For students pursuing an educational path in forensic psychology, there are often many factors that contribute to the decision of where to attend. Various colleges and universities offer this type of educational path, and some have a higher number of graduates than others. If you are thinking about this path, there are a few things to keep in mind.
What Is Forensic Psychology?
Forensic psychology is a specific subfield in the area of psychology. This specific discipline focuses on the connection between human behavior and the justice system. It focuses on issues of psychology as they relate to the justice system. Those who work in this field often face the need to improve relationships between the legal system itself and individuals. They often work at assessing, evaluating, and treating both victims and offenders.
What Is APA Accredited?
When comparing forensic psychology programs from various colleges, it may be beneficial to locate programs that have APA accreditation. This is accreditation from the American Psychological Association. Accreditation of a program aims to ensure that the education provided to students within the program meets the standards of the APA. The APA defines this as professional and scientific standards that support a student’s needs to provide ethical and skillful care to patients later.
What Is a Forensic Psychology Graduate Program?
A forensic psychology graduate program provides education above the level of bachelor’s in the specific area of forensic psychology. This program may include a range of topics related to the type of work a person in this career field may complete. Some of those topics may include a study of the legal system and psychology as it relates to mental health workers, first responders, and disaster teams. Students may study topics such as gender violence such as sexual assault, and child abuse. They may also engage in psychopathology, personality disorders, and behavioral interventions. Many also take ethical classes in these areas.
How Do You Choose a College That Provides This Education?
Students who wish to enroll in a master’s program in forensic psychology may wish to consider several educational programs to determine which offers the type of coursework they are interested in. It may also be important to think about the location of the school, the type of learning environment (online or in person), and the type of positions alumni take after they graduate. With a number of colleges and universities offering this graduate program, students may wish to compare several to find one that they like.
Leading Forensic Psychology Graduate Programs APA Accredited
The following are a few of the graduate programs in this field you may wish to consider.
According to IPEDS, these are the schools with the highest number of graduates of accelerated MBA degree programs in 2020.
*Sponsored Schools
| School Name | Graduates | Acceptance Rate |
| Arizona State University Digital Immersion | 166 | 64% |
| George Washington University | 64 | 41% |
| University of North Dakota | 60 | 81% |
| Nova Southeastern University | 49 | 80% |
| The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Los Angeles | 48 | 13% |
*Sponsored Schools
Arizona State University Digital Immersion
The Arizona State University Digital Immersion program is one route. It provides an online Master of Science in Forensic Psychology aimed at helping students to further their career goals in areas of criminal justice and mental health. This program includes a total of 11 classes, and classes start throughout the year. Topics that are a part of this program typically include a study of human behavior as it relates to the legal field and crime. There are some concepts of criminal law, and criminal behavior studied, too. To enroll, students need to meet prerequisites, including a bachelor’s in a related field.
George Washington University
George Washington University’s Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences offers a PhD in Clinical Psychology. This program focuses on applying research to a wide range of psychological topics, including as they relate to forensics. This program is APA accredited. Students take courses to prepare them to work as applied researchers as a component of their degree program. They typically gain research skills and practical methods to work to better understand the treatment of and prevention of emotional, behavioral, as well as physical health problems that impact communities of all types.
University of North Dakota
The University of North Dakota offers an online Masters in Forensic Psychology program. This program helps to prepare students to apply psychological therapy as well as their skills and knowledge to the criminal justice system and civil justice system. This is a part-time course, which typically takes about two years to finish. It requires 30 credit hours of education. Students need to meet some prerequisites to be accepted. The courses include exploration of the legal system, forensic-relevant knowledge, and analytical, statistical, and evaluation skill development.
Nova Southeastern University
The Nova Southeastern University’s College of Psychology offers an online forensic psychology educational program. This program aims to provide education and skill development to prepare students to work in the field of legal, judicial, and social services. It may include an exploration of topics related to a range of social aspects of criminal psychology as well as a study of the criminal system. Some of those who graduate the program may work in law firms, national security organizations, and law enforcement agencies, among other potential locations.
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Los Angeles
Some students may wish to finish their education at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Los Angeles. Students in this program typically study public views on criminals and criminal behavior. They may study mental illness, how the court system is impacted, and the correctional system as a whole. Students who finish this graduate program may be able to work in a range of public safety and police environments, including in careers such as a police officer, part-time consultancy, or a hostage negotiator.
Should You Enroll in This Graduate Program?
Students interested in the criminal justice system, the legal system as a whole, and the psychology behind it may find this field of study interesting. Individuals should still think about career opportunities and goals and do some research to determine what this type of program may offer to them.
This is an offer for educational opportunities that may lead to employment and not an offer or guarantee of employment, and that may help prepare students to meet the licensing or certification requirements of the field they choose to study. Students should check with the appropriate certifying body to make sure the program they apply to will help meet any licensing or certification requirements. Students should also consult with a representative from the school they select to learn more about career opportunities in that field. Program outcomes vary according to each institution’s specific program curriculum.