best colleges for phd in forensic psychology

Best Forensic Psychology colleges in the U.S. 2024

A forensic psychology degree teaches students to combine behavioral analysis and law to help with investigations, create programs at detention facilities, and provide recommendations for judges.

Day to day, forensic psychologists conduct research, analyze data, and assess individuals who are involved in the legal system. In many cases, forensic psychologists work with victims of crimes or convicted criminals currently serving time.

Forensic psychology was popularized by TV shows and movies, and t he role today is quickly growing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), all psychologist roles are projected to grow by 6% between 2021 to 2031 . The BLS also reports that psychologists earn a median salary of $81,040 with the top 10% earning more than $133,890 .

Forensic psychology is a relatively new but growing field, and those who want to pursue a career in this field must earn a forensic psychology degree. In most cases, forensic psychologists must also earn a graduate degree, such as a PhD in psychology or a PsyD , to qualify for a role. The best forensic psychology schools more than adequately prepare graduates for a career in the fast-changing, growing field of forensic psychology.

Best Forensic Psychology colleges in the U.S. for 2024

The University of Denver’s Forensic Psychology program prepares students that would like to apply the principles of psychology to interviews and mental assessments in the criminal justice sector. This program includes courses that teach students how to assess, communicate with, and structure sessions with eyewitnesses, police officers, and defendants. Classes are available both in-person and remotely, though some required courses may include in-person instruction at police precincts in the Denver metro. Students at the University of Denver are also encouraged to observe practicing forensic psychologists to further their professional experience before graduation.

University of California-Irvine offers 1 Forensic Psychology degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 41 Forensic Psychology students graduated with students earning 41 Master's degrees.

Washington University St. Louis has a forensic psychology program that emphasizes courses in psychology and mental health disorders and is structured to prepare students for professional roles upon completion of their bachelor’s. This program is to be completed in four years and provides students with a range of local internship opportunities in the St. Louis metro, along with seminars to provide professional observation and guidance before entering the workforce.

Arizona State University Digital Immersion offers 2 Forensic Psychology degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2022, 306 Forensic Psychology students graduated with students earning 306 Master's degrees.

Kean University offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Forensic Psychology program for students in New Jersey that have an interest in working with law enforcement to psychologically assess suspects, victims, and police officers at a crime scene. Courses that contribute to this program include mental development, psychological analysis, and ethics. Graduates should be aware Kean has a large network locally to assist recent graduates in post-graduation job placement.

For students interested in pursuing a forensic psychology degree in New York City, CUNY’s John Jay College of Criminal Justice offers a competitive track with ample professional observation opportunities at local precincts and jails in the New York metro area. Undergraduates are advised to apply to internships during their degree program and in summer breaks to gain hands-on experience that will be invaluable when they apply for professional roles post-graduation.

The Forensic Psychology program at the University of North Dakota offers classes geared toward students preparing to enter into the field as a psychologist, therapist, or parole officer. In the classroom, students have opportunities to study mental illness, complete observational labs with local law enforcement, and attend off-campus internships at private practices.

The Florida Institute of Technology offers undergraduates the opportunity to enroll in their forensic psychology program, which is the first step for students interested in working with police departments and investigators to interview and assess suspects, victims, and fellow officers. It is common for students to take classes in psychology and mental disorders as an introduction to the broader field, along with hands-on labs to familiarize themselves with the rules for interaction and communication in a legal capacity. FIT offers a four-year path with opportunities to apply to internships at schools locally in the Orlando metro area to gain real-world experience.

CUNY Graduate School and University Center offers 3 Forensic Psychology degree programs. It's a medium sized, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 12 Forensic Psychology students graduated with students earning 8 Master's degrees, and 4 Doctoral degrees.

Oklahoma State University-Main Campus offers 2 Forensic Psychology degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a faraway town. In 2022, 5 Forensic Psychology students graduated with students earning 5 Certificates.

Find local colleges with Forensic Psychology majors in the U.S.

What is forensic psychology.

Popular crime shows have brought forensics and forensic psychology into the spotlight in recent years. The word forensic is derived from the Latin word forensis or forum which is where ancient Romans held their courts of law, and many people today show interest in the field of forensic psychology. 

A career in forensic psychology shows promise, too, with a projected 6% job growth rate between 2021-2031 with a median pay of around $81,040 .

In order to specialize and be employed as a licensed forensic psychologist, you need to first obtain a PhD or doctor of psychology (PsyD) degree and spend two years in an internship gaining supervised experience. 

Forensic psychologists may also become board certified through the American Board of Forensic Psychology .  

Forensic Psychology Degree Overview

Although there are many careers in forensic psychology that only require a master’s degree, becoming a licensed forensic psychologist requires a PhD or doctor of psychology degree (PsyD) .

To be accepted into a PhD or doctorate program, you must first obtain a bachelor’s degree, which doesn’t have to be in psychology. 

Some programs require a master’s degree, and others offer a combined degree program that results in both a master’s and doctorate degree. 

Courses in Undergraduate Forensic Psychology Programs

There are a vast array of psychology courses offered in an undergraduate program that include both core curriculum classes and specialty courses that are geared toward your interests. If you plan to focus on forensic psychology, you can expect to take the following types of classes:

• Abnormal Psychology
• Behavioral Psychology
• Biological Psychology
• Cognitive Psychology
• Criminal Law
• Criminology
• Developmental Psychology
• Intro to Psychology
• Psychology Seminar
• Social Psychology
• Statistical Methods

Bachelor's Degree in Forensic Psychology

The minimum admission requirements to get into a bachelor’s of psychology degree program typically include:

• High school diploma or GED
• High school transcripts
• A minimum GPA (varies by school)
• 2-5 letters of recommendation
• Writing sample/essay
• ACT/SAT standardized test scores

Graduation Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in psychology requires about ~ 120 credit hours and usually takes about four years to complete depending on whether you attend full-time, part-time, online, or on campus. 

Some programs may require a culminating experience paper/project or internship hours to graduate.

Skills Learned

While working towards your bachelor's degree, you will learn many essential skills including:

• Social development
• Interpersonal effectiveness
• Critical thinking 
• Collaboration
• Effective oral and written communication

How Long Does it Take to Get a Forensic Psychology Bachelor’s Degree?

Online bachelor’s of psychology programs are becoming more abundant, and many schools allow online students to complete the degree on a part-time or full-time basis. The biggest benefits of online learning include:

• Flexibility and self-paced learning
• Better time management
• Improved virtual and communication and collaboration
• Faster graduation times
• Ability to work from anywhere
• On average, an online bachelor’s degree in psychology usually takes about four years to complete.

However, this timeline is dependent on whether you study full-time or part-time, as well as previous education completed.

Bachelor’s degree programs in psychology typically require about 120 semester credits depending on your area of concentration and program modality.

Accelerated programs are also available and allow you to complete the program in under two years. However, these programs are fast-paced and rigorous. 

Master's Degree in Forensic Psychology

Obtaining a Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology can open up many opportunities to advance your career, salary, and expertise in the field.

Entry into a master’s program typically requires a bachelor’s degree, GRE score, letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and a written essay. 

Courses in Graduate Forensic Psychology Programs

Course curriculum depends on the school and program you choose, but a sample of classes offered in a master’s of forensic psychology degree program usually includes:

• Advanced social psychology
• Assessment for forensic psychology
• Diversity psychology
• Eyewitness testimony and memory
• Psychology and law

How Long Does it Take to Get a Forensic Psychology Master’s Degree?

On average, a master’s degree in psychology program usually takes about two years to complete, though this timeline depends on:

• Whether you study online
• full-time or part-time learning
• Previous education
• Your specialization
• How long it takes to complete your thesis project 

Master’s programs in psychology typically require about 40-semester credits depending on the area of concentration and program modality.

Doctoral Degree in Forensic Psychology

In order to specialize and be employed as a licensed forensic psychologist, you need to first obtain a  PhD or doctor of psychology (PsyD) degree and spend two years in an internship gaining supervised experience. If you want to continue your education beyond a master’s degree and become a licensed forensic psychologist, then you will need to complete a PhD or doctorate of psychology degree program (PsyD), complete an internship, and also take a licensing and board certification exam.  

Certification and Licensure in Forensic Psychology

Many careers in forensic psychology require a license or certification to practice or obtain a job. It is important to research requirements for your desired career path and choose a school, program, and specialty that prepare you to meet your career goals. 

Oftentimes, forensic psychologists may become board certified through the  American Board of Forensic Psychology . The specific license or certification required varies by state. Make sure to check your desired field’s requirements before you commit to a school or program. 

What Can I Do with a Degree in Forensic Psychology?

A career in forensic psychology shows promise, with a projected 6% job growth rate between 2021-2031 with a median pay of around $81,040 . Having a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology with an emphasis in forensic science makes you well suited for many entry-level positions in the legal field including:

• Forensic science technician
• Detective and criminal investigator
• Accountants and a uditors
• Corrections or parole officer

Internships in Forensic Psychology

Psychology students usually complete an internship as part of a doctorate program. The internship allows you to gain hands-on, real-world experience in different aspects of criminal justice and legal settings. 

A sample of internship placements for forensic psychology include:

• Prison internships
• Medical setting internships
• Government internships
• Research internships

Forensic Psychology Career Resources

Professional organizations are a great way to stay up-to-date on current psychology trends as well as a place to seek networking and educational opportunities. Here are a few options:

• American Psychological Association
• American Academy of Forensic Psychology
• American Board of Forensic Psychology
• Society for Police and Criminal Psychology
• American Academy of Forensic Science 

Forensic Psychology Career Outlook and Salaries

Earning an online forensic psychology degree.

Online and hybrid bachelor’s of psychology programs are becoming more abundant, and accredited online forensic psychology degrees match the quality of their on-campus counterparts. The biggest benefits of online learning include:

Forensic psychology programs may also require an internship or work experience that will have to be completed in person.

Forensic Psychology FAQ

• There are many career options for people with a bachelor’s degree in forensic psychology including forensic scientist, probation officer, corrections officer, and crime analyst.
• Yes, forensic psychology is a great career choice and is expected to grow 6% between 2021-2031, while forensic science careers are expected to grow 11% in the same timeframe.
• To become a forensic psychologist you need to complete several years of rigorous schooling, internship programs, thesis projects, and license and board examinations.

List of all Forensic Psychology colleges in the U.S.

Article sources.

• https://abfp.com/about/
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm
• https://www.apa.org/ed/precollege/psn/2013/09/forensic-psychology#:~:text=The%20practice%20of%20forensic%20psychology%20involves%20investigations%2C%20research%20studies%2C%20assessments,rea%E2%80%9D%20(insanity)%20cases .
• https://www.crimemuseum.org/crime-library/criminal-law/mens-rea/
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/forensic-science-technicians.htm
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/probation-officers-and-correctional-treatment-specialists.htm
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/police-and-detectives.htm
• https://www.apa.org/
• https://aafpforensic.org/
• https://abfp.com/
• https://www.policepsychology.org/
• https://www.aafs.org/

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The 10 Best Forensic Psychology Schools In the US

As seen in popular media, forensic psychologists are essential members of the criminal justice system. These professionals work at the intersection of psychology and law. In their day to day, forensic psychologists can provide competency evaluations, sentencing recommendations, testimony as expert witnesses, and programs for correctional facilities. 

Forensic psychologist services are useful throughout government organizations, correctional facilities, courts, and other settings. Their services can include psychological assessments of individuals involved in the legal system. Other forensic psychologists consult on public policy or work within the criminal justice system.

The interest in the field has grown significantly over recent years, thanks to popular media portrayals of forensic psychologists. Many universities nationwide offer dual degrees in psychology and law, while others provide specialization in the field. Students learn essential clinical skills at these programs, such as assessing and performing client interviews, report writing, and case presentations.

Forensic psychology students take various courses, including criminal psychology, social behavior, criminal justice, and law. From child and family law to law enforcement, many programs will offer further specialization within the field of forensic psychology. Through hands-on experience and coursework, students learn how to communicate and think critically.

With over 7,500 forensic psychologists across the United States, there are a growing number of programs. The top programs will provide the training and fieldwork necessary to continue to higher education and state certification as a practitioner. 

Here are the 10 of the best forensic psychology schools in the nation.

College of Saint Rose (Albany, NY)

The forensic psychology program at Saint Rose has a strong integrated design, making it a popular choice in the growing field. 

Housed in the Department of Psychology, the forensic psychology major acts as a double major in psychology and criminal justice. Forensic mental health law, criminal behavior, court systems, and abnormal psychology are just some of the classes that undergraduates will complete.

In order to tailor their education, students can choose from a variety of paths within the degree. By selecting a clinical, legal, or research concentration, students will be well-prepared for a graduate degree or employment following graduation.

Located in the capital of New York, there are plenty of opportunities for internships in the field of forensic psychology. The American Institute for Economic Research ranks Albany in the top ten small metro areas nationwide for providing learning opportunities outside of the classroom. Qualified students can intern with faculty advisors, working at the Cold Case Analysis Center.

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA)

At the Chicago School, forensic psychology students work directly in the arena of police and public safety. There are a variety of programs at the Los Angeles campus, including both BA and MA degrees. The programs prepare graduates for licensure as professional counselors and to provide specialized services to clients in forensic settings.

While in classes, undergraduates and graduates alike work alongside experienced and passionate faculty practitioners. They will benefit from significant networking opportunities and gain the skills needed to practice forensic psychology in legal and public policy arenas.

The Chicago School’s forensic psychology alumni are enabled to work in a rapidly expanding range of settings. Child welfare agencies, mental health facilities, government agencies, correctional facilities, and private practice are just some of the settings where alumni use their degrees. 

Kean University (Union, NJ)

At Kean University, the MA in forensic psychology program is designed for students interested in forensic or law enforcement positions. The curriculum pulls from several departments, including sociology, criminal justice, and psychology. Whether graduates are interested in working in court clinics or forensic psychiatric settings, they will be able to pursue their passion at Kean.

Kean believes that learning and professional growth extend beyond the classroom. Students in the forensic psychology program can participate in practicum and externship experiences throughout the clinical setting. Through these valuable hands-on opportunities, students can apply the knowledge gained in the classroom. 

Forensic psychology students can also participate in research teams to further their understanding of the field. Alongside department faculty, they present their research projects at the annual Kean Research Days event.

George Washington University (Washington, DC)

Students at GWU learn to examine mental health through social, cultural, and legal lenses. Forensic psychology students seek to understand the motivation behind crime using psychological concepts from their classes. 

While studying at George Washington University, forensic psychology students must complete at least 250 hours of internship training. These hands-on experiences are tailored to their professional interests and provide the necessary skills to succeed as a psychologist. 

Due to the school’s location in the nation’s capital, many local employers, from law enforcement agencies to nonprofits for victims, hire GWU alumni.

GWU forensic psychology alumni go on to pursue doctoral programs at top institutions across the United States. Others go straight into employment, working for notable employers such as the NCIS, FBI, US Department of Justice, and Maryland Department of Public Safety. 

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott (Prescott, AZ)

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is home to one of a handful of forensic psychology bachelor programs in the nation . Furthermore, it is one of the only psychology programs where faculty members teach courses instead of graduate students. Using small class sizes and hands-on activities, students are well-prepared for a future career in forensic psychology.

While on campus, undergraduates have access to a variety of state-of-the-art equipment for faculty demonstrations and research. Forensic psychology students can use forensic, cybersecurity, and intelligence labs through the College of Security and Intelligence.

Outside of classes, ERAU has plenty of social and professional resources for students. By mentoring juvenile offenders and volunteering in the local criminal justice system, undergraduates gain hands-on experience in the field. 

One notable extracurricular activity, the Psych Club , is one of the most quickly growing organizations on campus, providing networking and professional development opportunities.

Maryville University of St. Louis (St. Louis, MO)

The forensic psychology program at Maryville is designed to prepare students for a career in the social, community, and human services fields. Emphasizing project-based learning, the curriculum provides unparalleled educational opportunities. Forensic psychology undergraduates may join a faculty member or team of students to pursue a research project.

As a member of the forensic psychology department, students will complete at least 150 hours of hands-on work experience in the St. Louis region. These internships provide experience working with mental illness, neuropsychology issues, and the probation process.

Faculty members at Maryville are well-respected in their fields and work to impact their communities positively. Furthermore, they aim to inspire students to cultivate critical thinking and communication abilities. 

After over a decade working in law enforcement, one notable teacher, Professor Geriann Brandt , began teaching criminal justice for the program.

Montclair State University (Montclair, NJ)

Few specialized programs train students in forensic psychology, especially ones that emphasize child and family issues . Montclair State University is committed to producing psychologists to make legal decisions that impact their community’s justice systems. Students will study the unique intersection between psychology and law.

In classes, forensic psychology students will gain practical experience in clinical assessments, report writing, and providing treatment to various populations. This concentration highlights child, adolescent, and family issues.

Montclair State University also offers a certificate program in forensic psychology designed for psychologists, social workers, and professional counselors. This flexible program is tailored to each student’s schedule to meet the demands of practicing professionals. With options for intensive clinical supervision in forensic settings, this program will prepare graduates for practice.

Florida Institute of Technology (Melbourne, FL)

The forensic psychology degree program at Florida Tech is the only undergraduate program of its kind in Florida . At the intersection of law and psychology, the degree provides students with a top-tier education. The low student-to-faculty ratio ensures close collaboration between students and faculty.

While in classes, undergraduates develop skills in crime analysis, prevention, and acting as a community liaison. Senior undergraduates participate in a scholarly inquiry project. Through an intensive field internship and substantial research, forensic psychology students gain necessary hands-on experience.

Active Minds , a prominent student organization on campus, focuses on psychology and mental health. Members work together to change the perception of mental health on campus through seminars, lectures, and other events. 

Along with Active Minds, forensic psychology students can join the Forensic Psychology Association to develop their leadership experience.

University of Denver (Denver, CO)

The Denver Forensic Institute for Research, Service, and Training ( Denver FIRST ) acts as a regional hub for forensic mental health expertise. Through policy and advocacy work, the center focuses on advocating for legislative reform for marginalized people.

Denver FIRST provides forensic mental health services throughout the state of Colorado. Students gain insight into implementing cutting-edge, evidence-based practice; outpatient competency restoration, forensic assessment, case management, and neuropsychological screening are just some of the services provided.

The University of Denver is a leading source for forensic mental health training for forensic evaluators and other professionals. Through training sessions, workshops, and consultations, the university is an essential part of the forensic community in Denver.

CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice (New York, NY)

The John Jay College of Criminal Justice at CUNY is one of the nation’s most prestigious liberal arts colleges. 

Nearly 10% of the 2,000 graduate students are part of the forensic psychology program. The Master of Arts in forensic psychology provides a strong foundation that can be applied within the criminal and civil justice systems.

While studying forensic psychology, students at CUNY learn from over 35 full-time faculty members . Offering a unique blend of expertise, professors are often actively working as clinicians. Many faculty members have extensive experience in forensic units of hospitals, family court, or law enforcement consultants.

After graduation, CUNY forensic psychology students are connected to a network of 60,000 active criminal justice alumn i. Nearly half of graduates work in public service, with top career preferences including government and non-profit organizations.

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College of Psychology and Community Services: PhD in Forensic Psychology

• College of Psychology and Community Services
• BS in Criminal Justice
• BS in Human Services
• BS in Psychology
• Graduate Certificate in Conflict Management and Negotiation
• Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice
• MS in Criminal Justice
• MS in Criminal Justice Leadership and Executive Management
• MS in Forensic Psychology
• MS in Human Services
• Post-Master’s Online Teaching in Psychology Certificate
• Doctor of Human Services
• PhD in Criminal Justice
• PhD in Forensic Psychology

Note on Licensure

Learning outcomes, specializations, learning tracks, degree requirements, master of philosophy (embedded degree).

• Doctoral Writing Assessment

8-Year Maximum Time Frame

• PhD in Human Services
• PhD in Psychology
• Post-Doctoral Respecialization Certificate

Program Website  

Students in Walden’s PhD in Forensic Psychology program will explore the systems and programs that strive to create positive change in the legal system and community settings. Students can broaden their understanding of advanced forensic psychology and examine ways to evaluate programs designed for populations such as the incarcerated, recently released offenders, the mentally ill, and juvenile offenders. Walden’s PhD in Forensic Psychology program offers a variety of specializations to help students meet their personal and professional goals. Students may choose from the General Program or the following specializations: Criminal Justice Self-Designed, Crisis Leadership Management, Crisis Response, Legal Issues in Forensic Psychology, Self-Designed, or Victimology.

The PhD in Forensic Psychology is not a licensure-leading program and does not prepare an individual to become a licensed psychology professional.

As graduates of this program, students will be prepared to:

• Evaluate behavior using psychological theory and research from a forensic psychology perspective.
• Analyze seminal works in forensic psychology in terms of their relation to education and/or research.
• Differentiate between advanced legal concepts pertaining to forensic psychology.
• Integrate principles of advanced research methods to produce independent scholarly research related to forensic psychology.
• Evaluate how assessment elements (psychological assessment, risk assessment, psychological reports) are used within forensic psychology settings.
• Engage in decision making using relevant ethical codes (e.g., APA and Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists) in forensic work settings.
• Promote social change through the integration of principles of forensic psychology in scholarly and/or professional activities.

General Program

Specialization in criminal justice self-designed (not currently accepting new students), specialization in crisis leadership management (not currently accepting new students), specialization in crisis response (not currently accepting new students), specialization in legal issues in forensic psychology (not currently accepting new students), specialization in self-designed, specialization in victimology (not currently accepting new students).

There are two tracks in the PhD in Forensic Psychology:

• Track 1:  For Those Entering With a Master's Degree in Forensic Psychology
• Track 2:  For Those Entering With a Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree in Unrelated Field

Track 1: For Those Entering With a Master's Degree in Forensic Psychology

Minimum degree requirements.

• Professional Development Plan and Program of Study
• Foundation course (3 credits)
• Core courses (25 credits)
• Research courses (10 credits)
• Specialization courses (15 credits)
• Dissertation support courses (7 credits)
• Dissertation writing courses (5 credits per term for a minimum of four terms; taken continuously until completion)
• Four PhD residencies

Course Sequence for Students Entering With an MS Degree

* Students take this course for a minimum of four quarters and are continuously enrolled until completion of their dissertation with final chief academic officer (CAO) approval. In general, students are continuously registered in the dissertation course until they complete their capstone project and it is approved. This usually takes longer than the minimum required terms in the dissertation course shell.

To complete a doctoral dissertation, students must obtain the academic approval of several independent evaluators including their committee, the University Research Reviewer, and the Institutional Review Board; pass the Form and Style Review; gain approval at the oral defense stage; and gain final approval by the chief academic officer. Students must also publish their dissertation on ProQuest before their degree is conferred. Learn more about the dissertation process in the  Dissertation Guidebook .

Fast Track Option - Not Currently Accepting New Students

Walden offers a Fast-Track Option. With the Fast-Track Option, students take additional courses and begin their dissertation early to expedite their path through the program.

• Dissertation writing courses (continuously enrolled until completion)

Students must also

• Pass a writing assessment.
• Submit an application essay.
• Maintain a 3.0 GPA.

Walden students have up to 8 years to complete their doctoral program unless they petition for an extension.

In general, students are continuously registered in the dissertation/doctoral study course until they complete their capstone project and it is approved. This usually takes longer than the minimum required terms in the dissertation study course shell.

Fast Track Course Sequence

Note: PhD in Forensic Psychology Fast-Track Option courses are identified with an APSY course prefix for enrollment purposes. APSY course descriptions align with corresponding FPSY courses, as listed below. 

Students undertake courses in the following sequence.

* FPSY 9000 aligns with APSY 9000A Dissertation Prep. ** FPSY 9000 aligns with APSY 9000B Dissertation Prep.

Track 2: For Those Entering With a Bachelor’s Degree or Master's Degree in Unrelated Field

• Foundation Course (3 credits)
• Core courses (45 credits)
• Research courses (20 credits)

Course Sequence

To complete a doctoral dissertation, students must obtain the academic approval of several independent evaluators including their committee, the University Research Reviewer, and the Institutional Review Board; pass the Form and Style Review; gain approval at the oral defense stage; and gain final approval by the chief academic officer. Students must also publish their dissertation on ProQuest before their degree is conferred. Learn more about the dissertation process in the   Dissertation Guidebook .

In addition, students must

In general, students are continuously registered in the dissertation course until they complete their capstone project and it is approved. This usually takes longer than the minimum required terms in the dissertation course shell.

Note: PhD in Forensic Psychology Fast-Track Option courses are identified with an APSY course prefix for enrollment purposes. APSY course descriptions align with corresponding FPSY courses, as listed below.

 * FPSY 8720 aligns with APSY 8722 Abnormal Behavior. ** FPSY 9000 aligns with APSY 9000A Dissertation Prep.

Walden awards the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree to recognize PhD students for academic achievement leading up to their dissertation. With an MPhil, students will be able to demonstrate to employers and others that they have an advanced knowledge base in their field of study as well as proficiency in research design and evaluation.

• All required PhD core courses (or KAMs)
• All required PhD specialization courses (or KAMs)
• All required doctoral research and advanced research courses
• Program prospectus development course
• Residencies 1, 2, and 3
• A minimum 3.0 GPA is mandatory.
• The MPhil requires a minimum of 45 quarter credits. Maximum transfer of credit varies by program but is not to exceed 50% of the overall, or embedded, program requirements. Students who previously completed a master's degree with Walden in the same discipline area are not eligible for an MPhil.

Students who start or readmit to doctoral programs at Walden University in the university catalog for academic year 2017 or later will complete the university’s required  doctoral writing assessment . Designed to evaluate incoming doctoral students’ writing skills, this assessment aims to help prepare incoming doctoral students to meet the university’s expectations for writing at the doctoral level.

In general, students are continuously registered in the dissertation/doctoral study course until they complete their capstone project and it is approved. This usually takes longer than the minimum required terms in the dissertation/doctoral study course shell.

Students have up to 8 years to complete their doctoral degree requirements (see  Enrollment Requirements  in the student handbook). Students may petition to extend the 8-year maximum time frame, but an extension is not guaranteed.

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Forensic Psychology Graduate Programs in California

1-5 of 5 results

College of Behavioral and Social Sciences - California Baptist University

Riverside, CA •

California Baptist University •

Graduate School

• • Rating 4.67 out of 5   3 reviews

Current Master's student: The professors know you are going to make it through the program. They designed the courses to be not only tricky but also thought-provoking. Social work is not an easy career, but with the right tools and like-minded people around you, you will accomplish all the goals intended by this program. ... Read 3 reviews

California Baptist University ,

Graduate School ,

RIVERSIDE, CA ,

3 Niche users give it an average review of 4.7 stars.

Featured Review: Current Master's student says The professors know you are going to make it through the program. They designed the courses to be not only tricky but also thought-provoking. Social work is not an easy career, but with the right... .

Read 3 reviews.

The California School of Professional Psychology

San Diego, CA •

Alliant International University •

• • Rating 4.4 out of 5   5 reviews

Master's Student: I am in the process of starting the Couples/Marriage and Family Therapy Program at Alliant International University. So far I have enjoyed the process with the admissions counselors being very helpful and kind. I have reached out to people in the program and have received very good reviews about the process and curriculum. I have been able to meet some of my future teachers and I am very much excited for the discussions we will have in class and the ability to learn so much more about how the human mind works in relation to our emotional and mental well being. ... Read 5 reviews

Alliant International University ,

SAN DIEGO, CA ,

5 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says I am in the process of starting the Couples/Marriage and Family Therapy Program at Alliant International University. So far I have enjoyed the process with the admissions counselors being very... .

Read 5 reviews.

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA •

• • Rating 4.42 out of 5   36 reviews

Doctoral Student: Great program! The faculty cares about challenging us while making us feel supported and I feel as though I am constantly being pushed to expand my knowledge. Also great opportunities to get involved with the community ... Read 36 reviews

LOS ANGELES, CA ,

36 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars.

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says Great program! The faculty cares about challenging us while making us feel supported and I feel as though I am constantly being pushed to expand my knowledge. Also great opportunities to get involved... .

Read 36 reviews.

School of Education - William Jessup University

Jessup University •

Graduate School •

ROCKLIN, CA

San Francisco State University

SAN FRANCISCO, CA

• • Rating 4.19 out of 5   52

Southern California Institute of Architecture

LOS ANGELES, CA

• • Rating 4.56 out of 5   9

School of Social and Behavioral Sciences - Northcentral University

Northcentral University •

• • Rating 4.6 out of 5   5 reviews

Master's Student: After a year at this school, I have only had positive experiences. The 1:1 ratio of teachers and students has been a very positive experience for me because I feel like I have less busy work, and the work that is assigned is actually helpful in getting me closer to my goal. It was daunting at first to have all online classes, but with the staff being as responsive as they are, it does not feel as isolating as your typical online classes. ... Read 5 reviews

Northcentral University ,

5 Niche users give it an average review of 4.6 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says After a year at this school, I have only had positive experiences. The 1:1 ratio of teachers and students has been a very positive experience for me because I feel like I have less busy work, and the... .

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology - Irvine

Irvine, CA •

• • Rating 4.38 out of 5   13 reviews

Master's Student: Chicago School of Professional Psychology has been a positive experience due to the professors knowledge and working in the field. The one thing I do like is the discussion we have to post on a weekly basis, it feels redundant process. ... Read 13 reviews

IRVINE, CA ,

13 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says Chicago School of Professional Psychology has been a positive experience due to the professors knowledge and working in the field. The one thing I do like is the discussion we have to post on a... .

Read 13 reviews.

School of Christian Leadership - William Jessup University

University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences

SAN MARCOS, CA

• • Rating 4.48 out of 5   130

College of Business - University of La Verne

University of La Verne •

LA VERNE, CA

• • Rating 4.54 out of 5   13

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2024 Best Forensic Psychology Master's Degree Schools

In 2024, College Factual analyzed 26 schools in order to identify the top ones for its Best Forensic Psychology Master's Degree Schools ranking. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 1,245 master's degrees in forensic psychology during the 2020-2021 academic year.

What's on this page: * Our Methodology

• Best Master’s Degree Schools List

Choosing a Great Forensic Psychology School for Your Master's Degree

Quality Overall Is Important

The overall quality of a master's degree school is important to ensure a quality education, not just how well they do in a particular major. To take this into account we include a college's overall Best Colleges for a Master's Degree ranking which itself looks at a combination of different factors like degree completion, educational resources, student body caliber and post-graduation earnings for the school as a whole.

Other Factors We Consider

The metrics below are just some of the other metrics that we use to determine our rankings.

• Major Focus - How many resources a school devotes to forensic psychology students as compared to other majors.
• Major Demand - The number of forensic psychology students who choose to seek a master's degree at the school.
• Educational Resources - How many resources are allocated to students. These resources may include educational expenditures per student, number of students per instructor, and graduation rate among other things.
• Accreditation - Whether a school is regionally accredited and/or accredited by a recognized forensic psychology related body.

Our complete ranking methodology documents in more detail how we consider these factors to identify the best schools for forensic psychology students working on their master's degree.

More Ways to Rank Forensic Psychology Schools

Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we've developed a number of rankings , including this Best Forensic Psychology Master's Degree Schools list, to help you choose the best school for you.

Best Schools for Master’s Students to Study Forensic Psychology in the United States

The following list ranks the best colleges and universities for pursuing a master's degree in forensic psychology.

10 Top Schools for a Master's in Forensic Psychology

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Los Angeles is a wonderful choice for individuals interested in a master's degree in forensic psychology. The Chicago School Los Angeles Campus is a small private not-for-profit school located in the large city of Los Angeles. More information about a master’s in forensic psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Los Angeles

Every student who is interested in a master's degree in forensic psychology needs to look into The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Chicago. Located in the city of Chicago, The Chicago School Chicago Campus is a private not-for-profit school with a small student population. More information about a master’s in forensic psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Chicago

Any student who is interested in a master's degree in forensic psychology needs to look into The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Washington DC. The Chicago School Washington DC Campus is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Washington. More information about a master’s in forensic psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Washington DC

Any student who is interested in a master's degree in forensic psychology has to take a look at University of Denver. DU is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Denver. More information about a master’s in forensic psychology from University of Denver

Located in the large city of Washington, GWU is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. More information about a master’s in forensic psychology from George Washington University

Located in the large suburb of Fort Lauderdale, NUS Florida is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. More information about a master’s in forensic psychology from Nova Southeastern University

Cal Baptist is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Riverside. More information about a master’s in forensic psychology from California Baptist University

Walden University is a very large private for-profit university located in the large city of Minneapolis. More information about a master’s in forensic psychology from Walden University

ASU - Skysong is a fairly large public university located in the midsize city of Scottsdale. More information about a master’s in forensic psychology from Arizona State University - Skysong

HNU is a fairly small private not-for-profit university located in the city of Oakland. More information about a master’s in forensic psychology from Holy Names University

Related Programs

Learn about other programs related to Forensic Psychology that might interest you.

MS in Psychology

Our Master of Science in Psychology program is designed to extend your knowledge and discipline in psychology, preparing you for a wide variety of professions and contexts.

General Psychology (I Have a Bachelors)

MSN - Forensic Nursing (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)

Forensic Psychology by Region

View the Best Forensic Psychology Master's Degree Schools for a specific region near you.

Other Rankings

Best bachelor's degrees in forensic psychology, best overall in forensic psychology, best doctorate degrees in forensic psychology.

View All Rankings >

Forensic Psychology Related Rankings by Major

Forensic Psychology is one of 17 different types of Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology programs to choose from.

Most Popular Majors Related to Forensic Psychology

Notes and references.

• The bars on the spread charts above show the distribution of the schools on this list +/- one standard deviation from the mean.
• The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ( IPEDS ) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of the rest of our data about colleges.
• Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s ( College Scorecard ). More about our data sources and methodologies .

Popular Reports

Compare your school options.

Forensic Psychology Graduate Programs

Master of arts in forensic psychology  .

The Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology is designed to provide a strong foundation in forensic psychology that can be applied to, and within, the criminal and civil justice systems as well as to prepare students for doctoral study in psychology. The 42-credit curriculum focuses on understanding, serving, and studying both offenders and victims. This course of study explores the role of psychology in the legal system, in criminal behavior, in substance and alcohol abuse, and in terrorism. Through the curriculum, students are provided with an advanced understanding of psychological development and psychopathology, personality assessment, psychotherapeutic techniques, and research methods. For more information, please visit this  page .

See d egree requirements  and  admissions information .  Note:  The MA in Forensic Psychology is not a licensure program. States vary in their licensure requirements at the master’s level.

Program Director:  Professor Kendra Doychak ([email protected])

Master of Arts in Forensic Mental Health Counseling  

This Program, developed within the Psychology Department, has been approved by New York State as a "license eligible" academic program. It satisfies the state's educational requirements leadings toward professional licensure as a Mental Health Counselor, with a specialization in forensics. It develops skills in interviewing, counseling, and assessment, based upon established principles and research regarding human development, personality, psychopathology, and counseling. Students will be uniquely prepared to work towards licensure as counselors in prisons, juvenile detention centers, probation and parole agencies, and social service agencies that counsel and assess adolescents and adults at risk for criminal behavior. The program offers research opportunities for those students interested in pursuing doctoral education. The degree requires 60 credits. For more information, see the  FAQ section . See  admissions . Interim Program Director:  Professor Abbie Tuller ([email protected])

Victim-Focused Programs

​ Certificate of   Victimology Studies in Forensic Psychology  

The Victimology Studies in Forensic Psychology is a 12-credit certificate program which aims to develop specialized knowledge in the area of interpersonal victimization in a forensic psychology context. Areas covered include but are not limited to interpersonal violence and victimization including domestic violence, sexual assault, sexual harassment, ch ild abuse, sex and labor trafficking, and hate crimes.  This non-licensable certificate will allow BA graduates working in Victim Services agencies to develop a better understanding of relevant issues, and to possibly consider additional training. It will also be available for those already in our MA Programs, who can concurrently receive the Certificate along with their MA, to demonstrate some focus in this area.  The core courses are PSY 700: Mental Health Professionals, Social Science, and the Law; PSY 705. Victimology; PSY 742. Family Violence and Disputes; and PSY 733. Dissociation and Trauma.

Victim Counseling Track in the Forensic Mental Health Counseling MA Program We have now expanded the current FMHC MA program to offer three tracks. The existing two tracks are not altered. The proposed change will now allow students to select from one of these three tracks--the standard Forensic Counseling Track (formerly externship track), the new Victim Counseling Track, and the combined Forensic Counseling and Thesis Track (formerly thesis track). 

In addition to required FMHC courses, the Victim Counseling Track requires 18 credits as below:

PSY 705 – Victimology (Fall and Spring) PSY 708 – Crisis Intervention and Short-term Counseling (Spring) PSY 733 – Dissociation and Trauma (Fall only) PSY 742 – Family Violence and Disputes (Fall and Spring) PSY 774 – Child Abuse and Neglect (New course:  Spring 2018) PSY 773 – Advanced Issues in Victim Counseling and Psychotherapy

The programs will be coordinated by Dr. Chitra Raghavan, the Deputy Director of the Forensic Mental Health Counseling program, with the help of the MA office staff. Please contact [email protected] if you need more information.

Four-Year Forensic Psychology MA/JD Program 

The Four-Year Forensic Psychology MA/JD offers qualified students the opportunity to earn both a John Jay Master of Arts degree in Forensic Psychology and a New York Law School Juris Doctor degree in Law which may be completed in as little as four years. The curriculum is composed of the existing required and elective courses for the MA and for the JD, requiring a combined total of 128 credits, including 42 credits for the completion of the MA Program in Forensic Psychology and 86 credits for the completion of the JD Program in Law. However, 12 New York Law School credits focusing on mental disability law will be credited towards both the JD and the MA Program. Likewise 12 MA credits from the John Jay Forensic Psychology MA Program will be credited also to the New York Law School JD program. Consequently, due to the 24 transfer credits applied in the dual degree program, the actual number of credits taken will be 104, resulting in graduation for full-time students in four years instead of five. For more information, go to  FAQ . See admissions  and other information.

Program Coordinator:  Professor James Wulach ([email protected])

BA/MA Program  

Qualified undergraduate students may enter the B.A./M.A. Program and thereby graduate with both a bachelor's and a master's degree in forensic psychology. Director:  Professor Diana Falkenbach ([email protected])

Postgraduate Certificate in Forensic Psychology 

This is a state-registered Postgraduate Certificate Program in Forensic Psychology. Students receiving the certificate after 18 creditswill be credentialed with postgraduate documentation of coursework within one of the following six forensic psychology tracks: Psychological Assessment and Forensic Psychology; Family Violence and Victims; Forensic Counseling and Psychotherapy; Research in Forensic Psychology; Selected Topics in Forensic Psychology; Forensic Psychological Assessment and Testimony. This certificate has been developed to permit applicants with a clinical graduate degree to receive additional forensic training and focus in the subspecialty of their choice. The postgraduate certificate is designed primarily for those applicants who have already received a masters or a doctoral degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field. For more information, see the  FAQs .  Program Director:  Professor James Wulach ([email protected])

18 Best Colleges for Forensic Science – 2024

April 17, 2024

Shows like  CSI ,  NCIS ,  Forensic Files  and the proliferation of  Making a Murderer -style documentaries and  Serial -esque podcasts have led to an explosion of college students pursuing degrees in forensic science. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts job growth in the area of 13% through 2032. However, the number of undergrads pursuing degrees in this field since the turn of the millennium is so great that the job market remains highly competitive. Students who attend schools featured on our Best Colleges for Forensic Science list will hold a significant edge in the search for employment. Perhaps the best news is that the majority of schools on this list are institutions that regularly accept “B” students, which makes the ideal forensic science programs accessible to bright but less-than-perfect applicants.

Methodology 

Click here to read our methodology for the Best Colleges for Forensic Science.

Best Colleges for Forensic Science

Here’s a quick preview of the first ten forensic science institutions that made our list. Detailed profiles and stats can be found when you scroll below.

1) Penn State University

2) CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice

3) Saint Louis University

4) Texas A&M University

5) Virginia Commonwealth University

6) Kent State University

7) Drexel University

8) University of Cincinnati

9) Otis College of Art and Design

10) Virginia Commonwealth University

All of the schools profiled below have stellar reputations in the field of forensic science and commit substantial resources to undergraduate education. For each of the best colleges for forensic science, College Transitions will provide you with—when available—each school’s:

• Cost of Attendance
• Acceptance Rate
• Median  SAT
• Median  ACT
• Retention Rate
• Graduation Rate

We will also include a longer write-up of each college’s:

• Academic Highlights – Includes facts like student-to-faculty ratio, average class size, number of majors offered, and most popular majors.
• Professional Outcomes – Includes info on the rate of positive outcomes, companies employing alumni, and graduate school acceptances.

Pennsylvania State University — University Park

• State College, PA

Academic Highlights: Penn State offers 275 majors and a number of top-ranked programs in a host of disciplines. The College of Engineering is rated exceptionally well on a national scale and is also the most popular field of study, accounting for 15% of the degrees conferred. The Smeal College of Business is equally well-regarded, earning high rankings in everything from supply chain management to accounting to marketing. It attracts 15% of total degree-seekers. 61% of classes have an enrollment below thirty students.

Professional Outcomes: By graduation, 70% of Nittany Lions have found their next employment or graduate school home. 98% of College of Business grads are successful within three months of exiting, flocking in large numbers to stellar finance, accounting, consulting, and technology firms. Hundreds of alumni work at Citi, Salesforce, and Meta, and more than 500 currently work at each of IBM, Deloitte, PwC, Amazon, EY, JPMorgan Chase, Microsoft, Google, and Oracle. 75% of 2022 grads employed full-time earned starting salaries greater than $50k.

• Enrollment: 41,745 (undergraduate); 7,020 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $32,656 (in-state); $52,610 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1300
• Median ACT: 29
• Acceptance Rate: 55%
• Retention Rate: 91%
• Graduation Rate: 85%

John Jay College of Criminal Justice

• New York, NY

Academic Highlights: John Jay College of Criminal Justice is “a community of motivated and intellectually committed individuals who explore justice in its many dimensions.” With a 12:1 student-to-teacher ratio and 36% of courses enrolling under 20 students, 55% of students major in homeland security/law enforcement, and related protective services. Many others study psychology (16%), the social sciences (13%), computer science (6%), and legal professions and studies (4%).

Professional Outcomes: 56% of our graduates secured employment in the field within three months of graduation. Even better, 86% of students were employed within a year after graduation. A solid 90% of alumni respondents indicated they earn between $50,001 to more than $70,000 per year. Large numbers of graduates work for the New York Police Department, the NYC Department of Education, Northwell Health, JP Morgan Chase and Co., NYC Department of Correction, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

• Enrollment: 12,019
• Cost of Attendance (Tuition Only): $7,470 (In-State); $19,140 (Out-of-State)
• Median SAT: N/A
• Median ACT: N/A
• Acceptance Rate: 51%
• Retention Rate: 76%
• Graduation Rate: 54%

Saint Louis University

• St. Louis, MO

Academic Highlights: SLU offers nearly 100 undergraduate programs across 10 colleges and schools. It’s ranked highly for service learning, nursing, and business, particularly entrepreneurship, finance, and international business. By degrees conferred, the most popular areas of study are health professions (28%), business/management/marketing (17%), biological sciences (9%), and engineering (9%). The student-to-faculty ratio is just 8:1, and 90% of SLU faculty hold terminal degrees in their field.

Professional Outcomes: 94% of the Class of 2022 experienced positive outcomes, with 50% employed and 44% continuing their education. The most popular sector for recent grads was healthcare followed by higher education, aerospace, management consulting, and accounting. The average starting salary is $56k; top employers include BJC Healthcare, Boeing, Mercy, SSM Health, Saint Louis University, and Deloitte. For those who continued on to grad school, SLU itself was the most popular destination followed by Washington University in St. Louis.

• Enrollment: 8,502 (undergraduate); 6,702 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $73,884
• Median SAT: 1290
• Median SAT: 29
• Acceptance Rate: 85%
• Retention Rate: 89%
• Graduation Rate: 80%

Texas A&M University — College Station

• College Station, TX

Academic Highlights: With nineteen schools and colleges and 130+ undergraduate degree programs, Texas A&M is a massive operation. As the name implies, there is a heavy emphasis on agriculture, engineering, and business, which all place well in national rankings and garner deep respect from major corporations and graduate/professional schools. Class sizes trend large, but 24% of courses enroll fewer than 20 students and personal connections with professors are entirely possible, particularly through the research-oriented LAUNCH program.

Professional Outcomes: On graduation day, 54% of students had already received at least one job offer and 22% were heading to graduate/professional school. Many Aggies go on to work at major oil, tech, and consulting firms; more than 500 are employed at each of ExxonMobil, Halliburton, Chevron, EY, Amazon, Microsoft, Intel, Accenture, and PWC. Starting salaries were strong—on average, College of Engineering grads made $80k and College of Agriculture & Life Sciences grads netted $54k. A&M is also the eighth-largest producer of law students in the entire country.

• Enrollment: 57,512 (undergraduate); 16,502 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $31,058 (in-state); $59,336 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1270
• Median ACT: 28
• Acceptance Rate: 63%
• Retention Rate: 95%
• Graduation Rate: 84%

Virginia Commonwealth University

• Richmond, VA

Academic Highlights:  A large public institution with 200 academic offerings, VCU still manages to keep 48% of its class sections capped at an enrollment of 19 thanks to a manageable 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Popular majors include the visual and performing arts (12%), business (11%), psychology (10%), biology (9%), education (7%), and homeland security (7%). The university is highly rated for innovation, value, and its stellar nursing program.

Professional Outcomes:  After earning their diplomas, 48% quickly landed their first job and 22% entered an advanced degree program. The top industries were healthcare, internet & software, higher education, government, and retail. Overall, 87% of grads were satisfied with their employment outcome and 78% remained in the state of Virginia. Massive numbers of alumni can be found in the offices of Dominion Energy, VCU Health, Capital One, CarMax, Deloitte, and Apex Systems.

• Enrollment: 20,958
• Cost of Attendance: $29,516 (In-State); $52,100 (Out-of-State)
• Median SAT: 1160
• Median ACT: 26
• Acceptance Rate: 91%
• Retention Rate: 85%
• Graduation Rate: 65%

George Mason University

• Fairfax, VA

Academic Highlights: Fifty-two percent of class sections at GMU enroll nineteen or fewer students, 13% have fifty or more students, and the remaining sections lie in between. The most popular program is business (20%) and is followed by computer and information sciences (13%), the social sciences (8%), health professions (8%), and homeland security (8%). The Volgenau College of Engineering, which houses a top-tier Information Technology Department, and the School of Business are both extremely reputable in the eyes of prospective employers

Professional Outcomes: Six months after receiving their degrees, 87% of the class of 2022 had accepted a job offer or started work in a graduate program. GMU grads flow into major consulting firms like Booz Allen Hamilton, Deloitte, and Accenture, financial institutions like Capital One and Freddie Mac, and engineering/tech firms like General Dynamics, IBM, and Microsoft. Mason graduates tend to pursue advanced degrees either at Mason itself or at other area schools including George Washington, American University, or the University of Maryland.

• Enrollment: 27,014
• Cost of Attendance: $28,963 (In-State); $53,127 (Out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1240
• Acceptance Rate: 90%
• Graduation Rate: 70%

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis

• Indianapolis, IN

Academic Highlights: With a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1 and 54% of class sections enrolling fewer than 20 students, undergraduates at IUPUI have the opportunity to get close to their professors and participate in hands-on learning opportunities. The most popular majors at this school are in the health professions (24%), business (15%), engineering (6%), computer science (6%), biology (5%), psychology (5%), public administration (5%), and education (5%).

Professional Outcomes: 82% of all graduates are employed in areas related to their major. The most popular employers include Eli Lilly and Company, Indiana University Health, Cummins Inc., the State of Indiana, Salesforce, Amazon, Roche, and Pacers Sports & Entertainment. Most graduates remain in the Midwest with Indianapolis. Chicago, Greenwood, and Carmel all attract thousands of alumni.

• Enrollment: 17,727
• Cost of Attendance: $24,547 (In-State); $46,985 (Out-of-State)
• Median SAT: 1150
• Median ACT: 25
• Acceptance Rate: 83%
• Retention Rate: 72%
• Graduation Rate: 51%

University of Central Florida

• Orlando, FL

Academic Highlights:  With a very high 29:1 student-to-faculty ratio, classes at UCF are fairly large as 23% contain 50 or more students. There are 100+ undergraduate majors at this institution. The most popular majors are business (17%), health professions (15%), psychology (10%), engineering (9%), and the visual and performing arts (7%). The school ranks well for facilitating social mobility and overall value and the engineering, computer science, and nursing programs all rank well on a national level.

Professional Outcomes:  Over two-thirds of recent graduates obtained employment immediately after earning their bachelor’s degree; one-quarter head right to graduate school. The median starting salary is $47,000 and the most commonly entered industries are hospital/healthcare, education, hospitality services, engineering, technology, financial, accounting, and marketing. The most popular graduate degrees pursued were in the sciences, health professions, education, and medicine.

• Enrollment: 58,749
• Cost of Attendance: $24,244 (In-State); $39,269 (Out-of-State)
• Median ACT: 27
• Acceptance Rate: 41%
• Retention Rate: 93%
• Graduation Rate: 76%

Hofstra University

• Hempstead, NY

Academic Highlights: There are 165 programs for undergraduates spread across the various colleges housing liberal arts, engineering, business, communications, and nursing/health professions. The average undergraduate class size is 21, and the student-faculty ratio is a favorable 13-to-1. The great bulk of courses enroll between 10 and 29 students; 12% are single-digit enrollment courses, and only 2% of sections contain more than 50 students. 14% of the total degrees conferred are in communication/journalism. Health professions (13%), social sciences (9%), and engineering (8%) are next.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of exiting with their diplomas, 92% of recent grads had found employment or a graduate school destination; 80% were employed. companies employing more than one hundred alums include JPMorgan Chase, Citi, PwC, Morgan Stanley, EY, Deloitte, and NBC Universal. The median starting salary was $62,000. Recent grads have matriculated into a wide array of graduate and professional schools including every SUNY/CUNY institution as well as many elite universities like Columbia, Yale, NYU, Berkeley, and Brown.

• Enrollment: 6,110
• Cost of Attendance: $73,202
• Median SAT: 1280
• Acceptance Rate: 69%
• Retention Rate: 83%
• Graduation Rate: 68%

Loyola University Chicago

• Chicago, IL

Academic Highlights: Undergrads can choose from 80 majors, 80 minors, and a number of interdisciplinary programs as well as five-year bachelor’s/master’s degrees. Programs in nursing, engineering, and business are particularly strong. Popularity-wise, the most degrees are conferred in the following areas of study: business/management/marketing (23%), health professions (15%), biological sciences (14%), social sciences (9%), psychology (9%), and communication/journalism (7%). The student-to-faculty ratio is 13:1; 40% of classes enroll fewer than 20 students.

Professional Outcomes: 92% of the Class of 2022 experienced positive outcomes, with 71% employed and 21% continuing their education. Top industries were healthcare/health sciences, advertising/marketing/PR/sales, information systems/technology, government/nonprofit, education, and consulting. Companies hiring Loyola alumni included Morgan Stanley, Walgreens, Chicago Public Schools, Lurie Children’s Hospital, Accenture, and Deloitte. Those continuing their education enrolled at institutions such as Northwestern, USC, Columbia, and UChicago.

• Enrollment: 12,487 (undergraduate); 4,910 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $71,248
• Acceptance Rate: 81%
• Retention Rate: 84%

Loyola University Maryland

• Baltimore, MD

Academic Highlights: Offering 30+ undergraduate programs through its three schools. A 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio leads to average class sizes of only twenty students. The vast majority of courses enroll between ten and twenty-nine students, 11% have a single-digit enrollment, and of 887 total sections, only 13 contained forty or more undergraduates. Roughly one-third of the degrees conferred are in the area of business/marketing, making it, by far, the school’s most popular area of concentration. Next are journalism (11%), the social sciences (9%), psychology (9%), and biology (7%).

Professional Outcomes: Members of the Class of 2022 found their way to their next employment, volunteer, or grad school home within six months of receiving their diplomas at a stellar 97% clip. Major companies and organizations employing members of this cohort include Accenture, Booz Allen Hamilton, Bloomberg, Goldman Sachs, NASA, and Walt Disney Company. Thirty-two percent of the members of the Class of 2022 immediately enrolled in graduate or professional school after completing their undergraduate work at Loyola Maryland.

• Enrollment: 3,977
• Cost of Attendance: $72,600
• Median ACT: 30
• Retention Rate: 79%

Syracuse University

• Syracuse, NY

Academic Highlights: In total, 200+ majors and 100+ minors are spread across ten undergraduate schools/colleges. The School of Architecture, the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, and the Newhouse School of Public Communication are all revered names that carry a good deal of weight in their respective fields. The most popular majors include communication/journalism (15%), the social sciences (14%), and business (12%). Despite Syracuse’s size, class sizes are kept reasonably low; 63% contain 20 students or fewer.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after exiting the Carrier Dome for the final time in 2022, 59% of Orangemen and women found employment (92% related to their career goals) and 21% continued to graduate school. The companies employing the most ‘Cuse grads include major media/entertainment management companies like Conde Nast, Bloomberg, and Creative Artists Agency as well as big-name corporations like GE, KPMG, EY, Lockheed Martin, and Morgan Stanley. The average starting salary for 2022 grads was a solid $63k.

• Enrollment: 15,739 (undergraduate); 7,209 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $85,214
• Median SAT: 1340
• Acceptance Rate: 43%
• Graduation Rate: 81%

The University of Texas at Austin

Academic Highlights: UT Austin offers over 150 majors, including those at the Cockrell School of Engineering, one of the most heralded undergraduate engineering schools around, and The McCombs School of Business, which dominates in the specialty areas of accounting and marketing. The computer science department is also top-ranked. In terms of degrees conferred, engineering is tied with biology (12%) followed by communication (11%), business (11%), and the social sciences (8%). The elite Plan II Honors Program is one of the best in the country.

Professional Outcomes: Within the College of Liberal Arts, six months after graduating, 68% of Longhorns are employed and 24% have entered graduate school. The for-profit sector attracts 65% of those employed while 19% enter public sector employment and 16% pursue jobs at a nonprofit. Major corporations that employ more than 500 UT Austin grads include Google, Meta, Oracle, Microsoft, IBM, and Apple. Engineering majors took home a median income of $79k and business majors took home $70k.

• Enrollment: 41,309 (undergraduate); 11,075 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $30,752-$34,174 (in-state); $61,180-$69,310 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1430
• Median ACT: 32
• Acceptance Rate: 31%
• Graduation Rate: 88%

University of Nebraska – Lincoln

• Lincoln, NE

Academic Highlights: There are more than 150 majors at the University of Nebraska and students enjoy a mix of smaller classes (34% have fewer than 20 students) and larger ones (18% have more than 50). Overall, 23% of the undergraduate degrees conferred are in business and 11% are in engineering. The next most common disciplines are agriculture (9%), journalism (8%), and family & consumer sciences (7%). Business, computer science, engineering, and psychology all receive their share of acclaim.

Professional Outcomes: Nine months after graduating, alumni have entered the workforce at a 63% clip and 35% have matriculated into graduate/professional school. Employers hiring more than a few recent graduates included Microsoft, Deloitte, Amazon, Epic, Union Bank & Trust Company, and Ameritas Life Insurance Corporation. Multiple grads enrolled at the following graduate/professional schools: the University of Nebraska College of Law, Johns Hopkins, Notre Dame, University of Michigan, and Boston University.

• Enrollment: 19,189
• Cost of Attendance: $28,594 (In-State); $46,234 (Out-of-State)
• Median SAT: 1210
• Median ACT: 24
• Acceptance Rate: 79%
• Retention Rate: 82%

Miami University – Oxford

Academic Highlights: Miami University sports a reasonable 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio, lower than Ohio State. As at most publics, classes certainly aren’t tiny, but Miami U. keeps the majority of courses—65% to be precise—at an enrollment of 29 or fewer. Almost one-quarter of graduates earn a degree in business/marketing, making it the most popular area of academic concentration. Other commonly pursued majors include the social sciences (9%), health professions (9%), journalism (8%), biology (6%), parks and recreation (6%), and education (6%).

Professional Outcomes: The overall success rate for the Class of 2022 was 99%, roughly the same as for the previous two cohorts. Fifty-five percent of recent Miami grads were employed and by mid-career, alumni enjoy a median salary of $118k. Over one-quarter of recent grads elected to continue their education in graduate or professional school. Miami boasts a strong premed program that resulted in 63% of medical school applicants gaining acceptance over the last four years.

• Enrollment: 16,865
• Cost of Attendance: $34,342 (In-State); $56,558 (Out-of-State)
• Acceptance Rate: 88%

Towson University

Academic Highlights:  TU allows you to choose from 110+ majors, concentrations, and tracks across a wide array of academic disciplines. A solid 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio allows Towson to keep class sizes reasonable. In fact 35% of class sections enroll fewer than 20 students while just 3% enroll greater than 50. The most popular degrees are in the health professions (14%) and business (13%), with communication (9%), psychology (9%), education (9%), and computer science (9%) next in line.

Professional Outcomes:  The Class of 2022 achieved a positive outcome within six months of graduation at a 93% clip and the average starting salary was $55,706. The top employers of this cohort included the likes of Aerotek, the Baltimore Orioles, EY, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Morgan Stanley, PwC, and T. Rowe Price. 20% of recent grads immediately began their pursuit of an advanced degree. Sample schools attended included Duke, Johns Hopkins, Northeastern, Notre Dame, and the University of Maryland.

• Enrollment: 16,861
• Cost of Attendance: $32,730 (In-State); $50,822 (Out-of-State)
• Median SAT: 1130
• Median ACT: 22

San Jose State University

• San Jose, CA

Academic Highlights: With over 150 undergraduate majors, San Jose State offers a wide variety of programs across eight colleges, including the highly ranked Charles W. Davidson College of Engineering. In particular, its programs in computer science, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering are very strong. Popularity-wise, the most degrees are conferred in business/management/marketing (24%), engineering (12%), psychology (8%), communication/journalism (7%), social sciences (7%), visual/performing arts (7%), and health professions (7%).

Professional Outcomes: 90% of the Class of 2022 experienced positive outcomes, with 85% employed and 5% continuing their education. For those employed, the average starting salary was $77k. SJSU alumni go on to Silicon Valley tech firms in large numbers, including Amazon, Apple, Google, Meta, and Cisco. Other popular employers include San Jose State itself, Deloitte, the City of San Jose, and Stanford. Those continuing their education most often did so in education, law, social work, or health professions; the vast majority elected to stay at San Jose State.

• Enrollment: 27,111 (undergraduate); 8,951 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $32,308 (in-state); $44,188 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1190
• Acceptance Rate: 80%
• Retention Rate: 86%
• Graduation Rate: 64%

West Virginia University

• Morgantown, WV

Academic Highlights:  Students from all 50 states and 90 nations flock to Morgantown to study one of 310 majors offered in WVU’s 13 colleges and schools. The school has a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio and, impressively, is able to keep enrollment in 45% of class sections at 19 students or fewer; 15% contain 50 or more students. Students are spread evenly across many of the most popular majors including nursing (6%), sports kinesiology (5%), general studies (4), mechanical engineering (4%), Exercise science, criminology (3%), journalism (3%), and finance (3%).

Professional Outcomes: Between 40 and 250 West Virginia University alumni work for the following companies: Amazon, Deloitte, Aramco, Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, Eaton, ADP, Google, PepsiCo, Oracle, Salesforce, and Insight Global. Many alumni remain in the state of West Virginia after graduation, but sizable numbers also migrate to Washington DC, Pittsburgh, New York City, and Baltimore.

• Enrollment: 19,059
• Cost of Attendance: $22,668 (In-State); $40,380 (Out-of-State)
• Average SAT: 1107
• Median ACT: 23
• Acceptance Rate: 77%
• Retention Rate: 81%
• Graduation Rate: 61%

We hope you have found our list of the Best Colleges for Forensic Science to be useful and informative as you continue your college search process. We also invite you to check out some of our other resources and tools including:

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, best schools for forensic psychology.

Hi guys! I'm really interested in forensic psychology and I want to know which colleges have the best programs for this major. Any suggestions?

Hello! Forensic psychology is an interesting field, and there are a number of colleges with strong programs you can consider. Here are a few that are known for their good psychology or forensic psychology offerings:

1. John Jay College of Criminal Justice (CUNY) - This school is particularly known for its criminal justice and forensic psychology programs, offering both undergraduate and graduate degrees in the field. It's located in New York City, allowing students to engage in internship and fieldwork opportunities.

2. George Washington University - Located in Washington, D.C., GWU has a well-regarded forensic psychology program, including an undergraduate concentration and a Master's program. The location also provides access to government organizations and agencies for internships and research opportunities.

3. Drexel University - Drexel University in Philadelphia offers a BS in Psychology with a concentration in Forensic Psychology. Besides the strong academic program, students have access to research opportunities and co-op experiences, which can help gain practical experience in the field.

4. University of Denver - The University of Denver has an undergraduate program in psychology where you can choose a concentration in forensic psychology. They also offer a Master's in Forensic Psychology, with a strong emphasis on clinical training and research.

5. Fordham University - Fordham, located in New York City, offers a BA in Psychology with an available concentration in Forensic Psychology through their Department of Psychology.

While these schools offer focused programs in forensic psychology, it's also important to consider schools with strong general psychology programs. Since the field of forensic psychology blends psychology with criminal justice, you can start by pursuing a degree in psychology and then specialize in forensic psychology during your graduate studies. As you research colleges, keep an eye out for schools with strong psychology departments and opportunities for internships or research related to forensic psychology or criminal justice.

Good luck in your search!

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FACULTY OF ARTS

Event details.

Avenues of Forensic Psychology

From 09 apr 2024 to 09 apr 2024.

Venue : TMA Pai Auditorium @ 11

·      Department of Psychology, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Faculty of Arts, is organising a guest lecture on Forensic Psychology. Mr. Vishnu Mathur, Former Director at State Forensic Science Laboratory, Rajasthan. He is a pioneer of serology and DNA  fingerprinting and a recipient of the DFS Home Ministers Award for the best forensic scientist in the country in the year 2010. The lecture would be beneficial for the final year (BA/BSc Hons.) students of Department of Psychology.

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