Best Online Master’s in Forensic Psychology Programs of 2023

Our Intelligent Pick for the best online master's in Forensic Psychology is the one offered by the University of North Dakota. Their Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology program is a fully online 30-credit-hour program that carries an Intelligent Score of 99.32. The goal of the program is to prepare students to apply knowledge, skills, and psychological theories in both the civil and criminal justice systems. The program is extremely flexible for students, including the offer of a part-time schedule, and can be completed in two years or less. Other skills learned in this program include how to conduct focus groups for trial preparation, use of assessment and evaluation tools, how to conduct research-based evaluations, and how to properly address forensic issues.

The online Master of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Forensic Psychology degree program at Southern New Hampshire University is the program with the most flexible admissions process. The program is 36 credit hours and costs $627 per credit, and it gives students the option to transfer up to 12 graduate credits. The program is designed to prepare students to work in the criminal justice field or with social service organizations. Students will learn valuable skills such as critical thinking, research skills, how to adapt psychological theories and methods, how to evaluate the impact of the law, and how to be a forensic psychologist.

The University of California Irvine offers a fully online Master of Legal and Forensic Psychology program, the best provided by a public institution on our list. The program focuses on the intersection of psychology and legal issues, and coursework emphasizes the use of psychological principles, theories, and research to help students better understand legal processes in the criminal justice system. Graduates of this program will be able to find work in government agencies, academic environments, public or private sector organizations and agencies, and other workplaces that deal with criminal psychology. The online degree program is 52 credit hours and costs students just over $293 per credit.

The Master of Science in Forensic Psychology online degree program offered by the Nova Southeastern University College of Psychology is the best program offered by a private institution. The school's mission is to integrate the science and practice of psychology and counseling through rigorous research, detailed training, and service to the community. Courses in this 36-credit-hour online program are taught by some of the leading experts in psychology, law, and policy. Students of this program have two course specializations to choose from:Forensic Psychology in the Legal System or Forensic Psychology for Mental Health Workers, First Responders, and Disaster Teams.

Consistently named one of the top online universities in the country, Arizona State University Online features the top online Master's of Science in Forensic Psychology offered by a public research institution. This online degree program helps students further their careers in the mental health field and prepares them for a variety of roles in criminal justice. Students will learn how to explore new research methods, legal psychology, and how to treat mental health disorders within the criminal justice system. This online program can also prepare students for their doctoral degree. At 33 credit hours, this program features courses in topics like advanced legal psychology, correctional psychology, research methods, and more.

For those who are looking for a Christian faith- and values-based education, Liberty University's program for an online Master of Science in Criminal Justice with a Forensic Psychology concentration may be the right fit for you. Liberty is considered a top Christian university in the country and is the best Christian institution on our list. Their online master's degree program teaches students how to effectively lead and face prominent issues in the world of criminal justice. The coursework will prepare students for a wide variety of roles in law and criminal justice, and courses include topics on forensic psychology, crisis intervention, rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders, and more.

If you're looking to get your master's degree in Forensic Psychology without breaking the bank, Oklahoma State University's Master of Science in Forensic Sciences - Forensic Psychology program may be your best bet. The entire program requires between 30 and 32 credits, depending on the format the student picks, and the cost per credit is $364. This online master's program features a solid background in forensic sciences and specialized forensic psychology, advanced criminalistics, and law and expert analysis courses. The thesis program is 30 credit hours, whereas the nonthesis program is 32 credit hours.

For those who value faith, finding a Catholic institution for their education can be very important. Saint Leo University is Florida's first Catholic educational institution and provides students with a values-centered education. The school offers a fully online Master of Science in Criminal Justice - Forensic Science program that is designed for those looking to get an education from one of the top Catholic institutions in the country. Their program teaches students the necessary skills and knowledge required to assist with operations during serious incidents where forensic science is needed. The 36-credit-hour program costs $635 per credit.

For those who are looking to get their master's degree in Forensic Psychology but need an accelerated online program, look no further than the Master of Science in Psychology degree program at the University of Louisiana Monroe. The University of Louisiana Monroe's accelerated online degree programs last eight weeks, including their Psychology master's program. The coursework involved in the program includes topics like psychopathology, advanced forensic psychology, advanced theories of crime and delinquency, the sociology of law, and more. The entire online graduate degree program consists of 33 credit hours and is a very flexible and affordable option for students looking to advance their career in forensic psychology.

If you're looking for an online master's in Forensic Psychology degree program that allows you to start when you want to, Northcentral University's program could be the perfect match. For adult learners who need the flexibility and can't make the start dates of other traditionally run programs, Northcentral's program has weekly start dates for their 30-credit-hour Master of Science in Forensic Psychology program. The program covers two specializations: General Forensic Psychology and Threat Assessment Management. Students will be able to analyze theories and principles in psychology, examine diversity issues within forensic settings, and learn how to evaluate ethical behavior, among other skills.