With a master's in forensic psychology, you'll learn to analyze criminal behavior and conduct psychological assessments to support rehabilitation, investigations, and court proceedings.
In this guide, you'll find a list of some of the top online forensic psychology master's programs. We also break down the factors you should consider when choosing the right program for you.
Featured Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Picks for Online Forensic Psychology Master's Degrees
How to Choose the Right Program For You
Below are several factors to keep in mind when deciding which program to choose:
Cost and Financial Aid
Don't just compare per-credit tuition prices. Compare each school's total cost of attendance, which includes tuition, fees, books, transportation, and other educational expenses.
You can use a school's net price calculator to estimate the total cost of attendance. This tool uses your financial and academic information to estimate how much you'll pay after grants and scholarships.
Course Delivery Format
Online forensic psychology programs use different course formats, including:
Asynchronous: You'll complete lectures, readings, and assignments on their own schedule within weekly deadlines. This format offers the most flexibility for working professionals balancing responsibilities.
Synchronous: Classes meet live online at scheduled times, allowing students to interact with faculty and classmates in real time. These programs may appeal to students who prefer structured schedules and live discussion.
Hybrid: Classes and coursework are online, but the program may also require in-person attendance at times.
Before choosing a program, consider how each format aligns with your learning style and schedule.
Accreditation
Always verify that a school holds institutional accreditation before applying. Accreditation helps ensure academic quality and may affect your eligibility for federal financial aid, transfer credits, professional licensure, and employment opportunities.
You can check a school's accreditation status through the U.S. Department of Education's Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.
Internship and Practicum Requirements
Some online forensic psychology programs include internships, practicums, or other field requirements. If a program requires fieldwork, confirm whether the school helps students secure placements in their local area and whether any clinical or supervised hours must be completed in person.
Even fully online programs often require hands-on training experiences at approved sites.
Student Outcome Data
Student outcome data can help you assess a program's academic quality, career preparation, and long-term professional opportunities. If you are comparing similar programs, these metrics may help inform your decision.
Look for information such as graduation rates, salary data, employment outcomes, and graduate school placement. Some schools publish this data directly on their website. You can also typically find this information in the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard website.
Electives
Although forensic psychology is already a specialized area within psychology, some master's programs allow students to explore additional areas of interest through elective coursework. For example, programs may offer electives focused on victim advocacy, juvenile justice, mental health law, or crisis intervention.
Choosing a program with electives that align with your career goals can help you build specialized knowledge and prepare for specific work settings.
How Much Does an Online Forensic Psychology Master's Cost?
An online master's in forensic psychology costs around $12,000 per year and $11,000 with financial aid, according to National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) data.
However, tuition costs can vary widely depending on whether the institution is public or private, your residency status, the number of credits required, and additional expenses such as technology or practicum fees.
Cost Of A Master's In Forensic Psychology
Online
Avg. Tuition & Fees: $12,048
Avg. Net Price: $11,013
In-Person
Avg. Tuition & Fees: $14,044
Avg. Net Price: $12,471
Source: 2019-2020 data from NCES PowerStats
How Long Does It Take To Complete This Degree?
Online forensic psychology master's programs usually take 1-2 academic years to complete. However, the exact timeline depends on the number of required credits, your enrollment pace (full time or part time), and any internship, practicum, or thesis requirements.
