Online Education

10 Best Online Forensic Psychology Degree Programs In 2023

Published

3 weeks ago

September 11, 2023

Best Online Forensic Psychology Degree Programs In 2023

Forensic psychology is a subfield of clinical psychology that combines criminology with the psychological analysis of human behavior, focusing on children, adolescents, and adults in and around the legal system. Students who are looking to practice clinical psychology in a legal context, should consider earning a degree in forensic psychology which can be obtained at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels.

In order to pursue a career path in forensic psychology, you are required to have a doctorate in forensic psychology, board certification in forensic psychology from the American Board of Professional Psychology, and also license to practice clinical psychology.

Notwithstanding, a Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in forensic psychology make you familiar with the field, fundamental concepts and techniques. You can as well kickstart a career path in corrections or survivor advocacy.

Types of Online Degrees in Forensic Psychology

Bachelor’s Degrees in Forensic Psychology

This degree introduces you to the basic concepts in forensic psychology, allowing you take courses in criminology, psychology and law, and abnormal psychology.

Students can find bachelor’s programs in a hybrid or fully online format. However, some programs require your physical presence in labs or practicums.

Master’s Degrees in Forensic Psychology

While most doctoral programs classes are online, students are required to complete a physical presence practicum or internship to learn how to assess and diagnose patients, treat patients with individual and group therapy.

It’s however noteworthy that a master’s degree is not necessary for some doctoral programs and you can get a doctorate with a bachelor’s degree.

Career paths with a master’s in forensic psychology include entry-level positions in corrections, court systems, and nonprofit organizations that assist ex convicts..

Doctorates in Forensic Psychology

As we previously noted, a doctorate is needed to sit for board certification exam, complete supervised experience, and earn a license. Students have two options to select from, a practice-focused doctor of psychology (Psy.D.) or a researched-focused Ph.D. in forensic psychology.

Students are required to complete a year of in-person internship or practicum experience in their doctoral program in order to qualify for state licensure.

Internship process helps build skills in patient assessment, group therapy, and individual therapy with various populations.

10 Best Online Bachelor’s In Forensic Psychology Degree Programs

1. Maryville University of Saint Louis

This University offers Bachelor of Arts in forensic psychology criminal justice course focused on psychology, criminal justice, and social science research. Maryville University of St. Louis, in Missouri requires 135 – 150 clinical practicum hours.

This degree program follows the American Psychological Association (APA) guidelines and it is available on-campus or as a 100% online course.

In order to gain admission, applicants are required to provide high school transcripts with a minimum GPA of 2.5 or a minimum GED certificate score of 660. Fortunately, admission test scores and admission fees are not needed.

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-state – $24,766
Out-of-state – $24,766

Average Graduate Tuition

In-state – $14,346
Out-of-state – $14,346

Students Enrolled – 10,979

Admission Rate – 95%

Percent Online Enrollment – 83%

Institution Type – Private

Accreditation – Yes

2. Washington University in St Louis

WashU offers several specialization options, including correctional and criminal psychology, legal psychology, investigative, and police psychology.

This University’s forensic psychology certificate program is a 15-unit course including all five concentrations with an availability of both online and on-campus programs.

Both non-degree students and previously enrolled degree students stand a chance to get admission in WashU.

For more information on requirements on a certificate program, candidates are to speak with an advisor for specific admissions information.

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-state – $56,300
Out-of-state – $56,300

Average Graduate Tuition

In-state – $56,300
Out-of-state – $56,300

Students Enrolled – 15,449

Admission Rate – 16%

Percent Online Enrollment – 85%

Institution Type – Private

Accreditation – Yes

3. Southern New Hampshire University

This renowned University is located in Manchester and it offers bachelor’s program in forensic psychology.

Southern New Hampshire University program curriculum enables flexible study. Students work hand in hand with their advisor to make sure their studies suit both academic and professional goals.

A major advantage of this accredited institution is that students can pursue funding opportunities, such as scholarships and fellowships.

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-state – $30,756
Out-of-state – $30,756

Average Graduate Tuition

In-state – $18,810
Out-of-state – $18,810

Students Enrolled – 113,514

Admission Rate – 88%

Percent Online Enrollment – 94%

Institution Type – Private

Accreditation – Yes

4. CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice

CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice’s forensic psychology program requires 120 credits for graduation, with 43-52 credits in forensic psychology. The reputable college offers bachelor of arts degree.

The curriculum includes forensic social and experimental psychology, seminar in forensic psychology, seminar in the psychological analysis of criminal behavior, and an advanced undergraduate research experience in psychology.

Students are provided an optional honors thesis in psychology project and also have outdoor research placements in hospitals, prisons, and court-related agencies.

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-state – $6,930
Out-of-state – $14,880

Average Graduate Tuition

In-state – $11,090
Out-of-state – $20,520

Students Enrolled – 15,766

Admission Rate – 37%

Percent Online Enrollment – 100%

Institution Type – Public

Accreditation – Yes

5. Arizona State University

This public University offers competitive bachelor’s degree programs. Students seeking to advance in the forensic psychology area can put in for the schools bachelor of science in psychology program.

Arizona State University’s online forensic psychology program is beneficial to working professionals, busy students, and other learners as they are eligible to modify their course load to suit their needs in consultation with their academic advisor.

Learners have access to funding opportunities, such as scholarships and fellowships. Students receive averagely $10,278 in financial aid.

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-state – $8,867
Out-of-state – $19,282

Average Graduate Tuition

In-state – $6,384
Out-of-state – $6,384

Students Enrolled – 45,073

Admission Rate – 64%

Percent Online Enrollment – 98%

Institution Type – Public

Accreditation – Yes

6. California State University-Fresno

California State University-Fresno is also a good choice for learners seeking to obtain a bachelor of science in forensic behavioral sciences.

This public institution in Fresno, California, offers a 120-credit course which requires a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher with coursework including the psychology of crime, forensic behavioral sciences and the law, and research methods in criminology.

Students who studied Psychology, Anthropology, and Social Work are liable to earn this forensic behavioral sciences degree in preparation for careers in criminal justice.

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-state – $5,742
Out-of-state – $17,622

Average Graduate Tuition

In-state – $7,176
Out-of-state – $16,680

Students Enrolled – 25,497

Admission Rate – 90%

Percent Online Enrollment – 99%

Institution Type – Public

Accreditation – Yes

7. Bay Path University

This is one of the universities that supports highly ranked bachelor’s degree programs from its main campus in Longmeadow. Bay Path University boasts of being a frontrunner in online learning and offers 18 online bachelor’s degree programs.

The school’s online bachelor of arts in forensic psychology degree is flexible, meeting the needs of every students as they can modify their classes to suit their career interests.

An advantage of Bay Path University is that it offers students with internal and external funding opportunities, such as scholarships and fellowships.

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-state – $35,081
Out-of-state – $35,081

Average Graduate Tuition

In-state – $14,670
Out-of-state – $14,670

Students Enrolled – 3,324

Admission Rate – 72%

Percent Online Enrollment – 62%

Institution Type – Private

Accreditation – Yes

8. Faulkner University

Faulkner is located in Montgomery, Alabama and it fuses ethics and cultural competency in its online forensic psychology program. The program allows you to learn tactile skills as you advance through the degree.

Additionally, Faulkner’s forensic psychology degree program requires you to complete an internship in your senior year.

Students are required to submit ACT or SAT scores in their first year while transfer students with at least 24 credits do not need to submit test scores. There are tuition benefits available for qualified active duty military service men and women, veterans, and their families.

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-state – $21,000
Out-of-state – $21,000

Average Graduate Tuition

In-state – $10,350
Out-of-state – $10,350

Students Enrolled – 2,961

Admission Rate – 76%

Percent Online Enrollment – 58%

Institution Type – Private

Accreditation – Yes

9. Touro University Worldwide

This private nonprofit university in Los Alamitos, California, prides itself as renowned online learning community. Touro University Worldwide offers forensic psychology program as one of its four online bachelor’s programs available.

This college’s psychology program provides flexibility to learners looking to advance in the forensic psychology field, with a curriculum Including general education and advanced coursework.

Like the previously listed schools, students can also work with their academic advisor to modify the degree through electives, minors, and concentrations.

Candidates are to contact the department directly before applying, for detailed information on admission requirements and application materials.

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-state – $14,400
Out-of-state – $14,400

Average Graduate Tuition

In-state – $9,000
Out-of-state – $9,000

Students Enrolled – 1,940

Admission Rate – Not Provided

Percent Online Enrollment – 98%

Institution Type – Private

Accreditation – Yes

10. Corban University

This is a private Christian university in Corban, Oregon, which provides a Biblical perspective on ethical and moral issues commonly experienced in forensic psychology.

Corban University offers a 120-credit bachelor of arts in forensic psychology that focuses on assessment skills for juveniles and adults in the criminal justice system.

Coursework include trauma therapy, serial violence, and juvenile delinquency. Learners are opportuned to internship in places like prisons, law firms, treatment programs, and more.

In order to gain admission, applicants are required to provide a personal faith statement, Christian character reference, a 2.7 or higher GPA, and high school transcripts. There’s no need for ACT and SAT scores, likewise there is no admission application fee.

Average Undergrad Tuition