Master’s degree
in Forensic Psychology (MS)

What is forensic psychology? We’ve all seen the many portrayals of it in TV and film — but what is it really like? What does it take to build a forensic psychology career right here in the real world? 

At Monroe’s King Graduate School, you won’t just get an answer to the question — you’ll get the many tools you need to build a rewarding career of your own. Our Forensic Psychology Master’s program will give you a solid foundation in the clinical, legal, and analytical skills you need to succeed — and lead — at every level of our criminal justice system, from investigation to conviction and beyond.

Find Out About Our Fully Online Forensic Psychology Degree

As the criminal justice system evolves, so do its methods. The science of forensic psychology is essential to helping law enforcement, attorneys, judges, and juries to understand the motives behind criminal behavior. For example, forensic psychologists may use their expertise to determine a criminal defendant’s competency to stand trial, or if they might pose a danger to others. 

With a Master of Science in Forensic Psychology, you’ll be able to apply your expertise to leadership positions in any number of criminal justice fields. Many Forensic Psychology graduates join law enforcement agencies at the local, state, and federal levels. Some also work in the private sector as consultants to police departments and prosecutors. 

You might choose to work in social services, where you can apply the latest in behavioral studies to help rehabilitate offenders. You could create those studies yourself as a forensic researcher — or you could go on to earn your doctorate to become a fully licensed forensic psychologist.  

Where your career takes you is up to you… but it all begins with a Forensic Psychology Master’s from Monroe.

To apply for a Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology, candidates must fulfill the following admissions requirements: 

• Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year institution of higher education.
• Candidates must submit:
  •  A completed application for admission.
  •  A 500-word essay describing your career goals and why you want to pursue a master’s degree.
  • A current résumé.
  • Transcripts from all prior educational institutions attended. 
  • Two (2) professional letters of recommendation. 
• Forensic psychology candidates must also participate in a pre-admission interview.

Learn more about how to apply to Monroe University.

How Much Does a Forensic Psychology Degree Cost?

Year after year, U.S. News & World Report ranks Monroe as one of the Best Value Schools in Regional Universities North. In addition to our affordable tuition and fees — and manageable payment plans for every circumstance — we have a financial aid office that works tirelessly on behalf of every student. They’ll help you secure every possible grant, scholarship, and loan for which you’re eligible. 

Monroe also has valuable relationships with over 400 corporate partners. If you’re an employee of any one of them, you may qualify to receive a Corporate Partnership Grant that covers 20% of your tuition. 

Forensic psychology jobs in law enforcement may be the most visible, but there are opportunities in every part of the criminal justice system: the courts, corrections, human services, and more. Here are just a few of the career paths you can pursue with a degree in Forensic Psychology:

• Correctional counselor
• Criminal profiler
• Victim advocate
• Jury consultant
• Police consultant
• Licensed professional clinical counselor
• Probation officer
• Investigative journalist
• Forensic research psychologist*

In all areas of forensic psychology, there’s a steady demand for well-trained experts. How you choose to meet that demand is up to you.

*To independently practice as a licensed forensic psychologist, Forensic psychology graduates must go on to earn additional credentials, including 1) a doctorate in psychology and 2) official licensure from the state.

View factsheet.