Best Online Forensic Psychology Master’s Programs of 2024
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2024Forensic psychology is a subset of applied psychology that intersects with the legal system. Sometimes it is nearly as exciting as the television shows “Criminal Minds,” “Bones,” or “CSI.” At other times, your job may entail doing crime analysis in specific locations to bolster preventive measures. You might also collect data to help solve future crimes.
First, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in psychology, criminal justice, or a related field.Then, you need a master’s in forensic psychology to begin your practice. Explore how an online forensic psychology master’s degree can help you achieve your goals.
Popular Online Forensic Psychology Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Master’s in Forensic Psychology Programs in 2024
Arizona State University Digital Immersion
Scottsdale, AZ- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$10,710
- Out-of-state$12,984
- In-State$9,774
- Out-of-state$9,774
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance Rate70%
- Students Enrolled57,848
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
Northcentral University
- La Jolla, CA
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$11,064
- Out-of-state$11,064
- In-State$16,881
- Out-of-state$16,881
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled12,648
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
Saint Leo University
- Saint Leo, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$23,990
- Out-of-state$23,990
- In-State$15,218
- Out-of-state$15,218
- Retention Rate57%
- Acceptance Rate71%
- Students Enrolled9,523
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment84%
- AccreditationYes
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Los Angeles
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$11,328
- Out-of-state$11,328
- In-State$22,554
- Out-of-state$22,554
- Retention Rate50%
- Acceptance Rate37%
- Students Enrolled3,260
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment91%
- AccreditationYes
University of North Dakota
- Grand Forks, ND
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,882
- Out-of-state$13,323
- In-State$11,503
- Out-of-state$17,254
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate89%
- Students Enrolled13,772
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment70%
- AccreditationYes
Touro University Worldwide
- Los Alamitos, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$14,440
- Out-of-state$14,440
- In-State$9,000
- Out-of-state$9,000
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,251
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment99%
- AccreditationYes
University of California-Irvine
- Irvine, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$11,442
- Out-of-state$41,196
- In-State$11,442
- Out-of-state$26,544
- Retention Rate93%
- Acceptance Rate29%
- Students Enrolled36,505
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment81%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
Why Should I Get an Online Master’s in Forensic Psychology?
An online forensic psychology master’s degree offers the candidate flexibility while learning critical thinking skills, research, ethics, and diversity. Consider these benefits and reasons to get your master’s in forensic psychology online.
Benefits of Earning an Online Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology
- Opens up job opportunities in the criminal justice system and a wide range of social service agencies
- Can specialize in victimology, sex offender behavior, family violence, disaster teams, and the legal system
- Average annual salary is $50,000 for a master’s of science and $64,000 for a master of arts in forensic psychology.
Reasons to Get Your Master’s in Forensic Psychology Online
- Learn wherever you want
- Gain access to more customizable schedules
- Reduce your costs and time spent on commuting
- Continue working full time while you earn your degree
Top Forensic Psychology Career Paths With Salaries and Job Growth
After graduating from an online forensic psychology master’s degree program, you can find job opportunities in the criminal justice system and social service sectors. For example, you may work as a parole officer, jail supervisor, correctional counselor, or victim advocate.
Criminal attorneys also hire people with a master’s in forensic psychology as jury consultants, and police departments sometimes have openings for police consultants to help officers understand how best to approach communities. Other possible careers include becoming a research assistant, forensic case manager, child protection services worker, forensic investigator, or investigative journalist.
Some of these careers may require licensure in your state. An online master’s in forensic psychology can help you complete a doctorate. With a doctorate and licensure, you can work as a clinical psychologist, clinical psychology professor, psychotherapist, or criminal justice profiler.
Careers You Can Get With a Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology
A forensic psychology master’s program online opens job opportunities in several areas that do not require you to go back to school to get a doctorate degree. Consider the projected job growth and median annual salary for these careers.
| Career | Projected New Jobs Created in the Field between 2022-2032 | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Substance Abuse Counselors and Mental Health Counselors | 48,900 | $53,710 |
| Forensic Social Worker | 4,500* | $63,770* |
| Probation Officers | 7,400 | $61,800 |
| Forensic Science Technician | 2,700 | $64,940 |
*BLS does not track salary and job growth for forensic social workers specifically. This salary and job growth is for all other social workers, which includes forensic social workers.
How Much Does an Online Master’s in Forensic Psychology Cost?
An online master’s in forensic psychology is typically less expensive than a traditional on-campus degree. Online programs cost roughly $4,800 less than an on-campus option, on average.
Additional costs you should consider that are not part of tuition and fees when attending an on-campus program include transportation, housing, and child care. Other factors that influence cost are books, technology fees, and financial aid.
Total Median Cost of a Master’s Degree in Psychology (Two Years)
Online
$18,600
On-Campus
$23,480
How Long Does an Online Master’s in Forensic Psychology Take?
An online master’s program usually takes about two years of full-time study to complete. You may need up to three years if you’re a part-time student with a lighter course load. But sometimes, you can complete accelerated programs in a year.
Required Course Credits
30-60*
Field Study Requirements (Y/N)
Yes*
*Depending on your program and specialization
Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Degree Programs.
Everything Else You Need to Know About a Master’s in Forensic Psychology
Yes, forensic psychology graduates are in demand in several fields. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), forensic science technician jobs are expected to grow by 14% from 2023 to 2033. Social work positions are expected to grow by 7% in the same period, and the field of psychology by 7%. All of these fields are projected to grow faster than the average job growth rate for all occupations (4%).
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