Best Forensic Psychology Programs in California
California stands at the forefront of forensic psychology education, offering students unparalleled access to diverse criminal justice systems, cutting-edge research facilities, and collaboration opportunities with some of the nation’s most complex legal environments. From the sprawling Los Angeles County court system to San Francisco’s progressive criminal justice reform initiatives, California’s forensic psychology programs prepare students to work at the intersection of psychology and law.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- The differences between bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs in forensic psychology
- How online, hybrid, and traditional campus programs compare for California students
- What career opportunities exist for forensic psychology graduates in California’s legal system
- Admission requirements and costs for different degree levels
- How to gain practical experience through internships at California correctional facilities, courts, and law enforcement agencies
2026 Best Forensic Psychology Programs in California
Touro University Worldwide
Los Alamitos, CA - Private 4-year - tuw.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (Forensic Psychology)
Online Learning - Visit Website
Touro University Worldwide's online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with Forensic Psychology Concentration equips students with critical skills for legal and criminal justice careers. This flexible, 100% online program provides in-depth training in forensic psychology topics like criminal behavior, psychological assessments, and legal system dynamics. Students learn to analyze complex psychological concepts relevant to criminal investigations, court proceedings, and offender rehabilitation. The program prepares graduates for advanced study and diverse career paths in forensic settings, offering a comprehensive understanding of human behavior within legal contexts.
- 100% Online Degree
- Nonprofit Accredited University
- No Residency Required
- Transfer Up to 90 Credits
- 6 Annual Start Dates
- 8-Week Course Sessions
- Focus on Forensic Psychology
- Real-World Professor Experience
Master's - Master of Science in Forensic Psychology (Community Criminal Issues)
Online Learning - Visit Website
The online Master of Science in Forensic Psychology at Touro University Worldwide focuses on the intersection of psychology and the legal system, offering a concentration in Community Criminal Issues. This program prepares students for careers in criminal justice and social services, emphasizing practical skills and theoretical knowledge. With affordable tuition, no GRE requirement, and a flexible online format, students can complete the degree in as little as one year. The curriculum covers psychopathology, professional ethics, and psychological assessment, among other topics. Admission requires a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5.
- 100% online format
- No GRE required
- Affordable tuition
- Finish in one year
- 6 starts per year
- 8-week courses
- Non-profit accredited university
- Scholar-practitioner faculty
- Concentration in Community Criminal Issues
- 36 credit hours
Master's - Master of Science in Forensic Psychology (Sex Offender Issues)
Online Learning - Visit Website
Dive into the specialized field of forensic psychology with Touro University Worldwide's online Master of Science in Forensic Psychology, focusing on Sex Offender Issues. This program equips students with the knowledge to address complex psychological aspects within the legal system. With affordable tuition at $500 per semester credit, no GRE required, and the flexibility of 100% online courses, students can complete their degree in as little as one year. The curriculum covers critical areas like human sexuality, sexual deviance, and victimology, preparing graduates for impactful careers in forensic psychology. Admission requires a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA, making advanced education accessible to many.
- 100% online format
- No GRE required
- Affordable tuition
- Finish in one year
- 6 starts per year
- 8-week courses
- Non-profit accredited university
- Scholar-practitioner faculty
- Concentration in Sex Offender Issues
- 36 credits to complete
Master's - Master of Arts in Psychology (Forensic Psychology)
Online Learning - Visit Website
The Master of Arts in Psychology with a Concentration in Forensic Psychology at Touro University Worldwide offers a comprehensive online program designed for working professionals. This one-year, full-time program equips students with 21st-century psychology theories and practical skills for forensic psychology settings. Focused on law and psychology, criminal behavior, and forensic assessment, the program prepares graduates for careers in non-profit agencies, victim advocacy, and court liaison roles. Affordable tuition, no GRE requirement, and an accelerated admissions process make this program accessible. Six start dates throughout the year offer flexibility. Note: This degree does not lead to licensure.
- 100% online
- Affordable tuition
- Nonprofit Accredited University
- No residency required
- Finish in one year
- No GRE required
- Accelerated admissions process
- 6 starts throughout the year
- 8 weeks session
- Learn from scholar-practitioners
National University
San Diego, CA - Private 4-year - nu.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Forensic Psychology
Online Learning - Visit Website
National University's Master of Science in Forensic Psychology offers an innovative online program designed for professionals seeking advanced understanding of human behavior in legal and criminal justice contexts. The 30-credit, 16-month program provides flexible learning with weekly course starts and no scheduled lecture hours. Students can choose between a general forensic psychology specialization or threat assessment track, gaining critical skills in research, ethical practice, and psychological assessment within forensic settings. Doctoral faculty provide personalized mentoring, ensuring high-quality education for those interested in roles involving psychological expertise in legal environments.
- 100% Online Delivery
- 16 Months to Complete
- 10 Total Courses
- 30 Total Credit Hours
- Doctoral Faculty Mentorship
- Weekly Course Starts
- No Scheduled Lecture Hours
- Flexible Learning Options
- Two Specialization Tracks
- One-to-One Faculty Engagement
Master's - Master of Science in Forensic Psychology (General Forensic Psychology)
Online Learning - Visit Website
National University's Master of Science in Forensic Psychology offers a comprehensive online program designed for professionals seeking advanced understanding of human behavior in legal and criminal justice contexts. The 30-credit, 16-month program provides flexible learning with weekly course starts and no scheduled lecture hours. Students explore critical areas like criminal behavior theories, victim and offender dynamics, risk assessment, and ethical considerations. The General Forensic Psychology concentration allows students to choose between a non-clinical internship or research-driven capstone project, providing practical and academic pathways to professional development.
- 100% Online Degree
- 16 Months to Complete
- 10 Total Courses
- 30 Credit Hours Required
- Weekly Course Starts
- Doctoral Faculty Mentorship
- Non-Clinical Internship Option
- Research Capstone Available
- No Scheduled Lecture Hours
- Personalized Faculty Engagement
Master's - Master of Science in Forensic Psychology (Threat Assessment and Management)
Online Learning - Visit Website
National University's Master of Science in Forensic Psychology offers a dynamic 16-month online program exploring human behavior within forensic settings. Students can specialize in Threat Assessment and Management, gaining critical skills in risk evaluation, profiling, and intervention strategies. The program features flexible weekly course starts, personalized doctoral-level faculty mentorship, and comprehensive learning outcomes focused on research, ethics, and psychological assessment in forensic contexts. Graduates develop advanced competencies to analyze complex behavioral dynamics in professional environments.
- 100% Online Delivery
- 16 Months to Complete
- 10 Total Courses
- 30 Total Credit Hours
- Weekly Course Starts
- No Scheduled Lecture Hours
- Doctoral Faculty Mentorship
- Two Specialization Options
- One-to-One Faculty Engagement
The Chicago School at Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA - Private 4-year - thechicagoschool.edu
Master's - M.A. Forensic Psychology
Campus Based - Visit Website
The M.A. Forensic Psychology at The Chicago School provides comprehensive training for professionals seeking to work at the intersection of psychology and law. Students gain specialized skills to work in diverse settings like criminal justice, court systems, and mental health facilities. The program offers a licensure track enabling graduates to provide specialized therapy in correctional, public safety, and private practice environments. Graduates are prepared to address complex psychological issues within legal contexts, with opportunities in child welfare, government agencies, and clinical settings.
- Multiple campus locations available
- Online and on-campus program options
- Licensure track for professional counselors
- Prepares for diverse forensic settings
- Focuses on psychology-law intersection
Master's - M.A. Forensic Psychology (Licensure Track)
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Chicago School's M.A. Forensic Psychology program prepares passionate professionals to make significant impacts in legal and mental health settings. Students gain comprehensive skills in psychology and law, enabling them to work across diverse environments like courts, correctional facilities, and public safety agencies. The Licensure Track offers graduates the opportunity to become licensed counselors, expanding career opportunities in clinical and non-clinical forensic contexts. With rigorous training and practical experience, students develop expertise in forensic mental health evaluations, criminal behavior analysis, and victim advocacy.
- Licensure Track available
- Multiple campus locations
- Clinical and non-clinical settings
- Online and on-campus options
- Work in diverse forensic environments
Master's - M.A. Forensic Psychology (Non-Licensure Track)
Online Learning - Visit Website
The Chicago School's M.A. Forensic Psychology program provides comprehensive training for professionals seeking to work at the intersection of psychology and law. This online program equips students with advanced skills in legal psychology, preparing them for diverse career paths in clinical and non-clinical settings. The non-licensure track offers flexibility for those interested in forensic mental health evaluation, criminal justice, and public policy roles. Students gain expertise in understanding complex legal and psychological dynamics, preparing them to make significant contributions in child welfare, correctional facilities, government agencies, and victim advocacy.
- Online and campus options
- Multiple campus locations
- Prepares for forensic careers
- Non-licensure track available
- Works in diverse legal settings
Doctorate - Psy.D. Clinical Forensic Psychology (Clinical Forensic)
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Psy.D. Clinical Forensic Psychology program at The Chicago School in Los Angeles prepares students for impactful careers in the judicial system. This program focuses on applying psychological knowledge to criminal and civil cases, offering training in assessment, treatment, and consultation. Graduates are equipped to work in various settings, including mental health facilities, correctional institutions, and private practice. The curriculum includes preparation for the Assessment and Therapy Clinical Forensic Competency Examination (CFCE), essential for licensure in California and other states. With campuses in Anaheim and Los Angeles, the program blends rigorous academic training with practical experience, fostering leaders in forensic psychology.
- 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.
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, CA - Public 4-Year - uci.edu
Master's - Master of Legal and Forensic Psychology
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Master of Legal and Forensic Psychology at UC Irvine is an innovative interdisciplinary program blending psychology, law, and forensics. Students gain deep insights into legal processes and systems, preparing for diverse careers in research, policy, government, and public service. This cutting-edge degree integrates psychological principles to understand individual experiences within legal contexts, offering graduates exceptional professional opportunities across academic and professional sectors.
- Interdisciplinary psychology and law program
- Collaborative departments: Psychological Science and Criminology
- Hybrid program format
- Wide range career opportunities
- Focuses on legal process understanding
Palo Alto University
Palo Alto, CA - Private 4-year - paloaltou.edu
Master's - MS in Psychology (Forensic Psychology)
Online Learning - Visit Website
Palo Alto University's online MS in Psychology with a Forensic Psychology concentration offers a dynamic pathway for professionals seeking to understand the intricate intersection of psychology and law. This flexible program allows working adults to advance their careers without disrupting current employment, completing coursework in just six quarters. Designed for those interested in criminal justice, legal settings, and mental health, the concentration provides specialized electives exploring psychological assessment, risk management, and legal dynamics. Admission requires a bachelor's degree with a recommended 3.3 GPA, and the program does not mandate GRE scores. Students gain comprehensive insights into psychological principles while developing expertise in forensic contexts, preparing for diverse career opportunities in law enforcement, corrections, research, and healthcare.
- Fully online flexible format
- Six-quarter program length
- No GRE required
- Specialized forensic psychology electives
- Career paths in law enforcement
- Recommended 3.3 undergraduate GPA
- Part-time study options
- 37.5 total quarter units
Doctorate - PhD in Clinical Psychology (Forensic Psychology)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Palo Alto University offers a PhD in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in Forensic Psychology, designed for those passionate about applying psychological expertise in legal contexts. This program combines broad clinical training with specialized forensic courses and practical experiences. Students engage in research, practicum placements, and coursework tailored to forensic psychology, preparing them for careers in correctional settings, legal advocacy, and more. Admission requires a strong academic background in psychology, with specific prerequisites. The program emphasizes ethical practice, research contributions, and professional development in forensic psychology.
- Campus-based program
- Forensic Psychology concentration
- Combines clinical and forensic training
- Research dissertation required
- Practicum in forensic settings
- Five specialized forensic courses
- Admission requires B or higher grades
- A- average in core courses
- Rolling admissions process
- Focus on ethical and legal standards
Understanding Forensic Psychology Education Levels
Forensic psychology careers in California require different educational credentials depending on your professional goals.
Bachelor’s Degree in Forensic Psychology
A bachelor’s degree provides foundational knowledge in psychology and criminal justice. California students can pursue BA or BS degrees in forensic psychology, psychology with a forensic concentration, or related fields like criminal psychology.
Career opportunities with a bachelor’s degree include:
- Victim advocate in district attorney offices across California counties
- Probation officer assistant in counties like Orange, San Diego, and Alameda
- Case manager at correctional facilities, including San Quentin State Prison
- Research assistant in university forensic psychology labs
Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology
The master’s degree in forensic psychology represents the most common credential for practicing forensic psychology professionals in California. These programs typically require 36-48 credits and take 2-3 years to complete.
Master’s graduates work as:
- Expert witnesses providing testimony in California courts
- Psychological evaluators conducting competency assessments for county superior courts
- Treatment specialists in California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation facilities
- Criminal profilers supporting law enforcement agencies like LAPD or San Diego Sheriff’s Department
Doctoral Programs (PhD and PsyD)
California offers both research-focused PhD programs and practice-oriented PsyD programs. Forensic psychology doctoral education is required for independent clinical practice and licensure as a forensic psychologist in California.
PhD programs emphasize research methodology and scholarly contribution. PsyD programs focus on clinical application and direct practice. Both typically require 90-120 credits over 4-6 years, including a dissertation and 3,000+ hours of supervised clinical experience.
Research psychology schools in California.
Program Formats: Online, Hybrid, and Campus-Based Options
Traditional Campus Programs
Campus-based programs offer intensive learning with direct faculty mentorship, on-site research laboratories, and immediate access to practicum sites in cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and Sacramento.
Online Programs
Fully online programs allow California students to complete coursework remotely. However, California’s licensing board requires supervised clinical hours completed in-person, meaning online students must arrange local practicum placements at California mental health facilities, correctional institutions, or court systems.
Hybrid Programs
Hybrid programs combine online coursework with periodic on-campus intensives, offering flexibility while maintaining face-to-face learning. Many California programs require students to attend weekend intensives at campus locations in Los Angeles, San Diego, or the Bay Area.
TIP: Choosing Your Format
Consider your proximity to practicum sites when selecting a program format. Students in metropolitan areas like Los Angeles, San Diego, or Sacramento have easier access to diverse forensic psychology placements including county jails, superior courts, and forensic mental health facilities.
Admission Requirements by Degree Level
| Degree Level | Typical Requirements |
| Bachelor’s | High school diploma; 3.0+ GPA preferred; SAT/ACT scores (increasingly optional); personal statement |
| Master’s | Bachelor’s degree in psychology or related field; 3.0+ undergraduate GPA; GRE scores (some programs waiving); 2-3 letters of recommendation; relevant experience preferred |
| Doctoral (PhD/PsyD) | Master’s degree (for some programs) or bachelor’s with exceptional credentials; 3.5+ GPA; GRE scores; extensive research or clinical experience; writing sample; interview |
Most California master’s and doctoral programs require foundational psychology coursework including general psychology, statistics, research methods, abnormal psychology, and developmental psychology.
California Forensic Psychology Program Costs and Financial Aid
Tuition for forensic psychology programs in California varies significantly between public and private institutions.
Estimated annual tuition ranges:
- Bachelor’s programs: $7,500-$15,000 (CSU residents), $15,000-$30,000 (UC residents), $35,000-$55,000 (private)
- Master’s programs: $12,000-$25,000 per year (public), $25,000-$50,000 per year (private)
- Doctoral programs: $15,000-$30,000 per year (public), $30,000-$55,000 per year (private)
TIP: Funding Your Education
Explore California-specific funding through county probation department tuition assistance and scholarships through the California Psychological Association. Many doctoral programs offer assistantships with tuition remission and stipends of $18,000-$30,000 annually.
Gaining Practical Experience in California
California’s vast criminal justice system provides exceptional practicum and internship opportunities.
Students gain hands-on experience at:
- Correctional Facilities: Pelican Bay State Prison, Folsom State Prison, and county jails across all 58 California counties
- Court Systems: Superior courts in Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, Alameda, and Santa Clara counties
- Law Enforcement Agencies: LAPD Behavioral Science Services, San Francisco Police Department, California Department of Justice
- Forensic Mental Health Facilities: Patton State Hospital, Atascadero State Hospital, Napa State Hospital
- Specialized Programs: Domestic violence intervention programs, juvenile justice facilities, victim-witness assistance programs
Licensure and Certification in California
To practice independently as a psychologist in California, you must complete a doctoral degree, accumulate 3,000 hours of supervised professional experience, pass the EPPP and California Psychology Law and Ethics Examination, and apply for licensure through the California Board of Psychology.
Master’s-level professionals can work in forensic psychology roles under supervision or pursue related licensure such as LPCC or MFT.
Forensic Psychology Career Outlook in California
California’s complex legal system creates robust demand for forensic psychology professionals. The California Department of State Hospitals employs hundreds of psychologists in forensic mental health roles. All 58 counties maintain superior court systems requiring psychological evaluations and expert testimony.
Master’s-level professionals earn $60,000-$85,000 annually, while licensed psychologists with doctoral degrees earn $90,000-$140,000 or more. Psychologists in private practice or serving as expert witnesses in major metropolitan areas can earn significantly higher incomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to live in California to attend an online forensic psychology program at a California university?
A: You can complete online coursework from anywhere, but California licensure requires supervised hours within California under a California-licensed psychologist. Out-of-state students should verify their home state’s licensing requirements.
Q: Can I work as a forensic psychologist in California with just a master’s degree?
A: Yes, but with limitations. Master’s-level professionals work in victim advocacy, case management, probation services, and consultative positions. However, California restricts independent clinical practice and use of the title “psychologist” to those with doctoral degrees and full licensure.
Q: Are there accelerated forensic psychology programs in California?
A: Several California universities offer accelerated bachelor’s programs (3-3.5 years) and intensive master’s programs (12-18 months). Accelerated doctoral programs are rare due to required clinical hours, though some schools offer combined BA/MA or MA/PhD tracks.
