Forensic psychologists work within the criminal justice system to determine what causes criminals to commit crimes and to create psychological profiles of criminals.
To become a forensic psychologist, you'll need to complete a degree in forensic psychology. Keep reading to discover our top schools with forensic psychology degree programs.
Top Schools with Forensic Psychology Degree Programs
A few different colleges and universities around the country offer forensic psychology degree programs. We've listed our favorites below in alphabetical order.
1. Chicago School of Professional Psychology
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is a private university based in Chicago with campuses in Anaheim, Dallas, Los Angeles, New Orleans, San Diego, and Washington D.C.
It offers a Master of Arts in forensic psychology. It can be completed in two years of full-time study; but a part-time plan, as well as a licensure and non-licensure track, are available.
This program is offered at the Anaheim, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Washington D.C. campuses, as well as online. It includes practicum and internships, as well as courses like:
- Ethics and Professional Issues
- Human Growth and Development
- Introduction to Forensic Psychology
Students can continue to earn their Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree in clinical forensic psychology. This is a four-year program offered in Anaheim and Los Angeles.
2. George Washington University
George Washington University is a private research university set in the heart of Washington D.C. It offers a Master of Arts in forensic psychology through its Columbian College of Arts and Sciences.
This degree offers two track options: applied forensics and applied psychology. Both tracks include required courses like:
- Basics of Psychological Assessment
- Ethics in Forensic Psychology
- Psychology and the Legal System
- Theories of Criminal Behavior
37 total credits are required for the degree, which includes both classwork and externship training.
The university doesn't offer forensic science programs at any other level, but it does offer a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in psychological and brain sciences.
Additionally, a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree and a Doctor of Psychology degree in clinical psychology are available for students looking to become licensed psychologists.
3. John Jay College of Criminal Justice
The John Jay College of Criminal Justice is a public, criminal justice-focused college in New York City. It's part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system.
The college offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in forensic psychology. This is a 120-credit program that includes courses such as:
- Brain and Behavior
- Psychological Disorders and Distress
- Principles and Methods of Statistics
- Understanding Addiction Through Research
A Master of Arts (MA) in forensic psychology is available to graduate students. This 42-credit program includes courses like:
- Counseling and Psychotherapy Methods
- Intellectual and Cognitive Assessment
- Mental Health Professionals, Social Science, and the Law
- Theories of Personality and Counseling
Students conclude this degree with either a 300-hour externship or a thesis project. A dual BA/MA in forensic psychology is available and allows students to complete both programs faster.
The college also offers two psychology PhDs: a psychology and law training program, and a clinical psychology training program.
4. University of Denver
The University of Denver is a public research university in Denver, Colorado. It offers a Master of Arts in forensic psychology through its Graduate School of Professional Psychology.
This program can be completed in two years of full-time study. It focuses on three core competencies:
- assessment of a variety of populations
- consultation in legal and criminal justice settings
- individual and group therapy across the lifespan
It includes courses like Criminal Evaluations and Psychology, Public Policy, and Advocacy. It includes experiential training to give students hands-on experience in the field.
The graduate school also offers a Doctor of Psychology in clinical psychology with a specialty option in forensic science for those who want to work at the clinical level.
While no forensic psychology programs are available for undergraduate students, a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in general psychology are both available.
5. University of North Dakota
The University of North Dakota is a public research university in Grand Forks, North Dakota. It offers bachelor's and master's programs in forensic psychology.
Undergraduate students can earn a forensic psychology certificate to pair with one of the university's bachelor's degrees in psychology.
This program can be done on campus or online and takes about a year to complete. It includes courses like:
- Abnormal Psychology
- Advanced Social Psychology
- Practical Experiences in Psychology
- Psychology and Law
The university also offers both an on-campus Master of Science and an online Master of Arts in forensic psychology. Both programs take two years to complete and include courses like:
- Behavior Pathology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Special Topics in Psychology
Students can also earn a PhD in clinical psychology through the university, but it does not offer a specific specialization in forensic psychology.
FAQs About Forensic Psychology Degree Programs
Below, you'll find the answers to frequently asked questions about forensic psychology degree programs.
What Do Forensic Psychologists Do?
Forensic psychologists study criminal behavior and the motivations and mental health conditions that lead people to commit crimes.
They may help law enforcement solve crimes, may assess if someone is fit to stand trial, or may interview convicted criminals for research purposes.
Can I Earn a Forensic Psychology Degree Online?
Most forensic psychology degree programs require some amount of in-person learning or experience, but you may be able to find some programs offered mostly online.
How Long Are Forensic Psychology Degree Programs?
The length of your forensic psychology program will depend on what level of degree you're earning.
Typically:
- bachelor's degrees take four years
- master's degrees take two years
- Doctor of Psychology degrees take four years
- PhDs in psychology take four to five years, sometimes more
Find Top Schools with Forensic Psychology Degree Programs
Students interested in forensic psychology can choose from several excellent programs in the United States. Check out the ones listed above to get started today.
