Best Master’s in Forensic Psychology Degree Programs of 2023

The Graduate School of Professional Psychology at the University of Denver administers a degree program for the Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology. DU is on the cutting edge of forensic psychology as home to the Denver Forensic Institute for Research, Service, and Training (Denver FIRST). This program was designed for clinical mental health professionals who work within the following areas: correctional institutions, specialty courts, police consultation, and many more civil and criminal legal system settings. Students will complete the program within two academic years, graduating with extensive clinical psychology training and hands-on field experience. The university's unique Field Placement program allows students to directly serve a diverse population, working with domestic violence prosecutors, counseling victims of violence, and providing early intervention for at-risk youth.

Students interested in earning their Master of Science or Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology will find good value for their money at the University of North Dakota. UND offers the most affordable online programs on our list with a per-credit tuition rate of only $499 per credit, making it an excellent choice for students looking to save money on their graduate degrees. This 30-credit program can be completed in two years on campus in Grand Forks, ND. Students will understand how to problem solve using psychological principles in prisons, courtrooms, police departments, and more. Over the course of the program, students will develop their thesis through independent research and complete supervised fieldwork in a forensic setting.

George Washington University offers a Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology for students to attend on campus through the Columbian College of Arts & Sciences. Students will complete 25 credits of required courses and choose from two curriculum paths: Applied Forensics or Applied Psychology. The first is for students interested in using psychological evaluation to solve criminal investigations. The second is for those who wish to work directly with victims or offenders for assessment and treatment. After completing coursework, students will put their knowledge into action through an externship. Before graduation, students must complete 250 hours of professional externship training tailored to their career interests. The university has a list of approved externship sites for students, including research sites, law enforcement agencies, and private psychology or law practices.

The Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology degree program from California Baptist University is a two-year program for students on the Riverside, CA campus. The night classes offered by CBU give working professionals the flexibility they need to pursue a graduate degree while they continue to work. This interdisciplinary program will prepare students with the knowledge they need to advance their careers in forensic psychology. During the program's second year, students will participate in field experience working with the FBI, victim advocacy, the U.S. Marshals, consultant firms, and many more. Students get nine months of fieldwork within a forensic setting that best aligns with their career goals.

The John Jay College of Criminal Justice offers a Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology degree program for students looking to further their careers or prepare for doctoral study. The program curriculum takes a deep dive into psychological development, psychopathology, and psychotherapeutic techniques. Students will be equipped to serve victims or offenders within the criminal and civil justice systems with their foundational understanding of psychology and the law. With over 35 full-time faculty members, students will benefit from a unique blend of expertise across a range of related disciplines. This program is the most affordable on-campus option on our list. The per-credit tuition price is $545 per credit for this graduate program, an impressively low price point compared to other on-campus programs.

Marymount University offers the best interdisciplinary degree on our list through the Master of Arts in Forensic and Legal Psychology graduate program. This program makes an effort to connect both psychology and justice into one focus through this 39-credit program. The curriculum covers topics such as the origins of criminal behavior, case analysis, investigative psychology, and ethics. Students also have the option to undertake a concentration in Intelligence Studies, giving them a chance to learn about the U.S. intelligence community and how they conduct covert operations. The school's close proximity to the nation's capital allows program participants to visit courtrooms, sit in on seminars, and attend internships with top government agencies.

Holy Names University describes its Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology program as an "intersection of psychology, law, and social justice." Students will learn the principles of restorative justice, therapeutic jurisprudence, and theoretical knowledge of the criminal justice system. Eventually, students will also get a chance to put their knowledge to work through a Field Placement Experience in the Oakland area. The program's impressive student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1 allows professors to take an invested approach with each student, acting as both a teacher and a mentor. Students can pick from afternoon, evening, and weekend classes or choose a hybrid format. Flexibility is a priority at HNU, giving students the convenience of something like an online program with all the benefits of being on campus.

Fairleigh Dickinson University has streamlined its Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology degree into an 18-month graduate program. Each class is made up of approximately 10-15 students, allowing for a highly interactive learning experience. Students will be equipped to enter Master's level forensic positions in research departments, juvenile centers, and correctional facilities. One notable feature of this degree program is the optional week-long study abroad trip to FDU's campus in Wroxton, England. Students get to stay in the 17th-century Wroxton Abbey and participate in forensic-related activities across England, all while learning about British Common Law. Program graduates interested in applying for the university's Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, Forensic Track program get a unique advantage over other applicants with a guaranteed interview.

The Jackson College of Graduate Studies at the University of Central Oklahoma is responsible for administering the Master of Science in Forensic Psychology degree program. This 37-credit graduate program requires coursework to be completed within both the Psychology Department and the Forensic Science Institute. Students enrolled in this program will be required to research, develop, and defend their thesis before graduation. At the end of the year, student theses will have the potential to be published in one of the school's psychological journals. Graduates of this program will secure careers at the federal, state, and local levels within areas such as art therapy, psychotherapy, counseling, case management, and more.

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology provides nine Master of Arts degree tracks within Forensic Psychology. Some of these tracks meet the educational requirements for professional licensure within select states. The school offers some programs on campus in Anaheim, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. Two tracks are available entirely online, while others can be taken in a hybrid format. There are also concentrations available for select degrees within the following areas: Police Psychology, Generalist, and Applied Forensic Community Services. The school offers full-time and part-time attendance, allowing for a 2-year or 4-year completion time. No matter which track a student chooses, the curriculum will cover a set of core program coursework on topics such as mental health law, substance abuse treatment, community liaison work, and much more.