How long does a master's in forensic psychology take?

Full-time students typically graduate in about two academic years if they make satisfactory academic progress throughout the program. If you study part-time, your timeline could reach 3–5 years, depending on your course load.

Is it worth becoming a forensic psychologist?

If you're fully committed to the field, you may find it fulfilling to become a licensed forensic psychologist. However, prepare for a long and challenging path to licensure that includes a doctoral degree and thousands of hours of clinical training.

What master's degree should I get for forensic psychology?

A specialized master's degree in forensic psychology offers the most direct preparation for professional entry into the field. You could also study clinical psychology, criminal psychology, or supplement a degree in criminal justice, criminology, or sociology with forensic psychology coursework.

What is the difference between criminal psychology and forensic psychology?

While criminal psychology is widely understood to cover the psychology of crime, it is not an officially recognized psychology specialization in the United States. The American Psychological Association and the American Board of Professional Psychology both recognize forensic psychology as a licensed practice area.

What is the difference between clinical psychology and forensic psychology?

The fields overlap, but they have different overarching goals. Clinical psychologists mainly focus on the therapeutic management of mental health conditions, while forensic psychologists navigate therapeutic, legal, and public safety considerations.

Master's in forensic psychology programs

Explore key details about forensic psychology master's programs. Learn about admissions, curricula, career paths, and salary potential.

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Why earn an online master's in forensic psychology?

Blend legal and mental health knowledge

Forensic psychology master's programs help you to develop the intersecting legal and mental health knowledge you'll use throughout your career.

Qualify for doctoral programs

You need a doctorate to become a licensed psychologist. By earning your master's degree, you will fulfill an essential academic prerequisite for entry into doctoral programs.

Access flexible education

Studying online affords you scheduling flexibility and can help you reduce costs. You can also consider schools outside your geographic area, which gives you more program choices.

Forensic psychology master's programs can open doors to career advancement. Learn what to expect from your program, research potential career paths, and get answers to common questions.

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What jobs can you get with an online master's in forensic psychology?

To become a licensed forensic psychologist, you will need a doctoral degree in psychology. Earning a master's is an essential step toward that goal.

You can also enter the workforce with only a master's degree in forensic psychology. Common employment settings include government, law enforcement, the justice system, and correctional facilities. You could also seek supporting roles in academia or research.

Potential career paths include:

Licensed professional counselor (LPC)

LPCs provide culturally responsive therapy services to clients. Those specializing in forensic psychology work mainly with survivors of violence and people convicted of crimes.

Correctional treatment specialist

These professionals provide mental health resources for incarcerated people. They are also known as corrections counselors or case managers.

Probation officer

Working alongside law enforcement and corrections officials, probation officers play a frontline role in supervising previously incarcerated people as they rejoin their communities.

With experience, you could also work as a jury or police consultant, a survivor advocate, or a prison supervisor.

Salary expectations for forensic psychology

Using Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, this table profiles median salaries for careers you could pursue with a forensic psychology master's degree:

Median salaries for forensic psychology careers
Career	Median annual salary (May 2023)	Median hourly wage (May 2023)
Licensed professional counselor	$53,710	$25.82
Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists	$61,800	$29.71
Social science research assistant	$56,400	$27.11

Your experience, location, and employer could impact how much you earn.

Career outlook for forensic psychology

The BLS and O*NET Online project the following job growth rates for various forensic psychology paths from 2023-2033:

Job growth rates for forensic psychology careers
Career	Job growth
Licensed professional counselor	+19%
Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists	+4%
Social science research assistant	+5%

Multiple factors may impact these job growth and availability projections, including economic conditions and the financial status of publicly funded employment settings.

What can you learn in an online master's in forensic psychology program?

Forensic psychology master's programs usually cover about 30 to 36 credits. Full-time students can normally graduate in about two academic years.

While curricular details vary among schools, programs often explore a common set of principles and concepts, including:

Deviant behavior
Case analysis and subject profiling
Forensic assessments and interviewing techniques
Psychopathology and abnormal psychology

Many programs also explore laws and standards related to constitutional rights, justice systems, and correctional institutions.

Typical program objectives include:

Cultivating professional forensic assessment, evaluation, and intervention skills
Developing a strong, nuanced understanding of psychology's role in justice systems and institutions
Building a knowledge foundation for further study at the doctoral level

Master's degree paths typically culminate in a research thesis or capstone project, which allows you to apply the skills and knowledge you gained throughout your program.

Online format

As an online student, you will have full access to campus resources and services. However, you will likely access these resources remotely unless you live close to campus and elect to use them in person.

Graduate programs in forensic psychology usually include internships, practicums, or other field learning experiences. You'll complete these in person even if your program is delivered entirely online. Program administrators usually help online students locate suitable local placements.