Top 10 Online Master's in Forensic Psychology for 2019

An online master's degree in forensic psychology helps students understand the factors that lead individuals to commit crimes. Students interested in law or who have a psychology background are ideal candidates for a master's in forensic psychology online program. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 14% employment growth for psychologists within the next decade.

What are the Best Online Master's in Forensic Psychology Programs?

Top 10 Online Masters in Forensic Psychology for 2019

1. Nova Southeastern University — Fort Lauderdale, FL

Admissions Rate

59%

Graduation Rate

44%

Online Enrollment

39%

Retention Rate

80%

Default Rate

4%

Between its Ft. Lauderdale, FL campus and distance education classes, NSU enrolls more than 24,000 students. Digital learners can pursue an online master's degree in forensic psychology . In this 36-credit program, students explore the intersection of law and psychology. NSU's master's of science in forensic psychology is a non-clinical degree. It serves as the foundation for a doctoral program or advances a career in criminal justice, child welfare, or law enforcement.

The program includes 24 credits of core courses, including evaluation, methodology, and psychological research, and ethical concerns & multicultural issues in forensic psychology. Students select one of two nine-credit specialization tracks – forensic psychology in the legal system or forensic psychology for mental health workers, first responders, and disaster teams. Students choose between field experience or a thesis to conclude the program.

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2. Liberty University — Lynchburg, VA

3. University of California-Irvine — Irvine, CA

4. University of North Dakota — Grand Forks, ND

5. Southern New Hampshire University — Manchester, NH

6. Oklahoma State University – Center for Health Sciences — Tulsa, OK

7. Arizona State University-Tempe — Tempe, AZ

8. University of Louisiana at Monroe — Monroe, LA

9. University of Houston-Victoria — Victoria, TX

10. Adler University — Chicago, IL

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How to Choose an Online Master's in Forensic Psychology Program

Forensic psychology online master's programs have different curricula and course requirements, but learning outcomes are usually the same. Students learn the basic tenets of psychology and criminal behavior, complete core courses, and specialize in a concentration area, such as terrorism. Students are often required to work with forensic psychologists and patients during a capstone project or field research. The duration of an online master's degree in forensic psychology program depends on the number of required credits and whether the student transfers previous credits.

Careers for Graduates of Master's in Forensic Psychology Programs

A master's in forensic psychology online program combines principles of psychology and law for a comprehensive approach to criminal behavior. Graduates become victim advocates, expert witnesses, and case managers. They work within the criminal justice system to help law enforcement officials capture and prosecute criminals. Jobs in this field are demanding, but they have high earning potentials. Many experienced forensic psychologists write books or appear on television.

Job Outlook and Salary for Graduates of Forensic Psychology Master's Degrees

Graduates of online master's degree in forensic psychology programs pursue careers in psychology and law. Both industries are experiencing rising job growth and demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 10% growth in legal occupations within the next decade.

Forensic psychologists and technicians work in high-risk areas, such as prisons and crime scenes. Employment for forensic technicians is projected to increase 17% by 2024.

Salary Growth by Experience for Graduates of Forensic Psychology Master's Programs

Students in master's in forensic psychology online programs are prepared for careers through rigorous courses and intensive field research requirements, during which students work with trained forensic technicians and psychologists. In this field, professionals with more experience obtain prominent positions working with specialized forces and departments. A master's in forensic psychology online degree combined with professional experience leads to higher earning potential.

To determine the best online master's in forensic psychology programs, we looked at the most important factors prospective students, mainly common predictors of future success and a school's commitment to online programs. This boils down to admissions rate, student loan default rate, retention rate, graduation rate, and the percent of students enrolled in online classes. All data points are taken from information provided by colleges and universities to the National Center for Education Statistics.

Each factor is weighted evenly in order to give an objective view and determine the best online master's in forensic psychology programs. To calculate our rankings, we looked at a school's ranking when organized by a single factor, and then averaged each category's ranking to find an overall score: Admissions Rate (20%) + Default Rate (20%) + Retention Rate (20%) + Graduation Rate (20%) + Percent of Students Enrolled in Online Classes (20%) = Final score.