Best Online Forensic Psychology Master’s Programs of 2025

Would you enjoy a career in psychology working in the criminal justice system? Perhaps you already work in a related role and want to return to school to learn new skills and advance your career prospects.

Forensic psychology refers to the exploration of criminal behavior and how criminality affects the legal system. A master’s degree in forensic psychology prepares you for roles in the legal system, government, academia, psychiatric facilities, and private practices.

Your program will give you expertise in forensic theories and psychological assessments. You’ll gain a foundation in forensic and criminal psychology and crisis intervention, learning how to help formerly incarcerated people adapt to their environments.

Master’s programs in forensic psychology include various courses, such as psychology and law, legal and ethical issues in forensic psychology, psychopathology, and criminal behavior.

As you research master’s in forensic psychology programs, carefully consider cost, length, application requirements, and careers you can pursue once you graduate. Weighing these factors can help you find a program that aligns with your needs.

Based on 2019-2020 data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), online master’s in psychology programs, including forensic psychology programs, cost around $12,000 in annual tuition and fees. Keep in mind that these programs take 1-2 years to complete.

You can fill out the FAFSA to apply for grants and scholarships that may reduce the cost of tuition. As you can see, in the 2019-2020 school year, master’s in psychology degrees cost around $11,000 after colleges and universities distributed financial aid.

You can expect to spend one to two years earning your master’s in forensic psychology degree. Most programs require 32-42 credits. For example, Neumann University’s master’s in forensic psychology program takes two years to complete, consisting of 36 credits over 12 courses.

Full-time master’s in forensic psychology students at The Chicago School spend two years earning their degrees, while part-time students spend 3-4 years in their programs.

While you’re researching schools, it’s important to apply only to programs at accredited schools. Accreditation is essential because it guarantees your school is legitimate and has the resources and qualifications to provide a quality education. If you wish to go on to earn a doctorate in forensic psychology, you’ll first need a bachelor’s and master’s degree from an accredited institution.

You can search your desired schools’ websites to determine if they are accredited. Otherwise, check the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) website directory.

With a master’s in forensic psychology, you can pursue a range of professional counseling and psychology roles in the criminal justice system. One of the highest-paying careers is forensic science technician, which pays nearly $65,000 annually, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Forensic social workers and probation officers make nearly that much, while substance use and mental health counselors earn less: around $53,000 per year. Rehabilitation counselors, the lowest-paying role on our chart, earn just under $45,000 annually.

Most, though not all, of these roles require licensure. You can work as a probation officer and forensic science technician without a license. However, if you want to work as a counselor, you must meet your state’s licensure requirements.

A master’s in forensic psychology is worth it for many professionals who want psychology careers in the criminal justice system. However, it’s crucial to weigh the benefits and downsides so you can ensure the advantages outweigh the challenges before applying.

Adult online learners will find convenience in the flexibility of online programs, and 97% of online master’s students and graduates we surveyed told us that earning an online degree has had or will have a positive return on investment.

In addition, the field of forensic psychology stimulates intellectual curiosity by examining criminal behavior patterns. A master’s degree can open up diverse career opportunities in the legal system and can prepare you for a doctoral program in forensic psychology. However, the work can be emotionally draining.

According to the APA, you’ll need a doctoral degree to work as a forensic psychologist.

After you earn your master’s in forensic psychology, you can apply to related doctoral programs, such as a Ph.D. or Psy.D. in forensic psychology or law and psychology. You can also earn a doctoral degree in related fields like criminology or criminal justice.

A doctoral degree will permit you to work in clinical practice, expert witness testimony, and high-level law enforcement roles. You can work in social services, law enforcement, domestic violence shelters, law firms, schools, government agencies, and private practice. Plus, the knowledge, skills, and credentials you get from a doctoral program will give you a competitive edge in the job market.