Forensic psychology is a relatively new field. It was first recognized as a specialty by the American Psychological Association (APA) in 2001. Since then, it has grown exponentially, both in number of forensic psychologists and in media exposure. The true crime genre has exploded, with forensic psychologists often playing a leading role in popular TV dramas and podcasts.
The popularity of both forensic psychology and true crime is rooted in the innate human desire to understand what makes criminals “tick.” A degree in forensic psychology could be described as the pursuit of an answer to this question.
In basic terms, forensic psychology is the application of psychology to law or legal proceedings. Psychologists are experts on human behavior and mental processes. Forensic psychologists use this knowledge to assist courts in making determinations of competency, mental state, likelihood of committing further crimes, and other matters. Though assessment is a large component of a forensic psychologist’s job, many forensic psychologists also provide treatment to those involved in legal proceedings or those within correctional facilities.
To become a forensic psychologist, a doctoral degree in psychology is required. This could be a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in clinical psychology or a Doctor of Psychology, Psy.D. Most states require the doctoral program to be APA-accredited for the graduate to earn a psychology license. A doctoral degree with a specialization in forensic psychology is not required, but it is the best way to receive the knowledge and experience required to launch a successful career in the field of forensic psychology.
Quick Facts
- Average program length: 5-6 years
- • Undergraduate GPA minimum required for admission: 3-3.75
- • Tuition range per credit: $1200 – $1800. Note- Some programs have a flat annual tuition rate.
- • Median salary for forensic psychologists: $117,750
Featured Forensic Psychology Programs
Forensic Psychology PhD Programs
For those looking to pursue research or potentially teach in the space, a Ph.D. program in forensic psychology could be the best option. Ph.D. programs, due to their research and dissertation requirements, generally require a bit longer to complete, up to seven years. Below are some of the best forensic psychology Ph.D. programs available for 2025:
Drexel University – Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, Specialization in Forensic Psychology
- Location
- 5 years
- Campus
Modality: On-campus
GRE requirement: GRE test scores are required. The GRE requirement may be waived for select Drexel University students and alumni from the past 10 years with a cumulative GPA of 3.00.
Length: 91 credits. Full-time, 5-year program.
Tuition: $1466 per credit hour plus fees
Program Overview:
Drexel University’s APA-accredited Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program follows a scientist practitioner model. This means that it places equal emphasis on clinical practice and research. Students are required to choose one of three specialty areas. Forensic Psychology is one of the three areas of specialization. Students who follow the Forensic Psychology track receive training in relevant law, behavioral science research, and clinical approaches that focus on juvenile and criminal issues. In addition to the general requirements of the Clinical Psychology Ph.D., students must complete an 800-hour forensic psychology practicum, a forensic psychology-focused thesis and dissertation, three required courses on forensic assessment and mental health law, and at least two forensic psychology electives.
Key Highlights:
- Students primarily take classes within the Psychology department but have the option to take classes in the Law school.
- Students are required to work in 12-month practicum placements in years two and three; a practicum in year four is optional.
Additional Consideration:
- Typically, 5 applicants are accepted to the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program year.
- Of the 5 admitted students, 1 student concentrates in Forensic Psychology.
Accreditation Details: Accredited by the American Psychological Association
Fairleigh Dickinson University – Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, Forensic Track
- Location
- 5 years
- Campus
Modality: On-campus
GRE requirement: The general GRE is required for all applicants. The psychology GRE subject test is optional for those who majored in psychology as an undergraduate or those who hold an advanced degree in psychology. It is strongly recommended for applicants who were not psychology majors.
Length: 93.5 credits. Full-time, 5-year program.
Tuition: $48,686/year plus fees
Program Overview:
Fairleigh Dickinson University’s APA-accredited Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program follows a scientist practitioner model. This prepares students for both research and clinical work. Students in the program can choose to follow a forensic track, which teaches them to apply their research and clinical skills to law and legal proceedings. To fulfill the forensic track requirements, a student must complete a clinical practicum at a forensic site, take courses on forensic assessment and evaluation of competency and criminal responsibility, and defend a dissertation on a forensic topic.
Key Highlights:
- Students have the opportunity to obtain both research and teaching assistantships to help with funding.
- Forensic track courses may incur additional fees if they increase a student’s credit load for a given semester above the allowable flat fee level of 16.5 credits.
Additional Consideration:
- Typically, 11 applicants are accepted into the program each year.
- In addition to course grades, annual evaluations of students are conducted by faculty using information submitted by practicum site supervisors, course instructors, and research mentors. Students meet with the Program Director to receive feedback on these evaluations.
Accreditation Details: Accredited by the American Psychological Association.
Fordham University – Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, Area of Study in Forensics
- Location
- 5-6 years
- Campus
Modality: On-campus
GRE requirement: GRE scores are not required and will not be reviewed as part of the admission process.
Length: 85 credits. Students can choose a 5- or 6-year graduation track.
Tuition: $1810 per credit plus fees.
Program Overview:
Fordham University’s APA-accredited Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program employs a scientist practitioner model, which teaches students to integrate their scientific research into their clinical practice. Students have the option to specialize in Child and Adolescent Psychology, Clinical Neuropsychology, Health Psychology, or Forensic Psychology. To satisfy the requirements of the forensic specialization, students must take at least three courses within the forensic psychology major area of study, complete at least two externships in a forensic setting, and conduct predoctoral or doctoral research in a topic related to forensic psychology.
Key Highlights:
- Over the past several years, this program has offered 100% financial aid to incoming students, including 4 years of tuition remission and a stipend for each academic year.
- Students have the opportunity to work and train with forensic psychologists throughout NYC in a variety of settings, from forensic evaluation settings to correctional institutions and psychiatric hospitals.
Additional Consideration:
- Typically, 7 – 11 students are admitted to the doctoral program per year.
- This program prepares students to be eligible for New York state licensure. Even though it is APA-accredited, it should be noted that it does not meet licensure education requirements for three states (California, Michigan, and New Mexico).
Accreditation Details: Accredited by the American Psychological Association.
Modality: On-campus.
GRE requirement: Not required, but the admissions committee encourages submission of GRE scores if the applicant believes the scores will enhance their overall application. A combined score greater than 297 for GRE verbal and quantitative is preferred.
Length: 118 credits. Full-time, 5-year program.
Tuition: $1396 per credit plus fees.
Program Overview:
Nova Southeastern University offers two doctoral programs in clinical psychology, a Ph.D. and a Psy.D. The Ph.D. program follows a scientist practitioner model to prepare students for careers in research, teaching, clinical practice, or a combination of these three roles. Students have the option to specialize in one of seven areas of study. Forensic Psychology is one of the seven areas. Course work for this specialization includes Introduction to Forensic Psychology; Forensic Psychology: Criminal Law; Forensic Psychology Assessment; Psychological Interventions in Forensic Settings; Forensic Psychology: Family Law; and Special Issues in Forensic Psychology: Supervision, Consultation, Ethics and Controversial Issues. Students must also complete a practicum in a forensic setting and conduct research on a forensic topic.
Key Highlights:
- Students have the opportunity to obtain federal work study and graduate assistant positions to assist with funding.
- Nova Southeastern has 15 on-site clinics, allowing for convenient training opportunities.
Additional Consideration:
- Typically, 10 students are accepted into the Ph.D. program each year.
- Each concentration accepts a limited number of students at admission or during the first or second year of study. Therefore, an admitted student is not guaranteed a slot in the Forensic concentration.
- Students intending to pursue a career in research should apply to Nova Southeastern’s Ph.D. program rather than its Psy.D. program. Both programs prepare students for clinical practice.
Accreditation Details: Accredited by the American Psychological Association.
Palo Alto University – PhD in Clinical Psychology, Emphasis in Forensic Psychology
- Location
- 5 years
- Campus
Modality: On campus.
GRE requirement: GRE scores are not required.
Length: 168 units of coursework, typically completed in 3 years by full-time students; An empirical dissertation (minimum of 30 units), typically completed in year 4; and a year-long, 2000-hour clinical internship, typically completed in year 5 (12 units).
Tuition: Tuition and fees per quarter (Fall, Winter, Spring) are $20,080.
Program Overview:
Palo Alto University specializes in mental and behavioral health sciences. It offers two doctoral programs in clinical psychology, a Ph.D. and a Psy.D. In addition to completing the general training provided by the scientist practitioner model, students admitted to the Ph.D. program are able to specialize in one of eight key emphasis areas. Forensic psychology is one of these areas. Students on the Forensic track must complete a dissertation that contributes to the body of knowledge relevant to the intersection of psychology and law, complete an official practicum in a setting that provides forensically-relevant training, and complete 5 courses designed to fulfill training requirements and competencies for forensic psychologists.
Key Highlights:
- 97% of students secure an internship at an APA-accredited site.
- Over 70% of students receive financial aid. There are also a wide range of funding options, including scholarships, grants, and loans.
Additional Consideration:
- Typically, 75 students are admitted into the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program each year. This represents one of the largest cohort sizes of all clinical psychology Ph.D. programs and offers a nice sense of community.
- Over the past 5 years, retention rates for first-year students have ranged from 92% to 100%.
Accreditation Details: Accredited by the American Psychological Association.
Fielding Graduate University – PhD in Clinical Psychology (Forensic Psychology Concentration)
- Location
- 5 years
- Online
Modality: “Distributed delivery.” This means that educational offerings are distributed over a large geographic region and via a variety of systems, many of which are online.
GRE requirement: GRE scores not required.
Length: 179 credits. Full-time, 5-year program.
Tuition: $10,385 per term.
Program Overview:
Fielding Graduate University’s Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology is one of the only “distributed delivery” programs to be accredited by the APA. The program focuses on accessibility, so students come from diverse backgrounds and a significant portion live in rural areas, where access to graduate education is limited. Many of the components of this program are offered online. Students have the option to declare a concentration in one of four growing fields of psychology, including Forensic Psychology. Those who follow the forensic track must take 11 credits worth of courses focused on select forensic topics, in addition to completing one of the following: a forensically oriented dissertation, 6 additional credits of forensic courses, or first author status on a published research paper on a forensic topic or first author status on a conference poster or paper.
Key Highlights:
- The learning model offers a combination of face-to-face regional, research, and national sessions; independent study; online seminars; and virtual meetings between student peers, faculty, and alumni.
- Due to state licensing requirements, graduates of the program are not eligible for licensure in Oklahoma.
Additional Consideration:
- In order to ensure connections to vetted training sites, the program only considers applicants who reside in the contiguous United States and Canada.
- Most training can be completed locally to the student, but students may need to relocate to complete the internship in the final year of the program. The internship is a graduation requirement.
Accreditation Details: Accredited by the American Psychological Association.
Alliant International University – PhD in Clinical Psychology, Emphasis in Forensic Psychology
- Location
- 5 years
- Campus + Online
Modality: Predominantly on campus. Up to 20% of courses can be taken online.
GRE requirement: 80th percentile scores or better on the GRE Psychology Test.
Length: 149 units. Full-time, five-year program.
Tuition: $1,475 per unit.
Program Overview:
Within the Alliant International University system, there are four California School of Professional Psychology campuses: Fresno, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego. Each campus has both a Ph.D. and Psy.D. Clinical Psychology program. The Ph.D. programs follow a scholar practitioner model, in which research training and professional skill development are equally emphasized. Students can choose from one of nine areas of specialization, including forensic psychology. Those in the forensic track are required to complete a minimum of 500 practicum hours in two forensic settings and a dissertation related to forensic psychology.
Key Highlights:
- Financing is available in the form of scholarships, grants, part-time employment, and loans.
- Depending on the site, students may also pursue teaching assistantships.
- Additional Considerations:
- Though the programs at the four California School of Professional Psychology campuses are similar, they have distinct requirements.
- Transfer to another program or campus is not guaranteed.
Additional Consideration:
- All California School of Professional Psychology Ph.D. programs are accredited by the American Psychological Association.
Accreditation Details: Accredited by the American Psychological Association.
Montclair State University – Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, Emphasis in Forensic Psychology
- Location
- 5 years
- Campus
Modality: On campus.
GRE requirement: Submitting GRE scores is optional. Competitive applicants who have submitted GRE scores typically have GRE Quantitative and Verbal scores at or above the 50th percentile.
Length: 86 credits. Full-time, 5-year program.
Tuition: $32,534 per year.
Program Overview:
Montclair State University’s Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program adheres to a scientist practitioner model, emphasizing the integration of science and clinical practice. Students have the option to specialize in one of seven areas of study. Forensic Psychology is one of the seven areas. Course work for this specialization includes Introduction to Forensic Psychology; Forensic Psychology: Criminal Law; Forensic Psychology Assessment; Psychological Interventions in Forensic Settings; Forensic Psychology: Family Law; and Special Issues in Forensic Psychology: Supervision, Consultation, Ethics and Controversial Issues. Students must also complete a practicum in a forensic setting and conduct research on a forensic topic.
Key Highlights:
- The program offers opportunities for full funding, including stipends and tuition waivers through research fellowships, teaching assistantships, grants, and clinical training.
- The program is a STEM-designated degree program
Additional Consideration:
- The typical size of a cohort is 10 students.
- Approximately 25% of students choose the forensic track.
Accreditation Details: Accredited by the American Psychological Association.
University of Alabama – Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, Psychology-Law Concentration
- Location
- 5 years
- Campus
Modality: On campus.
GRE requirement: Optional.
Length: 60 credits. Full-time, five-year program.
Tuition: Yearly tuition for full-time students in state is $5,842.00. Yearly tuition for full-time students out-of-state is $17,271.00.
Program Overview:
The University of Alabama’s Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program follows a scientist practitioner model and, in doing so, provides broad research training, teaching opportunities, and applied clinical experience. Students can choose one of four areas of specialization, including Psychology and Law. Students on this track take courses focused on forensic psychology topics, including criminal and civil issues of competencies, mental state at the time of the offense, mitigation in sentencing, personal injury assessments, witness preparation, jury selection, delinquency, and psychology in correctional settings. Students also develop their own related research in conjunction with a mentor. Finally, students on this track receive forensic-relevant clinical training experiences.
Key Highlights:
- Each year ~82% of students present research at a regional or national conference and/or publish a scientific paper.
- Though labeled slightly differently, the Psychology and Law specialization fully prepares students for a career in forensic psychology.
Additional Consideration:
- The program seeks to admit 8 – 14 students per year.
- Students have the opportunity to obtain teaching, research, and clinical assistantships to cover the majority of program costs.
Accreditation Details: Accredited by the American Psychological Association. It has been continuously accredited by the APA since its inception in 1959.
Psy.D in Forensic Psychology Programs
For those looking for a degree that can lead to clinical practice, Psy.D. programs in forensic psychology would be the more appropriate path. These are the types of individuals who get their hands dirty in a clinical or crime scene setsetting are the types of roles typically featured on many crime dramas.
William James College – PsyD in Clinical Psychology, Forensic Psychology Concentration
- Location
- 5 years
- Campus
Modality: On campus.
GRE requirement: GRE is not required, but students who have taken the exam and feel their scores would enhance their application are free to submit them.
Length: 134 credits. Full-time, five-year program.
Tuition: $1845 per credit plus fees.
Program Overview:
The core values of William James College’s Clinical Psychology Psy.D. program include social justice, respect for diversity, and a multicultural perspective. Students choose one of five areas of concentration, including forensic psychology. The forensic psychology concentration provides students with the opportunity to expand upon the generalized training they receive within the main program to gain specialized training on forensic topics, including civil matters (e.g. child custody evaluations; lawsuits involving employment, personal injury, discrimination, and professional malpractice; child protection cases; involuntary civil commitment) and criminal matters (e.g. capacity to waive Miranda rights, competence to stand trial, criminal responsibility, aid in sentencing, transfer of juveniles to adult criminal court). In their third or fourth year, students in this concentration must spend one year at a site related to forensic work.
Key Highlights:
- Students have the opportunity to obtain teaching assistantships and to receive grants, scholarships, or stipends to assist with funding.
- In addition to topic-based concentrations, which include forensic psychology, students may choose a population-based concentration, including African and Caribbean Mental Health, Asian Mental Health, Latino Mental Health, LGBTQIA+ Studies, or Military and Veterans Psychology.
Additional Consideration:
- Approximately 100 students are admitted to the Psy.D. program each year.
- The forensic concentration is open to all students admitted to the program. Students declare their concentration in the fall of year 2 (or year 1 for advanced standing students). 12 students typically declare the forensic concentration each year.
Accreditation Details: Accredited by the American Psychological Association.
Spalding University, Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, Forensic Psychology Emphasis Area
- Location
- 5 years
- Campus
Modality: On campus.
GRE requirement: Not required.
Length: 117 credits. Full-time, five-year program.
Tuition: $38,340 per year plus fees
Program Overview:
Spalding University’s clinical psychology Psy.D. program follows a scholar practitioner model and provides generalist training that is grounded in evidence-based practice. Students have the opportunity to declare one of four areas of emphasis, including forensic psychology. The forensic emphasis area prepares students for competent and ethical practice in forensic psychology by integrating psychological theory, research, and applied clinical practice within legal and forensic settings. Four forensic courses are required in addition to general course requirements. Students also have the opportunity to complete practica and internships with court-involved or justice-involved populations in psychiatric hospitals, federal and state prisons, local jails, community correctional settings, and outpatient settings.
Key Highlights:
- Spalding University established one of the first Psy.D. programs in the country.
- Internship match rate was 100% for 10 of the last 12 years and 97% the other two years.
Additional Consideration:
- Students can receive practicum stipends and tuition remission as graduate assistants.
- Approximately 50% of students receive some form of financial assistance outside of student loans.
Accreditation Details: Accredited by the American Psychological Association.
Widener University – PsyD in Clinical Psychology, Forensic Psychology Concentration
- Location
- 5 years
- Campus
Modality: On campus.
GRE requirement: Not required.
Length: 120 credits. Full-time, five-year program.
Tuition: $1200 per credit plus fees
Program Overview:
Widener University’s Clinical Psychology Psy.D. program follows a scholar practitioner model and encourages an eclectic clinical approach. This means that students are exposed to several clinical orientations, including psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal, and family systems. In addition to generalist training, students choose from one of seven areas of concentration, of which forensic psychology is one. Students of the forensics concentration are trained to perform psycholegal assessments, diagnoses, testimonies, consultations, treatments, and interventions in contexts of criminal and civil law. To complete the program, students apply the knowledge gained through their coursework to a year-long internship in a forensic environment.
Key Highlights:
- Students can earn a dual degree in a related field in conjunction with their Psy.D. Students in the forensic concentration may choose to pursue a Master of Criminal Justice (MCJ) degree.
- Widener’s Psy.D. program was ranked 11 of 50 on PsyDPro.org’s Editor’s Choice list of the best APA-accredited Psy.D. programs.
Additional Consideration:
- Over 90% of students graduate within 5 years.
- 30-40 students are admitted each year.
Accreditation Details: Accredited by the American Psychological Association.
Florida Institute of Technology – Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, Forensic Emphasis
- Location
- 5 years
- Campus
Modality: On campus.
GRE requirement: General GRE is required. Psychology subject test is recommended.
Length: 123 credit hours. Full-time, five-year program.
Tuition: $32,271 per year.
Program Overview:
Florida Institute of Technology’s Clinical Psychology Psy.D. program follows a scientist practitioner model. The curriculum emphasizes clinical training and professional development. Students can choose from one of four areas of emphasis, including forensic psychology. Students on the forensic track are trained on relevant legal statutes and the use of forensic assessment tools to assess risk, malingering, and legal issues such as competency and sanity. In addition to forensic courses and clinical experiences, students can join the Forensic Psychology Students in Training (FPST) organization for Psy.D. graduate students with a forensic interest. The organization meets to discuss various topics in the field of forensic psychology and receive didactic training. Students have the opportunity to participate in mock trials, can request presentation topics, and also have the opportunity to present on forensic topics of interest.
Key Highlights:
- 50-70% of students receive grants, stipends, or assistantships.
- Most assistantships are teaching or research.
Additional Consideration:
- FIT has one of the more exclusive clinical psychology Psy.D. programs, accepting only 20 students per year.
- The mean number of years to complete the program per cohort from 2015- 2025 has ranged from 5 – 5.63 years.
Accreditation Details: Accredited by the American Psychological Association.
Modality: On campus.
GRE requirement: Applicants are not required to submit GRE scores, but the admissions committee encourages submission of GRE scores if the applicant believes the scores will enhance their overall application. A combined score greater than 297 for GRE verbal and quantitative is preferred.
Length: 119 credits. Full-time, five-year program.
Tuition: $1396 per credit plus fees.
Program Overview:
Nova Southeastern University’s Clinical Psychology Psy.D. program follows a scientist practitioner model, preparing students to provide empirically supported or evidence-based assessment and intervention methods and to evaluate their efficacy. Students can choose one of seven areas of concentration, including clinical forensic psychology. Coursework for the forensic track covers the following topics: Introduction to Forensic Psychology; Forensic Psychology: Criminal Law; Forensic Psychology Assessment; Psychological Interventions in Forensic Settings; Forensic Psychology: Family Law; and Special Issues in Forensic Psychology: Supervision, Consultation, Ethics and Controversial Issues. Students must also complete a practicum in an approved clinical program related to forensic psychology, and research activities with faculty in the field.
Key Highlights:
- 88% of program graduates are now licensed psychologists.
- The program boasts a nearly 100% matching success rate for internship placement, with close to 90% of students getting their first choice.
Additional Consideration:
- Each concentration accepts a limited number of students at admission or during the first or second year of study. Therefore, a student is not guaranteed a slot in a particular concentration.
- The mean number of years to complete the program per cohort from 2015- 2025 has ranged from 5.2 – 5.5 years.
Accreditation Details: Accredited by the American Psychological Association.
What is an APA-Accredited Forensic Psychology Program?
An APA-accredited forensic psychology program has met the qualifications to earn an accreditation status through the American Psychological Association. These programs are typically a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree with a specialization in forensic psychology, a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree with a concentration in forensic psychology, or other small variations.
It can take someone about four to five years to earn their PhD or PsyD degree once they have started the program assuming that they already have an undergraduate education, but longer without.
Sponsored Forensic Psychology Degree Programs
What is APA Accreditation?
APA stands for the American Psychological Association, which is the leading accrediting program in the United States. The APA has a Commission on Accreditation (the APA-CoA) that comprises 32 members who are passionate about the quality and consistency of psychology education. Their role is to evaluate psychology programs to ensure that they meet the criteria for accreditation, which includes a certain level of ethics, professionalism, scientific standards, and quality standards. The APA as a whole comprises professionals and experts in the field of psychology who want to innovate psychology education.
The other type of accreditation for psychology programs is the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). NASP-Accredited Psychology programs is an accrediting agency for individuals who want to become school psychologists.
Why Choose an APA-Accredited School for My Forensic Psychology Program?
APA accreditation ensures that your education will adequately prepare you for a career as a psychologist, including taking the licensing exam. This is because APA accredited psychology programs have gone through a rigorous process to prove that they are educating students to provide evidence-based services that have been proven to promote health and well-being.
This accreditation is good for schools because it appeals more to students over non-accredited schools, as students are investing in their education, and students can be assured that their investment is safe. A degree from an APA-accredited school may also be required from employers, as they recognize the importance of the title.
Accreditation creates consistency across the United States, which also holds benefits for students who need to move states and get a new state license, because the application process may be much easier. The benefits of attending an APA-accredited program can last many years beyond when you attend a program.
Requirements to Enroll in an APA-Accredited Forensic Psychology Program
Whether you are ready to apply for your APA-accredited forensic psychology program or need to do a little more research first, there are still a few things you can know about to become prepared. While the requirements might differ slightly between some universities, there are some standard expectations of information that you may need to submit:
- College transcripts. PhD and PsyD programs will accept you if you have your bachelor’s or master’s degree (although you may have to complete some prerequisite courses before applying to the doctoral program). However, you should have maintained a GPA of 3.0, or often above, as these programs are typically competitive.
- GRE scores. This is the Graduate Record Exam, a requirement that is being gradually phased out in general. However, some institutions still require that you take this test and submit the scores with your application. Review the requirements of your chosen psychology program to find out if they require the submission of a GRE.
- Essay/Personal statement. This portion involves writing a response to a prompt that is usually given by the program within the application. The questions often involve writing about your experiences, your goals, and how being a part of the program will help you meet those goals.
- Resume. This should list your employment and academic history, especially if it pertains to psychology. Each program will list specifically what they want to know about your professional history.
- Letters of recommendation. Institutions usually request that these come from previous educators (such as old professors) or employers.
APA-Accredited Forensic Psychology Program Scholarships and Grants
When it comes to earning a doctoral degree, finances may be a roadblock for some students. The benefit of pursuing a higher level degree is that there is frequently more financial assistance available through the university’s program via fellowships, grants, and assistantships. There also may be scholarships or other kinds of financial assistance available as long as a student remains in good standing within the program. To find out what your chosen program offers, you can view the university’s website, or reach out to their financial aid office to discuss options.
Additionally, the American Psychological Association has a foundation that offers funding opportunities for students. This organization is called the American Psychological Foundation. Through this foundation, multiple grants and scholarships are available.
Other forms of financial assistance that may be available for forensic psychology students include:
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid
- American Academy of Forensic Psychology
- Psychology Scholarships for Women
- Psychology Scholarships
- Psychology.org
FAQs
What is an APA-accredited forensic psychology program?
APA stands for the American Psychological Association. The APA is the primary programmatic accreditor in the United States for professional education and training in psychology. Students who wish to receive doctoral training in forensic psychology apply to clinical psychology doctoral programs that offer generalist training with the opportunity to specialize in forensic psychology. There are technically no doctoral programs focused strictly on forensic psychology.
The APA offers accreditation to vetted clinical psychology doctoral programs, some of which offer the opportunity to specialize in forensic psychology. APA accreditation assures the public that a program has clearly defined training aims that meet professional and scientific standards that support the successful, ethical, and skillful delivery of psychological services.
However, it is important to note that some states have licensing requirements that are more stringent than the APA. Therefore, some APA-accredited programs may not prepare students to earn a psychology license in every state.
Which college has the best Forensic Psychology program?
APA accreditation generally ensures a high quality of training. In terms of program popularity and exclusivity, Drexel University is at the top of the list for Ph.D. programs. Their application to admission ratio is roughly 600 to 5. Florida Institute of Technology is at the top of the list for Psy.D. programs. Their application to admission ratio is roughly 200 to 2.
What is the highest paying job in forensic psychology?
Geographic location plays a crucial role in determining forensic psychologist salaries. California boasts the highest average annual salary for forensic psychologists at $134,360. Practitioners focusing on civil litigation, including personal injury, custody evaluations, and workplace discrimination cases, often establish lucrative private practices. Annual earnings range from $110,000-$180,000, with experienced practitioners charging $400-$600 per hour for expert testimony.
Do you need an APA-accredited degree to become a licensed forensic psychologist?
If you intend to become a licensed forensic psychologist, it is strongly recommended that you attend an APA-accredited doctoral program. Most states deny licensure to graduates of doctoral programs that are not APA-accredited. However, it is important to note that some states have different requirements, so it is essential that you check with the licensing board of the state where you intend to practice.
How long does it take to complete a forensic psychology doctoral program?
The overwhelming majority of clinical psychology doctoral programs, including those that offer a forensic specialization, are designed to follow a 5-year track. However, students often take an additional semester to complete research requirements.
Are there online or hybrid APA-accredited forensic psychology programs?
Nearly all APA-accredited clinical psychology programs that offer forensic specializations require in-person or on-campus study. However, there are a few options for online or hybrid learning. These include the programs within the Alliant International University system and Fielding Graduate University.
What careers can you pursue with a degree in forensic psychology?
Psychologists with forensic specializations can work in criminal forensic psychology, civil forensic psychology, juvenile forensic psychology, police and public safety psychology, or correctional psychology, to name a few domains. Possible roles involve assessment, expert testimony, treatment, research, and teaching in the field of forensics.
How much do forensic psychologists make on average?
According to PsyDPrograms.org, the median annual salary for forensic psychologists is $117,750.
What is the difference between forensic psychology and criminal psychology?
Forensic psychology has a broader scope within the legal system than criminal psychology; Criminal psychology focuses on the psyches and behaviors of the individuals who commit crimes, while forensic psychology applies psychological principles to the legal system as a whole.
What is the difference between a Psy.D. and a Ph.D. in clinical psychology?
A Psy.D. is a Doctorate in Psychology, and a Ph.D. is a Doctorate in Philosophy. Both Psy.D. and Ph.D. degrees in Clinical Psychology prepare students for the clinical practice of psychology.
The main difference between the two is that clinical psychology Ph.D. programs are more research-oriented. This means that students who are interested in careers in research or academia will want to pursue a Ph.D. rather than a Psy.D. On average, Ph.D. programs take students slightly longer to complete, as the research requirements sometimes extend a semester (or more) beyond the 5-year track.
Finally, because of the research focus, Ph.D. programs typically offer the opportunity for a 1:1 pairing with a faculty research mentor. This means that Ph.D. cohorts are typically much smaller than Psy.D. cohorts. Therefore, admission to Ph.D. programs tends to be more competitive.
