Online and Distance Learning

Are you interested in studying a forensic psychology online program or in taking criminology and justice studies?

Thes programs are increasingly popular amongst students. But what is forensic psychology?  Forensic psychology is the application of psychology in law and law enforcement. For example, it is used in treating mentally ill offenders, providing expert testimony in court, and also in analyzing a criminal's mind and intent. So to prepare for this work students need to take criminal justice and civil legal courses as well as psychology courses.

This page will help you to find out more about university forensic psychology and to locate suitable schools. Many working students prefer to take their degree online rather than on-campus, so that they can have flexibility and control over their study program. But if you are interested in on campus degrees, check the on campus programs page.  If you are interested in other aspects of Criminal Justice, check out the pages for Forensic Science, Forensic Accounting, and Law Enforcement.

Selected forensic psychology online programs

The following is a list of selected online programs with various combinations of criminal justice, forensic psychology and criminology:

• Kaplan University Online
  • BS in Criminal Justice / Forensic Psychology

• Walden University
  • M.S. in Forensic Psychology

• Argosy University Online
  • Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology

• The University of the Rockies Online
  • Doctor of Psychology - Criminology and Justice Studies
  • Graduate Certificates - Criminology and Justice Studies

You can also find more forensic psychology online programs using the search box in the right-hand column.

What do you study in a forensic psychology online program?

In a forensic psychology online program, you are trained to provide psychological services within the criminal justice and civil legal systems, e.g., to evaluate the psychological fitness of individuals who must stand trial. You must state and defend your psychological evaluations in court, so you need to be quick-witted and have good communication skills, as well as having the required psychological and legal knowledge. Courses covered would include: epidemiology of mental/behavioral disorders; risk factors for violence and criminality; profiling and patterning; psychological testing, prediction and intervention measurement; assessment; criminal and civil law and procedures; forensic treatment and intervention skills; interpersonal skills, communication skills, and, professional standards and ethics.

Other relevant specializations

You may find it useful to consider the programs available in the following areas:

• counseling psychology;
• criminal justice;
• developmental psychology (infant, child, adolescent, adult and elderly);
• educational psychology (including school psychology);
• general psychology;
• substance abuse;

Other schools and programs can be found by using the search box.

What are the opportunities for graduates?

Forensic psychology research work, consultation and clinical practice has grown considerably over recent years and this growth is expected to continue over the next ten years. There are now various sub-fields that you can work in, including: clinical-forensic psychology, developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, criminal investigative psychology.

Although a bachelors degree is a good preparation, you really need a masters or a PhD to pursue a career in forensic psychology. And graduates with a forensic psychology PhD have more career opportunities than those with only a forensic psychology masters degree.

Salaries are good - in the US, forensic psychologists average around US$70,000 (PayScales.com).

More information about forensic psychology online programs

Go to the forum to discuss specific questions about forensic psychology online programs.

If you are interested in on campus degrees, check the on campus programs page.