Best Ph.D. and PsyD in Forensic Psychology Degree Programs

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Forensic Psychology Training Program delivers a sophisticated doctoral pathway integrating clinical psychology and legal studies. Designed for aspiring forensic psychologists, the program offers comprehensive training through Ph.D.-M.L.S. and Forensic Psychology Minor tracks. Students benefit from over 1000 hours of practicum experience, developing advanced skills in assessment, research, and clinical intervention within legal contexts. The scientist-practitioner model emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, preparing graduates for diverse career opportunities in forensic mental health research, clinical practice, and specialized legal settings.

• Ph.D.-M.L.S. and Minor tracks
• 1000+ hours practicum experience
• Interdisciplinary clinical-legal training
• Research and practice focus
• Diverse career setting opportunities
• Scientist-practitioner model
• Clinical psychology foundation
• Law psychology integration

University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Ph.D./M.L.S. Forensic Psychology program represents a cutting-edge dual-degree pathway for professionals seeking deep integration of psychological and legal expertise. The curriculum uniquely combines 33 credit hours of law coursework with intensive clinical training, enabling students to develop sophisticated skills in forensic mental health. Participants engage in extensive practicum experiences with legally-involved populations, cultivating a nuanced understanding of psychological processes within legal frameworks. The program prepares scientist-practitioners for impactful careers across diverse forensic mental health settings.

• Ph.D./M.L.S. dual degree track
• 1000+ hours clinical practicum
• Forensic mental health focus
• Research and clinical practice
• Diverse career settings available
• Law and psychology integration
• 33 credit hours law coursework
• Clinical psychology foundation

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Ph.D./J.D. Forensic Psychology program offers an innovative interdisciplinary approach to advanced psychological and legal training. Students receive comprehensive preparation in clinical psychology and legal studies, focusing on forensic mental health issues. With over 1000 hours of clinical practicum experience, graduates are equipped to excel in forensic hospitals, academic research, policy development, and public sector mental health environments. The program's scientist-practitioner model emphasizes research-driven practice, enabling students to become highly skilled professionals bridging psychology and law.

• Ph.D./J.D. Forensic Psychology
• 1000+ hours clinical practicum
• Interdisciplinary research focus
• Multiple career setting opportunities
• Scientist-practitioner training model
• Joint Clinical and Law Psychology program
• Master of Legal Studies option
• Forensic Psychology Minor available

Fordham University's Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with a Forensic Psychology concentration provides a rigorous, APA-accredited pathway for aspiring forensic psychology professionals. Located in New York City, the program distinguishes itself through immersive legal-psychological training across diverse forensic environments. Students develop specialized skills in forensic assessments, risk evaluations, and legal consultation, working closely with board-certified forensic psychologists. The curriculum balances intensive research methodologies with hands-on clinical experiences in correctional institutions and psychiatric hospitals, preparing graduates for impactful careers in academic, research, and clinical forensic settings. Applicants should expect comprehensive GRE requirements for admission.

• APA-accredited forensic psychology program
• NYC-based forensic training opportunities
• Diverse forensic settings experience
• Board-certified faculty supervision
• Research and clinical focus

Texas Tech University's Forensic Psychology Ph.D. concentration delivers cutting-edge training at the intersection of psychology and legal systems. Students engage in advanced forensic assessment techniques, criminal behavior analysis, and expert testimony preparation. The program's APA-accredited status ensures rigorous scientific-practitioner training, emphasizing multicultural competency and ethical practice. Doctoral candidates develop specialized skills through intensive research opportunities, clinical practicum experiences, and collaboration with forensic mental health professionals. The curriculum prepares graduates for complex roles in court systems, correctional facilities, law enforcement consulting, and academic research, positioning them as innovative forensic psychology experts.

• APA Accredited Since 1964
• Forensic Psychology Specialization
• Science-Practitioner Training Model
• Full-Time Doctoral Program
• Diverse Training Environments
• Research and Practice Focus
• Multicultural Competency Emphasis

Wright State University's Psy.D. in Forensic Psychology offers a comprehensive training program that uniquely bridges clinical psychology and legal systems. Students delve into specialized forensic assessment techniques, gaining practical expertise through immersive practicums in correctional facilities, courtrooms, and legal institutions. The curriculum strategically develops advanced skills in psychological evaluation, expert testimony preparation, and forensic intervention strategies. With a military-friendly environment, the program cultivates professionals who can effectively navigate complex legal and psychological landscapes. Graduates emerge prepared for careers in forensic mental health, criminal justice settings, and specialized clinical roles requiring nuanced understanding of psychological dynamics within legal contexts.

• Forensic Psychology concentration.
• Campus-based program.
• Includes forensic assessment coursework.
• Practicums in forensic settings.
• Focuses on legal system navigation.
• Emphasizes critical thinking skills.
• Prepares for forensic internships.
• Admission follows SOPP standards.

Sam Houston State University's Doctoral Program in Forensic Clinical Psychology stands out as a premier pathway for professionals seeking advanced training at the intersection of psychological science and legal systems. Emphasizing a rigorous scientist-practitioner model, the program cultivates deep expertise in forensic assessment, clinical intervention, and research methodologies. Students engage in comprehensive training that prepares them to navigate complex psychological evaluations within legal contexts, working with diverse populations and developing advanced skills in explaining psychological phenomena to courts. The curriculum integrates intensive research opportunities, practical clinical experiences, and a one-year pre-doctoral internship, ensuring graduates are equipped for multifaceted careers in forensic psychology settings.

• Full-time campus program
• Forensic and general clinical emphases
• Research and clinical training
• Comprehensive practicum experiences
• Prepares for psychology licensure
• Doctoral dissertation required
• One-year pre-doctoral internship
• Rigorous scientist-practitioner model
• Diverse clinical training sites
• Advanced psychopathology focus

The University of Texas at El Paso's Ph.D. program in Psychology with a Legal Psychology Concentration delivers a cutting-edge research experience for forensic psychology scholars. Designed to cultivate advanced investigative skills, the curriculum delves deeply into complex psychological dimensions of legal environments. Students engage with groundbreaking research exploring juvenile delinquency patterns, legal decision-making processes, and intricate criminal behavior dynamics. The program emphasizes comprehensive research methodologies, advanced statistical techniques, and specialized legal psychology coursework. Graduates emerge prepared for high-level academic, research, and professional roles in forensic psychology, with robust interdisciplinary training that bridges psychological science and legal frameworks.

• Advanced research-focused doctorate
• Legal Psychology concentration available
• Comprehensive research methods training
• Specialization in legal psychological research
• Dissertation and research application focus
• Coursework in legal psychology topics
• Interdisciplinary research opportunities

The Chicago School's Psy.D. Clinical Forensic Psychology program stands out as a comprehensive doctoral pathway targeting students seeking specialized expertise in judicial psychology. Located across campuses in Los Angeles and Anaheim, the program uniquely integrates advanced clinical training with forensic assessment techniques. Students receive targeted preparation for the Assessment and Therapy Clinical Forensic Competency Examination (CFCE), positioning graduates for successful licensure and professional opportunities. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills in criminal and civil case evaluations, preparing professionals to work effectively in mental health facilities, correctional institutions, and private practice settings. Military-friendly status and a strong focus on applied forensic psychological principles make this program particularly distinctive.

• Psy.D. in Clinical Forensic Psychology.
• Campus-based program in Los Angeles.
• Prepares for CFCE licensure exam.
• Focus on judicial system applications.
• Training in assessment and treatment.

George Fox University's PsyD program offers a distinctive clinical psychology education that harmonizes scientific rigor with spiritual integration. Students navigate a comprehensive 5-year APA-accredited curriculum emphasizing multicultural competency and holistic psychological understanding. The program distinguishes itself through hands-on clinical training, ensuring graduates develop nuanced professional skills across diverse psychological settings. With an impressive 100% internship placement rate and opportunities for graduate assistantships, students receive robust mentorship and practical experience. The program's unique approach prepares psychologists who can provide empathetic, culturally sensitive mental health interventions while maintaining strong ethical and professional standards.

• APA-accredited PsyD program
• 5-year in-person education
• 125 semester credit hours
• $1,150 per credit hour
• 100% internship placement
• Spiritually integrated curriculum
• Multiple clinical specialization tracks
• 85% receive graduate assistantships
• Located in Newberg, Oregon

Fairleigh Dickinson University's Clinical Psychology PhD with a Forensic Track provides intensive training at the intersection of psychological science and legal systems. Students engage in specialized coursework focusing on forensic assessment, criminal responsibility evaluations, and expert testimony preparation. The program distinguishes itself through mandatory forensic-specific courses, requiring students to complete a forensic-oriented dissertation and participate in targeted practicum experiences. Research opportunities emphasize developing advanced skills in psychological forensic analysis, preparing graduates for complex roles in legal settings, courts, correctional institutions, and forensic consulting. Admission requires comprehensive review of clinical doctoral program criteria, with additional opportunities for specialized forensic psychology research and professional development.

• Forensic Track available.
• Requires specific forensic courses.
• Forensic-focused dissertation needed.
• Practicum in forensic settings.
• Additional fees for extra credits.
• Research opportunities in forensics.
• Transcript notation upon completion.

Spalding University's Forensic Psychology doctoral program offers a comprehensive curriculum that bridges psychological expertise with legal system dynamics. Students delve into advanced forensic assessments, developing critical skills in evaluating criminal behavior, conducting expert witness testimony, and understanding complex legal-psychological interactions. The program uniquely prepares practitioners through immersive practicum experiences across diverse settings like correctional facilities and private practices. Emphasizing ethical considerations and professional development, graduates are equipped to navigate intricate forensic environments. The curriculum strategically integrates critical thinking, specialized forensic writing techniques, and practical training, positioning students for competitive internships and potential board certification in forensic psychology specializations.

• Specialized forensic psychology training.
• Hands-on practicum experiences.
• Focus on ethical considerations.
• Mock expert witness testimony.
• Preparation for board certification.
• Diverse practicum settings.
• Critical thinking development.
• Forensic writing skills.
• Competitive internship preparation.
• Lifelong learning emphasis.