Best Online Master’s in Forensic Psychology

The field of forensic psychology covers the connection between mental health, human behavior, and the criminal justice system. Earning a master’s in forensic psychology online serves as a good option for professionals interested in the biological nature of crime. With this psychology degree, students can pursue careers in the mental health field as well as many positions with the court system, victim services, juvenile facilities, childcare agencies, and corrections departments.

Coursework provides students with a deep understanding of psychological development, psychotherapeutic techniques, and personality assessment. Core classes in forensic psychology online master’s programs include maladaptive behavior, psychology of the victim, social psychology and aggression, crisis intervention, and ethical issues in forensic psychology. Popular concentrations include criminalistics, investigation, assessment and treatment, homeland security, and law enforcement.

Students typically take coursework in research methods to gain an understanding of data analysis and research design. Students may need to complete a final written exam, research project, and/or thesis in order to graduate. Some programs also require a minimum number of internship hours in a psychological setting under the supervision of a licensed mental health professional.

Students looking to attend forensic psychology master’s programs online can choose from two main learning formats. Some schools administer online programs in a synchronous format, while others deliver courses asynchronously. Synchronous programs require students to log on at specific times throughout the week for live lectures, discussions, and/or presentations. Synchronous programs often feature an instructor-paced curriculum, which means that students must progress through coursework and assignments at the same rate as their classmates.

Asynchronous programs, on the other hand, do not require any specific meeting times. Instead, students complete assignments and watch lectures on their own time. Asynchronous courses often incorporate discussion boards, where students can leave comments and chat with classmates. Students working toward their degree asynchronously still need to meet regular deadlines for homework assignments and readings.

Online programs in forensic psychology feature the same course materials as their on-campus counterparts regardless of the learning format. Also, online students still need to take exams. Participants may take timed exams online or they may need to report to a nearby testing center. Students who are self-motivated and possess great time-management skills often find success in online programs.

Students interested in forensic psychology can also consider several related programs. Other master’s tracks include similar coursework to a master’s in forensic psychology, and prospective students should thoroughly research all their options before deciding. For instance, students might prefer to pursue a master’s in psychology or a master’s in organizational psychology.

Earning a bachelor’s degree in forensic psychology can lead to entry-level roles in the field. For example, bachelor’s in psychology degree holders can find jobs related to social and community services and correctional counseling and treatment. However, earning a master’s degree can greatly expand your job options.

A master’s in psychology opens the door to specialized and advanced roles, and most state certification boards require licensed mental health counselors to earn a master’s degree. A graduate degree also expands your overall knowledge of forensic psychology, leading to more respect in the field. With your advanced skill set, organizations may be more willing to hire you as a consultant or expert witness. Additionally, a master’s degree can serve as a stepping stone toward a Ph.D, which is a required credential for clinical psychologists. The next section covers common career options and salaries for master’s in forensic psychology graduates.

As you begin your search for the right forensic psychology school, take your time to thoroughly research each school. If you dedicate enough time to your search, you will likely find an online college that perfectly fits your needs and interests. Consider the fact that each program offers different classes, specializations, capstone projects, and in-person requirements. Tuition rates also vary between schools—public, in-state programs tend to be the most affordable option.

Below, you can explore some of the top factors to consider when choosing between online forensic psychology master’s programs.

As you search for online forensic psychology master’s programs, be sure to only consider degree tracks offered by accredited institutions. Accredited schools offer the best programs, and attending an accredited university makes it easier to find a job, transfer between schools, and/or apply to a doctoral program. Employers and graduate schools usually only recognize accredited on-campus or online master’s degrees in forensic psychology. In addition, state licensing boards typically require licensed counselors to have graduated from an accredited university.

Schools can hold regional or national accreditation at the institutional level. Regional accrediting bodies typically deal with traditional universities, while national accrediting organizations evaluate vocational and technical schools. Both types of accreditation may be acceptable, but regional accreditation generally functions as the more prestigious, preferred designation. The U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation oversee accreditation agencies, ensuring that they maintain reasonable standards. You can find a list of all accredited institutions on either organization’s website.

While students can finish most programs in two years, several factors may affect the time it takes to earn a master’s in forensic psychology online. For example, program characteristics and a student’s own learning preferences can alter the length of a program.

Online forensic psychology master’s curricula generally incorporate 33-36 credits from 10-12 courses. The total time it takes to earn a degree depends on the number of credits a student takes each term. Learners with a full-time job or other responsibilities may enroll part time and finish their degree in more than two years. Alternatively, some learners double up on credits to complete the program at an accelerated pace. Some master’s programs also use a cohort format, requiring students to move through classes at the same rate with a group of their peers.

Many schools offer forensic psychology as a concentration within a master’s in psychology program. In addition, some schools in forensic psychology feature specialization areas that let students focus on topics they care about the most. Learners looking to pursue a career after graduation might consider opting for a concentration.

Graduates who earn a forensic psychology degree online can pursue a variety of career opportunities. These professionals primarily help individuals during the rehabilitation process, but they may also work at crime scenes aiding in investigations and analysis.