Master’s Degree in
Forensic Psychology (MS)
Online
- Master of Science (MS)
- Online
- On Campus
- Hybrid
The science of forensic psychology has existed for more than a hundred years, but in the last few decades, the field has exploded with new possibilities. Forensic psychology is now essential to every part of our criminal justice system.
Where are forensic psychologists needed? Law enforcement, the court system, corrections, and social services all depend on them to help apprehend, convict, and rehabilitate offenders. That means they depend on people with clinical, legal, and analytical expertise — the kind of people who graduate from the Forensic Psychology Master’s program at Monroe’s King Graduate School.
Our innovative online curriculum offers you the flexibility to earn your degree at your own pace, on a schedule that works with your busy life. Discover what it takes to break new ground in a field that’s always breaking new ground.
Why an Online Master's in Forensic Psychology?
Forensic psychology is where behavioral science and the criminal justice system intersect. It requires a command of multiple disciplines, but what makes it so demanding is also what makes it so rewarding. Year after year, we find new applications for forensic psychology — and year after year, we see a consistent demand for ethical, competent practitioners.
The stakes couldn’t be any higher. The legal system counts on forensic psychology experts to provide relevant, accurate, and credible data and conclusions that inform legal arguments and judicial decision-making.
When you earn your Master of Science in Forensic Psychology online, you’re building the skills you need to become an indispensable part of our justice system. You’re building a future that can take you anywhere you want to go, from law enforcement to the private sector.
Online Curriculum
If you’re pursuing a Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology, that means you’re taking responsibility for your future. But what about your responsibilities in the present? You still might have a family to take care of. You still might have a job to do.
At Monroe, we understand the need for balance. That’s why we designed our online Forensic Psychology degree to be as flexible as it is comprehensive. You have access to the same faculty and resources as on-campus students, but with the advantages of state-of-the-art online learning tools. As a Master of Science in Forensic Psychology student, you’ll begin with a solid academic foundation in:
- Psychology of Criminal Behavior
- Perspectives on Drugs and Alcohol in the Criminal Justice System
- Criminological Theory
- Child Development, Trauma, and the Criminal Justice System
You’ll then build on that foundation with a series of specialized Forensic Psychology classes that include:
- Psychological and Neurobehavioral Assessment Tools
- The Psychopathology of Serial Offenders
- Forensic Mental Health in the Courts
- Assessment, Intervention, and Treatment of Domestic Violence
You’ll also jumpstart your forensic psychology career with a field placement in one of many professional settings throughout the New York metro area, including:
- Social service agencies
- Law enforcement agencies
- Correctional facilities
- Mental health facilities
And every step of the way, you’ll have the full support and guidance of Monroe’s dedicated support team.
The Hybrid Curriculum: Offering the Best of Both Worlds.
One thing forensic psychology teaches you is that not everything is black and white. That goes for your education, too, which is why the King Graduate School also offers a hybrid forensic psychology program. When you pursue the hybrid option, you can take some of your classes on campus, while preserving the flexibility of an online curriculum.
How Long Does It Take to Earn a Forensic Psychology Degree Online?
You can earn your Master’s Degree In Criminal Justice in just five (5) semesters. If completed in consecutive semesters on Monroe’s accelerated three (3)-semester academic calendar, you could finish your degree in less than two (2) years.
Forensic Psychology Master’s Requirements:
The Master of Science in Forensic Psychology consists of 42 total credits, including:
- 27 credits of required core courses, including a 3-credit integrated capstone seminar
- 15 credits of required Forensic Psychology courses
Learn more about the requirements for a Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology.
Forensics: Psychological and Neurobehavioral Assessment Tools
Forensic research psychologists use comprehensive criteria to assess the various disorders that accompany criminal behavior. Aggression, hostility, depression, and substance abuse disorders all have precise definitions in the eyes of the law. In this course, students will become familiar with the tools used to assess not only behavioral disorders, but the neurobehavioral conditions that can lead to mental disorders and pathological behavior.
Admission Requirements
Candidates applying for an online Forensic Psychology Master’s Degree 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) letters of professional recommendation.
- Forensic Psychology candidates must also participate in a pre-admission interview.
Tuition and Financial Aid
How Much Does an Online Forensic Psychology Master’s Cost?
At Monroe University, we believe that a great education should also be affordable. It’s one of the reasons why, year after year, U.S. News & World Report has named Monroe one of the Best Value Schools in Regional Universities North.
Our financial aid office works hard to help you secure every possible grant, scholarship, and loan for which you qualify. We also offer manageable payment plans for our already affordable tuition and fees. And if you’re employed by one of our over 400 partner organizations, you may be eligible to receive a Corporate Partnership Grant for up to 20% of your tuition.
Your Future Forensic Psychology Career
Here are just a few of the forensic psychology jobs in law enforcement, social services, corrections, and more:
- Criminal profiler
- Victim advocate
- Investigative journalist
- Jury consultant
- Police consultant
- Probation officer
- Correctional counselor
- Licensed professional clinical counselor
- Forensic research psychologist*
Once you complete your degree in Forensic Psychology, you’ll have opened the door to dozens of exciting and rewarding career paths — and to even more that will emerge in the years to come.
*To independently practice as a forensic psychologist, students must satisfy additional forensic psychology licensure requirements, including 1) a doctorate in psychology and 2) official licensure from the state.
Discover What You Can Achieve
Discover everything you can do with an online Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology. Your classes might be online, but the skills you build will take you far in the real world.
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