This is a list of schools and programs that focus on the most affordable Online Masters in Forensic Psychology program. Follow along with us!
Few people understand how important having access to an accelerated online Master’s in Forensic Psychology programs is to professionals, but those in the field know that graduate online education makes it possible for them to continue to do their job effectively.
Forensic psychology programs are growing in number and as more are designed for working professionals, more undergraduate-holding professionals are making the jump to graduate work.
Forensic Psychology Online Master’s Degree Options
Working professionals have been consistently asking for online accelerated degrees in the field for nearly a decade now. This is because the majority of candidates who qualify for entrance into the program actively work in the field and need a flexible and accelerated degree that works around their schedule.
These programs also can provide more features when delivered online, including one-year and two-year program timelines and programs that come with several specializations. Now that a good amount of credible degrees are available, it has come time to rank the most affordable online forensic psychology programs available.
Ranking Low-Cost Accelerated Master’s Degree
The initial pool of 25 schools was identified with information that was researched using the National Center for Education Statistics and its publicly available College Navigator database.
Methodology
From there, program websites were reviewed and compared on several factors, including degree completion timelines and tuition rates. The final 20 schools listed below were chosen based on their total estimated in-state graduate tuition rate for the program.
20. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
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Tuition: $43,068
Forensic psychology professionals interested in enrolling in an accelerated online Forensic Psychology online program will find an exceptional program at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. This program was designed to be completed in two years when students take on a full-time course of study. This degree focuses on the various aspects of the criminal justice system which is influenced by forensic psychology. Students will take all of their courses online through the school’s virtual portal; courses are offered asynchronously and synchronously in 16-week sessions.
This degree can be completed in two years when students take three courses every term. Students will need to have completed a bachelor’s degree. Requirements for this degree include 36 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Social Psychology and Aggression, psychological research, Ethics and Professional Issues in Forensic Psychology, and Trauma and Crisis Intervention.
19. Adler University
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Tuition: $29,900
Adler University has developed an affordable accelerated online Master’s in Forensic Psychology program that can be earned in two years when students embark on a full-time course of study. This degree is a cohort, hybrid program that partially uses online courses; there are residency requirements that students will need to review prior to applying for the degree.
After graduation, students will be able to apply for the following licensures; Licensed Professional Counselor, only in the state of Illinois; Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, also in Illinois; National Certified Counselor, and Forensic Mental Health Evaluator and/or Forensic Psychologists. Students will find all of their courses live or on-demand via the school’s online learning management system through 16-week sessions. Students will complete 36 credit hours of coursework, a comprehensive written and oral exit exam, the Social Justice Practicum, the Counseling Practicum, and the Counseling Internship. Sample courses include Counseling Multicultural Communities, Career Development Theories and Intervention, and Human Growth and Development. A forensic psychologist will be prepared after completing this program.
18. Tiffin University
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Tuition: $29,400
Students at Tiffin University are offered the chance to complete an accelerated online Master’s in Forensic Psychology program in two years. This program is a comprehensive look into the field and is delivered 100 percent online. This is a research-based degree and comes with the choice of a thesis or an intersession course. Students will complete all of their coursework online through the school’s virtual portal, where sessions are held live or on-demand to suit the needs of the students. This program is ideal for those wishing to become forensic psychologists.
Courses follow a 15-week academic term schedule with admittance dates in August and January. Students will be expected to complete 42 credit hours of coursework, an intersession course or thesis, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Applied Advanced Psychological Assessment, Professional Seminar in Advanced Clinical and Experimental Forensic Psychology, and Research Design and Analysis in Forensic Psychology.
17. The University of California at Irvine
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Tuition: $29,400
The University of California at Irvine provides students with a pathway towards earning an accelerated online Master’s in Forensic Psychology online degree that can be earned in two years as a professional degree. This is a low-residency degree; students will complete a one-week residency course in the first quarter of their program. Students will need to have completed a bachelor’s degree.
All other courses are offered online through the school’s learning management system. Courses are offered either asynchronously or synchronously, with some courses being delivered in both formats. Students will complete two courses every 12-week term to complete the degree in two years. Requirements for this degree include 48 quarter credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive oral exit exam. Sample courses include Children and the Law, Mental Health and the Law, and Legal and Social Responses to Domestic Violence. This program is ideal for those wishing to become forensic psychologists.
16. Nova Southeastern University
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Tuition: $27,180
The affordable accelerated online Master’s in Forensic Psychology program that is available from Nova Southeastern University is a program that is perfect for professionals who are interested in advancing in this career. The degree was designed to be completed by working professionals and can be earned in two years when students choose a full-time course of study. There are two distinct tracks for this degree:
Forensic Psychology in the Legal System and Forensic Psychology for Mental Health Workers, First Responders, and Disaster Teams. All courses for this degree can be found online through the school’s virtual portal; features of the portal include asynchronous and synchronous courses, small class sizes, faculty that have experience in the field, and an online reference library. Students generally complete this degree in two years. Requirements for this degree include 36 credit hours of coursework, a thesis or field experience, and a comprehensive oral exit exam. Sample courses include Introduction to Forensic Psychological Science, Ethical Concerns and Multicultural Issues in Forensic Psychology, and Best Practices and Policies for the Mentally Ill in the Criminal Justice System. This program is ideal for those wishing to become forensic psychologists.
15. Argosy University
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Tuition: $27,000
Argosy University provides working professionals with an accelerated online Master’s in Forensic Psychology program that can be completed 100 percent online and within two years. This degree prepares individuals from a variety of psychology backgrounds to work within the criminal justice system. There are three concentrations available with this degree: Assessment and Treatment, Homeland Security, and Law Enforcement.
This program delivers all of the required coursework online through the school’s learning management system; courses are available as live or on-demand sessions and are offered in the standard 16-week session. Forensic Psychology graduate students will be required to complete 36 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Students will need to have completed a bachelor’s degree. Sample courses include Maladaptive Behavior and Psychopathology, Psychology of Criminal Behavior, and Professional and Ethical Issues in Forensic Psychology. This program is ideal for those wishing to become forensic psychologists.
14. Capella University
Tuition: $26,675
Students at Capella University are offered the chance to complete an affordable accelerated online Master’s in Forensic Psychology program. This program can be completed in two years and can prepare students both for the workforce and for further education at the doctoral level. Students will take this degree entirely online and will find all of their courses through the school’s virtual portal.
Features of the portal include small class sizes, experienced faculty, asynchronous and synchronous courses, and 10 week quarters. Students who complete two courses every term will graduate within two years. Students will need to have completed a bachelor’s degree. This degree requires that students complete 55 quarter credit hours of coursework, a capstone course, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Techniques of Forensic Practice, Ethics and Multicultural Issues in Psychology, and Current Issues and Trends in Forensic Psychology. This program is ideal for those wishing to become forensic psychologists.
13. Northcentral University
Tuition: $26,570
Northcentral University delivers an accelerated online Master’s in Forensic Psychology program that is easily attainable in two years. This is a 100 percent online course of study that is flexible and affordable. Students will note that this degree will not lead to licensure in any state. This program is provided for through the school’s online learning management system and has 52 start dates a year; students will complete their asynchronous courses in 12-week courses.Students will need to have completed a bachelor’s degree. Individuals who choose to study two courses every term will graduate within 20 months. Students will be expected to complete 30 credit hours of coursework, a capstone or internship, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Social Psychology and Aggression, Psychology Evaluation and Treatment of Offenders, and Forensic Psychology in Correctional Settings. Forensic psychology graduates will have all the skills to land a successful career!
12. National University
Tuition: $23,220
The accelerated Forensic Psychology online master that is conferred by the National University is a professional program that was built for criminal justice and psychology professionals. This is a wholly online degree program that can be completed in two years or less. Students will be required to enroll in one of the following two specializations: Criminalistics or Investigation. Students will need to have completed a bachelor’s degree. All courses for this degree will be delivered online through live or on-demand courses that can be found through the school’s virtual portal; courses are delivered in 16-week sessions. Students who choose to take two courses every term will graduate within two years. This degree requires that students complete 54 quarter units of coursework, the Supervised Research Project, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Major Case Investigation, criminal justice, Forensic Photography, and Crime Scene Investigation.
11. Southern New Hampshire University
Tuition: $22,572
Southern New Hampshire University is home to an exceptional accelerated Forensic Psychology online master that can be completed in two years. This program focuses on the criminal justice aspects of forensic psychology and is delivered 100 percent online through the school’s learning management system. Courses for this program are delivered either asynchronously or synchronously so that students may choose the delivery format that best suits their needs. Courses are available in ten-week terms; students who take two courses every term will graduate within 15 months. Students will be expected to complete 36 credit hours of coursework, the Capstone in Psychology, and a comprehensive written exit exam. Sample courses include Ethical Practice in Psychology, Assessment of Forensic Psychology, and Intersection of Law and Psychology. A forensic psychologist will be prepared after completing this program.
10. Post University
Tuition: $21,707
Students at Post University enroll in an excellent accelerated Forensic Psychology online master that combines human services with mental health counseling. This degree is accredited by the Accreditation Council of Business Schools and Programs. This degree provides students with a pathway to earn their professional licensure through the Forensic Mental Health Counseling concentration. Students will complete all of their coursework online through the school’s virtual portal; courses are available asynchronously and synchronously in 16-week terms. Students will be expected to complete a minimum of 37 credit hours of coursework, a field practicum or internship, the Capstone Research Project, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Introduction to Forensic Mental Health Counseling, Theories of Criminal Behavior and Psychopathology, and Forensic Assessment and Counseling Techniques.
9. The University of Houston at Victoria
Tuition: $21,707
The University of Houston at Victoria provides students with an accelerated online Master’s in Forensic Psychology degree that is designed to be completed in two years or less. This comprehensive program can be fulfilled 100 percent online with no residency requirements. Students will take all of their courses online through the school’s learning management system; courses run in asynchronous or synchronous sessions that run in 16-week sessions. Students who attend school full-time, or four or five courses a term, and during the summer term will graduate within two years. This degree requires that students complete 63 semester credit hours of coursework, three practicum courses, a capstone project, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Professional Practices in Forensic Psychology, criminal justice courses, Theory and Techniques of Family Therapy, and Ethics and Practice of Psychology. A forensic psychologist will be prepared after completing this program.
8. Liberty University
Tuition: $20,340
Students at Liberty University can enroll in an accelerated online Master’s in Forensic Psychology degree that will take about 18 months to complete. Students will need to have completed a bachelor’s degree. This is a 100 percent online program is available to students from all backgrounds and will enable them to work in a variety of sectors, including the corrections system, the law system, and victim’s services. Courses for this degree are available asynchronously or synchronously through the school’s virtual portal; courses run in eight-week sessions. With eight start dates a year, students can take two courses every term and still graduate within 18 months. Students can expect to complete 36 credit hours of coursework, a thesis, and an oral defense of the thesis. Sample courses include Administration of Justice Organizations, Fundamentals of Forensic Psychology, Crisis Intervention in Law Enforcement, and other criminal justice courses.
7. The University of Louisiana at Monroe
Tuition: $20,033
The University of Louisiana at Monroe delivers an affordable accelerated online Master’s in Forensic Psychology degree that is possible to complete in two years. This degree is offered as an entirely online course of study and provides students with a strong degree that will help them advance in their careers. Students will attend their lectures and complete assignments through the school’s online learning management system where courses are delivered asynchronously and synchronously in 16-week sessions. Students who take on three courses every term will graduate within two years. This degree requires that students complete 36 credit hours of coursework, a thesis or capstone project, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Advanced Theories of Crime and Delinquency, Psychological Assessment, and Intelligence Testing, and other criminal justice courses.
6. Stevenson University
Tuition: $19,296
The accelerated online Master’s in Forensic Psychology degree available from Stevenson University is designed to be completed wholly online by working professionals; the average timeline for completion is two years or less. Students will find all of their coursework online through the school’s virtual portal; courses are delivered asynchronously or synchronously and in 16-week sessions. The program is possible to complete in two years when students take three courses every term, including summer terms. Students will be expected to complete 36 credit hours of coursework, the Mock Trial Capstone, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Forensic Journal Research and Review, Foundations of Justice, and Evidence, and other criminal justice courses. A forensic psychologist will be prepared after completing this program.
5. Concordia University at St. Paul
Tuition: $17,100
Concordia University at St. Paul is home to an accelerated online Master’s in Forensic Psychology degree that was developed in partnership with the American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Studies. This degree was created for working professionals and is available 100 percent online. Students will find that this is a non-licensure program. All students will take their courses online through the school’s virtual portal through live and on-demand sessions. Courses last for seven weeks, making it possible for a part-time student to complete this degree in two years. This course of study requires that students complete 36 credit hours of coursework, the Research and Capstone course, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Substance Abuse and Co-Occurring Disorders, Risk Assessment in Human Services, and Forensic Behavioral Health Law for the Human Service Professional.
4. Grand Canyon University
Tuition: $18,540
Students at Grand Canyon University will be offered the chance to complete an affordable accelerated online Master’s in Forensic Psychology degree that can be earned in two years or less when students study full-time. This is a 100 percent online course of study that has no residency requirements. Students will take all of their human services, psychology, criminal justice, and forensics courses online through the school’s learning management system; courses are offered asynchronously and in 16-week sessions. This degree can be earned in two years when students take two courses every term for the duration of their degree plan. Students can expect to complete 36 credit hours of coursework, a professional capstone, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Psychology and the Legal System, Contemporary and Ethical Issues in Psychology, and Offender Rehabilitation and Reintegration.
3. The University of North Dakota
Tuition: $12,122
The University of North Dakota confers an accelerated online Master’s in Forensic Psychology degree that will prepare working professionals to work in both the civil and criminal justice systems. This program was developed as a 100 percent online, part-time degree plan that can be completed in two years or less. Students will find that the program is dedicated to forensic psychology in the courtroom and follows a sequential format.
Courses for this degree can be found through the school’s virtual portal. Delivery formats include asynchronous and synchronous sessions with all courses following the standard 16-week term format. This degree requires that students complete 30 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Advanced Social Psychology, Psychology and Law, and Foundations of Behavioral Data Analytics.
2. Arizona State University
Tuition: $11,394
Students who attend Arizona State University will be provided with the chance to complete a two-year accelerated online Master’s in Forensic Psychology degree. Students in this program will focus on the scholar-practitioner model and will find that their course of study is offered 100 percent online. Students will attend their criminal justice courses online as live or on-demand sessions; courses run in sessions that last seven-and-a-half-weeks long.
Students who take just two courses per term will graduate in just over one year. This degree requires that students complete 30 credit hours of coursework, the Capstone in Forensic Psychology, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam.
1. The University of Central Florida
Tuition: $10,474
The University of Central Florida offers students the chance to complete an accelerated online Master’s in Forensic Psychology degree within two years. This degree comes with three concentrations: Forensic Analysis, Forensic Biochemistry, and Forensic Professional.
Students will find that this is a comprehensive and interdisciplinary degree. Students will attend lectures, complete assignments, and engage with their classmates in team projects all through the use of the school’s online learning management system. Courses run in 16-week sessions.
Students who complete two courses every term will graduate within two years. This degree requires that students complete 30 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. More information on this degree, its requirements, and course offerings can be found by contacting the program’s admissions advisor.
What are the Career Options with a Master’s in Forensic Psychology?
- Victim Advocate
- Postsecondary Psychology Educator
- Expert Witness
- Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
- Child Custody Worker
- Jury Consultant
- Probation Officer
- Juvenile Offenders Counselor
- Forensic Psychologist
- Rehabilitation Counselor
- Court Liaison
- Psychology Researcher
- Forensic Psychiatrist
- Private Consultant
- Non-governmental agency advocate
How Much Can You Earn With a Master’s in Psychology?
The median salary for professionals in forensic psychology is about $63,000. The salary range is from $37,417 to $114,853. It is important to note that while not all positions within the field require a master’s degree, jobs with high salaries often require, at a minimum, a master’s degree in forensic psychology. This means that some positions included in this range may require doctoral study, a medical license, or additional educational or on-the-job training.
What are the Various Disciplines of Forensic Psychology?
Forensic psychology is the intersection of the criminal justice system and psychology. It makes sense, then, that these two disciplines have the most impact on the field. It should be noted that other disciplines, mostly relating to natural and social sciences, are also important in this field.
These include social work, sociology, psychotherapy, psychiatry, chemistry, neurology, mental health, development, and more. The law and government are also important disciplines and therefore professionals will need to have a good grasp of the disciplines.
Forensic psychologists will also have their own area of expertise, or specialized discipline, within the field. This could include everything from neuropsychology to child and adolescent psychology. This discipline, then, is the most important one for that psychologist.
Forensic psychology is a field that is still growing but is also massively important in the criminal justice system. The presence of such a professional during a court proceeding or during the rehabilitation process can make a huge difference in an individual’s life.
Now that a variety of accelerated online Master’s in Forensic Psychology degrees is available, professionals in the field can pursue an advanced degree that could see them make a positive difference in the lives of the people they help through the criminal justice system.
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