Online Forensic Psychology Schools

An online bachelor's degree in forensic psychology can lead to a career in the criminal justice system, law enforcement, government, and social services.

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Updated April 21, 2023 · 0 Min Read

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Online Forensic Psychology Schools

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Forensic psychologists profile criminals, interview witnesses, help lawyers select juries, and provide expert testimony. Other forensic psychologists advance the field by performing research. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that psychologists in all specialties need a doctorate to practice and earn a median $82,180 annual salary.

An undergrad degree in psychology does not qualify graduates to become forensic psychologists, but alumni can help bring criminals to justice as forensic science technicians. These professionals collect and analyze crime scene evidence. The BLS projects the need for forensic science technicians to grow 14% from 2019-2029.


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Forensic Psychology Degree Questions


Is a forensic psychology degree worth it?

An online forensic psychology degree allows graduates to apply for entry-level positions or start a graduate degree.

What kinds of jobs can you get with a forensic psychology degree?

Forensic psychology degree jobs for bachelor's degree-holders include parole officer, residential youth counselor, and crime analyst. Other career paths require a master's or doctorate.

Are forensic psychologists in demand?

The BLS projects the need for psychologists to grow 3% from 2019-2029, approximately as fast as the average projected growth rate for all U.S. careers.

What is the difference between forensic psychology and forensic science?

Professionals in both fields strive to solve crimes and bring criminals to justice. Forensic scientists examine physical evidence, while forensic psychologists study crime's psychological underpinnings.

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Featured Online Programs

Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.

Why Get a Degree in Forensic Psychology?

A forensic psychology degree may qualify graduates for admission to a master's or doctoral program. Alumni entering the workforce explore numerous career paths in the law enforcement and nonprofit sectors. Other benefits include mastering transferable skills, an advantage for forensic psychology professionals who decide to switch careers.

Students pursuing an online forensic psychology degree experience the same learning outcomes as their on-campus peers while enjoying an asynchronous curriculum. This learning style allows students to schedule coursework around other responsibilities, such as raising children or working a full-time job. Online learning also allows prospective degree-seekers to explore local and out-of-state degrees.

How Much Does a Forensic Psychology Degree Cost?

A forensic psychology degree's cost differs by school. Public institutions favor in-state students by charging them the lowest tuition rate. However, some schools with online forensic psychology degrees may offer the same affordable tuition rate to all learners. Fees applicable to online bachelor's degree-seekers may include general fees and challenge examination fees.

Online students save money on a degree by not needing certain on-campus services, such as housing or meals. A degree's cost drops further because learners do not relocate to attend school or commute to campus daily. Degree-seekers with small children may also avoid costly childcare services.

Prospective students further reduce their out-of-pocket costs by applying to schools offering institutional and departmental financial aid. Many institutions award scholarships and grants to incoming freshmen and transfer students with high GPAs and test scores. Some schools provide additional assistance to veterans and alumni.

Break down your current financial situation, and receive a college tuition estimate you can afford to pay.

How Much Do Forensic Psychology Majors Make?

Forensic science technicians with a bachelor's degree earn a median $60,590 annual salary. Professionals working for state governments and testing laboratories may make slightly more. Another way to increase salary potential in this profession involves relocating to California, Illinois, or Massachusetts. The annual median salary in these states exceeds $79,000, but workers there may face a higher cost of living.

Other forensic psychology degree jobs include police and detectives, who earn approximately $7,000 more annually than the typical forensic science technician. Detectives and criminal investigators with a college education make more. States offering the highest mean salaries include Alaska, Maryland, and Hawaii. Experienced police officers and detectives in these states may earn upwards of $126,340.

No matter their career, forensic psychology professionals earn more by attaining on-the-job experience and demonstrating their value to superiors. One way to enhance psychology degree jobs involves earning an industry certification or university certificate.

Forensic Psychology Course Work

A forensic psychology curriculum emphasizes the field's roles and responsibilities, different criminological theories, abnormal psychology, and criminal behavior. Other graduation requirements include general education courses. Top programs conclude with a capstone project where learners work with a professor to perform original research on a challenge facing the field.

The sample curriculum below features three courses many online forensic psychology degrees require. Not all programs offer them, so consult a program's website to learn more about graduation requirements. Admissions counselors provide valuable information regarding the student experience.

Certifications and Licensure for Forensic Psychology

Graduates may need more than a forensic psychology degree to obtain a well-paying job. Many employers require job applicants to obtain a license or professional certification. Typical eligibility criteria include possessing an undergraduate or graduate degree, passing an exam, and attaining work experience. Professionals renew their license or certification by taking professional development courses.

Experienced professionals with a forensic psychology degree increase their employability by earning the CSC. Eligibility requirements include five years of experience and scoring a minimum 75% on the certification exam. CSC recertification involves passing another exam, submitting recommendation letters, and showing proof of professional development. A state-issued license allows professionals with a Ph.D. or Psy.D. to treat patients unsupervised. Candidates must obtain 2,000 hours of supervised work experience and pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology. Many states require a second exam covering relevant state laws and regulations. The American Board of Professional Psychology awards board certification to licensed forensic psychologists with significant professional experience. Candidates take a 208-question exam covering professional issues, civil competence, and relevant laws. Certification benefits may include accessing more job opportunities, networking with like-minded peers, and receiving an automatic pay raise.

Scholarships for Forensic Psychology Students

Scholarships make a forensic psychology degree more affordable and accessible. Applicants should possess a competitive high school or undergraduate GPA. Other requirements may include a personal essay and recommendation letters. Numerous scholarships like those below support the next generation of psychologists.

Scholarships for Forensic Psychology Students
Scholarship Amount Who Can Apply

American Psychology-Law Society Award for Best Undergraduate Paper

$150-$500 AP-LS asks applicants to submit a maximum 25-page academic paper on the relationship between psychology and the law. Other requirements include a recommendation letter from a mentor.

Lizette Peterson-Homer Injury Prevention Grant

$5,000 Undergraduates performing research on how to prevent common childhood abuse, accidents, or injuries may qualify. Application materials include a five-page project proposal detailing research methodology and goals.

Women in Federal Law Enforcement Scholarship Program

$2,500 The WIFLE Scholarship Program awards funding to women preparing for a law enforcement career. Applicants must possess a minimum 3.0 GPA and study full time.

Online Forensic Psychology Degrees

#1 Online Forensic Psychology Schools

National Louis University

  • Chicago, IL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

With a main campus in Chicago, Illinois, National Louis University is a private institution. Learners can study in person or in a distance learning format. The school's 31 online programs include 13 options for bachelor's degree-seekers. After completing the online bachelor of arts in criminal justice, graduates often enter rewarding careers.

The program requires at least 120 credits. The curriculum includes general education courses, core classes within the major, and electives. Faculty mentors assist learners as they tailor the program to their interests and career aspirations. Internship opportunities help students prepare to impress employers after graduation.

The institution holds accreditation, which means enrollees can submit the FAFSA to receive federal loans and grants, such as the Pell Grant. The school reports that 92% of undergraduates receive financial aid. Prospective students can contact the institution for details about application deadlines and requirements.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$13,200
Out-of-state
$13,200
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,646
Out-of-state
$11,646
Retention Rate
58%
Acceptance Rate
98%
Students Enrolled
7,005
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
47% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#2 Online Forensic Psychology Schools

Faulkner University

  • Montgomery, AL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

With 79 programs, Faulkner University educates students based in Alabama and throughout the country. The private institution delivers bachelor's programs in online and in-person learning formats. Students interested in forensic psychology careers can pursue an online bachelor of science in forensic psychology.

The program emphasizes scheduling flexibility. Graduates can apply the critical thinking and analytical skills gained during general education coursework to careers in a variety of fields. Hands-on experiential learning opportunities allow degree-seekers to apply field-specific knowledge and skills. Undergraduates can receive career and curriculum advice from faculty mentors and academic advisors.

The institution's affordable tuition rates make undergraduate studies more accessible. Students can discuss funding options, including grants and scholarships, with qualified financial aid counselors.

Faulkner University Facts:

Number of Online Students: 1,657

Applicants Admitted: 78%

Total Bachelor's Programs: 49

Online Bachelor's Programs: 12

Transfer Credits Permitted: No

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$20,480
Out-of-state
$20,480
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,080
Out-of-state
$10,080
Retention Rate
61%
Acceptance Rate
78%
Students Enrolled
3,036
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
55% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

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