Master’s Degree Programs in Forensic Psychology

Forensic psychology bridges psychology and the legal system, offering critical insights into criminal behavior, mental health in correctional settings, and legal proceedings. A master’s degree in forensic psychology equips students with the advanced skills needed for this expanding field, addressing society’s growing reliance on psychological expertise within the justice system.

Master’s programs cover key topics such as criminal profiling, risk assessment, and crisis intervention, often emphasizing research methods. Graduates find diverse opportunities, from working as victim advocates, case managers, or expert witnesses to roles in law enforcement and correctional facilities. While a master’s degree enables these careers, clinical roles like psychological assessment or therapy generally require a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) and licensure.

Choosing a master’s degree over a PhD often comes down to career focus, time commitment, and financial considerations. A master’s program typically requires two years of study and prepares graduates for applied roles in the justice system without the extended research and clinical training of a doctoral program. This makes it an ideal choice for those who want to enter the workforce sooner or specialize in non-clinical roles, such as policy advising, victim advocacy, or consulting. A master’s degree also does not preclude the possibility of earning a doctoral degree in the future.

Forensic psychology master’s programs provide a pathway for those passionate about applying psychological principles to the justice system. To learn more about their common courses, accreditation, and some sample programs, read on.

Ask the Expert: Eric Hickey, PhD

Dr. Eric Hickey is a senior core faculty member in Walden University’s forensic psychology program. His primary duties include serving on dissertation committees, mentoring doctoral students, attending residencies, conducting forensic psychology intensives, participating in webinars, and serving as an SME in program development.

Dr. Hickey consults with private agencies and testifies as an expert witness in both criminal and civil cases involving sex crimes against children and adults, criminal paraphilia, stalking, homicide, domestic violence, offender psychology, victim-offender relationships, and serial crimes. He also assists local, state, and federal law enforcement in training and investigations and in reviewing cold case files.

Dr. Hickey’s expertise is chronicled in over 50 television documentaries, including appearances on History Channel, NPR, 20/20, A&E Bio, Oxygen, Reelz, GMA, CBC, TruTV, Discovery, TLC, Fox, BuzzFeed, and CNN.

ForensicColleges.com: What is something you wish the public understood about forensic psychology?

Dr. Hickey: Forensic psychology is an expanding field of academic research and professional practice that creates aggregates of knowledge and tools used in examining crimes, criminals, and their victims. We offer a variety of areas of expertise, including crime scene analysis, criminal profiling, psychological autopsies, geographical profiling, threat assessment and risk management, criminal paraphilia, psychopathology, victim profiling, and other forms of behavioral and psycho-social analysis.

We train law enforcement, serve as expert witnesses in court, work on criminal and civil cases, and provide public speaking. We publish books and articles, appear in various media productions, teach and conduct research, and do other related activities.

ForensicColleges.com: What advice would you give to new and aspiring forensic psychology students?

Dr. Hickey: Aspiring students must find their niche within forensic psychology. This is a journey, not a race. First, you must earn degrees (credentials) in our field and join our national organizations. Learn how to network because that will lead to many surprising opportunities. Be patient. No one becomes an expert overnight.

Prerequisites for a Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology

As with any master’s degree program, a student wishing to apply to forensic psychology master’s programs must have completed or be on track to complete an undergraduate degree. Most programs do not require that degree to be in forensic psychology or in psychology at all.

However, certain courses are usually required, such as statistics and introductory level courses to psychology and a background in the scientific method, psychological experimentation, and ethics. For promising candidates, many schools exercise the option to grant conditional admission for students that have not completed all required courses, provided they can complete them within their first semester of the graduate program.

Many selective programs also have a minimum GPA for applicants to their graduate-level programs. This helps narrow the applicant field to those who have proven they can function successfully at an institute of higher learning. Most master’s degree programs also require applicants to take the GRE and may have established minimum scores for admission.

Applicants should always keep in mind the requirements for individual programs can vary and should be sure to check with a program before applying.

Common Courses & Electives for Forensic Psychology Master’s Programs

Every curriculum is different, but some generalizations can be made about the standard courses required for a master’s degree in forensic psychology. Once prerequisites have been met, students can begin taking advanced psychology courses, including general courses in research, psychopathology, and advanced statistics.

Once the foundational requirements have been met, students can begin to explore courses that focus on the forensic aspect of the forensic psychology master’s degree. Forensic psychology courses in a master’s program may include such course titles as:

• Psychology of criminal behavior
• Victimology
• Mental health issues in policing
• Terrorism
• Violence and aggression
• Evaluation and treatment of juvenile offenders

The above list is not exhaustive. Rather, it is only a sampling of the kinds of courses found in the course catalogs for forensic psychology master’s degree programs.

Many programs may also offer courses that deal with the intersection of forensic psychology and other professions, including law enforcement and social work. In addition, the majority of master’s degree programs in forensic psychology do require an externship or practicum which involves students working in the field, under the supervision of a licensed psychologist. This type of fieldwork is required for licensure. Some schools may offer assistance in obtaining these positions while others may leave the process largely up to the students themselves.

Forensic Psychology Master’s Programs

Schools around the country offer on-campus forensic psychology programs that result in a master’s degree. These programs can be competitive, so applicants should be sure they meet as many prerequisites as possible before applying to attend.

California State University at Los Angeles (Cal State LA) offers a master of science (MS) program in forensic psychology. The 33- to 34-credit program includes a nine-month practicum that allows students to be placed in a professional environment that best aligns with their future career goals. The curriculum emphasizes theoretical research and practical experience and is designed for students who want to pursue doctoral studies or enter the field as psychologists.

Students without bachelor’s degrees in psychology are encouraged to apply and may be granted conditional admission and required to complete 31 to 36 units of psychology courses. Students are also required to complete a thesis prior to graduation.

• Location: Los Angeles, CA
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

John Jay College of Criminal Justice offers a master of arts (MA) degree in forensic psychology. The program requires 39 classroom credits and a three-credit externship. The curriculum emphasizes how social identities such as race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and social class can influence psychopathology. Assessment implementation and research design are also taught to give future forensic psychologists expertise in future careers such as federal law enforcement and forensic researchers.

It’s important to note that this program is not a licensure program and aspiring forensic psychologists are encouraged to research licensure requirements in the states where they plan on working.

• Location: New York, NY
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

Kean University offers a master of arts (MA) degree in forensic psychology as part of its Nathan Weiss Graduate College. This program is ranked ninth in the nation for affordability and requires its applicants to have studied general psychology; experimental psychology or research methods, statistics, abnormal psychology, and developmental psychology.

The MA program requires 36 classroom credits and three to six master’s project credits. Courses include psychology and criminal behavior, advanced abnormal psychology, and personality and behavioral assessment. Graduates of this program may go on to earn a doctoral degree or to work in court clinics, correctional facilities, law enforcement, or other settings.

• Location: Union, NJ
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

Hybrid & Online Forensic Psychology Master’s Programs

Any student who chooses to pursue graduate studies may be concerned about where they will attend school, particularly if they hope to continue working while furthering their education. Luckily, some forensic psychology master’s degree programs do offer the option to study online, in part or in full, which can make attending a graduate school that much more convenient.

It’s worth noting that these programs may still require some degree of in-person work, particularly when it comes to practicums that may be required for the completion of the degree or for future licensing.

Featured Online Master’s in Forensic Psychology Programs

Walden University in Minneapolis, Minnesota offers a master’s of science (MS) in forensic psychology with ten unique specializations. This program features an engaging learning community and cutting-edge curriculum delivered by well-known authors and thought leaders in forensic psychology.

Also, in-person field experiences and a capstone project require students to go deeper beyond didactic knowledge and apply real-world situations to demonstrate their proficiency in the course material. Up to half of the credits in the MS program can be applied towards a PhD in forensic psychology. Please note: this program does not prepare candidates for licensure in psychology.

• Location: Minneapolis, MN
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

The Center for Psychological Studies at Nova Southeastern University, with a campus in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, offers an entirely online master’s of science (MS) degree in forensic psychology. The 36-credit program is presented in a non-clinical format, meaning there are no in-person clinical requirements to complete the degree program. Students have found the program to be a useful stepping stone to doctoral programs or other professional opportunities in law enforcement or mental health services.

This program is designed for working adults who want to earn a non-clinical master’s degree online while balancing job and family responsibilities. Three application deadlines are available throughout the year in July, December, and March, and the GRE is not required for admission.

• Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

The University of North Dakota offers a fully online master of arts degree in forensic psychology. Students in the UND program are eligible for in-state tuition no matter where they reside, making it a particularly affordable option. Students in this MA program must complete 30 credits. It requires approximately two years to complete part-time.

The curriculum focuses on law and psychology and students are trained to conduct focus groups for jury selection; select and use appropriate evaluation tools; and assist courts and state legal agencies in issues related to forensic psychology. A supervised field placement in a real-world clinical or community setting is required and specialization in interrogation, eyewitness testimony, or psychology in education is available.

• Location: Grand Forks, ND
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Forensic Psychology Program & School Accreditation

Finding an accredited school is essential, particularly for students who plan to seek licensure in the future.

Programmatic Accreditation

A program that holds program-level accreditation means that the forensic psychology master’s degree program meets certain requirements in terms of its curriculum, faculty, and facilities.

Forensic psychology programs themselves can earn accreditation from such professional organizations as the American Psychological Association (APA). In many instances, those students wishing to pursue an internship and eventually licensure may be required to study at an APA-accredited school.

Institutional Accreditation

In the case of institutional accreditation, an entire institution goes through the accreditation process. Schools may be accredited by an organization that has been recognized by the US Department of Education’s Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). These accrediting bodies are typically divided by region.

For instance, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) accredits colleges and institutions mostly in the midwest. Similar commissions exist for different areas of the country. As an example, John Jay College of Criminal Justice has accreditation from the MSCHE.