What do you learn in a bachelors in forensic psychology?

Written by: Nancy Finney, Edited by: Mitch Jacobson

Published: March 20, 2025

A bachelor's degree in forensic psychology can open doors to opportunities in the criminal justice system. Forensic psychologists learn basic statistical analysis and take coursework in behavioral psychology.

Discover what you'll learn in a forensic psychology program and find out what requirements you'll need to meet to graduate.

What to expect from a forensic psychology bachelor's program

Earning a bachelor of forensic psychology degree provides you with the foundation to gain entry-level employment within the criminal justice system. These programs emphasize general psychology training and coursework in mental disorders, criminal law, and criminal behavior.

A bachelor's in forensic psychology program helps prepare you for a career in criminal justice and positions you to pursue a graduate degree such as a master's degree in psychology or forensic psychology.

Similar to most bachelor's programs, it will likely take you around four years of full-time study to earn your degree.

Bachelor's in forensic psychology curriculum

When studying forensic psychology, you'll take survey courses in statistics and research methods, along with many general psychology courses.

As you move into your junior and senior years, your coursework becomes more specialized. You'll enroll in classes such as criminology, forensic assessment, abnormal behavior, and criminal law, and you may find niche courses in areas such as sex-based crimes or the psychology of juries.

The curriculum will help you better understand mental health concerns in the criminal justice field and identify the potential psychological needs of offenders, victims, and juries. Some common courses include:

Statistics and research methods in psychology: This is a survey course that provides an overview of research methods and examines ethical topics related to psychological research.
Criminology: In this course, you'll learn the history of legal systems and their connection to human behavior, as well as the formation of justice systems and social control. The course is an opportunity to apply psychology to the mindsets of perpetrators.
Criminal law: This course examines the purposes of criminal law, constitutional limits, and defense and prosecution, preparing you to better understand the relationship between the law and the criminal justice system.

Specializations and concentrations

You can choose from many specializations or concentrations within your bachelor's in forensic psychology program. Some common options include:

Mental illness: Learn about the mental health conditions affecting those within the criminal justice system
Victimology: Explore victim services, the prevention of victimization, and the psychology of victims as it relates to the prosecution of perpetrators
Sexual assault or violent crimes: Examine the types of victims and offenders, as well as the behaviors involved in these types of crimes

Graduation requirements for a forensic psychology bachelor's degree

To complete a bachelor's in forensic psychology program, you'll need to meet all requirements from your specific university. These typically include general education courses, upper-division courses related to your major, and a final project such as an internship, capstone, thesis, or final exam.

Many graduates of forensic psychology programs pursue independent research and conduct a major final project so they can go on to graduate school, since many positions in the field require a master's degree or even a doctoral degree in forensic psychology.

Explore bachelor's degrees in forensic psychology

Are you ready to delve deeper into the fascinating world of forensic psychology? Then check out edX's wide selection of courses and programs and get started today.

Frequently asked questions about obtaining a bachelor's degree in forensic psychology

How do you choose a bachelor's degree in forensic psychology?

Explore various bachelor's in forensic psychology programs by looking at their curriculum and considering whether the program fits your lifestyle and career goals. You may want to enroll in an online bachelor's in forensic psychology program so you can work while you earn your degree.

You can also start learning about the field by taking criminology courses.

Will a bachelor's in psychology degree help me get a career in forensic psychology?

Earning a bachelor's degree in psychology — particularly one with a minor in criminal justice (or vice versa) — can help provide a useful foundation to get you started in the field of forensic psychology. Additionally, this is a relatively common path, as many universities do not offer forensic psychology degrees at the bachelor's level and may only offer concentrations or electives in the field.

Moreover, most roles within the field require a master's or doctoral degree in forensic psychology anyway, which you can pursue after earning your bachelor's degree in psychology, criminal justice, or a related field.

What can I do with an online bachelor's degree in forensic psychology?

A forensic psychology bachelor's degree can help prepare you for entry-level roles in criminal justice, mental health care, victim advocacy, or therapy and counseling.

Earning a bachelor's degree can also help set you up to continue your education through the graduate level, as most forensic psychology occupations require a master's or doctoral degree in the field.

Law

Career