Online Forensic Psychology Programs: Comparing Degree Options

Degree Choices: Online Forensic Psych Programs

Given the popularity of the psychology field, many schools with online programs offer a forensic psychology concentration, degree, or certificate option. Below, we provide an overview of common forensic psychology degrees available online to help you choose. From non-degree certificate programs that you can complete quickly to a doctorate degree for the most in-depth knowledge, there’s a forensic psychology program option. Keep in mind that for nearly all the degrees listed below, a bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite.

Graduate Certificate Programs

Forensic psychology online certificate programs are typically offered at the graduate level and are suitable for current law enforcement professionals or psychologists who want to learn how to apply psychological principles to legal proceedings. These certificates provide advanced education without the time commitment required for a full degree program. Most students can complete their online certificate in forensic psychology in less than a year.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Graduate Certificate Program

John Jay College of Criminal Justice

The Certificate in Investigative Psychology focuses on crime scene analysis and offender profiling as seen through a psychological lens. This non-credit certificate program is geared toward working professionals currently practicing in the field and applicants should have a bachelor’s degree or higher. The fully online course can be completed in as little as three weeks, but students can also complete coursework at a slower pace.

Master’s Degrees

A master’s degree allows professionals to take on more advanced roles and responsibilities in the criminal justice system, especially those working in law enforcement. An online forensic psychology degree at the master’s level is ideal for someone who knows they want to earn a doctoral degree in psychology but isn’t quite ready to spend the time or money to acquire one. Most master’s programs in forensic psychology will take about two years to finish.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Master’s Degree Program

University of North Dakota

The online master’s degree in forensic psychology from the University of North Dakota is offered completely online and can be completed in about two years of part-time study. The program is designed for working professionals with a flexible format to help balance work and family commitments with learning. Courses are offered in an asynchronous format with plenty of opportunities for faculty engagement, networking, and tutoring.

Specialized Degrees

The bachelor’s degree pathway is ideal for those interested in acquiring a foundational understanding of psychological principles and theories and gaining exposure to the field of forensic psychology. This degree is particularly useful for students seeking a career in law enforcement or aspiring to become licensed forensic psychologists. The online program can be completed in about four years.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Bachelor’s Degree Program

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University offers an online bachelor’s degree in forensic psychology that is fully online. Topics include criminal psychology, social psychology, and developing research and assessment skills. Students can participate in relevant internship opportunities and earn a 12-credit embedded Data Literacy in Psychology certificate.

Doctoral Degrees

Online doctoral programs in forensic psychology are not as prevalent as those at the undergraduate and master’s levels, but a few programs are available for those interested in advancing their careers in teaching and research. Students pursuing a forensic psychology PhD online should expect to devote at least five years to completing their degree, including the time required to complete a dissertation. Completion times vary depending on study pace and can be up to eight years to earn a PhD for some.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Doctoral Degree Program

Walden University

Walden University’s unique PhD program specializes in forensic psychology and offers a fast-track option for students with a master’s degree in forensic psychology. Within this online program, students can specialize in several concentration options including crisis leadership management, legal issues in forensic psychology, and self-designed studies. The program is online with a few required on-campus residencies and takes four to eight years depending on previous educational experience.

FAQs About Forensic Psychology Programs

What are the licensing or certification requirements for forensic psychologists?

Individuals interested in becoming a forensic psychologist will need to earn a doctorate, such as a PhD or PsyD, from an APA-accredited program. While there are online programs available, they may require in-person attendance for hands-on work. Once you graduate, you can apply for state licensure, which typically has specific prerequisites depending on the state of residence.

In addition to having a PhD or PsyD degree, students will also need to pass the Examination for Professional Practice of Psychology and provide evidence that they possess a minimum level of relevant experience.

Even after obtaining licensure, many forensic psychologists choose to pursue board certification. Board certification demonstrates that an individual has an advanced level of knowledge in a specific area of forensic psychology.

Why does accreditation matter for online psychology degrees?

Accreditation is the process by which a third party reviews a school and confirms the education it provides meets basic standards to award a degree in a specific field. In other words, it affirms that the academic credentials a school offers are valuable to employers and other post-secondary institutions.

Accreditation can occur at the school and program level. The primary accrediting body for psychology programs is the American Psychological Association (APA). The APA only accredits doctoral-level programs, so check for institutional accreditation when considering a bachelor’s or master’s program.

How can I pay for my online psychology degree?

Your first step should be to apply for federal and state financial aid, which includes loans (which you need to pay back) and grants (which you don’t). You may also want to look into scholarships and grant programs offered by your school as well as scholarships from private organizations.

What kind of job can I get with a psychology degree?

A forensic psychology degree can lead to a variety of exciting psychology career opportunities. If you want to become a forensic psychologist, conduct research, or teach, a doctoral degree is usually required. Work as a consultant, law enforcement officer, or counselor within the criminal justice system typically requires a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

Can I earn my psychology degree completely online?

In many cases, yes. There are plenty of bachelor’s, master’s, and graduate certificate programs that can be completed entirely online. However, if you pursue a PhD, PsyD, or doctorate, you should be prepared for in-person residencies and practicums.

Forensic Psychology Degree Concentrations

Some forensic psychology programs focus on a general overview of the field, while others offer concentrations in the law or criminal justice. If you have a particular interest in an area or know you want to work in a specific role (e.g., as a psychologist in a correctional facility), choosing a program with a concentration can give you a jumpstart professionally.

Correctional Psychology

This concentration prepares students to work with offenders in prisons and jails and in probation and parole. Studies may include offender assessment, treatment and rehabilitation, as well as legal and ethical issues. Iowa State University offers both undergraduate and graduate-level courses in correctional psychology.

Criminal Psychology

Criminal psychology focuses on how psychology affects and influences crime, including the offender’s motivations and behaviors. The concentration also focuses on how these affect victims and society.Southern New Hampshire University offers a bachelor’s degree with a focus in criminal psychology. This concentration would be a good option for someone who wants to work in legal enforcement or the courts.

Investigative Psychology

For students who want to use psychological principles to assist in criminal investigations, there are concentrations in investigative psychology. Students may study topics such as crime scene analysis, interview techniques, and expert testimony. John Jay College offers a graduate-level certificate in investigative psychology.

Legal Psychology

John Jay College offers a unique MA/JD dual degree in forensic psychology and law for students interested in both psychological principles and theories and how they relate to the legal system. There are also master’s degree programs with a focus on psychology within the legal system and courts.

Forensic Mental Health Counseling

For students interested in becoming a licensed counselor, a concentration in forensic mental health can be a good fit. This concentration focuses on the assessment and treatment of mental illness and how they intersect with the legal system. Roger Williams University has a master’s degree in forensic mental health counseling.

Ranking Top Forensic Psychology Programs Online

To help you identify the forensic psychology programs to consider, we’ve ranked schools based on certain criteria including accreditation and the availability of academic and career counseling. From the list of eligible schools, we then weigh other program aspects such as the percentage of online offerings and student to faculty ratio. Use STEPS’ rankings module to jumpstart your program search.