Masters In Forensic Psychology Online

Last Updated on December 18, 2022

The following article provides you with important details about masters in forensic psychology online , which can help you determine how much to apply for masters in forensic psychology distance learning

A forensic psychologist speaks with a witness about the impacts of the environment, biology, and sociocultural factors on human criminal behaviour.

Have you ever considered becoming a forensic psychologist? Do you dream of taking the stand as an expert witness, helping judges, lawyers and juries understand the complex cross-currents of biology, the environment, and sociocultural factors that influence offenders’ behaviour? Would you like to help solve crimes for a living? If so, you might make an excellent forensic psychologist. Check out the programs below to learn more about what it takes to break into this fascinating, complex field.

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Students earn an online master’s in forensic psychology to advance above entry-level positions in criminal justice. This advanced degree also lets students build their skills in specialized areas of forensic science to pursue a Ph.D. in forensic psychology.

Read further to learn more about online master’s of forensic psychology concentrations, common courses, frequently asked questions, and career paths for graduates.

Online Master’s in Forensic Psychology Program Overview

Students enrolled in an online master’s in forensic psychology program learn how to apply the principles of psychology to the criminal justice and legal systems.

Students take courses in psychopathology, research methods, and quantitative analysis — all of which prepare them to work immediately after graduation. Select courses also teach students how to answer psychology-related questions in a court setting.

Graduates leave college ready to work in schools, law firms, prisons, government agencies, and police departments. They work as criminal investigators and forensic science technicians for the local, state, or federal governments. Students who want to work as forensic psychologists go on to pursue a Ph.D. in psychology and gain supervised clinical work experience.

M.Sc. in Forensic Sciences: Syllabus and Course Description

A semester – wise breakup of the course’s syllabus is tabulated below.

Semester ISemester II
Forensics techniquesFinger prints impressions
Physical instrumental methodsQuestioned documents
Biological instrumental methodsForensic chemistry
Forensic photographyForensic toxicology
PracticalPractical
Semester IIISemester IV
Forensic physicsForensic physics
Forensic biologyForensic chemistry
Forensic serologyForensic ballistics
Recent advancesForensic photography
DNA isolationFinger print analysis
PracticalDNA profiling
Practical
Dissertation
1The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Los AngelesLos Angeles, CACOST:$$$$$Though based in Los Angeles, the Chicago School serves students around the country, offering a fully online master’s in forensic psychology. The curriculum prepares graduates to pursue a variety of positions in corrections, law enforcement, and social service agencies, but does not lead to professional licensure.Coursework occurs entirely online in a primarily asynchronous format with no set login times. However, students may need to complete occasional synchronous sessions, which typically last just 1-2 hours each term. The program offers both full-time and part-time enrollment options and takes 2-4 years to complete, depending on course load.Applicants to the program must fulfill an undergraduate prerequisite in either research methods or statistics. Students with relevant professional experience may request to waive this requirement.Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology
School Status: Private
Tuition: $1,198/credit
Credit Requirements: 37 credits
Program Length: 2-4 yearsDELIVERYFormat: 100% online
Instruction Style: Synchronous and asynchronousADMISSION REQUIREMENTSGPA: 3.0 recommendedCONTACTPhone: (800)721-8072
Email: [email protected]
Social Media Accounts: Facebook; TwitterTWEET THISSHARE THIS
2University of California, IrvineIrvine, CACOST:$$$$$GRADUATION RATE: 83%Offered through UCI’s Department of Psychological Science and Department of Criminology, Law and Society, this online master of legal and forensic psychology explores the intersection of psychological principles and legal processes.The program curriculum comprises 52 credits and takes most students two years to complete. Learners take classes covering quantitative methods, forensic research, and other topics. Instead of writing a thesis, all degree candidates complete a capstone research project related to legal and forensic psychology.While most coursework occurs online, all students must attend a mandatory campus residency session at the beginning of the program. This five-day, four-credit introductory course serves as both an orientation to the program and an introduction to major concepts in legal and forensic psychology.Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Legal and Forensic Psychology
School Status: Public
Tuition: $4,823/semester
Credit Requirements: 52 credits
Program Length: 2 yearsDELIVERYFormat: Online with one required campus residency
Instruction Style: Synchronous and asynchronousADMISSION REQUIREMENTSGPA: 3.0 minimumCONTACTPhone: (949) 824-4611
Email: [email protected]
Social Media Accounts: Facebook; TwitterTWEET THISSHARE THIS
3Arizona State University – SkysongScottsdale, AZCOST:$$$$$GRADUATION RATE: 48%With a psychology program ranked highly by U.S. News & World Report, ASU offers an online master’s in forensic psychology that explores the intersection of mental health, human behavior, and the legal and criminal justice systems.The 33-credit program highlights the varied roles psychologists play in the legal system and prepares graduates for positions in the mental health and criminal justice fields. Courses focus on core psychology concepts, the criminal justice system, statistics and methods, and psychology electives. All candidates also must complete a culminating capstone project.Program applicants should hold an undergraduate degree in psychology, social sciences, criminal justice, or another closely related field. Applicants should note that this program does not lead to licensure for clinical practice.Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Science in Forensic Psychology
School Status: Public
Tuition: $11,584/semester
Credit Requirements: 33 credits
Program Length: 2 yearsDELIVERYFormat: 100% online
Instruction Style: Synchronous and asynchronousADMISSION REQUIREMENTSGPA: 3.0 minimum
Standardized Tests: GRE recommended for applicants with GPA below 3.3CONTACTPhone: (602) 543-3000
Email: [email protected]
Social Media Accounts: Facebook; TwitterTWEET THISSHARE THIS
4Nova Southeastern UniversityFort Lauderdale, FLCOST:$$$$$GRADUATION RATE: 50%A private college located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, NSU hosts one of the region’s top online master’s in forensic psychology degrees. The program’s fully online delivery mode and nonclinical curriculum are ideal for working students and those who live in more rural areas.The 36-credit degree includes 24 credits of core courses, nine credits of specialization courses, and a three-credit culminating experience. Candidates choose from two specialization options: forensic psychology in the legal system or forensic psychology for mental health workers, first responders, and disaster teams.Degree candidates can fulfill the culminating experience requirement through either fieldwork or a thesis. The fieldwork pathway typically serves students looking to enter the workforce upon graduation, while the thesis pathway serves those planning to pursue a doctorate.Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Science in Forensic Psychology
School Status: Private
Available Concentrations: Forensic psychology in the legal system, forensic psychology for mental health workers, first responders, and disaster teams
Tuition: $790/credit
Credit Requirements: 36 credits
Program Length: 2 yearsDELIVERYFormat: 100% online
Instruction Style: Synchronous and asynchronousADMISSION REQUIREMENTSGPA: 3.0 recommended
Standardized Tests: GRE optionalCONTACTPhone: (954) 262-7563
Email: [email protected]
Social Media Accounts: Facebook; TwitterTWEET THISSHARE THIS
5Saint Leo UniversitySaint Leo, FLCOST:$$$$$GRADUATION RATE: 51%A Roman Catholic college based in Florida, Saint Leo hosts an exclusively online master of science in psychology with a concentration in forensic psychology. The nonclinical program is geared to criminal justice administrators, first responders, and other professionals who are not planning to pursue professional licensure.Candidates complete a minimum of 36 credits, divided among an 18-credit psychology core, a 12-credit forensic psychology concentration, and a six-credit elective section. The program core covers topics in criminal justice administration, public policy, and leadership, while the concentration section explores forensic interviews, psychopathology, and courtroom psychology.Saint Leo’s online master’s in forensic psychology uses a cohort format in which candidates complete courses in a cohesive group of no more than 15 students. Moving through the curriculum in a set sequence, online learners complete one course during each eight-week academic term.Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Science in Psychology with a Concentration in Forensic Psychology
School Status: Private
Tuition: $670/credit
Credit Requirements: 36 credits
Program Length: 2 yearsDELIVERYFormat: 100% online
Instruction Style: Synchronous and asynchronousADMISSION REQUIREMENTSGPA: 3.0 recommended
Standardized Tests: GRE required for applicants with GPA under 3.0CONTACTPhone: (877) 622-2009
Email: [email protected]
Social Media Accounts: Facebook; TwitterTWEET THIS

Online Master’s in Forensic Psychology Admission Requirements

  • BACHELOR’S DEGREEAny master’s program requires applicants to complete a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college. Admissions may prefer a student who earned an undergraduate degree in forensic psychology or a related field. Students with a background in unrelated majors may need to take additional courses. Enrollment advisors review a student’s transcripts during the admissions process to determine eligibility.
  • ONLINE APPLICATIONStudents need to complete an online application with their academic history and personal information to apply for an online master’s in forensic psychology degree. Students typically must also pay an application fee, although in some instances, schools waive this fee.
  • LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATIONGraduate school applications often ask for supplemental materials, such as transcripts, resumes, and letters of recommendation. Students may need to submit up to three personal or professional letters of recommendation from former employers or professors. A student’s references usually submit their letters directly to the school.
  • PERSONAL ESSAYOnline master’s in forensic psychology programs may ask students to submit an essay to explain their career interests and reasons to pursue a degree in this subject. The essay may require students to write 500-1,000 words. This essay differs from a personal essay in which a student provides a personal biography.
  • GRE TESTEvery online master’s in forensic psychology program asks students to meet different admission requirements. Students may need to take the GRE and submit their best scores. In some cases, schools only require GRE scores when students demonstrate lower undergraduate GPAs. Not every program requires GRE or GMAT scores.

M.Sc. in Forensic Sciences: Career Prospects

Forensic Toxicology, Forensic Biology, and Crime Scene Investigation have always had career scope. Forensic Speech Science deal with analysing voice samples using spectrogram, recording, and machines to help identify the speaker. Some voice recordings are permissible as evidence in the court of law in anti-corruption and other criminal offences. The ability to work with experts from other allied fields like Social Science, Psychology, and Statistics is a must, since job profiles largely depend on one’s area of specialisation. Such postgraduates work in both government and private agencies, hospitals and laboratories.

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