Best Master’s in Forensic Psychology Degree Programs

Interested in working as a special agent for the FBI, or as a detective for your local police force? Earning your online master’s degree in forensic psychology will give you the skills that you need to understand how minds work, providing you with valuable insight that can help you keep the public safe as you solve crimes and delve into the minds of those who break the law. Here, we’ll take a look at the steps it takes to start a career in forensic psychology how long it will take you to complete a forensic psychology master’s degree online, what you can expect as you work through the program, and what you’ll want to keep in mind as you go through the admissions process for the schools of your choice.

2024 - Best Master’s in Forensic Psychology

CounselingPsychology.org offers comprehensive rankings for Master's Degrees in Forensic Psychology based on a variety of criteria. The rankings methodology includes factors such as graduation rates, cost of living, selectivity of the institution, variety of courses available, and faculty expertise. By considering these factors, the rankings allow prospective students to make informed decisions about which programs best fit their needs. To learn more about the methodology, click here.

1.

Kean University

Union, NJ

Kean University is a public university located in Union, NJ. It is one of the largest public universities in the state, offering over 65 undergraduate degrees and 60 plus graduate degrees, including a Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology. With a diverse student body and a focus on academic excellence, Kean University is an ideal choice for those looking for an exceptional higher education experience.

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2.

Nova Southeastern University

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Nova Southeastern University is a private research university located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It is home to over 20,000 students and offers a wide range of academic programs. The university offers a Master's Degree in Forensic Psychology which combines psychology and criminal justice to prepare graduates for the field of law enforcement. With a growing student body and a mission to provide quality education, Nova Southeastern is an ideal place to pursue higher education.

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3.

University of Central Oklahoma

Edmond, OK

The University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) is a public university located in Edmond, Oklahoma. UCO is the third largest university in the state, with over 16,000 students. UCO offers a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees, including a Master's Degree in Forensic Psychology. UCO is dedicated to providing a quality education in a supportive environment.

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What Will I Learn in an Online Forensic Psychology Master’s Degree Program?

An online forensic psychology master’s program will teach you not just about why people act the way that they do–you’ll also learn how you can use this information to solve crimes and predict whether a person is likely to offend again. In most cases, online forensic psychology programs take about two years to complete. If you decide to complete an internship as a part of your degree program, it may take three years for you to complete the credits required for graduation.

It’s important to note that completing a forensic psychology master’s program will qualify you to work for a number of different public service organizations, but will not qualify you to become a licensed psychologist. In order to become a psychologist, you’ll need to continue your education and earn your doctorate degree.

As you work through your forensic psychology master’s program, you’ll cover a number of topics, including:

• Psychology of criminal behavior: In criminal behavior courses, you’ll learn more about the psychology behind the choice to break the law, including how certain mental health issues can make a person more likely to commit crimes. You’ll also learn about how to use psychology to understand whether someone is likely to be telling you the truth during the criminal investigation process.

• Mental health issues in policing: There’s no doubt about it: mental health issues affect the way both criminals and law enforcement officials behave. When you study mental health issues in policing, you’ll learn about how you can support law enforcement and create programs to support the mental health of the officers protecting and serving within your workplace.

• Terrorism: As a person working in forensic psychology, you’ll need to learn about the current terroristic threats to your area. This is often an ongoing process that will continue throughout your career, especially if you decide to specialize in national security.

Continuing education is especially important for people working in the forensic psychology community. Staying on top of the continuing education requirements in your field will ensure that you’re doing your best to serve your organization.

Admissions Requirements for a Master’s in Forensic Psychology

When applying to programs to earn your online master’s in forensic psychology, it’s important to pay close attention to admission requirements, as they can vary widely from program to program. For some online master’s in forensic psychology programs, you’ll need to provide a statement of purpose explaining why you’re interested in working in forensic psychology. You’ll also need to provide copies of your undergraduate transcripts, as a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related area is required, and you may need to have a certain GPA in order to be considered for admission to the program.

List of Forensic Psychology Master’s Degree Programs

Find an online or campus-based master’s program in forensic psychology today – our state-by-state listings make it easy to find a great program near you.

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.

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Joel Gill

Joel Gill is a writer with a background in psychology. He earned his Bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of California, Berkeley, and has a deep interest in the human mind and behavior. Joel's writing often explores themes related to mental health, relationships, and personal growth. When he’s not writing, Joel enjoys cycling, meditation, and spending time with his family.