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 factors to consider when choosing a program.
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
Psychology.org ranks education programs using data from reputable sources like the U.S. Department of Education. Our vetting process also includes a quality assurance team that assesses datasets for accuracy.
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.
How To Choose A Forensic Psychology Program
When comparing forensic psychology programs, it’s important to consider several factors, including its accreditation, how well it can prepare you for potential careers, and the total cost after financial aid.
Other important considerations include the program’s admission requirements and format.
Use the following five factors to help you analyze potential schools and create a shortlist of options:
Accreditation
If you’re studying psychology at the bachelor’s level, make sure the school you attend is accredited. Look for accreditation endorsements from organizations recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Graduate students can look for programs accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA), which only accredits graduate degrees, including master’s in forensic psychology and doctoral programs.
APA accreditation is especially important if you’re planning to become a licensed forensic psychologist. Many state-level licensing agencies require candidates to hold APA-accredited doctoral degrees.
Admission Requirements
Schools vary in their admission standards: Some have more inclusive policies, while others are selective and competitive. In either case, you’ll want to ensure your academic and personal backgrounds match the admission requirements published by the school.
Career Relevance
Schools offer specialized forensic psychology degrees at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Look carefully at program objectives and available courses to ensure they align with your interests and goals. You can also complete an undergraduate psychology generalist program before pursuing a forensic specialty as a graduate student.
Flexibility
If you need scheduling flexibility, look at each program’s offerings. Some programs follow only full-time, in-person delivery formats, which may not be ideal for working adults and other nontraditional learners.
Online psychology programs generally maximize flexibility, especially if they have asynchronous courses with no set class times. Studying part-time can also make scheduling easier, but it also extends your completion timeline.
Cost and Financial Aid
Forensic psychology programs can be expensive, but it’s possible to minimize future student debt. Look beyond tuition fees to consider what each school offers in terms of scholarships and financial aid awards. These funding sources can dramatically reduce the amount you actually pay out-of-pocket.
Many of the best colleges for forensic psychology offer graduate students additional funding, especially at the doctoral level. These may include grants, tuition waivers, teaching positions, and stipends. Applying for these opportunities can help control college costs.
How To Apply To A Forensic Psychology Program
While each school has its own application process, many forensic psychology colleges share common requirements. The steps outlined below describe the typical college application process:
- 1
Meet Admission Requirements
Associate and bachelor’s forensic psychology programs typically require a high school diploma or its equivalent and a minimum grade point average. Some may also require SAT or ACT scores.
As a graduate applicant, you’ll likely need at least a bachelor’s degree in a related area like criminal justice, psychology, or a related social science field. You may also need high grades in your undergraduate major coursework.
- 2
Research Testing Requirements
While many schools have moved away from mandatory testing requirements, they may still apply. As an undergraduate, you might need ACT or SAT scores. As a graduate, you may need to submit GRE or MAT scores.
If schools require tests, they’ll often specify the minimum scoring requirements you must meet for admissions consideration. You can also contact the school to request this information if it isn’t readily available.
- 3
Prepare Supporting Documentation
Schools commonly require these additional documents and materials:
- Academic transcripts from all schools you’ve previously attended.
- A personal essay or statement of purpose describing your career plans and reasons for applying.
- Letters of recommendation from people who know you well academically or professionally, such as teachers, guidance counselors, or supervisors who can endorse you as a strong program candidate/
Some schools may also use admissions interviews to evaluate applicants.
- 4
Submit Your Application
Pay any application fees, and check to see if the school requires additional proof of payment. Double-check all your application materials for accuracy and completeness, and submit your documents as instructed by the school or its psychology department.
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 people who committed crimes from recommitting.
Forensic psychology focuses on understanding the intersection of psychology and the legal system, including the causes and prevention of crime and offender profiling.
