Forensic Psychology Degrees and Career Profile
(found programs from 62 schools)

Online Degrees in Forensic Psychology

Studying online is a popular way for students to learn forensic psychology. Most of these programs are designed with the idea that the student will leave academics after obtaining a master's degree in forensic psychology and begin working in some aspect of the criminal justice system.

Although licensure requirements vary from state to state, most states do not require a forensic psychologist to be certified or licensed.

Getting a master's degree in forensic psychology is a good career move if you are already working in some area of law enforcement and want a chance to advance your career. Many online programs in forensic psychology require minimal, if any, time spent on campus, and some do not even require internships.Admissions criteria vary from school to school, but usually a bachelor's degree in a field related to law or human services is required along with experience in the workforce and at least two reference letters.

Online Programs in Forensic Psychology to Consider

Walden University: Walden University, a school popular for its extensive online programs, offers a Master of Science in forensic psychology. The curriculum focuses on dealing with the intersection of psychology and the legal system. The online forensic psychology program is not a licensure program and those who graduate cannot refer to themselves as "mental health professionals."

University of North Dakota: Located in Grand Forks, the University of North Dakota offers an online Master of Arts in forensic psychology. Students are required to take at least 34 credits to graduate, and the program generally lasts two years. One on-campus visit is required. The rest of the work can be done from home. No matter what state they live in, online students pay in-state tuition.

Eisner Institute for Professional Studies: Eisner offers a graduate certificate in forensic psychology online, but the most popular forensic online learning option is a Master of Arts/Doctor of Psychology program, one of the few online psychology programs to offer a doctorate degree to students specializing in forensic psychology. Classes include research, law, ethics, mediation and principles of psychotherapy.

Introduction to Forensic Psychology Careers

A woman attempts to harm her child in a fit of post-partum depression, and a jury considers her sanity. An elderly man’s attorney wonders if her client is capable of understanding the will he is about to sign. A parole officer attempts to assess the risk that a convicted rapist will re-offend. In each of these instances, the parties involved are certain to turn to a forensic psychologist for answers.

Useful Resources

• American Board of Forensic Psychology
• National Association of Forensic Counselors
• International Association for Correctional and Forensic Psychology
• The Forensic Alliance

Forensic Psychology Job Description

Forensic psychologists address psychological concerns that arise within legal settings. Typically, these involve diagnosis of mental illness and assessment of competence, understanding, and risk of criminal or offending behavior.

Forensic Psychology Requirements

In order to become a forensic psychologist, one generally must attend an accredited graduate program that grants a doctoral degree in psychology-either a Doctor of Philosophy in psychology (Ph.D.) or a Doctor or Psychology (Psy.D.)-which takes around five years to complete. Ph.D. programs tend to focus more heavily on research, while Psy.D. programs involve greater clinical engagement. Most graduate programs require candidates to have taken the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and an associated subject test on psychology. Programs vary in their insistence on a particular undergraduate course of study, though many candidates find it beneficial to have majored in psychology regardless of whether it is required. Coursework in law or criminal justice, while not necessary, can also be beneficial. Because forensic psychologists often testify in court and present expert reports, it is important that they are master communicators.

A doctoral degree, though, is not enough to practice. One must also obtain government licensure by passing an examination and demonstrating the completion of state professional experience requirements by participating in supervised clinical internships either (or both) before and after graduation. States typically require one to two years of professional experience as well.

Forensic Psychology Career Outlook

Forensic psychologists engage in a variety of tasks. Practice settings include private offices, clinics, hospitals, and prisons. On any given day, a clinician might be testifying in court on the viability of an insanity defense, evaluating a criminal defendant for competency to stand trial, advising an attorney on the most psychologically persuasive way to present his or her case to a jury, or compiling a written report on a child’s suitability for adoption. Forensic psychologists earn an average of $41,494 to $79,547, though the precise amount varies significantly (and may even exceed this average) depending on the nature of one’s practice. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of a category of professionals including forensic psychologists will grow some 14 percent by 2018.

Forensic Psychology Trends

As forensic psychology is intertwined with the law, trends within both areas often overlap. Forensic psychologists, lawyers and judges debate on topics from culpability of minors to the effectiveness and general use of criminal profiling.

Forensic Psychology Degree Programs

Welcome to the most complete directory on the Web of Forensic Psychology programs. It contains all the nationally accredited programs, from 62 schools across the country.

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