Online PhD In Forensic Psychology

Forensic psychology entails the study of psychological dynamics relevant to legal cases. Forensic psychologists collaborate with legal professionals in assessing criminal motivation, behavior, and mental health. Forensic psychologists often examine evidence, conduct interviews, and analyze situations. This field features various specializations, including family, civil, and criminal cases.

A degree in forensic psychology supports various careers, including crime scene consultant, criminal researcher, criminal profiler, or forensic psychologist. Some forensic psychology Ph.D. graduates pursue academic careers as postsecondary teachers and researchers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects an average job growth rate of 3% for forensic psychologists during 2019-2029.

Forensic psychology programs bring many potential benefits, including meaningful work, salary advancement, and promotion. Forensic psychologists contribute to the justice system, informing major decisions about mental competency, sentencing, and treatment.

Psychology doctoral degrees can lead to promotions and boost salaries considerably. March 2021 PayScale data reports that psychology Ph.D. graduates earn an average $89,820 annually. Doctoral degree-holders garner almost $30,000 more than those with just a psychology degree. This data suggests that a forensic psychology Ph.D. can pay for itself within a few years.

In exchange for teaching or research work, many Ph.D. programs offer graduate student assistantships covering tuition and some additional costs. Online programs constitute another affordable way to earn this degree. See below for more information on the costs of forensic psychology programs.

Pricing for forensic psychology Ph.D. programs varies widely. Talented Ph.D. students sometimes receive tuition remission and a living stipend in exchange for teaching or research. Degree-seekers not eligible for this competitive funding often save money by attending online programs. Distance learners save money on commuting and residency costs, and many enrollees maintain their jobs and income while studying.

According to a 2020 report, tuition at public, in-state, four-year schools averages $10,560 annually. Many Ph.D. candidates require at least five years to finish, but many programs do not charge full-time tuition for dissertation work. In-state students at public universities typically pay significantly less than learners at private universities or out-of-state public universities.

Some schools allow online students to pay in-state tuition rates. Online learners in high-tuition states like Vermont can save money by attending online programs based in inexpensive states like California. Tuition in California averages nearly 75% less than in Vermont.

March 2021 PayScale data indicates that psychology Ph.D. graduates average about $89,820 annually. This degree can lead to various forensics careers. Lower- and middle-tier positions may include criminologists, who average $44,990 annually, according to September 2020 PayScale data. Forensic psychology graduates with a criminal justice background may become criminal investigators, who average around $61,790 as of March 2021. Other positions include criminal profiler, criminal researcher, and crime scene consultant.

Many doctorate-holders pursue advanced careers such as forensic psychologist, researcher, or professor. Forensic psychology salaries vary by position, employer, sector, and experience, but the BLS cites a $80,370 median annual salary for psychologists. Postsecondary teachers earn a similar median annual salary of $79,540. Some graduates may hold law degrees and work as criminal prosecutors or defense lawyers, who often earn over $80,000.

Forensic psychology Ph.D. curricula include core courses in criminal justice, clinical psychology, and forensic psychology. Enrollees learn about mental health law, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Ph.D. candidates gain practical experience through multiple supervised internships. Doctoral programs usually include a dissertation involving advanced, original research and writing.

Common forensic psychology subfields and electives may include correctional psychology, police psychology, victimology, and criminology. The core courses below appear in many, but not all, forensic psychology Ph.D. programs.

A forensic psychology Ph.D. usually meets degree requirements for careers in this field. However, some jobs require additional licensure or certification from state boards or professional organizations. See below for some popular forensic psychology credentials available to graduates of forensic psychology programs.

Graduate students may qualify for fellowships or scholarships based on identity, field of study, financial profile, or academic achievement. Ph.D. students in forensic psychology programs may qualify for the following three financial awards.