Best Master’s in Forensic Psychology Degree Programs
Interested in working as a special agent for the FBI, or as a detective for your local police force? Earning your online master’s degree in forensic psychology will give you the skills that you need to understand how minds work, providing you with valuable insight that can help you keep the public safe as you solve crimes and delve into the minds of those who break the law. Here, we’ll take a look at the steps it takes to start a career in forensic psychology how long it will take you to complete a forensic psychology master’s degree online, what you can expect as you work through the program, and what you’ll want to keep in mind as you go through the admissions process for the schools of your choice.
2025 Best Online Master's in Forensic Psychology Programs
Looking for the best online master's in forensic psychology programs? CounselingPsychology.org has ranked top programs to help you find the right fit. Online programs offer flexibility, making it easier to balance studies with work or personal life. They are great for those who need distance learning options or prefer a virtual classroom. Start your journey in forensic psychology today with a program that fits your needs. Learn how we rank these programs https://counselingpsychology.org/rankings-methodology/.
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 online Master of Science in Forensic Psychology is tailored for professionals aiming to deepen their understanding of human behavior within legal and criminal justice frameworks. This 30-credit program can be completed in 16 months, offering unparalleled flexibility with weekly course starts and no set lecture times. Students have the option to specialize in a general forensic psychology track or focus on threat assessment, benefiting from doctoral faculty mentorship. The curriculum emphasizes research, ethical practice, and psychological assessment, preparing graduates for roles that require psychological expertise in forensic settings. No entrance exam is required for admission.
- 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
Concentration: General Forensic Psychology - Online Learning - Visit Website
Focusing on the General Forensic Psychology concentration, National University's online Master of Science program equips students with a profound understanding of criminal behavior theories, victim-offender dynamics, and ethical issues in forensic psychology. The 30-credit, 16-month program features flexible online learning, weekly course starts, and options for a non-clinical internship or a research capstone project. With no scheduled lecture hours and personalized faculty engagement, students can tailor their learning experience. This program does not require an entrance exam, making it accessible to a wide range of professionals.
- 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
Concentration: Threat Assessment and Management - Online Learning - Visit Website
National University offers an online Master of Science in Forensic Psychology with a concentration in Threat Assessment and Management, designed for professionals interested in specializing in risk evaluation and intervention strategies. This 16-month, 30-credit program provides a flexible online format with weekly course starts and no fixed lecture times. Students benefit from one-on-one mentorship by doctoral faculty, focusing on research, ethics, and psychological assessment in forensic contexts. The program prepares graduates for advanced roles in analyzing and managing behavioral threats, with no entrance exam required for admission.
- 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
Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, FL - Private 4-year - nova.edu
Master's - M.S. in Forensic Psychology
Concentration: Forensic Psychology in the legal system - Online Learning - Visit Website
Nova Southeastern University's online M.S. in Forensic Psychology with a concentration in Forensic Psychology in the legal system is tailored for professionals seeking to merge psychology with legal practices. This 36-credit program stands out for its no GRE requirement, making it accessible to a broad audience. Students benefit from learning under distinguished faculty, including experts like Dr. Lenore Walker and Judge Ginger Lerner-Wren. The curriculum is designed for flexibility, catering to working adults, and emphasizes empirical research and practical applications, preparing graduates for impactful roles in legal and judicial settings.
- 100% online format
- 36 total credits
- No GRE required
- Expert faculty
- Flexible for working adults
- Two concentration options
- Empirically based curriculum
- Prepares for legal, judicial careers
- Accessible admission requirements
- Foundation for further education
Master's - M.S. in Forensic Psychology
Concentration: Forensic Psychology for mental health workers, first responders, and disaster teams - Online Learning - Visit Website
Focusing on Forensic Psychology for mental health workers, first responders, and disaster teams, Nova Southeastern University's online M.S. program equips students with specialized skills for high-pressure environments. The 36-credit curriculum is delivered entirely online, offering flexibility for professionals. With no GRE required, the program is accessible and features faculty with expertise in psychology and law. It prepares graduates for careers in law enforcement, social services, and beyond, emphasizing real-world applications and providing a solid foundation for those looking to advance their education or career in forensic psychology.
- 100% online master's program
- No GRE required for admission
- 36 total credit hours
- Two specialized concentrations available
- Faculty experts in psychology, law
- Ideal for working professionals
- Foundation for further education
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice
New York, NY - Public 4-Year - jjay.cuny.edu
Master's - MA in Forensic Psychology
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The MA in Forensic Psychology at CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice is a hybrid program blending online and in-person learning, tailored for aspiring professionals in the criminal and civil justice systems. With a 42-credit curriculum, it delves into psychological development, psychopathology, and research methods, underscored by a strong emphasis on multicultural awareness. Students have the flexibility to choose between clinical or non-clinical fieldwork or opt for a thesis, catering to diverse career paths including advocacy, research assistance, and case management. While the program prepares graduates for doctoral studies, it does not lead to licensure. No entrance exam is required for admission, making it accessible for many applicants.
- 42-credit curriculum
- Focus on forensic psychology
- Prepares for doctoral study
- Emphasizes multicultural awareness
- Clinical or non-clinical fieldwork options
- Thesis option available
- Not license-eligible
- Hybrid program type
- Located in New York, NY
What Will I Learn in an Online Forensic Psychology Master’s Degree Program?
An online forensic psychology master’s program will teach you not just about why people act the way that they do–you’ll also learn how you can use this information to solve crimes and predict whether a person is likely to offend again. In most cases, online forensic psychology programs take about two years to complete. If you decide to complete an internship as a part of your degree program, it may take three years for you to complete the credits required for graduation.
It’s important to note that completing a forensic psychology master’s program will qualify you to work for a number of different public service organizations, but will not qualify you to become a licensed psychologist. In order to become a psychologist, you’ll need to continue your education and earn your doctorate degree.
As you work through your forensic psychology master’s program, you’ll cover a number of topics, including:
- Psychology of criminal behavior: In criminal behavior courses, you’ll learn more about the psychology behind the choice to break the law, including how certain mental health issues can make a person more likely to commit crimes. You’ll also learn about how to use psychology to understand whether someone is likely to be telling you the truth during the criminal investigation process.
- Mental health issues in policing: There’s no doubt about it: mental health issues affect the way both criminals and law enforcement officials behave. When you study mental health issues in policing, you’ll learn about how you can support law enforcement and create programs to support the mental health of the officers protecting and serving within your workplace.
- Terrorism: As a person working in forensic psychology, you’ll need to learn about the current terroristic threats to your area. This is often an ongoing process that will continue throughout your career, especially if you decide to specialize in national security.
Continuing education is especially important for people working in the forensic psychology community. Staying on top of the continuing education requirements in your field will ensure that you’re doing your best to serve your organization.
Admissions Requirements for a Master’s in Forensic Psychology
When applying to programs to earn your online master’s in forensic psychology, it’s important to pay close attention to admission requirements, as they can vary widely from program to program. For some online master’s in forensic psychology programs, you’ll need to provide a statement of purpose explaining why you’re interested in working in forensic psychology. You’ll also need to provide copies of your undergraduate transcripts, as a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related area is required, and you may need to have a certain GPA in order to be considered for admission to the program.
2025 Affordable Master's in Forensic Psychology Program Options
Finding an affordable Master's in Forensic Psychology is key for students across the USA. The right program balances cost with quality education. In 2025, options exist that offer low-cost tuition without sacrificing program highlights. These programs prepare students for careers in various settings. Cities and states nationwide provide economical choices. The table below helps compare schools by tuition range and what each program offers. It's a practical tool for making an informed decision. Affordable education opens doors to more students, making this field accessible to many.
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice |
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| Liberty University |
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| California Baptist University |
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2025 Shortest Forensic Psychology Master's Program Options
Finding the shortest Forensic Psychology Master's Program can save time and money. The table lists options in the USA for 2025, focusing on Master's degrees. It shows school names, programs, highlights, graduation, and retention rates. Faster programs help students start careers sooner. They are ideal for those eager to enter the field. The quickest paths offer the same quality education in less time. This is great for working professionals or those with busy schedules. The data helps compare key factors easily. Choose a program that fits your goals and timeline.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma State University-Main Campus |
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| University of North Dakota |
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| Liberty University |
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List of Forensic Psychology Master’s Degree Programs
Find an online or campus-based master’s program in forensic psychology today – our state-by-state listings make it easy to find a great program near you.
Arizona
Scottsdale, AZ
Arizona State University Digital Immersion
- Master's - Master of Science in Forensic Psychology
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Program
- 33 Total Credit Hours
- 11 Total Classes
- 7.5 Weeks Per Class
- Bachelor's in Related Field Required
- 3.00 Minimum GPA
- Research Methods Course Prerequisite
- Doctoral Program Preparation
Tempe, AZ
Arizona State University Campus Immersion
- Master's - Master of Science in Forensic Psychology
Online Learning - Website
- Online Master's program
- 33 total credit hours
- 11 total classes
- 7.5 weeks per class
- Minimum 3.00 GPA required
- Prepares for doctoral programs
- Research methods focus
- Legal psychology curriculum
California
Irvine, CA
University of California-Irvine
- Master's - Master of Legal and Forensic Psychology
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Interdisciplinary psychology and law program
- Collaborative departments: Psychological Science and Criminology
- Hybrid program format
- Wide range career opportunities
- Focuses on legal process understanding
Los Alamitos, CA
Touro University Worldwide
- Master's - Master of Arts in Psychology
Concentration: Forensic Psychology - Online Learning - Website
- 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
- Master's - Master of Science in Forensic Psychology
Concentration: Community Criminal Issues - Online Learning - Website
- 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
- Master's - Master of Science in Forensic Psychology
Concentration: Sex Offender Issues - Online Learning - Website
- 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
Los Angeles, CA
The Chicago School at Los Angeles
- Master's - M.A. Forensic Psychology
Concentration: Non-Licensure Track - Online Learning - Website
- Online and campus options
- Multiple campus locations
- Prepares for forensic careers
- Non-licensure track available
- Works in diverse legal settings
Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto University
- Master's - MS in Psychology
Concentration: Forensic Psychology - Online Learning - Website
- 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
San Diego, CA
National University
- Master's - Master of Science in Forensic Psychology
Online Learning - Website
- 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
- Master's - Master of Science in Forensic Psychology
Concentration: General Forensic Psychology - Online Learning - Website
- 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
- Master's - Master of Science in Forensic Psychology
Concentration: Threat Assessment and Management - Online Learning - Website
- 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
Northcentral University
- Master's - Master of Science in Forensic Psychology
Concentration: Threat Assessment and Management - Online Learning - Website
- 100% online program
- Start courses weekly
- 16 months to complete
- 10 courses total
- 30 credit hours
- Doctoral faculty mentorship
- One-to-one engagement
- Focus on threat assessment
Colorado
Lakewood, CO
Colorado Christian University
- Master's - Master of Science in Psychology
Concentration: Forensic Psychology - Online Learning - Website
- 100% online format.
- 30 credit hours.
- Complete in 15 months.
- Forensic Psychology concentration.
- Christian worldview integration.
- Flexible for working professionals.
- Transfer up to 9 credits.
- No undergraduate prerequisites.
Florida
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Nova Southeastern University
- Master's - M.S. in Forensic Psychology
Concentration: Forensic Psychology for mental health workers, first responders, and disaster teams - Online Learning - Website
- 100% online master's program
- No GRE required for admission
- 36 total credit hours
- Two specialized concentrations available
- Faculty experts in psychology, law
- Ideal for working professionals
- Foundation for further education
- Master's - M.S. in Forensic Psychology
Concentration: Forensic Psychology in the legal system - Online Learning - Website
- 100% online format
- 36 total credits
- No GRE required
- Expert faculty
- Flexible for working adults
- Two concentration options
- Empirically based curriculum
- Prepares for legal, judicial careers
Illinois
Chicago, IL
The Chicago School at Chicago
- Master's - M.A. Forensic Psychology
Online Learning - Website
- Two-year full-time program
- Part-time options available
- Multiple campus locations
- Online and in-person formats
- Licensure and non-licensure tracks
- 700 clinical training hours
- GPA requirement 3.0+
- Bachelor's degree required
- Master's - M.A. Forensic Psychology
Concentration: Non-Licensure Track - Online Learning - Website
- Online Non-Licensure Track.
- 37-credit-hour program.
- Flexible part-time study.
- Applied research project required.
- GPA of 3.0 or higher needed.
- Bachelor's degree prerequisite.
- Focus on law and psychology.
- Prepares for non-clinical roles.
- Master's - M.A. Forensic Psychology
Concentration: Professional Counselor Licensure Track - Online Learning - Website
- Professional Counselor Licensure Track.
- Online and in-person options.
- Focus on multicultural competence.
- Practicum and internship included.
- Admission requires 3.0 GPA.
- Bachelor's degree prerequisite.
- Statistics or research methods coursework required.
- Prepares for roles in child welfare.
Indiana
West Lafayette, IN
Purdue University Global
- Master's - Master of Science in Psychology
Concentration: Forensic Psychology - Online Learning - Website
- Online Master's program
- Forensic Psychology concentration
- 60-65 total credit hours
- Research methods focus
- Advanced forensic psychology courses
- No clinical licensure
- Thesis or capstone track
- Professional psychology ethics
Louisiana
Monroe, LA
University of Louisiana at Monroe
- Master's - Master of Science in Psychology
Concentration: Forensic Psychology - Online Learning - Website
- Online program format
- Forensic Psychology concentration
- Interdisciplinary curriculum
- Career opportunities in various sectors
- Flexible for working professionals
- Combines psychology and criminal justice
- Covers criminology and crime theories
- Prepares for law enforcement roles
Massachusetts
Springfield, MA
American International College
- Master's - Master of Science in Forensic Psychology
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Master's Degree
- 36 Total Credit Program
- No Licensure Requirements
- Prepares for Multiple Career Fields
- 12 Specialized Forensic Psychology Courses
- Capstone Project Experience
- Non-Licensure Professional Degree
North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND
University of North Dakota
- Master's - Forensic Psychology
Online Learning - Website
- 100% online or on-campus options
- 30 credit hours, 2-year completion
- No GRE requirement
- Flexible asynchronous learning
- Career paths in legal, justice systems
- Accredited graduate program
- Research and practical experience
- Competitive job market outlook
New Hampshire
Manchester, NH
Southern New Hampshire University
- Master's - Master of Science in Psychology
Concentration: Forensic Psychology - Online Learning - Website
- Online program flexibility
- $637 per credit cost
- No licensure outcome
- Bachelor's degree required
- Foundational courses available
- Focus on legal considerations
- Covers criminal behavior psychology
- Ethical practices included
New Jersey
Lodi, NJ
Felician University
- Master's - Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology
Concentration: Forensic Track - Online Learning - Website
- Online forensic counseling degree
- 60 credit hour program
- MPCAC curriculum alignment
- 3.0 undergraduate GPA required
- Two year full-time completion
- Three annual program intakes
- Forensic career preparation
- $925 per credit hour
Madison, NJ
Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus
- Master's - MA in Forensic Psychology
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 1.5-year APA-accredited program
- No GRE exam required
- 300-hour clinical externship
- Hybrid learning format
- Small class sizes (10-15 students)
Teaneck, NJ
Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus
- Master's - MA in Forensic Psychology
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 1.5-year accelerated master's
- APA-accredited program
- 300-hour clinical externship
- No GRE required
- Small class sizes (10-15 students)
- Online and in-person options
- Optional Wroxton study abroad
- Research opportunities available
New York
New York, NY
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice
- Master's - MA in Forensic Psychology
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 42-credit curriculum
- Focus on forensic psychology
- Prepares for doctoral study
- Emphasizes multicultural awareness
- Clinical or non-clinical fieldwork options
- Thesis option available
- Not license-eligible
- Hybrid program type
Touro University
- Master's - Forensic Psychology (MSFP)
Online Learning - Website
- Online 36-credit program
- $500 per credit tuition
- No licensure requirement
- 2.5 minimum GPA needed
- Flexible learning format
Oklahoma
Stillwater, OK
Oklahoma State University-Main Campus
- Master's - M.S. in Forensic Sciences - Forensic Psychology
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online master's program
- 32 graduate credit hours
- No clinical psychology focus
- Accepts all undergraduate majors
- Capstone creative component required
- 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
- Maximum 7-year completion time
Pennsylvania
Aston, PA
Neumann University
- Master's - Master of Science in Forensic Psychology
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online 30-credit program
- Complete in two years
- Multiple capstone options
- Intelligence studies specialization
- Experienced faculty with field expertise
- Diverse career placement opportunities
- Practicum and research experiences
- Comprehensive forensic psychology curriculum
- Master's - Master of Science in Forensic Psychology
Concentration: Intelligence Studies - Online Learning - Website
- 36-credit online program.
- Focus on Intelligence Studies.
- Taught by experienced professionals.
- Affordable with financial aid.
- Complete in two years full-time.
- Courses in strategic intelligence analysis.
- Admission requires transcripts and letters.
Pittsburgh, PA
Carlow University
- Master's - MA in Psychology
Concentration: Forensic Psychology - Online Learning - Website
- 100% online courses
- 4 semesters duration
- $857 per credit
- 36 credit hours
- Forensic Psychology concentration
- Career-focused curriculum
- Flexible part-time or full-time
- High doctoral program admission rate
Tennessee
Harrogate, TN
Lincoln Memorial University
- Master's - Master of Science in Psychology
Concentration: Forensic Psychology - Online Learning - Website
- Online graduate psychology degree
- Completed in 16 months
- General and Forensic tracks
- Non-clinical psychology focus
- Prepares for doctoral programs
- Summer practicum included
- Research-oriented curriculum
- No licensure program
Lebanon, TN
Cumberland University
- Master's - Master of Science in Forensic Psychology
Online Learning - Website
- 100% online program
- 36-credit hour curriculum
- 6 semester completion
- 2.5 GPA admission requirement
- No clinical components
- Career paths in justice system
- Non-clinical forensic focus
Texas
Victoria, TX
University of Houston-Victoria
- Master's - Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology
Concentration: Professional Counselor (PC) - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 66 credit hour program
- Hybrid delivery format
- Forensic population focus
- Practicum experience opportunities
- Prerequisites in key psychology subjects
- Licensure preparation in Texas
- Interview required for admission
- Graduate Admissions Index 980+
- Master's - Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology
Concentration: Psychological Associate (PA) - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 66 Credit Hour Master's Program
- Hybrid Delivery: Victoria and Katy
- Licensure Preparation: LPC and LPA
- Practicum Experience Included
- Prerequisites: Statistics, Research, Abnormal Psychology
- Graduate Admissions Index 980+
- GRE General Test Required
- Fall Semester Start Only
Virginia
Lynchburg, VA
Liberty University
- Master's - Master of Science in Criminal Justice – Forensic Psychology
Online Learning - Website
- 100% online degree program
- 36 total credit hours
- 8-week course format
- SACSCOC accredited
- Transfer up to 50% credits
- Military tuition discounts available
- No tuition increase 9 years
- Multiple start dates annually
