Forensic Psychology is an interdisciplinary study between psychology and criminal investigation or criminal justice. Learners in this field acquire the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the court or justice system with the application of science.
If you plan on exploring a career as a Forensic Psychologist, you can start with an online bachelor’s degree in Forensic Psychology and may need a doctoral degree to attain such a profession; but a bachelor’s degree in Forensic Psychology can lead you to numerous occupations or different career paths.
Crime is one of the biggest problems in society, especially in those densely populated areas. Preventing crimes and protecting the community are as important as reporting crimes or punishing criminals.
Because the field of Forensic Psychology plays a significant role in the sector, there is an increasing demand for professionals. In turn, there is now a rising need for holders of a Forensic Psychology undergraduate degree.
An online bachelor’s degree in Forensic Psychology gives working adults the flexibility and the freedom to perform school tasks at their own pace and time. It is also perfect for individuals with other responsibilities like family care or those who want to continue their education.
METHODOLOGY
We outlined 11 Best Online Schools for Bachelor’s in Forensic Psychology to showcase the academic institutions with outstanding programs. We picked the colleges and universities offering an online undergraduate degree based on their excellent features, including the rigorous nature of the program coursework to bring out each student’s capacity for profound learning.
As a distance learning program, the Bachelor’s in Forensic Psychology degree offered by each educational institution should have a virtual environment that is conducive to learning. Listed in random order, our profiled list highlights the online learning platform that professors and students often use for convenience and flexibility. Also considered is the ease of access to academic resources offered to distance learners and the online technical support in navigating the platform.
Some of the accredited online schools on our list provide fast-track degree completion options through transfer credit programs. To highlight the value of enrolling in an online Bachelor’s in Forensic Psychology degree in the schools, the tuition rate, and other fees are also provided. The list also mentions career options for graduates based on their chosen specializations, as well as, other important components, such as:
- 100% Online Learning availability, for added convenience,
- Some program’s degrees may be awarded as Bachelor in Psychology with a concentration in Forensic Psychology, and may offer accelerated coursework options as well,
- Prepares students for a graduate degree program in Forensic Psychology or an entry-level job in a related field,
- Offers rewarding work options, such as in Human Services and Social Work, Forensic Psychology, Victim’s Advocacy, Court Liaison, Substance Abuse Counseling, and many more,
- Designed to combine the field of Psychology with the field of criminal forensics and law through coursework, such as experimental psychology and mental health, criminal behavior, correctional psychology, as well as, forensic assessment, patterns of human behavior, social psychology, in conjunction with, the legalities and ethical practices related to the field of Forensic Psychology,
- Hones research skills, critical-thinking, problem-solving and analysis abilities, in addition to, written and oral communication skills,
- Affordable Tuition options; offering Financial Aid opportunities,
- Offers expert professional instruction, 24/7 online student support centers, networking opportunities and proper accreditation to ensure a quality education in the field of Forensic Psychology.
PLEASE NOTE: Completion of your online Bachelor of Forensic Psychology degree program may not prepare you for licensure or certification as a Forensic Psychologist. However, it will prepare you for a graduate degree program leading to licensure as a Forensic Psychologist. Before enrolling in your chosen online distance learning program, please check their degree outcomes, in addition to, your state’s licensing requirements for this field.
To learn more, please see our Methodology page.
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Best Online Schools for Bachelor’s in Forensic Psychology
Arizona State University
ONLINE BACHELOR’S IN FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY DEGREE PROGRAM
If you want to gain the skills you need for a successful career in Counseling, Criminal Investigation, Corrections Office, Neuropsychology and a whole lot of career listing related to Forensic Psychology, you can start by getting an online degree from Arizona State University.
The university covers both Bachelors of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a specialization in Forensic Psychology. Coursework for B.A program focuses on law enforcement or legal decision-making, criminal behavior and mental disorders while the B.S program emphasizes the science of law and psychology. With 120 credit hours, you can earn your degree and experience from a top-notch online education.
Being one of the largest public universities in the US, Arizona State University enrolls more than 80,000 Sun Devils and has been around for more than 130 years now. It also takes pride in being one of the fastest-growing and innovative research institutions among first-rate universities in the United States with a total of $604 million for its research expenditure in the recent year.
LEARN MORE ABOUT ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY ONLINE / ASU ONLINE’S ONLINE BACHELOR’S IN FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY DEGREE PROGRAM.
Eastern Kentucky University
ONLINE BACHELOR’S IN FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY DEGREE PROGRAM
This veteran-friendly university offers online programs that cover 8-week terms, grants flat tuition rates and provides student mentorships through their PASS tutoring program. Its Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in Forensic Psychology is delivered online.
The program highlights core courses on the Psychology track wherein students have to complete 120 hours to earn the degree. Its curriculum is categorized in areas like:
- Biological Bases of Behavior,
- Social/Personality,
- Developmental and Cognition/Learning.
Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) is located in Richmond, Kentucky. It originated as Central University in 1874 and became a four-year institution in 1922. It offers multiple programs for undergraduate, graduate, associate, certificate and doctoral levels.
EKU is duly accredited by the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges – Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC).
LEARN MORE ABOUT EASTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY ONLINE’S BACHELOR’S IN FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY DEGREE PROGRAM.
Southern New Hampshire University
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY DEGREE PROGRAM
Southern New Hampshire University has more than 200 online programs with guaranteed affordable tuition rates. One of its top online programs is the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a concentration in Forensic Psychology that addresses subjects on:
- Abnormal Psychology,
- Criminal Profiling and Behavior,
- and Sociology of Crime and Violence.
Students have to complete six credit hours for core courses like Forensic Psychology and Criminal Psychology and learn to develop skills in psychology research, criminal investigations, counseling, and assessment, requiring a total of 120 credits to finish.
Based in Manchester, New Hampshire, Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) was founded in 1932 and sits on a 300-acre campus. The increasing demand for its online program made SNHU one of the fastest-growing universities in the US admitting over 90,000 students.
LEARN MORE ABOUT SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE UNIVERSITY’S BACHELOR OF ARTS IN FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY DEGREE PROGRAM.
New England College
ONLINE BACHELOR OF ARTS IN FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY DEGREE PROGRAM
New England College delivers several online programs, including a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a concentration in Forensic Psychology. Some of the major topics the program covers are:
- Forensic Psychology,
- Victimology,
- and Criminal Investigations.
Students have to finish 16 credits for the concentration courses and 48 credits for electives. The school offers seven start dates, and each class is completed in seven-week terms. Online students have to take note that confirmation for attendance during the first week is required.
New England College was founded in 1946 to give education to the service members from the World War II. Nestled in a small town in Henniker, New Hampshire and is a non-profit, private college that offers 50 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs.
New England College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
LEARN ABOUT NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE’S ONLINE BACHELOR OF ARTS IN FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY DEGREE PROGRAM.
Faulkner University
ONLINE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY DEGREE PROGRAM
Faulkner University’s Bachelor of Science in Forensic Psychology is structured as a program that gives strong emphasis on psychology courses like:
- Criminal Behavior Analysis,
- Social Psychology,
- Criminology,
- Industrial-Organizational Psychology,
- and Conflict Management
while also presenting Forensic Elective courses like:
- Criminal Law,
- Juvenile Justice,
- Crime Scene Investigation,
- Terrorism,
- Criminalistics.
The program is offered entirely online, and prospective students can apply for free. You can earn this degree by completing 121 credit hours that includes Christianity Literacy and Cultural Heritage core courses.
Faulkner University is a Christian liberal arts university that heavily focuses on a whole-person approach. The university does not only provide education for intellectual growth but also deals with the character and service of each student. It is located in Montgomery, Alabama with extended campuses in Mobile, Birmingham, and Huntsville.
LEARN ABOUT FAULKNER UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY DEGREE PROGRAM.
Bushnell University
ONLINE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN PSYCHOLOGY WITH A CONCENTRATION IN FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY DEGREE PROGRAM
To earn an online Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in Forensic Psychology, students must complete prerequisites in:
- General Psychology,
- Criminal Justice
- and basic courses in Biology, Sociology, and Anthropology,
- five courses within the concentration
- and a senior capstone within the major courses.
Bushnell University students can choose from six start dates year-round and can access courses 24/7 online.
Bushnell University (NCU) was established as the Eugene Divinity School in 1895 in Eugene, Oregon and has grown to have more educational choices for higher education. NCU offers over 30 undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs.
Its student-to-faculty ratio is 14:1 and is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
LEARN ABOUT BUSHNELL UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN PSYCHOLOGY WITH A CONCENTRATION IN FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY DEGREE PROGRAM.
Union Institute and University
ONLINE BACHELOR OF ARTS IN PSYCHOLOGY WITH A CONCENTRATION IN FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY DEGREE PROGRAM
Union Institute and University offers some online programs that are designed to match the busy schedules of working adults. Its Department of Social Sciences offers a bachelor’s degree in Psychology giving students the option to earn it with a concentration in:
- Forensic Psychology,
- Holistic Studies
- or Addictions Studies.
Students can take the program entirely online and requires 120 semester hours to finish.
This institute started as The Union for Research and Experimentation in Higher Education in the year 1964 and was later renamed as Union Institute and University. Union Institute and University is a private, coeducational institution with a main campus located in Cincinnati, Ohio and has satellite campuses in Florida and California.
Programs for baccalaureate, masters, and doctoral levels are offered either 100% online or as a hybrid.
LEARN ABOUT UNION INSTITUTE AND UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE BACHELOR OF ARTS IN PSYCHOLOGY WITH A CONCENTRATION IN FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY DEGREE PROGRAM.
Florida Institute of Technology
ONLINE BACHELOR OF ARTS IN APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY WITH A CONCENTRATION IN FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY DEGREE PROGRAM
Florida Institute of Technology offers online Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology Forensic Psychology program that is presented with courses heavily based in Psychology and five concentration electives namely:
- Forensic Clinical Psychology,
- Integrated Theories of Crime,
- Victim Studies and Advocacy,
- Psychology of Leadership
- and Law and Psychology.
Courses last eight weeks and weekly coursework are presented asynchronously using the easy-to-follow format provided by instructors. Students engage in interactive discussions through live chats and collaborate with other online students.
Florida Institute of Technology traces its origins to Brevard Engineering College in 1958 to provide education to working adults on the Space Coast. Now the university offers several programs in the academic division such as:
- Aviation,
- Engineering,
- Business,
- Psychology,
- Liberal Arts,
- Lean & Lean Six Sigma
- and Project Management.
Most of its faculty members hold a doctorate and have become expert in their fields.
LEARN MORE ABOUT FLORIDA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY’S ONLINE BACHELOR OF ARTS IN APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY WITH A CONCENTRATION IN FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY DEGREE PROGRAM.
National Louis University
ONLINE CRIMINAL JUSTICE DEGREE PROGRAM-MAJOR IN FORENSIC SOCIAL JUSTICE FOCUS ON THE PSYCHOLOGY OF CRIMINALITY
Although the program is presented as a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, it gives students the option to major in one of these three focuses:
- Criminal Justice Administration,
- Entrepreneurship
- and Forensic Social Justice, which emphasizes the Psychology of Criminal Investigation and Analysis.
National Louis University delivers classes on a quarter system, and BA in Criminal Justice requires 180 quarter hours to finish.
National Louis University was founded by Elizabeth Harrison who initially established the school for early childhood development education. Its educational structure has then become a model for other schools in the US.
By 1990, the school expanded its programs to cater to liberal arts and business administration students. In the present, the university offers 60 career-focused programs in different academic fields.
LEARN ABOUT NATIONAL LOUIS UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE CRIMINAL JUSTICE DEGREE PROGRAM-MAJOR IN FORENSIC SOCIAL JUSTICE FOCUS ON THE PSYCHOLOGY OF CRIMINALITY.
Trine University
ONLINE CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROGRAM WITH SPECIALIZATION IN FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY DEGREE PROGRAM
Another Criminal Justice program on the list belongs to Trine University. This online bachelor’s degree program prepares students to endeavor careers in criminal justice or law school. Students can enroll with a chosen concentration may it be:
- Law Enforcement,
- Agency Administration,
- Addictions,
- Academic Training
- or Forensic/Correctional Psychology.
Although it is a Criminal Justice program, it presents strong Psychology aspects in its core requirements. Trine University is one of the few universities that offer both Forensic and Correctional Psychology as a concentration in a baccalaureate degree.
Originally designated as Tri-State Normal College in 1884 because of its location within the proximity of three states, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio, Trine University has grown and expanded in 8 more sites.
The school is built to help give exceptional education to working professionals who want to continue their studies and earn a higher-educational degree. It is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
LEARN ABOUT TRINE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROGRAM WITH SPECIALIZATION IN FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY DEGREE PROGRAM.
Purdue University-Global
ONLINE CRIMINAL JUSTICE DEGREE WITH A CONCENTRATION IN FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY
With only 180 credits to complete, students can earn a degree in Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. It is offered with 5-degree concentrations to choose from. One of them is Forensic Psychology which presses on courses like:
- Abnormal Psychology,
- Psychology of Law Enforcement,
- and Crisis Intervention.
Students get the opportunity to experience free three-week trial classes online, and they can enroll for an accelerated program to shorten pathways to a master’s degree. A capstone project is also required to demonstrate applications of learning in a real-world criminal justice setting.
As part of the Purdue University system, Purdue University Global was established as a public university to provide programs and personalized online education for the working class.
Prospective students can choose programs from its 14 academic areas of study. There are about 29,000 enrollees who work full time, serves in the military and even full-time parents.
LEARN ABOUT PURDUE UNIVERSITY-GLOBAL’S ONLINE CRIMINAL JUSTICE DEGREE WITH A CONCENTRATION IN FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I earn a Bachelor’s degree in Forensic Psychology?
Earning a Bachelor’s degree in Forensic Psychology gives you a gainful knowledge of psychology and the legal system. It is an enthralling degree program for those interested in practicing psychological theory in criminal, court, or justice systems.
Students learn:
- valuable critical thinking skills,
- investigatory skills,
- excellent writing skills,
- composure under stressful conditions and situations,
- strong oral presentation and evaluation
- or familiarity with different peculiar behaviors.
How relevant is a Bachelor’s degree in Forensic Psychology in society today?
Bachelor’s in Forensic Psychology degree programs produce graduates with rewarding skills, and these graduates contribute to society by overseeing the formative phase in every individual’s life.
Forensic Psychology does only provide an understanding of each person’s behavior but also enables you to identify the proper treatment of individuals involved in criminal cases as mandated by the justice system criminal cases.
Their duties generally include criminal profiling, assisting victims, and discovering the right approach to prevent or resolve criminal issues that affect the public.
What are the prospective jobs that await holders of a Bachelor’s degree in Forensic Psychology?
Students who opt not to continue their education for a master’s or doctoral degree may qualify for employment in Law Enforcement, Prisons, Private Investigations, Cybercrime Counterterrorism, Crime scene investigation, Detention, and Homeland security as:
- Law Enforcement Officer is the first responder of the criminal justice system. Duties of a Law Enforcement Officer would depend on the state, but typically include making arrests, enforcing laws, and from time to time, appear as a witness in court cases.
- Forensic Social Worker provides legal expertise and consultation within court systems, hospitals, mental institutions, correctional facilities, and prisons. They identify signs of criminal activity and the consequences of such actions to either victims or perpetrators.
- Jury Consultant works with lawyers to help identify jurors or witnesses in a particular court case. These can only be done after thorough research and investigation on their backgrounds, data analysis, and interviews,
- Juvenile Offenders Counselor evaluates young offenders and examines their mental and behavioral issues before developing treatment or therapy.
- Probation Officer/Correctional Specialist oversees the completion of duties of offenders who are on probation.
- Police Detective performs investigations of crimes, identifies witnesses and suspects, and records and maintains information or files of victims or suspects obtained from interviews, crime scenes, and government files. They analyze all the data to be presented in the court case.