12 best colleges for forensic psychology 2024 | Forensic Psychology Schools

Published May 9, 2022 · · Updated June 7, 2024 · 9 minutes · by Kamerpower ·

12 best colleges for forensic psychology | Forensic Psychology Schools programs. Forensic psychologist services are useful throughout government organizations, correctional facilities, courts, and other settings. Their services can include psychological assessments of individuals involved in the legal system. 

A forensic psychology degree teaches students to combine behavioral analysis and law to help with investigations, create programs at detention facilities, and provide recommendations for judges. Forensic psychologists conduct research, analyze data, and assess individuals who are involved in the legal system. In many cases, forensic psychologists work with victims of crimes or convicted criminals currently serving time.

Who is A Forensic Psychologist?

Forensic Psychologists can be defined as professionals who practice psychology within the criminal justice system and civil courts. They focus on understanding the reason behind certain behaviors and also help in reducing and also preventing the occurrence of such behaviors. Forensic psychologists are often involved in both criminal and civil cases such as civil lawsuits, custody disputes, and insurance claims.

What are the best Forensic Psychology schools?

• Roger Williams University. 
• Marymount University. 
• University of New Haven
• Holy Names University
• University of Denver. 
• University of North Dakota – Grand Forks. 
• California State University, Los Angeles. 
• City University of New York – John Jay College of Criminal Justice. 
• Chicago School of Professional Psychology (Irvine Campus).
• California Baptist University. 

Certificate in Forensic Psychology

Many careers in forensic psychology require a license or certification to practice or obtain a job. It is important to research requirements for your desired career path and choose a school, program, and specialty that prepare you to meet your career goals.  Oftentimes, forensic psychologists may become board certified through the American Board of Forensic Psychology. The specific license or certification required varies by state. Make sure to check your desired field’s requirements before you commit to a school or program. 

How long does it take to become a forensic psychologist?

Schooling for forensic psychology takes a total of 10-11 years to become a professional and licensed forensic psychologist.

• 2 years for the master’s program.
• 4 years for the undergraduate study.
• 4 to 5 years for the doctoral program.

Earning an Online Forensic Psychology Degree

Online and hybrid bachelor’s of psychology programs are becoming more abundant, and accredited online forensic psychology degrees match the quality of their on-campus counterparts. The biggest benefits of online learning include:

• Improved virtual and communication and collaboration. 
• No commute. 
• Faster graduation times
• Flexibility and self-paced learning. 
• Better time management.
• Forensic psychology programs may also require an internship or work experience that will have to be completed in person.
• Ability to work from anywhere.

Courses in Undergraduate Forensic Psychology Programs

There are a vast array of psychology courses offered in an undergraduate program that include both core curriculum classes and specialty courses that are geared towards your interests. If you plan to focus on forensic psychology, you can expect to take the following types of classes.

• Cognitive Psychology.
• Biological Psychology. 
• Social Psychology. 
• Statistical Methods
• Intro to Psychology
• Criminal Law
• Developmental Psychology.
• Behavioral Psychology
• Abnormal Psychology
• Psychology Seminar. 
• Criminology. 

Best Forensic Psychology schools 

1. University of Denver

The curriculum includes courses in Group Interventions, Lifespan Development and the Cultural Context, Mental Health Law, Trauma and Crisis Intervention, and Conflict Resolution. The private research university is located in Denver, Colorado. The campus is a 125-acre designated arboretum with historic buildings built in Collegiate Gothic and Romanesque architectural styles.

2. Chicago School of Professional Psychology (Irvine Campus)

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology grants a Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology program at its Irvine, California campus. The two-year, full-time program integrates study in psychology, law, and public policy. Beyond theoretical foundations, Forensic Psychology students work in the school’s Forensic Training Institute to render services in clinical treatment, forensic assessment, and program measurement.

3. Marymount University

Marymount University is one of the best forensic psychology schools that offers an interdisciplinary program driving to a Master of Arts in Forensic and Legal Psychology. The degree program combines study in psychology with the areas of criminal justice, law, and public policy. Students can also seek a concentration in Intelligence Studies.

4. Roger Williams University

Roger Williams University gives a Master of Arts in Forensic & Legal Psychology through its Feinstein School of Social and Natural Sciences. The two-year full-time program is designed to equip students to pursue Ph.D. studies. The program trains students in clinical assessment, psychological testing, research design, and statistical analysis. The core course sequence is made up of 11 needed courses, including Multicultural Proficiency in Psychological Practice, Professional Ethics in Psychology, and Psychology and Law.

5. California State University, Los Angeles

California State University, Los Angeles’ Master of Science in Forensic Psychology is intended for students with an interest in the intersection between psychology and the criminal justice system. Faculty mentors guide each student through the program. Needed courses comprise Courtroom and Legal Issues in Criminalistics, Psychology and the Law, and a seminar in Abnormal Psychology. Students must also take a quantitative course linking to statistics or research methods.

6. Holy Names University

Holy Names University is one of the best schools for forensic psychology. It offers a Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology program that incorporates evidence-based practice and self-reflection. The course content also highlights cultural proficiency and social justice. The 39-unit MA program is based on the philosophies of therapeutic restorative justice. It is fitting for individuals who wish to work in correctional facilities, court programs, and community advocacy positions.

7. University of New Haven

The University of New Haven grants a Master of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Forensic Psychology. The Forensic Psychology concentration is designed for individuals already working or planning to work in the justice system. General Criminal Justice courses cover Mental Health, Law, Criminal Justice, and Theories of Criminal Behavior. Forensic Psychology concentration courses comprise Abnormal Psychology in Forensic Populations, Forensic Assessment, and Mental Health Law. All students complete either a thesis project or a comprehensive final exam.

8. California Baptist University

California Baptist University awards a Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology. The program builds an understanding of the biological nature of the crime, criminal profiling, human development, psychopathology, and psychology and law. The 57-unit curriculum includes courses in Legal Research and Reasoning, Criminal Investigations, and Theory and Perspectives in Criminal Behavior.

9. City University of New York – John Jay College of Criminal Justice

The City University of New York is home to Grad School Hub’s No. 1 best master’s degree in Forensic Psychology. The university offers a Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology through its John Jay College of Criminal Justice. The degree program focuses on the evaluation, treatment, and understanding of both offenders and victims. It covers areas of psychopathology, personality assessment, therapeutic techniques, and research methods.

10. University of North Dakota, Grand Forks

The University of North Dakota, Grand Forks gives a Master of Science in Forensic Psychology. The 30-credit curriculum includes essential courses such as Behavior Pathology, Experimental Design, and Psychology and Law. Elective offerings include Cognitive Psychology, Human Nature and Crime, and Victimology. The program does not incorporate a comprehensive exam. However, students can choose to follow a thesis track with six thesis credit hours or to finish a non-thesis independent study option. Overall, the degree takes about two years to achieve.

11. George Washington University (Washington, DC)

Students at GWU learn to examine mental health through social, cultural, and legal lenses. Forensic psychology students seek to understand the motivation behind crime using psychological concepts from their classes. While studying at George Washington University, forensic psychology students must complete at least 250 hours of internship training. These hands-on experiences are tailored to their professional interests and provide the necessary skills to succeed as a psychologist. 

12. College of Saint Rose (Albany, NY)

The forensic psychology program at Saint Rose has a strong integrated design, making it a popular choice in the growing field. Housed in the Department of Psychology, the forensic psychology major acts as a double major in psychology and criminal justice. Forensic mental health law, criminal behavior, court systems, and abnormal psychology are just some of the classes that undergraduates will complete.

What Does A Forensic Psychologist Do?

The duties and roles of forensic psychologists include but are not limited to the following:

• Evaluating suspected criminals for mental competency and their ability to stand trial.
• Evaluating convicted criminals to assist in the creation of rehabilitation plans.
• Expert witness/​courtroom testimony regarding psychological questions before the court.
• Criminal profiling services.
• Child custody evaluations.
• Consulting with, and providing training and curriculum development for law enforcement and corrections agencies.
• Teaching undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as at law schools for Juris doctorate candidates.
• Evaluating potential police officers for employment through psychological screenings.
• Investigate reports of child abuse.
• Evaluating potential jurors and consulting with prosecuting defense, and plaintiff’s lawyers regarding the selection of juries.
• Evaluating witnesses, such as children, to verify the truthfulness and/or ability to remember key facts and circumstances.

Forensic Psychology Bachelor’s Degree

Duration: Four years of full-time study, six years of part-time study. Three years for an accelerated pathway.

Admission Requirements

The minimum admission requirements to get into a bachelor’s of psychology degree program typically include:

• High school transcripts. 
• 2-5 letters of recommendation. 
• High school diploma or GED
• ACT/SAT standardized test scores.
• Writing sample/essay.

Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology

Duration: Students usually spend two years working towards their master’s degree in forensic psychology if enrolled on a full-time basis. Part-time learners may need three years, while some accelerated programs may allow them to graduate in as few as 12-18 months.

Online courses: Colleges routinely offer master’s degrees in forensic science online since they do not mandate any in-person learning components. Some programs end with a comprehensive examination, which can usually be proctored near the student’s place of examination. Others require learners to research and write a thesis.

Courses in Graduate Forensic Psychology Programs

Course curriculum depends on the school and program you choose, but a sample of classes offered in a master’s of forensic psychology degree program usually includes:

• Eyewitness testimony and memory. 
• Diversity psychology
• Assessment for forensic psychology.
• Psychology and law
• Advanced social psychology.

Doctoral Degree in Forensic Psychology

Duration: Doctoral degree in forensic psychology programs vary in length depending on whether a learner pursues a Psy.D. or Ph.D. Psy.D. programs prepare graduates for clinical psychology roles and usually take between three and five years to complete, depending on enrollment status. Ph.D. in forensic psychology programs prepares graduates for research and academic roles and typically takes between four and seven years to complete.

In order to specialize and be employed as a licensed forensic psychologist, you need to first obtain a PhD or doctor of psychology (PsyD) degree and spend two years in an internship gaining supervised experience. If you want to continue your education beyond a master’s degree and become a licensed forensic psychologist, then you will need to complete a PhD or doctorate of psychology degree program (PsyD), complete an internship, and also take a licensing and board certification exam.  

Internships in Forensic Psychology

Psychology students usually complete an internship as part of a doctorate program. The internship allows you to gain hands-on, real-world experience in different aspects of criminal justice and legal settings. A sample of internship placements for forensic psychology include:

• Government internships. 
• Research internships
• Prison internships. 
• Medical setting internships. 

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