An affordable Master’s in Forensic Psychology provides students with the opportunity to work within the justice system. Through this graduate program, students learn the forensic, legal, and clinical analysis skills that are essential in criminal litigations, investigations, and consultations in different law and order, judicial, and social sectors.
They provide their expertise during criminal profiling, interviewing criminals, prepare witnesses, and aid in high-profile court cases. It is well-matched for students who are interested in pursuing a career in criminal justice and law enforcement or furthering their expertise in the discipline through a doctorate.
A graduate degree in Forensic Psychology is your gateway to numerous opportunities for lucrative and rewarding careers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) specifies that the job outlook for psychologists in the United States will be at a 6% as-fast-as-average growth between the years 2021 to 2031.
The multidisciplinary field offers a combination of theories, concepts, and practices of law and psychology. While some states require licenses for employment or in the practice of the profession, the majority allows graduates to work in non-clinical facilities with a professional certificate.
Related Article: THE 25 MOST AFFORDABLE MASTER’S IN SCIENCE GRAD SCHOOL DEGREES
Our writers and researchers at GradSchoolCenter.com are here to help you make an informed decision as you seek graduate studies in Forensic Psychology! We took into account the many elements that make up a top-quality master’s degree programs and schools and found The 20 Most Affordable Master’s in Forensic Psychology (MAFP) Grad Schools.
The graduate schools and programs on our list all boast of excellent academic features without being too expensive, and with financial aid and programs available to eligible applicants. The 20 Most Affordable Master’s in Forensic Psychology (MAFP) Grad Schools stand out because they:
- Deliver outstanding courses and curricula that bring the passionate experts out of each Master’s in Forensic Psychology student,
- Focus on the latest theories and applications that pertain to the evolving and modernized practices in the field of Forensic Psychology,
- Feature an excellent panel of Forensic Psychology instructors, each of whom has earned a reputation for competence in the numerous facets of the discipline,
- Offer an extensive range of financial assistance and discount programs to accommodate all interested but cash-strapped eligible graduate students,
- Highlight experiential learning through internships and exposure to a network of who’s who in Forensic Psychology,
- Well-regarded in numerous academic listings, with positive reviews from students and academic communities,
- Earned proper accreditation.
The 20 Most Affordable Master’s of Arts in Forensic Psychology (MAFP) on this list are offered on-campus and may or may not be offered online and in accelerated formats, depending on the graduate schools.
Check out the Master’s in Forensic Psychology grad program that best matches your needs:
California Baptist University
Oklahoma State University
University of Denver
California State University – Los Angeles
Kean University
National University
University of California, Irvine
Prairie View A&M University
Russell Sage College
University of North Dakota
Tiffin University
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Florida National University
Montclair State University
University of Houston-Victoria
Grand Canyon University
University of New Haven
Roger Williams University
Holy Names University
Marymount University
California Baptist University
MA in Forensic Psychology
Riverside, California
Tuition Fee: $24,984 Per Academic Year
The California Baptist University – College of Behavioral and Social Sciences offers an affordable on-campus Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology program. The 57-credit hour program can be completed within two years. It prepares graduates to offer critical psychological expertise and services within the criminal justice setting. Some of the required courses include Legal Research and Reasoning, Biological Bases of Behavior, Human Growth and Development, Criminal Investigations, and Advanced Psychopathology and Criminality. As a final requirement, students can choose a thesis track or a non-thesis track. Aside from the final requirement, students are required to complete a 9-month forensic practicum. The practicum is completed in two semesters during the last year of the program.
Types of Aid: Institutional and Private Scholarships, Grants, Educational Loans, Military Aid, and Federal and Private Loans
Admission Requirements:
- $45 application fee
- Application for admission
- Bachelor’s degree
- Official transcripts (Sealed)
- Three letters of recommendation
- Essay
- Interview
- Prerequisite courses
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission
California Baptist University’s financial aid programs help both undergraduates and graduates to reduce their academic expenses. The university has received a military-friendly status for providing extensive financial assistance to active-duty military, veterans, and their spouses. Many grants and scholarship programs are also available for merit-based and need-based qualifications.
Learn more about California Baptist University’s Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology Program.
Oklahoma State University
MS in Forensic Sciences – Forensic Psychology Concentration
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Tuition Fee: $324 per credit hour (Resident) | $454 per credit hour (Non-Resident)
Oklahoma State University has an affordable on-campus Master of Science in Forensic Sciences with a concentration in the Forensic Psychology program. Depending on the students’ preference and timeframe of learning, the on-campus program can be completed part-time or full-time. Regardless of their duration, the program should be completed within seven years. Students must have 39 credit hours for degree completion. They will take required courses such as Ethics in Forensic Leadership, Ethical Research, and Scientific Writing, Technical Aspects of Forensic Document Examination, Fire Dynamics in Forensic Investigations, and Quality Assurance in Forensic Science. As part of the culminating experience, students will either submit research and pass a capstone examination.
Types of Aid: Scholarships, Federal and State Grants, Student Employment, Federal Work-Study, Loans, and Military Aid
Admission Requirements:
- Baccalaureate degree
- Application for admission
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Three letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- $50 application fee
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Oklahoma State University is a top-value school that frequents affordable program listings. With less than $500 per credit tuition, students will have the opportunity to graduate from their programs without paying a hefty amount of loans. For students interested in gaining employment while studying, the university offers many student employment opportunities for them.
Learn more about Oklahoma State University’s Master of Science in Forensic Sciences – Forensic Psychology Program.
University of Denver
MA in Forensic Psychology
Denver, Colorado
Tuition Fee: $11,167 per term
The University of Denver offers an affordable on-campus Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology program. Completion takes about two academic years on a full-time basis. The on-campus forensic psychology program emphasizes three major areas of competency, namely consultation in criminal justice and legal fields, group and individual counseling across the different lifespan, and assessment of a diverse range of the population. Criminal Evaluations, Psychology, Public Policy, and Advocacy, Psychopathology, Evaluation & Treatment of the Adult Offender, Ethical Issues in Forensic Psychology, and Conflict Resolution are some of the featured courses of this program. UD’s on-campus forensic psychology has a comprehensive and extensive curriculum and practicum program. Students get the chance to work at Denver FIRST, a leading regional hub and go-to facility for everything related to forensic mental health.
Types of Aid: Grants and Scholarships, Work-Study Programs, Loans, and Summer Aid
Admission Requirements:
- Undergraduate degree
- Application for admission
- Minimum GPA of 2.5
- Personal essay
- Two to three letters of recommendation
- Unofficial and official transcripts
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- Prerequisite courses (If applicable)
- $65 application fee
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Graduates at the University of Denver must first accomplish their requirements for FAFSA. Once completed, they will receive suitable financial aid packages for assisting them in their academic expenses. Need-based grants and merit-based scholarships are some of the financial aid options that students can apply. Other financing options include loan programs offered at the university.
Learn about the University of Denver’s Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology Program.
California State University – Los Angeles
MA in Forensic Psychology
Los Angeles, California
Tuition Fee: $4,108 per 6-credit hour | $8,860 for 6-credit hour above
California State University in Los Angeles – Department of Psychology features an affordable on-campus Master of Science in Forensic Psychology program. It consists of 33 to 34 credit hours of coursework and focuses on research and theory while providing hands-on experience and training. Graduates have personalized mentoring sessions with a faculty member. Throughout the program, this faculty member keeps track of each student’s progress toward his or her professional aspirations. Some of the core required courses include Psychology and the Law, Seminar: Abnormal Psychology, Courtroom, and Legal Issues in Criminalistics, Field Experience in Psychology, and Theories and Perspectives in Criminal Justice. The on-campus forensic psychology also includes a 9-month practicum. Learners will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in practical experience and supervision related to their field of interest.
Types of Aid: Grants, Federal Work-Study, Payment Plans, Scholarships, Federal Direct Loans, Private Loans, Dream Loan, and TEACH Grants
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Application for admission
- One to three pages of career goals and objectives statement
- Three letters of recommendation
- Unofficial transcripts
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Prerequisite courses (If applicable)
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
California State University-Los Angeles offers graduate students the opportunity to fund their education. The majority of students completing their studies at CalState LA have received scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid. To become qualified for financial aid, students must submit their requirements for FAFSA. It’s the first step in determining the type of financial aid package to be given to each student.
Kean University
MA in Forensic Psychology
Union, Jersey
Tuition Fee: $8,113 per semester (In-State) | $10,668 per semester (Out-Of-State)
Kean University’s affordable on-campus Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology program is taught through Nathan Weiss Graduate College. Before enrolling in the full-time program, a set of prerequisites must be completed first, such as statistics, general psychology, development psychology, and abnormal psychology. For graduation, students must have at least 36 credit hours. Research Design and Statistics I and II, Advanced Abnormal Psychology, Personality & Behavioral Assessment, Introduction to Forensic Psychology, and Neuropsychological Assessment are some of the core required courses of this program.
Types of Aid: Scholarships, Assistantships, Direct Loan, Graduate PLUS Loan, TEACH Grant, Private Loans, Payment Plans, Federal Work-Study, CARES Act, NJ State Scholarships, and Unemployment Tuition Waiver
Admission Requirements:
- Baccalaureate degree
- Application for admission
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Official transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation
- Resume or CV
- Personal statement
- Prerequisite courses (If applicable)
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
With several opportunities for financial aid, Kean University remains true to its commitment to providing more attainable and affordable graduate programs for every student. For students who have recently been unemployed they can qualify for unemployment tuition waivers to finance their studies. Flexible payment plans are also available for students to choose from.
Learn more about Kean University’s Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology Program.
National University
Master of Forensic Sciences with Specializations in Investigation and Criminalistics
La Jolla, California
Tuition Fee: $442 per credit hour
The affordable on-campus Master of Forensic Sciences at National University offers two areas of specialization, namely Investigation and Criminalistics. For course duration, each class has four weeks in length, focusing on one subject at a time. Students are required to accomplish 54 credit hours and complete the core courses, namely Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Pathology I and II, Digital Evidence, Forensic Photography, and Forensic Anthropology.
The on-campus Forensic Psychology program offers the integration of practical and theoretical applications. Aside from coursework completion, students will need to complete a practicum experience that provides them the opportunity to interact with forensic pathologists and investigators directly.
Types of Aid: Military and Veterans Aid and Scholarships, Federal Work-Study Programs, Scholarships, Grants, TEACH Grant, Federal and Private Loans, and Graduate PLUS Loans
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Application for admission
- Minimum GPA of 2.5
- Unofficial transcripts
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
National University is a consistent placeholder for affordable schools to complete graduate programs. The majority of graduate programs at NU have less than $500 per credit, making it an excellent choice to save on tuition and other expenses. It’s also a military-friendly university that offers special tuition discounts to service members and their spouses.
Learn more about National University’s Master of Forensic Sciences Program.
University of California, Irvine
Master of Legal and Forensic Psychology
Irvine, California
Tuition Fee: $4,942 Per Semester
The University of California, Irvine, has an affordable on-campus Master of Legal and Forensic Psychology program that can be earned within two years. To graduate, students should earn a minimum of 52 credit hours. At the start of the program, students must participate in a mandatory introductory course in person at the UCI campus. It’s an accelerated 5-day introductory session that normally happens in mid-September. Some of the courses are Legal Reasoning, Forensic Assessment, Research Methods, Psychology & Law, and Quantitative Methods. Aside from coursework completion, students are required to complete a capstone requirement. As part of the culmination of coursework, they will write an independent term paper. Each student may choose a topic that is relevant to Forensic Psychology and Law.
Types of Aid: Scholarships, Employer Tuition Reimbursement Programs, and Federal Direct Loans
Admission Requirements:
- Baccalaureate degree
- Application for admission
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Three letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Personal History Statement
- $120 application fee
- Official transcripts
- Resume
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
The University of California, Irvine, offers inexpensive tuition rates and miscellaneous fees for both graduates and undergraduates. Students requiring financial assistance can apply for available federal direct loans at UCI. If they need further assistance, UCI’s financial aid office readily helps students with their inquiries regarding FAFSA and other related concerns. It also helps tips and guidance on how to maximize their financial aid.
Prairie View A&M University
MS in Juvenile Forensic Psychology
Prairie View, Texas
Tuition Fee: $7,992 Per Semester
Prairie View A&M University’s Department of Psychology offers an affordable on-campus Master of Science in Juvenile Forensic Psychology program. It is the only graduate-level program of its kind offered in Texas! The on-campus MS JFP program can be completed once students will have 36 credit hours of coursework completion. It offers two major options, namely externship and thesis. Graduates pursuing a Ph.D. or research can choose a thesis option. For students who prefer working in the field of forensic psychology, they can pursue the externship option. Both programs will teach students the psychological aspects of family violence, treatment, classification, and assessment of juvenile offenders. Psychology of Crime and Delinquency, Violence and Aggression, Domestic and Family Violence, Childhood Psychopathology, and Psychology and Treatment of the Juvenile Offender are some of the required courses of this program.
Types of Aid: Grants, Work-Study Programs, Parent and Student Loans, Scholarships, Private/Alternative Loans, Exemptions and Waivers, and Military & Veterans Educational Benefits
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Application for admission
- Minimum GPA of 2.75
- Three letters of recommendation
- GRE scores
- Prerequisite courses
- Personal essay
- Official transcripts
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Prairie View A&M University ensures that every student has the opportunity to achieve their academic aspirations through a wide range of financial aid resources and information. Through grants, non-resident tuition, tuition waivers, and scholarships, students will have ways to fund their educational expenses. To qualify, they must first accomplish their FAFSA at PVAMU.
Russell Sage College
Master of Science in Forensic Mental Health – Health Services Administration Concentration
Troy, New York
Tuition Fee: $685 per credit hour
Russell Sage College offers an inexpensive on-campus Master of Science in Forensic Mental Health program through its School of Health Sciences. Students can select between a general track or a more emphasized curriculum through a concentration in Health Services Administration. Both tracks have non-clinical and clinical coursework in victimology, substance abuse, criminal justice, psychology, law, and social science. The on-campus forensic psychology program consists of coursework completion and a minimum of 240 hours for externship experience in a forensic mental health facility.
Types of Aid: Scholarships, Veterans Administration Benefits, Tuition Assistance Program, Higher Education Opportunity Program, Federal Work-Study Options, Federal Direct Loans, Graduate PLUS Loans, and Private Loans
Admission Requirements:
- Undergraduate degree
- Application for admission
- Official transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation
- Career goals essay
- Resume
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Aside from affordable tuition expenses, Russell Sage College offers different types of financial aid for every student. The school aspires to make education more accessible and affordable for everyone. Federal and private loans are some of the popular financing options for students at Russell Sage. For students who want to earn credentials and stipend, they can ask for the school regarding their offerings for federal work-study.
University of North Dakota
MS in Forensic Psychology
Grand Forks, North Dakota
Tuition Fee: $589 Per Credit Hour
The affordable on-campus Master of Science in Forensic Psychology program at the University of North Dakota requires 30 credit hours for degree completion. The on-campus forensic psychology program consists of 18 credit hours of coursework, six electives, and 6-credit hour thesis completion. As part of the core requirement, students will take core courses such as Psychology and Law, Cognitive Psychology, Forensic Assessment, Behavior Pathology, and Advanced Social Psychology. Students at UND will receive a tremendous amount of support in this forensic psychology program. All graduates will have the opportunity to enjoy a full tuition waiver for both core and elective courses.
Types of Aid: Graduate Research and Teaching Assistantships, Military and Veterans Benefits, and Scholarships
Admission Requirements:
- Baccalaureate degree
- Application for admission
- GRE scores
- Personal Statement
- Minimum GPA of 3.2
- Curriculum vitae
- Three letters of recommendation
- School of Graduate Studies’ English Language Proficiency
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
An affordable school listing isn’t complete without the University of North Dakota on the list. The university is popular for providing top-quality education without breaking the budget. Through scholarships and military & veterans’ benefits, students have the privilege to pursue a graduate program of their choice without accumulating a huge amount of debt after graduation. Each student will receive a monthly allowance for those who are in the graduate teaching assistantship program.
Learn about the University of North Dakota’s Master of Science in Forensic Psychology Program.
Tiffin University
MS in Criminal Justice – Forensic Psychology
Tiffin, Ohio
Tuition Fee: $700 per credit hour
Tiffin University has an affordable on-campus Master of Science in Criminal Justice-Forensic Psychology program offered in a 15-week semester format. It has the start dates of January and August. The on-campus forensic psychology program is primarily research-based. A unique features of this program is the university’s collaboration with Terra State Community College to include the costs associated with attending the Ohio Police Officer Training Academy. The training can be completed within one semester. A total of 42 to 43 credit hours is required for degree completion. The primary courses are Sex Crimes and Paraphilia, Forensic Counseling, Victimology, Applied Advanced Psychological Assessment, and Mental Health Law in Forensic Psychology.
Types of Aid: Student Employment, Student Loans, Grants, Scholarships, Gainful Employment Disclosure, Veterans and Military Educational Benefits, Private Loans, and Payment Plans
Admission Requirements:
- Undergraduate degree
- Application for admission
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Resume or CV
- Personal statement essay
- Official transcripts
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Another affordable school on our list is Tiffin University. The school ensures that each student will receive suitable financial aid packages to help them finance their studies. One of the financial aid options it offers is student employment opportunities. It’s an ideal way for students who want to earn work credentials while completing their graduate programs.
Fairleigh Dickinson University
MA in Forensic Psychology
Teaneck, New Jersey
Tuition Fee: $623 per credit hour
Fairleigh Dickinson University’s affordable on-campus Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology program consists of 36 credit hours in its curriculum. The program can be completed in about a year and half, including one summer term. Forensic psychology majors will complete a set of coursework that discusses different components of forensic psychology. Psychological Analysis of Criminal Cases, Evaluating Criminal Responsibility and Competency to Stand Trial, Ethical Issues in Forensic Psychology, Forensic Evaluation & Assessment, and Psychological Basis of Criminal Behavior are some of the unique courses in the degree plan of this program. Aside from coursework completion, passing a comprehensive examination is mandatory for all students. During their last semester, they are required to accomplish 300 hours of clinical placement or externship. The university offers a list of forensic and clinical facilities where students can complete the required hours.
Types of Aid: Institutional, Federal, and Private Aid, Scholarships, Loans, Grants, Fellowship Programs, Private Alternative Loans, and Veterans’ Educational Benefits
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Application for admission
- Curriculum vitae
- Personal statement
- Official transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation
- $50 non-refundable application fee
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Students at Fairleigh Dickinson University can graduate without accumulating too many debts. The university has numerous private, federal, and institutional aid as a source of financing for students. To qualify for a suitable financial aid package, each student must first accomplish his or her FAFSA. Through FAFSA, the school will determine the right type of financial aid to be provided for each student.
Learn more about Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology Program.
Florida National University
MS in Forensic Psychology
Hialeah, Florida
Tuition Fee: $675 per credit hour
Through Florida National University’s Health Services Administration, and affordable on-campus Master of Science in Forensic Psychology program is offered for interested students in the field of criminal justice and forensic psychology. Students must have a minimum of 36 credit hours for degree completion. The program tackles discussions about Psychology of Counseling, Criminal Psychology, Stress, and Mental Health, Victimology, Substance Abuse, and the Offender, and Clinical Psychological Assessment. A capstone project will serve as the program’s culminating requirement.
Types of Aid: Military and Veterans Benefits, Scholarships, Tuition Incentives, Loans, and Tuition Waivers
Admission Requirements:
- Baccalaureate degree
- Application for admission
- Official transcripts
- Minimum GPA of 2.5
- Writing assessment
- Two letters of recommendation
- Resume
- Essay
- Video conference
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Florida National University’s diverse variety of financial aid options ensure that every student has the opportunity to finish their programs at a reduced cost. Some students have met a set of criteria and status and qualify them for tuition incentives and waivers. For active-duty military and their spouses, the university offers special tuition discounts and other perks through the military and veteran benefits program.
Learn more about Florida National University’s Master of Science in Forensic Psychology Program.
Montclair State University
MA in Clinical Psychology – Forensic Psychology Concentration
Montclair, New Jersey
Tuition Fee: $763 per credit hour
Montclair State University takes pride in the affordable on-campus Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in the Forensic Psychology program offered b its Psychology department. To graduate from the program, students must have at least 36 credit hours. Some of the featured courses include Interventions in Forensic Psychology, Child and Family Forensic Assessment, Criminal Forensic Assessment, Forensic Psychology in Criminal Proceedings, and Psychological Science and the Law. The on-campus forensic psychology program also provides students with the opportunity to choose their capstone experience. They can either pursue a Clinical Externship Track, which requires 450 hours of clinical placement. For students pursuing the Research Externship Track they must complete 450 hours of research lab placement.
Types of Aid: Assistantship Programs, Scholarships, Payment Plans, Grants, Loans, Student Employment, Summer Financial Aid, and Study Abroad Financial Aid
Admission Requirements:
- Undergraduate degree
- Application for admission
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Prerequisite courses (If applicable)
- $60 non-refundable application fee
- Official transcripts
- Personal statement/essay
- Two letters of recommendation
- GRE scores
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
One of the common ways to finance students’ education is through assistantship programs at Montclair State University. Through this program, students will not only receive some form of stipend but also obtain the necessary work experience for their future careers. Aside from traditional financial aid options, the university also offers study abroad financial assistance for students.
University of Houston-Victoria
MA in Forensic Psychology
Victoria, Texas
Tuition Fee: $368 Per Credit Hour (Resident) | $776 Per Credit Hour (Non-Resident)
The University of Houston-Victoria offers an affordable on-campus Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology program through its School of Arts & Sciences. The program will educate and equip students with the competencies for licensed mental health professional practice in the forensic and criminal justice settings. The 63-credit hour on-campus forensic psychology program at UHV requires the completion of prerequisite undergraduate courses in Abnormal Psychology, Research Methods, and Statistics. The curriculum is divided into three major components, namely core courses, concentration in Forensic Psychology requirements, and practicum experience. Techniques of Psychotherapy, Assessment of Forensic Psychology, Crisis Counseling, Ethics and Practice of Psychology, and Multicultural Psychology are some of the required coursework of the program.
Types of Aid: Federal Grants, Loans, Scholarship Programs, Federal Work-Study Programs, Exemptions, Assistantships, Fellowships, and Military and Veterans Educational Benefits
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Application for admission
- Essay
- One letter of recommendation
- Official transcripts
- GRE scores
- Interview
- $25 non-refundable application fee
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
The University of Houston-Victoria is one of the best value universities around the country. A diverse range of financial aid opportunities helps both undergraduates and graduates to reduce their tuition expenses. Through federal work-study, fellowship, and assistantship programs, they will have the opportunity to gain employment experience as well as an allowance for paying tuition. Other financing options include federal and state loans.
Learn more about the University of Houston-Victoria’s Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology Program.
Grand Canyon University
MS in Forensic Psychology
Phoenix, Arizona
Tuition Fee: $688 Per Credit Hour
The Grand Canyon University – College of Humanities and Social Sciences has an affordable on-campus Master of Science in Forensic Psychology program. Evening classes are offered for adult students who wish to pursue a traditional program. GCU’s night classes hold in-person meetings once a week, and courses run for eight weeks. The 36-credit hour traditional forensic psychology program integrates criminal justice, psychology, and law subjects. Some of the required courses include Offender Rehabilitation and Reintegration, Contemporary and Ethical Issues in Psychology, Psychology and the Legal System, Graduate Statistics, and Theories of Criminal Behavior. A Professional Capstone course is mandatory for all students before graduation.
Types of Aid: Scholarships, Grants, Institutional, Federal and Private Alternative Loans, Loan Deferment/Forbearance, TEACH Grant, Loan Forgiveness Programs, and Military and Veterans Benefits
Admission Requirements:
- Baccalaureate degree
- Application for admission
- Official transcripts
- Minimum GPA of 2.8
- GRE/GMAT scores (If applicable)
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Grand Canyon University’s numerous financial aid options will help students to fund their studies until they graduate. For students who have existing loans after graduation, they can apply for loan forgiveness if they have met a set of criteria. Similar programs include forbearance and deferment of loans and are also offered at GCU.
Learn more about Grand Canyon University’s Master of Science in Forensic Psychology Program.
University of New Haven
MS in Forensic Science
West Haven, Connecticut
Tuition Fee: $1,020 per credit hour
University of New Haven’s affordable on-campus Master of Science in Forensic Science program is taught through its Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences. The rigorous program is a 4-semester graduate program with a flexible class schedule and offerings. A total of 42 credit hours is mandatory for degree completion. The program consists of 33-credit hour required core courses, 9-credit hour electives, and a thesis component. Forensic DNA Analysis, Survey of Forensic Science, Advanced Criminalistics I and II, Physical Analysis in Forensic Science, and Forensic DNA Analysis Laboratory are some of the core courses of the program. For the thesis requirement, students will write a research-based thesis and can be considered as publication-quality. The preparation and submission of thesis projects must adhere to the university’s Graduate School and selected Departmental requirements.
Types of Aid: Federal Work-Study, Institutional Student Employment, Federal Direct Student Loans, Unsubsidized Student Loans, Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans, Tuition Discounts, Payment Plans, and Private Alternative Loans
Admission Requirements:
- $50 non-refundable application fee
- Bachelor’s degree
- Application for admission
- Official transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation
- Statement of Purpose
- Resume
- GRE and GMAT scores
- Writing sample
Accreditation:
- New England Commission of Higher Education
- Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission
With a diverse range of options for academic funding, the University of New Haven helps both undergraduates and graduates to receive a suitable financial aid package according to their needs and status. Before qualifying for different types of financial aid, each student must first submit their FAFSA requirements.
Learn about the University of New Haven’s Master of Science in Forensic Science Program.
Roger Williams University
MA in Forensic & Legal Psychology
Bristol, Rhode Island
Tuition Fee: $671 per credit hour
Offered through the Feinstein School of Social and Natural Sciences, the Roger Williams University has an affordable on-campus Master of Arts in Forensic & Legal Psychology program. It is a two-year, full-time program that is designed to prepare graduates to pursue doctorate programs focused on research work. The 45-credit hour forensic psychology program requires students to complete courses in Multicultural Competence in Psychological Practice, Forensic Psychology, Proseminar in Social Psychology, Research Design, and Adult Psychopathology. A thesis is also required for degree completion. Through this program, students learn how to address numerous empirical questions in forensic, legal, and clinical psychology.
Types of Aid: Graduate Assistantships, Federal Loans, and Scholarships
Admission Requirements:
- $50 application fee
- Baccalaureate degree
- Application for admission
- Official transcripts
- Letter of Intent
- Resume
- Three letters of recommendation
- GRE/GMAT scores
- Research paper
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Aside from standard admission requirements, students at Roger Williams University must also accomplish their FAFSA so they can qualify for financial aid. Similar to most schools, the completion of FAFSA at Roger Williams University will determine a suitable financial aid package tailored to their needs.
Learn more about Roger Williams University’s Master of Arts in Forensic & Legal Psychology Program.
Holy Names University
MA in Forensic Psychology
Oakland, California
Tuition Fee: $1,003 per credit hour
The affordable on-campus Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology program at Holy Names University requires 38 credit hours for degree completion. The program is primarily focused on the study of therapeutic jurisprudence and restorative justice. Graduates of this traditional forensic psychology program aren’t qualified to sit for state licensure as a Professional Clinical Counselor or as a Marriage and Family Therapist. As core requirements, students will accomplish credits for Forensics: Psychometrics and Assessment, Human Diversity in Counseling, Forensic Psychology and the Law, Substance Abuse Assessment and Treatment, and Domestic Violence Assessment and Treatment.
Types of Aid: Partnership Discounts, Scholarships, and Loans
Admission Requirements:
- Undergraduate degree
- Application for admission
- Official transcripts
- Admissions essay
- Interview
- Two letters of recommendation
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
Holy Names University remains true to its commitment regarding attainable and affordable education for everyone. Through its advocacy, the university offers scholarships for eligible students. The school also has partnership discounts, and students who are employed with partner companies of HNU will enjoy tuition discounts and other perks.
Learn more about Holy Names University’s Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology Program.
Marymount University
MA in Forensic & Legal Psychology
Arlington, Virginia
Tuition Fee: $1,190 per credit hour
Marymount University offers an affordable on-campus Master of Arts in Forensic & Legal Psychology program. As a multidisciplinary program, it integrates the Psychology, Public Policy, Law, and Criminal justice disciplines.
A 39-credit hour graduate-level program, Forensic Psychology consists of 24-credit hour of core courses, 15-credit hour electives, and internship experience. The core courses include Forensic Assessment, Bases of Psychopathology, Psychology of Criminal Behavior, Legal and Investigative Psychology, and Research Methods.
Aside from the main program, selected students can pursue a concentration in Intelligence Studies. For students pursuing this concentration, they will take five concentration courses in Counterintelligence, Intelligence Analysis I and II, and the Intelligence Community: Theory, Process, and Challenges. Other concentrations include Children and Juveniles, Law Enforcement and Investigative Issues, Crime and Victims, and Legal and Policy Issues.
Types of Aid: Military and Veterans Benefits, Scholarships, Grants, Loans, Gainful Employment Disclosure, Assistantships, Payment Plans, and Student Employment Options
Admission Requirements:
- Undergraduate degree
- Application for admission
- Resume
- Official transcripts
- GRE scores
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Aside from affordable tuition rates, Marymount University students’ capacity to save on academic expenses through different types of financial aid. Assistantships and student jobs are some of the ways on how students can earn an allowance to finance their graduate studies.
Learn more about Marymount University’s Master of Arts in Forensic & Legal Psychology Program
What jobs and roles can I pursue as a Master’s in Forensic Psychology graduate?
A diverse range of career pathways awaits graduates with a major in forensic psychology. Some of the roles include:
- consulting with attorneys and other legal experts,
- assessing pieces of evidence from crime scenes,
- providing counseling to victims and their families,
- conducting assessments and developing treatment plans of inmates,
- consulting with law enforcement agencies, and
- performing academic research.
A graduate with a forensic psychology degree can become professionals with capacities that include, but aren’t limited to, the following:
Correctional Counselor
Correctional Counselors are one of the career pathways for forensic psychologists who prefer working in correctional institutions. They leverage their understanding of the psychological and legal consequences of punishment and crime to accomplish a diverse range of meaningful positions in the correctional system. These positions include creating treatment plans and counseling sessions for both inmates and ex-convicts. These professionals offer support and mental health counseling to inmates as well as to conduct individual and group counseling sessions with them.
Crime Analyst
Crime Analysts work extensively with law enforcement agencies to detect criminals and organize crime profiles. Some of their work includes gathering and sampling data to mitigate crime occurrences in a specific location by delivering investigative, strategic, and statistical support to law enforcement agencies. They work with variables such as environmental, economic, and demographic components, which vary based on the types of criminality and their occurrence. As part of the implementation, crime analysts utilize administrative tools, strategic findings, and strategic methodologies.
Expert Witness
Trial attorneys hire forensic psychologists to act as expert witnesses during trial hearings. Expert witnesses take a stand and testify as a complainant in the court.
Federal Government Employee
Graduates with a degree in forensic psychology are suitable for career opportunities within the federal government sectors. Some of these federal government institutions include VA hospitals, CIA, DEA, and FBI. These career pathways generally don’t require licensure; however, a graduate-level degree will provide you with the advantage to get hired and eventually progress in your career within federal government organizations.
Forensic Social Worker
Forensic Social Workers perform combined roles from criminal justice and social work to navigate the developments of crime for all parties involved. These professionals work in collaboration with traditional social workers and assist individuals that criminalities directly impact. Forensic social workers serve as a link between the affected individuals, law enforcement sectors, and court systems. Some of the work of forensic social workers include identifying criminal activities, acting as expert witnesses, assessing the mental state of defendants, and creating suitable therapy/treatment plans for their clients.
Investigative Journalist
Graduates with forensic psychology knowledge or background can utilize their expertise to work as investigative journalists or crime reporters. In numerous cases, investigations eventually become daunting to detectives and law enforcement agencies. That said, investigative journalists can offer additional research work and data gathering and documentation for specific crimes and cases. They work with law enforcement agencies to gather and analyze pieces of information. These pieces of information are received through conducting leads and follow-ups, attending press conferences, and interviewing victims, suspects, their families, informants, and witnesses to specific crimes.
Jail Supervisor
Jail Supervisors work in correctional institutions such as detention facilities, penitentiaries, and juvenile jails. Their role emphasizes the safety and security of inmates and staff members. Some of their work includes ensuring the correctional facilities are safe and free from illegal imports, resolving conflicts, and managing daily activities within their respective institutions.
Jury Consultant
Jury Consultants work closely with lawyers to offer insights on which jurors to choose for cases. As jury consultants, they conduct numerous research on prospective jurors and are primarily dedicated to the process of voir dire. Also, they take notes during the trial court hearing on the body language and behavior of jurors. These pieces of information will assist lawyers in preparing their strategies and counsel witnesses.
Law Enforcement Consultant
Law Enforcement Consultants work comprehensively with law enforcement agencies and officers. They are involved during crisis intervention assistance while treating the crime’s victims. Some of their responsibilities include counseling sessions for their clients, personnel supervision, and development of training programs.
Probation Officer
Probation Officers help in managing inmates who were recently released from detention facilities. These professionals make decisions about each inmate’s release date evaluation, assessing the possibility of risky behavior, and counseling past offenders.
Professional Clinical Counselor
Graduates with a degree in forensic psychology often work as counselors in a diverse range of sectors. Forensic psychology is one of the many diverse fields of psychology that can open numerous counseling career opportunities. Graduates who are interested in becoming a licensed professional clinical counselor must ensure that their forensic psychology program has a licensure track. It ensures that they’ll be suited to qualify required licensure exams and apply for state licenses.
Researcher
Forensic Psychology Researchers conduct a diverse range of research works in different areas, including questioning victims, suspects, and their families, as well as studying criminal background related to specific crimes. Researchers also assess and learn the circumstances surrounding specific crimes and demographics that are significantly associated with those crimes. Also, these professionals apply their expertise and skills in abnormal or challenging cases as well as they are responsible for gathering data and profiling it for criminal and forensic references.
Victim Advocate
Victim Advocates work directly with survivors of traumatic occurrences such as domestic violence or sexual assault as well as victims of crimes. These professionals often help victims understand their legal rights and cases. They offer support through participating in trial hearings with victims and the legal process. Victim advocates provide support, resources, and pieces of information to victims; however, they don’t dictate them on what to do.
How long can I earn a Master’s in Forensic Psychology degree?
Depending on the students’ learning format and the total number of required credits, full-time students of a master’s program in forensic psychology will generally completer their degrees within two years.
How different is a Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology from a Master of Science in Forensic Psychology program?
While a graduate degree in forensic psychology will prepare students to work within the field, the master’s degree they will choose relies on the specific career pathways they want to pursue. The Master of Science (MS) in Forensic Psychology focuses on the more scientific components of forensic psychology, including consulting, analysis, and research. A Master of Arts (MA) in Forensic Psychology emphasizes developing psychological profiling and counseling activities.
8 THINGS ONLY A GRAD STUDENT WOULD UNDERSTAND
