Online Forensic Psychology Degrees
Ask a Question
A unique combination of psychology, criminal justice, forensics, and law, forensic psychology is the branch of psychology that aims to interpret and analyze criminal behavior. Forensic psychologists are required to have extensive knowledge of the legal system, especially the ability to translate psychological terminology into legal terminology that is understandable in a court setting. While the role most commonly associated with forensic psychology is determining a defendant's sanity, these professionals perform a number of other functions in the courtroom, including offering opinions on sentencing, treatment for the mentally incompetent, witness competency, and assessing the likelihood of future infractions. Outside of the courtroom, forensic psychologists are asked to assist in the evaluation of prospective law enforcement professionals and training law enforcement professionals in the proper treatment of victims and the accused.
Forensic psychology requires extensive schooling. Most all forensic psychologists have advanced degrees, and many have multiple advanced degrees. A bachelor's degree in psychology is generally the best starting point for anybody interested in this type of career, but legal training of some kind is imperative. Having experience in counseling is also an asset. Those who wish to work in this field must be able to work effectively in all of these fields in addition to having a self-starting personality, the ability to network, and excellent written and oral communication abilities.
The majority of forensic psychologists are independent contractors who work on a case-by-case basis when their specific specialized knowledge is required. Forensic psychologists typically confine themselves to either family court, civil court, or criminal court, depending on their background and interests.
Featured Accredited Schools Offering Online Forensic Psychology Degrees
- All
- Bachelor's
- Master's
- Doctorate
- Certification
Learn more about Kaplan University - Criminal Justice Programs
What are some of the specializations within this degree program?
- Civil Court: Forensic psychologists are not utilized in civil court as often as they are in family or criminal court because the nature of civil court does not require psychological expert witnesses as often. However, they are occasionally called upon to provide therapy to victims of crime, so a background in counseling is especially useful in this court division.
- Family Court: Family court usually comprises of child custody or abuse issues. Forensic psychologists in this setting are absolutely essential because children can require extensive counseling from trained professionals.
- Criminal Court: Psychoanalysis is usually most important in criminal courts. Examining an individual's mental competency is essential in many criminal situations, as it is necessary to understand a person's mental state when assessing their guilt and determining an appropriate sentence.
What degree levels are available?
- Bachelor's Degree: 4 years to complete
- Master's Degree: 2-3 years to complete
- Doctorate Degree: 4-7 years to complete
What are the educational and certification requirements?
The vast majority of successful forensic psychologists have a master's degree or PhD in forensic psychology. To be admitted to these programs, it is usually mandated that an individual first earn a bachelor's degree in psychology. However, those with comparable degrees in counseling, legal studies, or criminal justice may also go into this career. Competition to graduate school programs is intense because psychology degrees are among the most popular.
While earning graduate degrees in forensic psychology, students can expect classes in psychotherapy, counseling, professional ethics, substance abuse and treatment, behavioral criminology, and sex offender evaluation. Most professional degree programs in forensic psychology require internship credit working on-site, usually at a correctional facility. Some programs require two separate internships, with at least one in a clinical counseling setting. Anyone considering applying to a master's or PhD program in forensic psychology should research programs carefully and evaluate the curriculum and internship opportunities in relation to their career aspirations.
The American Board of Professional Psychology has a recognition division specifically for forensic psychologists. Earning this honor requires having a PhD, special endorsements, several years of experience with demonstrated professional success, and a state license. Most states mandate that any candidates for psychology licensure have some experience -- an internship may count toward this requirement -- in addition to a PhD in psychology. Standardized testing is a requirement of all state boards, and examinations usually consist of questions pertaining to all areas of psychology.
What kinds of classes will I be expected to take?
Most forensic psychology programs will be master's degree level and above, so many of these courses may not be available to undergraduate psychology students interested in the field.
- Psychology and the Law: Because forensic psychologists work so often with individuals and families involved in the legal and criminal justice system, they must be very familiar with all of the laws and regulations that govern their professional role.
- Criminal Behavior: Forensic psychologists regularly come into contact with people involved in the criminal justice system. A course in criminal behavior and psychology provides forensic psychologists with understanding and techniques for interacting with their potential clients and subjects.
- Conflict Management: A fundamental conflict management course gives students insight into the nature of conflict, how it affects parties involved in conflict, and useful skills for managing social conflicts.
- Diversity and Communities: Forensic psychologists are likely to come into contact with many different kinds of clients, and they must be comfortable working with people from diverse backgrounds.
- Social Psychology: Students learn how communities and groups affect the psychology of individuals and how to manage the potential issues that arise among groups.
If I pursue this program online, will I be required to complete any on-site training?
For most graduate-level psychology programs, some on-site training is required; however, the amount of on-site training you need to complete may depend on the program in which you are enrolled. Some degree programs may require a semester- or year-long internship working under the supervision of a practicing forensic psychologist. Even if you find that on-site training is not required for your program, it will be a tremendous asset to your career to have some experience working on actual cases with actual clients.
What are some other degrees that are related to this program?
- Clinical Psychology: Clinical psychologists work to diagnose and treat mental disorders.
- School Psychology: Working in schools with children specifically, school psychologists get specialized training to prepare them for working with their very specific kind of clients.
- Counseling: Counselors work with individual clients to help manage the day-to-day conflicts and issues that arise.
- Social Work: Social workers help individuals, families, and children who are in need of assistance, often dealing with issues of unemployment, addiction, and foster care, to name a few.
