The Best Forensic Psychology Degrees for 2025
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The forensic psychology field has captivated people around the world, partly due to the popularity of police procedural dramas on television. However, beyond entertainment, this interdisciplinary field can provide prospective students with a fulfilling and practical career path.
By combining principles of psychology and law, forensic psychology students learn how to navigate the complex intersection of mental health and the criminal justice system. Discover some of the best forensic psychology programs, admission requirements, and potential career paths and salaries in this guide.
Popular Online Forensic Psychology Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
The Best Forensic Psychology Programs of 2025
Bay Path University
Longmeadow, MA- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$35,781
- Out-of-state$35,781
- In-State$19,235
- Out-of-state$19,235
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance Rate76%
- Students Enrolled2,465
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment78%
- AccreditationYes
Quincy University
- Quincy, IL
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$31,940
- Out-of-state$31,940
- In-State$12,000
- Out-of-state$12,000
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance Rate50%
- Students Enrolled1,192
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment63%
- AccreditationYes
Walla Walla University
- College Place, WA
- 4 year
- Campus
- In-State$30,672
- Out-of-state$30,672
- In-State$27,105
- Out-of-state$27,105
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate60%
- Students Enrolled1,357
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment13%
- AccreditationYes
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice
- New York, NY
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,930
- Out-of-state$14,880
- In-State$11,090
- Out-of-state$20,520
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate55%
- Students Enrolled13,319
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment71%
- AccreditationYes
Florida Institute of Technology
- Melbourne, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$42,770
- Out-of-state$42,770
- In-State$22,338
- Out-of-state$22,338
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate63%
- Students Enrolled8,585
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment41%
- AccreditationYes
Thomas College
- Waterville, ME
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$28,954
- Out-of-state$28,954
- In-State$28,954
- Out-of-state$28,954
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate97%
- Students Enrolled1,737
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment30%
- AccreditationYes
Saint Ambrose University
- Davenport, IA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$34,290
- Out-of-state$34,290
- In-State$19,040
- Out-of-state$19,040
- Retention Rate83%
- Acceptance Rate73%
- Students Enrolled2,703
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment8%
- AccreditationYes
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott
- Prescott, AZ
- 4 year
- Campus
- In-State$38,976
- Out-of-state$38,976
- In-State$19,488
- Out-of-state$19,488
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate68%
- Students Enrolled3,162
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment9%
- AccreditationYes
Vermont State University
- Randolph, VT
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$14,712
- Out-of-state$28,128
- In-State$13,410
- Out-of-state$25,650
- Retention Rate60%
- Acceptance Rate54%
- Students Enrolled1,369
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment48%
- AccreditationYes
St. Andrews University
- Laurinburg, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$28,600
- Out-of-state$28,600
- In-State$25,800
- Out-of-state$25,800
- Retention Rate59%
- Acceptance Rate65%
- Students Enrolled809
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment51%
- AccreditationYes
Our Ranking Methodology
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Psychology.org reserves the right to exclude any schools that lack significant data from the rankings to ensure accurate calculations. This list is for 2025. For more about how Psychology.org evaluates and ranks education programs, visit our full ranking methodology.
What to Look For in a Forensic Psychology School
When considering a forensic psychology degree, the most important factor to consider is the school’s accreditation. Students interested in a doctorate in forensic psychology should seek out programs accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA).
APA accreditation demonstrates that the program meets the standards set by the American Psychological Association. Currently, the APA does not currently accredit fully online doctorate programs.
Other factors to consider include the program format (online, hybrid, on-campus), the curriculum, available electives, tuition costs, and the availability of financial aid options.
Practical Experience Requirements
Forensic psychology careers require different degree levels and field experience. For example, if you are interested in becoming a licensed forensic psychologist, you must attend graduate school and earn a doctorate. For a career in the correctional system, such as a police or parole officer, most entry-level positions require a bachelor’s degree, depending on state regulations.
Graduate programs require fieldwork, including practicums and internships. The practicum typically occurs during your first year and includes mostly observation, with some hands-on work. During an internship, you work on real cases under close supervision.
How Much Will a Degree in Forensic Psychology Cost?
Forensic psychology degrees range from $12,000-$17,800 per year depending on the degree level. In general, a forensic psychology program at a private school will cost more than one at a public school, and an online program can help save room and board costs.
Some online programs at public schools offer the same tuition to all students, whether they live in the state or not. The final cost of a forensic psychology degree depends on your financial aid, including scholarships and grants, which can significantly reduce overall costs.
| Degree | Traditional | Online |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s in Psychology | $17,800 | $12,000 |
| Master’s in Psychology | $14,040 | $12,050 |
| Doctorate in Psychology | $14,800 | $15,970 |
These estimates do not include other student expenses such as technology requirements or books and materials.
What Are the Admission Requirements for a Forensic Psychology Degree Program?
Admission requirements for a forensic psychology program help assess your academic background and your potential to achieve in the program. In general, a GPA of 3.0 or higher in your most recent transcripts and good references can help you stand out. At the doctoral level, you must also demonstrate academic research and writing skills.
There are relatively few bachelor’s programs in forensic psychology, though some offer specializations or minors.
Most forensic psychology graduate programs accept students with any major that includes courses relevant to forensic psychology. These usually include psychological assessment methods; conducting psychology research; abnormal and criminal psychology; social psychology; counseling; and courses in crime and criminology.
What Can I Do with a Degree in Forensic Psychology?
A forensic psychology degree can prepare you for a range of careers in psychology, law, the judicial system, the correctional system, or academia. To be a psychologist or professor, you must have a doctorate. Other careers require a bachelor’s or master’s in forensic psychology.
| Career | Education | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Forensic Psychologist | Doctorate in Forensic Science Psychology | $80,060 |
| Forensic Science Technician | Bachelor’s in Forensic Science or Related Field | $64,940 |
| Probation Officer and Correctional Treatment Specialist | Bachelor’s in Forensic Science or Related Field | $61,800 |
| Victim Advocate | Bachelor’s in Forensic Science or Related Field | $43,950 |
To become a forensic psychologist, you typically need a bachelor’s degree, followed by a master’s and a doctorate.
After your doctorate, you must complete a period of supervised experience under a licensed psychologist and obtain licensure. The specific period varies by state, so be sure to check your state regulations for details.
You can also pursue board certification in forensic psychology from the American Board of Professional Psychology.
Frequently Asked Questions About Forensic Psychology Colleges
Forensic psychology is the field of psychology that specializes in law and criminality. Forensic psychologists work in the criminal justice system, government, legal system, and programs to prevent crime. They also support survivors or help prevent previous offenders from returning to crime.
Forensic psychology focuses on understanding the intersection of psychology and the legal system, including the causes and prevention of crime and offender profiling.
