchronous programs feature virtual class meeting times. Asynchronous programs allow learners to watch recorded lectures at any time.
Some forensic psychology programs allow students to select a concentration. Common specializations include criminology and chemistry.
See below for three common classes in a forensic psychology master's program. Please note that not every program offers these exact classes.
Cognitive Psychology
Enrollees explore theories about internal mental processes. Learners study topics like perception and problem-solving through a criminal investigative lens. Students engage in discussions about how law offenders process information from the outside world. Degree-seekers develop a better understanding of how cognitive patterns influence behavior.Research Methods
Students gain knowledge of best practices for conducting research. They learn about the importance of client consent and the ethics behind conducting forensic research. Part of the class also covers protecting the integrity of a criminal investigation. Students typically complete a research project.Theories on Criminal Behavior
Enrollees examine theories on what inspires criminal activity. Students learn how to apply these theories to the practice. Part of the course identifies how failures in psychological development may lead people to harm others. Learners engage in discussions and read research papers that support certain theories.
How to Become a Forensic Psychologist
Aspiring forensic psychologists first need a bachelor's degree in any subject. They can then earn a master's degree from an accredited program. Most forensic psychology doctoral programs require a master's degree in a psychology-related subject. Learners with a master's degree in a different subject may need to take prerequisite courses.
To take a certification exam, prospective forensic psychologists need a doctorate. This degree must feature accreditation from an agency like the American Psychological Association. Then, candidates must gain field experience before taking the exam. We outline the licensure process below.
Licensure for Forensic Psychology
Forensic psychologists who want to become board certified must earn a doctorate. However, the exact path to licensure varies by state. Many states use the American Board of Professional Psychology's licensing exam to test competency. The test's written version costs $300. The oral version costs $450. Learners can take a practice exam for $250.
The organization's forensic specialty board requires applicants to have a doctoral degree from an accredited program. Candidates need at least 100 hours of specialized training in forensic psychology. Then, they must gain 1,000 hours of field experience after completing their doctorate.
To maintain a license or certification, psychologists must complete continuing education hours. The American Academy of Forensic Psychology offers continuing education opportunities to meet license renewal requirements.
Best Master's in Forensic Psychology Online
The school and/or program descriptions below were drafted using natural language generation technology and have been edited for clarity and accuracy. The data is primarily sourced from government databases such as IPEDS – see sources section for more details.This list presents the 15 best colleges and universities for getting a master's degree in forensic psychology online. Most of the programs here can be completed in about two years but can also accommodate longer time frames needed by students with busy, full-time lives. Some programs require brief on-campus visits for seminars, orientation, or research projects. The degrees that offer an avenue for licensure include requirements for hands-on field study in real-world clinics or similar organizations. All the programs require a bachelor's degree, usually with a minimum GPA of 3.0, along with at least some undergraduate background in psychology or social science.
