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Our list above of forensic psychology master's programs online provides a strong foundation at the intersection of psychology and the legal system. These programs cover criminal behavior, psychological assessment, and legal processes, preparing graduates for careers in criminal justice, research, or policy development. This degree opens doors to roles that apply psychological expertise in legal contexts.

Forensic psychology is one of many forensic disciplines that have become an essential part of our criminal justice system over the last several decades. 

The word "forensic" indicates the use of scientific research to investigate and solve crimes. For example, forensic accountants research financial records to help solve crimes, and forensic scientists use various scientific approaches to study evidence from crime scenes and determine each item's significance.

Forensic psychologists apply their knowledge of human behavior to figuring out the possible motives of the accused and the emotional impact on the victims of a crime.

A master's in forensic psychology degree program is designed to give graduates a thorough understanding of the interaction among psychology, criminal behavior, and the law. Students will learn about behavioral disorders, personality types, social psychology, and other aspects of the mind, but always viewed through the lens of legal applications. Unlike criminology, which narrowly focuses on criminal behavior, forensic psychology takes a broader view of psychology within the entire legal system.

After completing a master's degree in forensic psychology, students who want to become fully licensed forensic psychologists will need to complete a doctoral program. However, graduates with master's degrees in this field may find jobs in the legal system, working as court liaisons, victims' advocates, jury consultants, and more.

Looking for a way to reduce the cost of earning a graduate degree? Explore our list of the most affordable master's degrees in forensic psychology.

Yes, to become a licensed forensic psychologist, you must have a doctorate in clinical psychology. After earning your bachelor's degree, you can earn a master's and then a doctoral degree, or you can go directly into a doctoral program for either a PhD or PsyD. However, earning a master's in forensic psychology may be sufficient if your career goal is to work in the legal system in some capacity 鈥� as a court liaison officer, case manager, victims' advocate 鈥� but not as a licensed psychologist. 

Forensic psychology master's degrees can be earned through traditional and distance learning formats. Programs may require anywhere from 33 to 51 credit hours. Full-time learners earn their degree in two to three years, but part-time students may need additional time. 

In-person and online programs often include some type of internship, giving students real-world work experience under the supervision of a licensed forensic psychologist. Most programs end with a capstone research project or possibly a written thesis. A few online programs may also require enrollees to come to campus for a week-long or weekend residency.

To be admitted into an in-person or online forensic psychology master's program, applicants need to have completed a bachelor's degree at an accredited university, and there may be a minimum GPA requirement. Students often choose a program in a related discipline, such as a bachelor's degree in psychology, bachelor's in counseling, or bachelor's in forensic science. However, newly enrolled master's students without previous education in the field of forensic psychology may need to complete several prerequisite courses. 

Along with their application, applicants may be asked to submit a statement of purpose, one or more letters of recommendation, a resume, and graduate test scores, such as GRE scores. 

Online master鈥檚 programs in forensic psychology provide students with an understanding of how the principles, theories, clinical practices, and research of psychology can be used to serve the legal and criminal justice systems. Elective courses may cover topics such as forensic applications in community settings, juvenile justice, mental health applications, and maladaptive behavior and psychopathology.

Most programs include required courses on forensic psychology research, ethical issues, and professional practices. Other common core courses in a forensic psychology master's program include the following:

• Foundations of Forensic Psychology: Typically one of the first courses in a master's program, this course provides an overview of the use of psychology in supporting law enforcement and the legal system. Topics include the assessment and treatment of people involved in court cases, as well as the court system.
• Advanced Legal Psychology: This course provides a deep dive into the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of accused criminals. Through case studies, learners understand the application of different psychological theories and research data.
• Forensic Assessment: In this course, students discover the appropriate tools and procedures for conducting evaluations of individuals involved in legal cases. In particular, they learn to assess an accused person for competency to stand trial. Some courses may also cover working with children in child custody and other family court cases.
• Communication and Testimony Skills: Forensic psychologists must document and share their findings in written and oral reports, and they are often called upon to serve as expert witnesses in trials. This course shows students the proper procedures and gives them opportunities to practice essential communication skills, including how to testify in court.

Master's programs in forensic psychology are designed to prepare graduates for careers in the legal system or for advanced degree programs in psychology, criminal justice, and law. Depending on your career goals, you may complete your master's degree and move directly into the workforce, or you may continue your education. 

The Path to Becoming a Licensed Forensic Psychologist: If you wish to become a licensed forensic psychologist, you will need to continue your education at the doctoral level. You can choose between two types of doctoral degrees in psychology. A Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) is geared toward those who plan to become practicing forensic psychologists, while a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology is better for those who want to conduct research and work in academia.

To qualify as a licensed forensic psychologist, you'll also need to complete a one- or two-year internship, working under the supervision of a licensed professional. As the last step in the process, you'll need to meet all of your state's requirements for licensure, which will include taking the licensing exam for all clinical psychologists 鈥� the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology. You may also want to pursue board certification from the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP).

Keep in mind that the licensure requirements in many states specify that your degrees must come from accredited colleges or universities. All of the schools on our rankings list of the best online forensic psychology master's programs are accredited, but make sure you select an online program that prepares you for licensure in the state where you plan to practice.

Careers With an Online Forensic Psychology Master's Degree: Accredited online forensic psychology master's programs can lead to a number of different career options. Some graduates may decide to find work in the legal system, working as court liaisons, court managers, jury consultants, case managers, or victims' advocates. Others may go into the related field of at the local, state, or federal level. Still others may put their assessment and therapy skills to work by becoming counselors or therapists.

Graduates can also use the research, analysis, and critical thinking skills developed in their master's coursework to pursue other occupations. For example, some may become research analysts or policy analysts. Yet another option is to work in community service as a policy analyst or .

A of hundreds of U.S. forensic psychologists in Frontiers in Psychology found income generally high for forensic psychologists, with higher earnings trending toward private practice, board certification, and urban areas, and career satisfaction generally high across clinical and nonclinical paths. For prospective students, this survey suggests that career destinations in this field reward the specialized assessment training and credentials you should compare across programs.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the authority on career data, indicates that the median annual salary for psychologists is $85,330, with the top 10% earning well into six figures. Earners in this category, however, typically need an advanced degree, such as a master鈥檚 or doctoral degree in psychology. Licensing requirements vary by state and position.

The BLS does not provide wage information for several related occupations for bachelor's and master's degree holders. However, it does report the median annual income for some forensic psychology job options: for probation officers and correctional treatment specialists, for arbitrators and mediators, and for police detectives.

A 2022 survey of licensed clinical-forensic psychologists published in found a median annual income in the $125,000 to $149,999 range, with private practice paying significantly more than institutional or university settings. Keep in mind these are all doctoral-level practitioners, so the figures describe the ceiling of the career ladder a forensic psychology master's can start, not the entry point.

The amount of time it takes to complete a master's in forensic psychology can vary depending on the program. Many programs require 33-36 credit hours and are meant to be completed in two years of full-time study. However, some programs are more extensive, requiring up to 51 credit hours.

When you consider how much time, energy, and money you'll put into earning an online forensic psychology master's degree, it's only natural to wonder if it will be worth it. The answer, of course, depends on your personal circumstances and career goals. 

If you're not entirely sure that you want to become a forensic psychologist but you know you want to use your knowledge of human behavior within the legal system, this degree may be the perfect choice for you. After earning your master's degree, you can always continue on for a doctorate if you decide that is the path for you. On the other hand, there are other types of psychology degrees that may be better suited to your interests.

If you're interested in both psychology and the law, a master's degree in forensic psychology may be a smart choice. It will prepare you to work in the court system, helping both victims of crimes and people who've been accused of committing crimes. Additionally, it will pave the way toward earning an affordable PhD in psychology and becoming a fully licensed forensic psychologist if that's the career path you decide to pursue. 

If you are curious about the online aspect of earning a forensic pscyhology degree, a  in the Journal of Medical Internet Research found that learning outcomes generally show equivalence between e-learning and conventional training methods for psychotherapy skills, with an overall effect size of 0.01. For a field built on assessment, interviewing, and testimony skills, that evidence takes the delivery format off the list of things to worry about and lets you focus on curriculum fit instead.