Best Online Forensic Psychology Master’s Programs of 2024
Explore the top master’s in forensic psychology programs, what skills you can expect to learn, and how much you’ll earn once you have a master’s degree.
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At BestColleges.com, we believe in providing accurate and actionable information for students. Our writers, editors, and reporters are constantly asking themselves the question, ”What information is vital to students right now?” Answering this question is what drives us. Our mission is to inform students through straightforward, factual content informed by the latest data and trends.
The freelance Integrity Network at BestColleges is comprised of seasoned professionals who bring their expertise to almost every subject relevant to college students, including admissions, college majors, financial aid, and student mental health. Network members review and author content, pulling from their first-hand industry experience and ensuring content is as accurate and up-to-date as possible.
If you're interested in joining our Integrity Network, contact us at media@bestcolleges.com. Integrity Network members typically have a graduate or terminal degree and several years of relevant professional experience.
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Forensic 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, AZ4 yearOnline
$9,774
$9,774
70%
N/A
$10,710
$12,984
N/A
57,848
Public
Yes
$9,774
$9,774
Scottsdale, AZ4 yearOnline
$9,774
$9,774
70%
N/A
$10,710
$12,984
N/A
57,848
Public
Yes
Northcentral University
La Jolla, CA4 yearOnline
$16,881
$16,881
N/A
N/A
$11,064
$11,064
N/A
12,648
Private
Yes
$16,881
$16,881
La Jolla, CA4 yearOnline
$16,881
$16,881
N/A
N/A
$11,064
$11,064
N/A
12,648
Private
Yes
Saint Leo University
Saint Leo, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$15,218
$15,218
71%
84%
$23,990
$23,990
57%
9,523
Private
Yes
$15,218
$15,218
Saint Leo, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$15,218
$15,218
71%
84%
$23,990
$23,990
57%
9,523
Private
Yes
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$22,554
$22,554
37%
91%
$11,328
$11,328
50%
3,260
Private
Yes
$22,554
$22,554
Los Angeles, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$22,554
$22,554
37%
91%
$11,328
$11,328
50%
3,260
Private
Yes
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND4 yearCampus + Online
$11,503
$17,254
89%
70%
$8,882
$13,323
77%
13,772
Public
Yes
$11,503
$17,254
Grand Forks, ND4 yearCampus + Online
$11,503
$17,254
89%
70%
$8,882
$13,323
77%
13,772
Public
Yes
Touro University Worldwide
Los Alamitos, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$9,000
$9,000
N/A
99%
$14,440
$14,440
85%
2,251
Private
Yes
$9,000
$9,000
Los Alamitos, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$9,000
$9,000
N/A
99%
$14,440
$14,440
85%
2,251
Private
Yes
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$11,442
$26,544
29%
81%
$11,442
$41,196
93%
36,505
Public
Yes
$11,442
$26,544
Irvine, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$11,442
$26,544
29%
81%
$11,442
$41,196
93%
36,505
Public
Yes
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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