What is a Masters in Forensic Psychology?
Do you enjoy uncovering mysteries? Do you watch crime drama TV shows or listen to true-life podcasts for fun? If you’ve ever been curious about criminal behavior and its circumstances, you may be interested in Forensic Psychology.
Forensic Psychologists are specialized professional psychologists who use their knowledge and expertise to analyze behavior and predict outcomes to help the judicial and legal systems. Their overall goal is the same as all psychologists: to understand human behavior but from a criminal viewpoint.
To enroll in a master’s of forensic psychology program, you must obtain a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field. There are two types of master’s degrees in forensic psychology: master of arts and master of science. Master of arts programs tend to prepare students to work in counseling and rehabilitating criminals. Master of science programs prepare students to do assessments, research, and aid law enforcement in crime-solving.
In a masters of forensic psychology program, you will learn universal psychological theories as well as topics such as
- Psychology and Law,
- Criminology,
- Risk and Threat Assessment,
- Evaluation and Treatment of Offenders,
- Offender Profiling,
- Correctional Psychology.
As a Forensic Psychologist, you may work in various settings such as law firms, national security and law enforcement agencies, social services and child welfare agencies, prisons, and treatment facilities.
Table of Contents
How long does it take to get a master’s in Forensic Psychology?
A master’s degree in Forensic Psychology typically takes 1 to 2 years. Most programs require 30 or more graduate credits, most credits completed in the core curriculum, and some specialization or elective credit courses.
Online Masters in Forensic Psychology Programs:
Online programs allow students to study on a schedule that works best for them. Most online educational programs are established in a way that allows the student to log in and complete work on their schedule. Online programs are more affordable than in-person programs. Online programs also have more flexible start and end dates depending on the school.
Nova Southeastern University
- Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Online
Modality: 100% online
Credit Hours: 36
GRE: Not Required
Tuition: $16,110 per year (18 credits)
Program Overview:
Nova’s Fully Accredited 36 credit program in Forensic Psychology offers two specializations: Forensic Psychology in the Legal System and Forensic Psychology for Mental Health Workers, First Responders and Disaster Teams. This Masters program requires a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA or higher for admission as well as an essay, letters of recommendation and a possible interview.
Arizona State University
- Tempe, Arizona
- Online
Modality: fully online
Credit Hours: 33
GRE: Not Required
Tuition: approx. $718/credit
Program Overview:
ASU’s online Masters of Science in Forensic Psychology has intermittent start dates for the 8 week class sessions. This program prepares students for admission to a doctoral program in Forensic Psychology. They require a 3.0 GPA from undergraduate studies, application, personal statement and letter or recommendation for admission.
Southern New Hampshire University
- Manchester, NH
- Online
Modality: fully online
Credit Hours: 36
GRE: Not Required
Tuition: $637/credit
Program Overview:
SNHU has many online and in-person graduate programs. The Masters in Psychology with a concentration in Forensics has no set log-in time, allowing students to work when they want. This degree will enable graduates to work in Law Enforcement, Court Systems, Probation Departments and Government.
Liberty University
- Lynchburg, VA
- Online
Modality: fully online
Credit Hours: 36
GRE: Not Required
Tuition: $565/credit
Program Overview:
Liberty University is a non-profit, Christian school in Lynchburg, Virginia. Their Master of Science in Forensic Psychology is accredited by SACSCOC (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The program consists of 100% online classes that are 8 weeks long each.
Oklahoma State University
- Tulsa, OK
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 32
GRE: Not Required
Tuition: OK Resident: $233.80/credit, Non-Resident: $364/credit
Program Overview:
Full-time and part-time study available The focus is on criminal behavior analysis enabling students to become better investigators. This program does not prepare students to become counseling psychologists. There is a capstone creative project component with elective classes in Forensic Psychology, Forensic Victimology and Criminal Behavior Analysis.
No GRE Required Masters in Forensic Psychology Programs:
The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is a standardized test sometimes required for admission to graduate schools. Often, masters level programs do not require the submission of test scores for admission. They base admission on undergraduate GPA and performance criteria, writing ability evidenced by an essay or personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
The following programs do not require the submission of GRE test scores for admission:
University of North Dakota
- Grand Forks, ND
- Online + Campus
Modality: On Campus or Online
Credit Hours: 30
GRE: Not Required
Tuition: On Campus: $569/credit, Online: $660/credit
Program Overview:
UND offers both on-campus and online options. The on-campus program is a master of science degree and the online program is a master of arts. Both programs are regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Roger Williams University (Rhode Island)
- Providence, RI
- In-person
Modality: In-person
Credit Hours: 60
GRE: Not Required
Tuition: $1,812/credit
Program Overview:
RWU offers a master of arts in Forensic Mental Health Counseling. This unique program prepares students to become Licensed Mental Health Counselors who can also go on to enroll in a Psy.D. Forensic Psychology program after graduation. RWU’s program requires 60 credit hours with 48 credits of core curriculum and 12 credits of practicum and internship experience hours.
John Jay College of Criminal Justice (CUNY)
- New York, NY
- In-person
Modality: In-person
Credit Hours: 42
GRE: Not Required
Tuition: $470/credit
Program Overview:
One of the most prestigious schools in the Criminal Justice field, John Jay offers a 42 credit MA in Forensic Psychology with dual path options: Externship or Thesis. John Jay also offers a Forensic Mental Health Counseling MA program that leads to licensure.
Marymount University (VA)
- Arlington, VA
- In-person
Modality: In-person
Credit Hours: 39
GRE: Not Required
Tuition: $1,275/credit
Program Overview:
Marymount University offers a master of arts in Forensic and Legal Psychology with the option to add a concentration in Intelligence Studies.
The program is cohort style and only has fall enrollment. Students can take advantage of internship and observation experiences available in the DC area criminal justice system.
Touro University Worldwide
- Los Angeles, CA
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 36
GRE: Not Required
Tuition: $500/credit
Program Overview:
Touro University Worldwide is a division of Touro College in Los Angeles and offers a master of science in Forensic Psychology. Students have the option for one of two concentrations: Community Criminal Issues and Sex Offender Issues. This program does not provide licensure or certification but prepares students to further their education toward a Ph.D. or Psy.D. in Forensic Psychology.
Accelerated Masters in Forensic Psychology Programs:
Accelerated programs combine an undergraduate and graduate degree in sequential years. Combining these two degrees within a 5 to 6-year time frame can save money and time and streamline a student’s education, allowing them to focus on a particular in-depth subject matter, conduct research, or participate in an internship.
Neumann University
- Aston, PA
- In-person
Modality: In-person
Credit Hours: 36
GRE: Not Required
Tuition: $830/credit
Program Overview:
Neumann University has two Dual Degree programs (4+2). They offer a bachelors in Criminal Justice and MS in Forensic Psychology and a bachelors in Psychology and MS in Forensic Psychology. Undergraduate students in these accelerated programs begin taking graduate courses in their junior year and must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA to remain in the program. The master of science in Forensic Psychology has two tracks: Research/Traditional/Thesis Track and Applied/Intelligence Studies/Practicum Track
Southern Connecticut State University
- New Haven, CT
- In-person
Modality: In-person
Credit Hours: 30
GRE: Not Required
Tuition: $484/credit
Program Overview:
SCSU promotes a 5-year bachelor’s and master’s of Psychology program. Undergraduate students begin graduate level work in the 4th year.
The curriculum prepares students to go on and complete a doctoral degree in Forensic Psychology. Acceleration saves the student on the cost of 6 credits of tuition.
University of Connecticut (UCONN)
- Storrs, CT
- In-person
Modality: In-person
Credit Hours: 30
GRE: Not Required
Tuition: Yearly: In-State: $46,796, Out-of-State: $68,912
Program Overview:
UCONN offers an accelerated master of science in Psychological Sciences where a student can complete a bachelor’s and master’s degree in 5 years.
Students can concentrate in Social Psychology and then pursue a doctorate in Forensic Psychology. This program is highly selective and accepts only 10 students per year.
Most Affordable Masters in Forensic Psychology Programs:
Education costs are higher than ever, but obtaining your master’s degree does not have to break the bank. You can find affordable, quality programs at the following institutions. Shop around for the best prices and save yourself from a lifetime of student debt.
Fairleigh Dickinson University: MA in Forensic Psychology
- Teaneck, NJ
- In-person
Modality: In-person
Credit Hours: 36
GRE: Not Required
Tuition: $647/credit
Program Overview:
The FDU master of arts program will cost you $23,292. This is a reduced tuition rate compared to the undergraduate tuition rate at FDU. The application is free, and the GRE is not required for admission.
University of California Irvine: Master of Legal and Forensic Psychology
- Irvine, CA
- Online + In-person
Modality: online with one in-person class
Credit Hours: 52
GRE: Not Required
Tuition: $608/credit
Program Overview:
UC Irvine’s 52 credit masters program takes 2 years to complete. It is mostly an online curriculum with one mandatory in-person introductory course. Fees for the Fall 2023 Cohort were $15,810 per year. The total cost to complete the program is $31,620.
Grand Canyon University: MS in Psychology with an emphasis on Forensic Psychology
- Phoenix, AZ
- Online + In-person
Modality: Online or In-person
Credit Hours: 36
GRE: Not Required
Tuition: $530/credit
Program Overview:
Grand Canyon University’s classes are offered online or in-person with evening sessions. The MS in Psychology is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The 36 credit program at $530/credit will cost a total of $19.080.
University of Louisiana at Monroe: MS in Psychology with a Forensics Track
- Monroe, LA
- Online + In-person
Modality: Online and In-person
Credit Hours: 36
GRE: Not Required
Tuition: $500/credit
Program Overview:
The 36 credit program at $500/credit totals $18,000 plus fees.
U of L Monroe offers a concentration in Forensics and includes topics such as Psychopathology, Counseling in Criminal Justice, Sociology of Law and Advanced Forensic Psychology. In-state residents pay a reduced rate compared to out-of-state residents for in-person classes. Online classes are all the same fee regardless of location and include minimal fees.
Touro University Worldwide
- Los Angeles, CA
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 30
GRE: Not Required
Tuition: $500
Program Overview:
Separate from the Touro University Worldwide Master of Science in Forensic Psychology, this program is a Master of Arts in Psychology with a concentration in Forensics. The 30 credit program at $500/credit totals $15,000. Classes are 8 weeks long, and the entire program can be completed in one year. Graduates will be eligible to work in child services, family service agencies, victim advocacy, and assistance.
A master’s degree in forensic psychology can allow you to work in an exciting and rewarding field. While a master’s degree will not allow you to be licensed as a psychologist, it will qualify you to work for family service agencies, law enforcement, homeland security, child welfare agencies, the court system, and non-profit organizations. The services these agencies and groups provide are vital to a peaceful and thriving society.
Obtaining your master’s degree in forensic psychology can also be a step toward completing a doctoral degree and becoming a licensed forensic psychologist. No matter which path you choose, you can have a challenging and fulfilling career in the legal and judicial system.
