Anyone looking for a career in criminal psychology will need to earn a degree in criminal or forensic psychology.
Several schools in the United States offer these programs, but which are the best? Keep reading to learn more about the top criminal psychology schools in the country.
Top Criminal Psychology Schools in the U.S.
There are many schools in the United States that offer degrees in criminal or forensic psychology. We've listed our top choices below.
1. Arizona State University
Arizona State University is a public university in Tempe, just outside of Phoenix. It offers a bachelor's and master's degree in forensic psychology.
The Bachelor of Arts in psychology with a concentration in forensic psychology is an online program that requires 120 credits. It includes courses such as:
- Correctional Psychology
- Criminology
- Forensic Psychology
- Psychological Disorders
The Master of Science in forensic psychology is also an online program. It requires 33 credits, 15 of them in required core classes. These classes include:
- Advanced Psychology of Criminal Investigation
- Advanced Correctional Psychology
- Advanced Forensic Psychology
- Psychopathology
2. Bay Path University
Bay Path University is a private university in Longmeadow, MA. It offers all-women bachelor degree programs, including a Bachelor of Arts in forensic psychology.
The program is available on campus and online. Both methods of learning include courses like:
- Behavioral Research Methods
- Psychology of Criminal Behavior
- Psychology of the Female Offender
- Theories of Personality
A few track options are available to students, including an accelerated track and a bachelor's to master's degree that's coupled with a master's in developmental psychology.
3. Chicago School of Professional Psychology
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is a private university based in Chicago, IL. It's focused primarily on psychology and offers a master's and doctorate in forensic psychology.
The Master of Arts in forensic psychology is available through either a licensure or non-licensure track. It takes two years to complete full time and three to four years part time.
The Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in clinical forensic psychology includes an internship and practicum experience. It prepares students for the Assessment and Therapy Clinical Forensic Competency Examination (CFCE).
The doctoral program takes four years of full-time study to complete and is offered only through the Anaheim and Los Angeles campuses.
4. John Jay College of Criminal Justice
The John Jay College of Criminal Justice is a public university in New York City focused on criminal justice studies. It's part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system.
It offers a Bachelor of Arts in forensic psychology. This is a 120-credit program that includes courses such as:
- Brain and Behavior
- Cognitive Psychology
- Psychological Disorders and Distress
- Psychology of Criminal Behavior
Students have the opportunity to earn the BA as a dual degree with a Master of Arts in forensic psychology or forensic mental health counseling, which allows them to earn their bachelor's and master's in less time.
Both Master of Arts programs can be done independently as well. Students can also earn doctoral degrees in psychology and law or clinical psychology through the John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
5. Montclair State University
Montclair State University is a public research university in Montclair, NJ. It offers a Master of Arts in clinical psychology with a concentration in forensic psychology.
The clinical psychology program as a whole focuses on children/adolescents. As a result, the forensic psychology concentration emphasizes things like:
- child abuse and neglect
- domestic violence
- juvenile offender assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation
The program requires 36 total credits, including 12 credits in clinical psychology core courses and six credits specifically focused in forensic psychology.
6. University of Denver
The University of Denver is a private research university nestled near the base of the Rocky Mountains. It offers a Master of Arts in forensic psychology degree.
The program includes courses such as Criminal Evaluations and Psychology, Public Policy, and Advocacy.
Students also participate in field placements. These placements may allow them to:
- monitor and facilitate community re-entry after incarceration
- restore competency to defendants awaiting trial
- work in jails and prisons
- work with offense-specific treatment to reduce criminal behavior
FAQs About Top Criminal Psychology Schools in the U.S.
Find the answers to frequently asked questions about top criminal psychology schools in the United States.
What's the Difference Between Criminal Psychology and Forensic Psychology?
Forensic psychology examines psychology throughout the criminal justice system. Criminal psychology focuses specifically on the psychology of people who commit crimes.
Most criminal psychologists major in forensic psychology and choose a concentration or electives that let them focus more on criminal behavior.
How Long Are Psychology Degree Programs?
The length of the program depends on which level of program you're taking. Bachelor's degrees usually take four years, master's take between one and three years, and doctoral programs take about four years.
What Level of Degree Do I Need To Work as a Criminal Psychologist?
The level of degree you need to work as a criminal psychologist depends on what, specifically, you want to do.
To work as a clinical criminal psychologist, you'll need a doctorate. Other types of criminal psychology careers may need only a master's or even a bachelor's.
Find Criminal Psychology Schools in the U.S.
Several colleges and universities in the U.S. offer forensic and criminal psychology programs. Check out the ones listed above to get started today.
