Forensic psychology is a fascinating field. And like clinical psychology, it can offer a challenging but rewarding career. As a result, master's programs for forensic psychology continue to grow in prominence and accessibility.
This subset of psychology involves the application of psychology to the legal system. Professionals in this field may choose to work in criminal or civil law areas and even apply their specialty to counseling and medical careers. Even though forensic psychology is considered a recent degree option, its roots date back to the first known psychology lab in Leipzig, Germany.
If you feel drawn to how behavior science intersects with the judicial and investigative fields, exploring a forensic psychology master's degree may offer an appealing option. This guide includes a ranked list of the best forensic psychology programs to assist prospective students in finding a master's program that aligns with their career goals.
Popular Online Forensic Psychology Master's Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
The Best Best Master's Degrees in Forensic Psychology
Master's in Forensic Psychology Overview
Forensic psychology combines psychological training with criminal justice and law application. A master's in this degree can take many forms. Some programs focus more on the treatment and clinical side of forensic psychology with studies in mental health, victimology, and rehabilitation.
Others may focus on the law and courtroom portion of forensic psychology with courses like legal studies, profiling, and police application. Schools may explore research and statistical analysis within forensic psychology, as well.
Typically, it takes two years to complete a master's degree in forensic psychology. Because of the various ways to complete the degree, your timeline may vary depending on the courses you take.
Common courses within the forensic psychology degree include:
Criminal psychology
Social behavior
Cognitive psychology
Criminal justice
Psychology in the courtroom
Ethics in psychology
Police psychology
Crisis intervention
Admission Requirements
The admission requirements for a forensic psychology master's program are similar to other graduate programs but vary among schools.
You will need to have earned a bachelor's degree or will soon complete your program to qualify. Though not a requirement, many schools prefer that the degree pertains to forensic psychology — like criminal justice, law, psychology, human resources, social work, or public policy. If you have an unrelated undergraduate degree, you may need to complete some psychology prerequisites before the master's program.
Most programs require at least a 3.0 undergraduate GPA and a GRE test score. Some programs accept test scores from comparable graduate-level standard exams, like the LSAT, GMAT, or MCAT.
It's also common for master's degree programs to ask for multiple letters of recommendation and a relevant writing sample. The application may also request evidence of relevant experience or a personal essay.
How to Become a Forensic Psychologist
As the American Psychological Association (APA) notes, forensic psychology has grown rapidly over the past half-century. The field's soaring profile has inspired surging interest among students in forensic psychology specializations.
It can take 10 years or more to become a fully licensed forensic psychologist. The following section provides a step-by-step pathway to the profession.
1. Earn Your Bachelor's Degree in a Related Field
The first step to building a career in forensic psychology is obtaining an undergraduate degree in psychology or a closely related field. A bachelor's program builds a foundation for the advanced research, study, and expertise the field requires.
2. Earn Your Master's Degree in Psychology
Forensic psychology master's programs typically take about two years to complete. By earning a master's in forensic psychology, you can build an advanced and specialized knowledge base. An advanced degree may help as you continue your studies at the doctoral level.
The Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council is the main specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. As of May 2024, the APA does not yet accredit master's programs.
3. Earn Your Ph.D. or Psy.D. in Psychology
Doctor of psychology (Psy.D.) and doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) programs in forensic psychology usually run for 4-7 years. Curricula often include extensive research requirements and fieldwork. Some states require that licensure candidates specifically hold APA-accredited doctoral degrees. Thus, pursuing a Psy.D. or Ph.D. program with APA accreditation is recommended.
Also, note that forensic psychology is only one of multiple unique careers you can pursue with a specialized psychology doctorate. Consider other options before making a decision.
4. Complete Supervised Experience Requirements
All states mandate that licensure candidates complete a minimum number of supervised clinical experience hours to build practical knowledge. The APA cites a required range of 1,500-6,000 hours, depending on the state. You must complete these hours as an intern and as part of an eligible postdoctoral training program. Consult the psychology licensing board of the state where you plan to seek licensure if you have questions about eligibility.
5. Pass the National Licensing Exam and Obtain Licensure
After meeting the educational and supervised experience requirements, you can proceed to the final step: examination. At this stage, you will need to pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology. Depending on your state, you might also need to pass a jurisprudence or ethics exam.
After passing your exams, you can apply to a state licensing board for formal recognition that you have completed all applicable requirements. As part of your application, you may need to submit additional documentation such as fingerprint scans or a background check.
6. Consider Earning Specialty Board Certification
As an optional step, you may want to pursue specialized board certification in forensic psychology. You can obtain this certification from the American Board of Professional Psychology or the American Board of Forensic Psychology.
The basic process includes:
A board-led review of your credentials
Written and oral examinations
Verification of good professional standing and ethical conduct
Board-certified forensic psychologists have more professional credibility, which may support your future career advancement.
Career and Salary Outlook for Forensic Psychologists
According to Payscale data from May 2024, forensic psychologists earn an average annual base salary of about $78,930 per year.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not specifically track data for forensic psychologists. Instead, the BLS supplies the following earning ranges for all clinical and counseling psychologists:
10th percentile: $42,760 per year
25th percentile: $62,070 per year
50th percentile (median): $90,130 per year
75th percentile: $126,240 per year
90th percentile: $168,790 per year
Overall, the BLS projects a 6% employment growth rate for all psychologists from 2022-2032.
Scholarships, Grants, and Financial Aid for Forensic Psychology Students
There are a few notable scholarships available for forensic psychology students, along with general graduate and psychology degree funds you can apply for. Opportunities include:
APA Dissertation Research Award: This award assists forensic psychology graduate students working on research dissertations. APA offers 30-40 grants of $1,000 each, with some larger grants of $5,000.
Melanie Merola O'Donnell Memorial Scholarship: Candidates can apply for this $2,500 scholarship if they pursue master's or doctoral degrees in fields related to mental health.
Dr. Christine Blasey-Ford Grant: This grant recognizes graduate students researching the understanding, prevention, or treatment of traumatic events with awards of up to $3,000. Each applicant must demonstrate affiliation with an institution, such as a nonprofit organization or government agency, for educational or charitable purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Master in Forensic Psychology
To practice professionally using the "psychologist" title, you need a license and a doctorate. You may still have a path to a forensic psychology career without a license, but your advancement prospects may be limited, and you cannot practice under the title of psychologist.
