Best Bachelor's Degrees in Forensic Psychology

If you are interested in psychology and find the behavior behind crime fascinating, then a bachelor's degree in forensic psychology may be right for you. Forensic psychology is a growing field that includes not only working with offenders but with victims, judges, lawyers, and other legal professionals as well. However, a bachelor's degree in forensic psychology is usually not enough for many careers in the field, particularly if you want to go into research or clinical practice. A master's and even a doctoral degree in forensic psychology is often required.

In most cases, an individual can enter a graduate forensic program without having graduated from a forensic bachelor's program, so long as they've taken appropriate psychology courses. So, if you're not sure about a bachelor's degree in forensic psychology but you want to explore the subject in the future, you can always obtain a graduate degree.

Forensic psychology degree programs are most common at the bachelor's and master's level but doctoral programs are available as well. While a bachelor or master's degree may prepare students to work in the field, a doctoral degree can prepare students to conduct original research and teach in university settings.

Associate Degrees in Forensic Psychology

Associate degrees in forensic psychology are rare. However, an Associate of Science (AS) or an Associate of Arts (AA) in general psychology can be a suitable stepping stone for transfer to a forensic psychology bachelor's program. Students take a broad range of psychology courses such as abnormal psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, and research methods in order to gain a robust understanding of the field. Associate programs usually last 2 years and require at least 60 credits.

Bachelor's Degrees in Forensic Psychology

Forensic psychology is offered as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS) at most universities; sometimes it's offered as a concentration within a regular psychology program. Students learn not just the basics of psychology but about the intersection of psychology and the law, the criminal justice system, criminal offenders, and victims. Depending on the school, students may be encouraged or required to take an internship or complete a capstone project.

Master's Degrees in Forensic Psychology

Master's degrees in forensic psychology are either a Master of Arts (MA) or a Master of Science (MS). These programs cover the same topics as bachelor's programs, but may be advanced and in a more concentrated format, with less general education courses and more that are focused on the major area.

Students have opportunities to conduct research, gain field experience under the guidance of a licensed psychologist, and write a thesis paper. Many programs require applicants to at least have completed psychology courses in their undergraduate studies if they don't have a psychology degree. Master's programs typically take 2 years to complete and require around 40 credits.

Doctoral Degrees in Forensic Psychology

Students can get a doctoral degree in psychology by choosing it as a concentration within a clinical psychology program; the degree title is Doctor of Psychology (PsyD). Students receive training in clinical psychology while taking forensic psychology courses to expand their knowledge and relate it to the law.

Students are typically required to complete an externship with a licensed forensic psychologist as well as a research dissertation in an area related to forensic psychology. The length of these programs can vary but they may last 4 years or more.

Certificates in Forensic Psychology

Certificate programs in forensic psychology are commonly offered as a post-graduate or professional option but an undergraduate option may be available depending on the school. These programs are designed for students who already have extensive training in psychology or for seasoned psychology professionals, as the intent of these programs is to expand one's psychology skills as they apply to the criminal justice system.

Some programs may require students to have a doctoral degree and/or a license to practice. The programs usually last a year and courses may include psychology and law, forensic report writing, and forensic assessment.

Study.com has searched through research, including data from the U.S. Department of Education, on forensic psychology programs, concentrations, and universities across the country to find the best programs. We looked at key factors like internship opportunities, tuition rates, and professional organizations and clubs to name a few. These factors helped make the final ranking list of the top bachelor's degrees in forensic psychology. Whether you are looking to explore a degree in forensic psychology or interested in colleges that offer a program in forensic psychology, this list is an excellent place to start your search.

1. CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice

CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice, located in New York City, offers a comprehensive Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology. Students also have the unique opportunity to enroll in internships in hospitals, prisons, or treatment centers. John Jay College also offers students the opportunity to join Psi Chi, an exclusive National Honor Society for all majors relating to psychology, where students can connect and network with fellow students and professionals in the field.

2. Thomas College

Thomas College offers an inventive Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Forensics for students. Their program offers the rare opportunity for students to accelerate their degree and finish in just three years. Thomas College also has an impressive range of opportunities for internships, both locally in Waterville, Maine and across the country.

3. Tiffin University

Tiffin University in Tiffin, Ohio offers students a Bachelor of Criminal Justice in Forensic Psychology. Students have the chance to participate in a distinct program called The Washington Center Experience. There, they earn course credits by working alongside professionals who focus on leadership and civic experience. Tiffin University also works with Terra State community college to offer assistance with the Ohio Police Officer Training Academy, OPTA, to help students successfully pass the state-mandated exam, and become eligible for full-time employment at the police department.

4. Quincy University

Quincy University, located in Quincy Illinois, offers a stellar Bachelor of Science program in Forensic Psychology with several unique and specialized studies, including studies in police and correctional psychology. Quincy also offers internships at several local businesses for students, like public health agencies, social services, and child welfare agencies, to name a few. Students also have the life-changing opportunity to join the Psi Chi honor society or the Psychology Club, where they can network with other psychology students and professionals and attend special events geared toward psychology majors.

5. Faulkner University

Faulkner University, in Montgomery Alabama, offers an on-campus and online Bachelor of Science in Forensic Psychology that focuses on crime victim advocacy and law enforcement. Faulker also offers an amazing study abroad program to Tuscany, which includes trips to Israel and Greece in addition to visits to museums and churches in Italy, Greece, and Israel. Students here also choose to join a thriving Psychology Club, where they supplement their education with professional development events and networking.

. 6. Maryville University of Saint Louis

Maryville University of Saint Louis, located in St. Louis Missouri, offers both online and in-person options for its Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology/Criminal Justice program. Flexibility is a strong suit here -- no residencies or entrance exams are required and there are three different start times each year. Maryville provides all on-campus students with a brand new iPad with access to over two hundred applications designed to streamline their learning experience and provide extra support. Students also have the rare opportunity to work with a life coach while attending classes at Maryville and work on their strengths and goals prior to graduation.

7. Walla Walla University

Walla Walla University, in College Place, Washington, offers a standout Bachelor of Science in Forensic Psychology program, focusing on areas of law enforcement and correction departments. Walla Walla University also offers a wide variety of clubs for students including the Psychology Club, which includes any students with majors or minors involving psychology, as well as Pre-Professional Club, which invites students interested in careers in the legal field to come together. The clubs offer networking events, different parties during the year, and professionals guest speakers from different career fields. Students also have a chance to get valuable hands-on experience through a 60-hour practicum.

To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit Study.com's ranking methodology page.

Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

When it comes to forensic psychology at the bachelor's level, it is sometimes offered as a concentration within a general psychology degree program itself. Due to this, there aren't many forensic psychology degree programs that offer concentrations. However, if a certain topic is of interest to a student, they may be able to specialize their education by taking electives that are related to that topic. For example, if a forensic psychology student is interested in advocating for juvenile delinquents, they may take more classes that are related to adolescent psychology and juvenile crime.

The curriculum for undergraduate forensic psychology programs explores everything from what causes crimes, victimology, the mental health of criminal offenders, and how psychology operates within the law. General, science, and liberal arts courses are typically required, as well as electives that are related to the degree subject area. Courses can include:

• Research Methods and Statistics
• Victim Studies and Advocacy
• Child Advocacy
• Psychology of Adolescence
• Psychology of Crime
• Criminal Theories
• The U.S. Legal System
• Abnormal Psychology
• Investigative Psychology
• Addiction/Drug Behavior
• Juvenile Delinquency

Bachelor's degree programs typically last 4 years and require around 120 credits. Depending on the student's course schedule, they could complete their degree in less time by taking summer courses, or they may take a bit longer if they're attending part time. Depending on the school, graduation may be contingent upon the completion of an internship, so if this takes longer to finish, so will the degree.

Accreditation is an important part of searching for the right degree program. It not only ensures that a school is meeting educational standards, it also enables a school to give financial aid. The two main types of accreditation are institutional and programmatic. Institutional accreditation is when a college as a whole is accredited. Examples of agencies that grant this accreditation are the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Programmatic accreditation is when a single program or group of programs in a college, such as nursing or business degrees, are accredited. Currently, the American Psychological Association is the only agency to give this type of accreditation to psychology programs, and it is only for doctoral and postdoctoral programs and internships. Graduating from an accredited school or program is especially important for psychology students because most times, you cannot earn a license to practice if you don't.

All psychologists, regardless of their field, must be licensed in all 50 states if they wish to practice independently; in most states, anyone who identifies as a psychologist must be licensed, but rules can vary by state and position.

For certification, forensic psychologists can turn to the American Board of Professional Psychology's forensic division. This specialty board certification ensures that a forensic psychologist is well-versed in their area of expertise. To apply, an individual must:

• Pass a written and oral examination and have their credentials reviewed
• Have graduated from an APA-accredited doctoral professional psychology program or an equivalent program
• Have at least 100 hours of specialized training in forensic psychology after completion of a doctoral program
• Have at least 1,000 accumulative hours of direct professional forensic psychology experience in a minimum of 5 years or 2,000 hours of a postdoctoral training program that is recognized by the American Board of Forensic Psychology

Forensic psychology is more than analyzing crime scenes and assessing offenders and victims. It can be used in almost any aspect of the legal system, from criminal prosecution to parole eligibility and victim advocacy. Note that a forensic psychologist is different than a forensic psychiatrist; a forensic psychiatrist focuses more on the scientific and medical aspects of mental health disorders within the context of the legal system and a medical degree is required.

How to Become a Forensic Psychologist

The education and career of a forensic psychologist starts by earning, at minimum, a master's degree in forensic psychology; however, a doctoral degree is the norm. Forensic psychologists perform most of the same duties as regular psychologists, such as providing counseling services, conducting scientific studies, writing research papers, and assessing clients for behavioral patterns and disorders. The difference is that they do these actions in service to the legal system.

They can help judges, lawyers, and other officials understand the psychology behind a criminal case and often have to testify in court as an expert witness. They can specialize the type of work they do, often between criminal, family, and civil casework.

According to PayScale, the average annual salary for forensic psychologists as of 2019 is $70,781. Salary can be influenced by certain things such as experience and degree level; for example, the salary for those with a master's in forensic psychology is typically lower than those with a doctoral degree. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 3% growth in employment for all psychologists from 2019-2029.

How to Become a Correctional Treatment Specialist

Correctional treatment specialists, also known as correctional counselors or case managers, advise probation officers and potential parolees on release and rehabilitation efforts. Their job duties consist of evaluating offenders for behavior patterns and determining the likelihood of them committing more crimes if released. Evaluation may come in the form of psychological assessments and questionnaires. These specialists may also develop programs that help parolees gain valuable job and life skills and refer them to mental health or addiction counselors if needed.

Correctional treatment specialists need a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, behavioral sciences, or a related field. According to the BLS, the annual median wage for probation officers and correctional treatment specialists as of 2019 is $54,290. The BLS also projects a job growth of 4% from 2019-2029 for these professionals.

Financial aid enables students to attend college without having to pay out-of-pocket. There are several types of financial aid, including grants, scholarships, and loans. Grants and scholarships do not need to be paid back while loans do. The first step to applying for financial aid is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Eligibility criteria include enrollment in an accredited college and a valid social security number.

There are several scholarships provided by schools and organizations that are for general students, but there are also ones available for those studying psychology. A few can include:

• The American Academy of Forensic Psychology's annual grants of $1,500 to doctoral students conducting research in law and psychology.
• The Grawemeyer Award in Psychology offers no less than $100,000 to any student or group of students who present an original idea that contributes to any area in the field of psychology.
• The Filipino-American Psychology Scholarship, intended for Filipino-American college seniors who are pursuing a graduate degree in a psychology field; the award is for $500.

There are several professional organizations that are built to encourage the growth of education, careers, and individuals in the forensic psychology field.

The American Academy of Forensic Psychology is a nonprofit organization in support of the American Board of Forensic Psychology. Membership can only be obtained by becoming certified by the board. Once certified, forensic psychologists are part of a network of highly qualified professionals in the field, known as the Fellows of the Academy. While there are no specific membership benefits, becoming a board-certified member establishes oneself as a leader in the field, which can be beneficial for their career and professional reputation.

The International Association for Correctional and Forensic Psychology (IACFP) is a nonprofit organization created to advance the research and work of forensic psychology so that it may be used by correctional and forensic psychologists. Membership is open to professionals in the fields of correctional and forensic psychology as well as students who are pursuing degrees in behavioral sciences. Membership benefits include free research tools, discounts on academic books and forensic educational materials, access to all SAGE journals in criminal justice and psychology, and discounts on events sponsored by the IACFP.