Master Criminal Minds: Earn a Top PhD in Forensic Psychology Online
For people choosing between pursuing academia and law enforcement, a PhD in forensic psychology online can bridge both worlds. Explore top online forensic psychology PhDs for 2024.
The popularity of true crime podcasts and television shows like “Criminal Minds” and “CSI”has sparked many people’s interest in forensic psychology, but there’s more to it than what you see on the screen — and more reasons why some true crime fans should study it.
The field of forensic science is expanding rapidly with demand for technicians expected to grow much faster than average over the next decade. If you want to be at the forefront of this boom, a PhD in forensic psychology online will put you on the cutting edge of the field, while you are also able to balance studies with work from the comfort of home. Let’s have a look at how to earn a PhD in forensic psychology online and if that might be the place for you.
Forensic Psychology Program Spotlights
As you begin pursuing your PhD in forensic psychology online, you’ll encounter a range of potential programs. While the program that’s best for you will depend on a combination of general and personal factors, we’ve listed and profiled a few well-regarded, accredited programs below to help you get started in your research.
Walden University
Walden University, an accredited for-profit university which is headquartered in Minneapolis, specializes in online degree programs. The classwork for its 80-credit doctoral program (PhD) in forensic psychology can be completed entirely online, with four mandatory four-day residencies for on-site learning. While the doctoral program can take up to eight years to complete, it’s possible to graduate much faster depending on your course schedule and dissertation writing time.
Once enrolled in the program, you’ll need to complete both core courses in social psychology and law enforcement, take electives of your choosing in relevant fields, and pass a doctoral writing assessment before beginning your dissertation. Interested students must have a bachelor’s degree and ideally a master’s degree in a relevant field — students without the latter will need to complete 30 additional credits to graduate.
Widener University
This private university with campuses in Pennsylvania and Delaware offers a PsyD and criminal justice master’s dual degree program that prepares you for advanced work in forensic psychology. Widener offers a hybrid program that you can complete partially online and at their Chester, Pa., campus. Once enrolled, you can earn your degrees in as little as five years of full-time study.
In the program, you’ll be completing coursework in both criminal justice and psychology while also completing psychology clinical training, including three-day rotations, at an internship site through Widener’s guaranteed matching program. Interested students must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, with a 3.5 GPA or higher preferred, and you will need to complete an interview. Financial aid may be available for admitted students.
Fielding Graduate University
Fielding Graduate University is a private institution that exclusively offers graduate degree programs. This includes its online PhD in clinical psychology, where you can choose a concentration, including specialization in forensic psychology as one of four options offered. Once you’ve enrolled in the program, including the forensic option, all students must complete coursework, a clinical practicum, and a year-long full-time clinical internship, as well as several required in-person multi-day residencies. You will finish the program by completing a doctoral dissertation.
Interested students should apply online. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited school, and will need to submit a statement of purpose, three letters of recommendation, and a critical thinking sample exercise in addition to official transcripts. Financial aid options are available for qualifying students.
PhD vs. PsyD in Forensic Psychology: What’s the Difference?
There are multiple types of doctorates you can earn in forensic psychology, each with their own purposes. A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the best-known, but a Psychology Doctorate (PsyD) is another popular option. Check out the differences when deciding which is the best fit for you.
| PsyD in Forensic Psychology | PhD in Forensic Psychology | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Practical mastery of forensic psychology for a professional career | Forensic psychology theory and research |
| Student Type | Mid-career | Early career |
| Student Goal | Leadership position in law enforcement or criminal justice organization | Academic or research career in forensic psychology |
| Funding | Public sector employer | Grants and fellowships |
| Prerequisites | Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field | Master’s degree in a relevant field |
| Length | 5-6 years | 7-8 years |
| Capstone | Clinical rotations or internship project | Dissertation with original research |
The Perks of Online PhD Programs in Forensic Psychology
Whether it’s for the flexible schedule, the financial benefits, or family or personal obligations, there are plenty of reasons to choose a hybrid or online PhD in forensic psychology. Have a look at some of the advantages of studying remotely.
Save Money – And Hassle
The cost of school is a natural concern for any aspiring grad student. However, one perk of an online phD in forensic psychology instead of a traditional on-campus program is that you’re saving money before you even apply for funding. Not having to relocate to campus saves you hefty moving expenses — and the stress of moving to a new town or even a new state.
Work While You Study
Trying to decide if you’re ready to leave your job to pursue a PhD? When you’re studying remotely, you might not have to jettison that work. Plenty of online programs are structured with evening, weekend, or self-paced classes, allowing you to build a schedule that suits you. This, combined with staying in your community, makes it much easier to hold a job while you study for your doctorate.
Tailor Your Studies to Your Community
Forensic psychology is a highly interpersonal field of study – and if you’re getting a doctorate in it, you may be motivated by the desire to solve specific law enforcement challenges in your community. If that’s the case, an online program can be a great idea, as you can remain in your area and potentially do practical work or an internship there, keeping a focus on your local context.
Accreditation & Online PhDs in Forensic Psychology
It’s absolutely vital to be certain you’re enrolling in an accredited PhD in forensic psychology online. Accreditation is what will give your degree legitimacy and mark it as valid to your future employers and colleagues. So, make sure that your school is accredited by a valid, recognized third party before committing to a degree.
Beyond institutional accreditation, though, you may also want to pursue a degree with programmatic accreditation. This type — from a professional body like the American Psychological Association (APA), considered the most prestigious professional accrediting body in the psychological field — denotes that the program meets particular professional standards. This is true not only for a legitimate doctorate but also for a recognized program in the psychology field. Check if the schools you’re interested in are APA-accredited as an extra credential to consider.
Common Aspects of Forensic Psych PhD Programs
A PhD consists of multiple parts, all of which must be completed to graduate. Here are some common aspects to expect in your PhD in forensic psychology online.
Coursework
Your coursework is likely to consist of both required and elective courses. If you have not already completed a master’s degree in a relevant field, you may also have to complete master-level courses in psychology before you can advance to the research portion of your degree.
Dissertation/Research
The thing that separates a doctorate from other types of degrees is the original research component. You will be designing and completing an original dissertation, which you may have to defend in front of a committee before graduation. You will likely be spending at least the final year of your degree exclusively focusing on this.
Internship
Some forensic psychology PhD programs have a mandatory internship. If this is the case, your school will help you find placement at a clinical or law enforcement site, and you may be required to track your work and progress at the internship or have your supervisor submit a report.
Practicum
A practicum features courses that require hands-on practical experience, such as supervised work in a clinical setting or a lab. As part of a psychology program, your PhD is likely to include some form of practicum, completed either on campus in a residency or at a community site.
Curriculum for Online Forensic Psychology Doctoral Programs
When you’re doing your coursework, you’ll be building a schedule from core and elective courses. Every school’s classes vary, but here are some common courses you may encounter.
Law Enforcement Psychology
One of the most frequent applications of forensic psychology is in a law enforcement context. In this class, you’ll be learning how the field of psychology interacts with law enforcement in different ways — including from the context of both criminals and law enforcement professionals. You may also review how psychological research can help pave the way for more effective criminal justice policy and rehabilitation of offenders.
Psychopathology
Psychopathology is the study of mental illness and mental disorders. This course will teach you about different mental disorders, how to identify them, and how they may impact people suffering from them. You will review common mental illnesses, distinctive vs. comorbid symptoms, diagnostics, and more. Depending on the program, there may be a focus on how mental disorders can impact people who commit or are accused of crimes.
Legal and Ethical Practice
All psychologists need to have a strong foundation in professional ethics, and this is especially true in forensic psychology. This course will teach you the ethics of professional psychological practice, including both legal requirements in the U.S. (and potentially in your school’s state) and the philosophy of ethical professional psychology. The course may also help you prepare for your professional licensure exams after graduation.
Forensic Assessment in Legal Cases
Forensic psychologists are often called upon to examine people involved in legal cases — including plaintiffs, the accused, and witnesses. This can be used to determine reliability, motive, fitness to stand trial, or whether or not defendants are responsible for their actions. This course will teach you the procedure and foundations of conducting various forms of psychological assessments in a legal context.
Multicultural Psychology
It’s important as a forensic psychologist that you be trained to work with people from a wide variety of different cultures and backgrounds. Multicultural psychology is a course that will help you do just that. This class will teach you how to approach people from varied backgrounds who may have different ways of describing their mental state or even have a language barrier that makes communicating more complex.
Tuition and Financial Aid: Paying for Your Forensic Psych PhD
Before you begin your PhD, it’s important to have an idea of how much it will cost and how you intend to pay for it. Most students pay for PhDs through a combination of grants and scholarships from the school and private organizations, fellowships and other programs to offset costs through working. You may also rely on personal savings and student loans, such as those subsidized by the federal government.
Be sure to look into your school’s financial aid department, as you may qualify for need- and/or merit-based aid. You may also ask your employer, if you’re currently working in a relevant field, about any tuition assistance or employee scholarships it offers. Finally, search thoroughly for private grants for which you may apply, as even small amounts can add up to a significant amount of help.
What Your Online Forensic Psychology Degree Could Cost
| School | Program | No. of Credits | Est. Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walden University | PhD in Forensic Psychology | 80 | $126,380 |
| Widener University | PsyD/MCJ Dual Degree | 144 | $139,200 |
| Fielding Graduate University | PhD in Clinical Psychology, Forensic Psychology Concentration | Varies | $101,800 |
Popular Forensic Psychology Careers
It’s natural to wonder about your post-graduation job prospects before you make the time and financial commitment to earn a PhD. Luckily, there are a variety of jobs you can consider once you’ve completed your online PhD in forensic psychology.
Many of the jobs associated with advanced psychology degrees are clinical, and as with all PhDs academia is a popular option. As you can see below, though, there’s no shortage of lucrative options with room for advancement, including careers that may pay over six figures and are projected to grow significantly over the next decade.
| Career | Median Salary (50%) | Top Salary (90%) | Projected Growth (2023-33) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical Psychologist | $92,740 | $151,880 | 7% |
| Psychologist (Other) | $92,740 | $151,880 | 7% |
| Psychology Professor | $84,380 | $182,710 | 8% |
| Neuropsychologist | $92,740 | $151,880 | 7% |
| Operations Research Analyst | $83,640 | $148,920 | 23% |
Source: O*Net OnLine, 2024; Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024
Common Questions: Online Forensic Psych PhDs
Are online/hybrid forensic psych PhD programs more affordable than in-person programs?
Generally speaking, a hybrid or online PhD in forensic psychology will have a lower total price tag than an in-person, campus based program. This is largely thanks to moving and/or commuting costs saved by utilizing online and hybrid doctoral programs. However, it’s important to remember that your doctoral costs will be as dependent on fellowships, scholarships, and other financial aid unique to you as on its official “sticker price.”
How long does it take to earn a forensic psychology PhD degree online?
The time to complete an online doctoral program in forensic psychology can vary significantly. For instance, even as a full-time student, Walden University’s program can take as long as eight years to complete, while the doctoral program at Widener University can be completed in as little as five years. In addition, if you’re transferring credits from previous studies, this can cut your completion time to as little as one year in certain programs, depending on its transfer policy.
What are some common admission requirements for forensic psych PhD programs?
An online PhD in forensic psychology is an advanced degree, meaning you’ll need to have, at the minimum, a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school before you begin. Many schools also have a GPA requirement (often 3.0 or higher), and some, although not all, will want your GRE scores. In addition, you will likely need to submit a statement of purpose and letters of recommendation, and you may have to complete an interview.
What’s the difference between a forensic psychology and a criminal justice PhD?
While both are terminal degrees with a focus in law enforcement, there are many crucial differences between PhD programs in criminal justice and forensic psychology. While forensic psychology is a scientific field, and your PhD is likely to include clinical research and practical courses, criminal justice is a field more closely related to law. Therefore, your coursework in a criminal justice PhD program, as well as the type of research you do for your dissertation, would reflect that.
Can I work a job while I study my forensic psychology PhD online?
It is absolutely possible to work a job during your PhD studies in forensic psychology, although you may find it challenging on your schedule and course load. Depending on the relevance of your employer, such as a law enforcement agency or in a clinical setting, check with your workplace to see if they offer flexible schedules for students, or even employer sponsorship or other forms of financial aid.
Resources for Forensic Psych PhD Students
- American Academy of Forensic Psychology
The AAFPA is a membership organization for forensic psychologists which has been endowing grants, fellowships, and training programs for more than 40 years. - American Board of Forensic Psychology
This is a professional organization and certification body that grants specialized certifications for highly trained forensic psychologists. - American Psychological Association
The American Psychological Association, or APA, is the most well-known and respected professional body for psychology in the country. They also offer program accreditation. - American College of Forensic Psychology
This is a professional membership organization that provides continuing education in forensic psychology, and it also hosts an annual conference. - American Board of Professional Psychology
The ABPP is a certification organization for psychologists practicing in 15 different specialties, one of which is forensic psychology.