The Top 15 Best Forensic Psychology Schools In the US

Have you seen the Prison break movie, you’d realize the significance of Forensic psychology. A similar role is played in Lucifer where this profession shows up its potential in crime investigation. Movies aside Forensic psychologists play vital roles in correctional facilities and in the law court to ensure that the right culprit is brought to book. Meanwhile, it helps in the proper rehabilitation of convicts to help them get things right. So this is why there is a need to train forensic psychologists in good ethical conduct. Hence attending forensic psychology schools in the US is one sure way to excellence in this career field.

However, have you been having several minds boggling questions relating to the profession of forensic psychology? Or queries the web on several questions about forensic psychology schools in the US. Questions which include;

• Does the FBI hire forensic psychologists? forensic psychologists in high demand in the US?
• Do Forensic psychologists go to crime scenes?
• How long does it take to study forensic psychology?
• Who is the best forensic psychologist?
• I want to understand better what forensic psychology is all about, can you explain?
• Are the best forensic psychologist schools in the US?

So, here at scholarships, we’ve provided you with suitable answers to these questions and many more. Moreover, our group of professionals carefully compiled a detailed list of the best forensic psychology schools in the US.

Forensic psychology is a career that requires rigorous study, so it is essential to attend the right school. Thus, forensic psychology schools in the US will provide you with the right skill set and experience to grow in this career path. Meanwhile, we recommend you carefully go through this article to get the most out of it.

What Are Forensic Psychology Schools?

A typical forensic psychology school is an academic setting you’d learn all the technicalities, principles, and theories involved in becoming a forensic psychologist. Obtaining a degree in forensic psychology is usually an advanced one. You can either obtain a master’s degree, a doctor of philosophy

(PhD), or a doctor of Psychology(PsyD). Meanwhile, a bachelor’s degree in forensic psychology tends to have several majors which include; criminology, criminal justice, and general psychology.

However, a forensic psychologist can be defined as professional practicing psychology within the civil court or criminal justice system. Hence, they focus on recognizing the intentions behind behaviors. Therefore, help in reducing and preventing the occurrence of such attitude. Forensic psychologists are mostly involved in civil and criminal cases. Good instances are in custody disputes, lawsuits, and also insurance claims.

Furthermore, services rendered by forensic psychologists are significant throughout government organizations and other settings. Also, probably due to portrayals from the media, many have picked interest in this career field. So, several institutions in the United States offer different degrees relating to this profession.

Additionally, attending a forensic psychology school will help you hone your psychological mindset to become a better forensic psychologist. You will learn all the pros and cons involved in this profession.

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Why Attend Forensic Psychology Schools In the US?

Statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a projection of expected job growth of 14% through 2026 in forensic psychology in the US. This, this showing the myriad of open opportunities available for you in the US relating to this career path. More so, most opportunities will be prioritized for those specializing in industrial psychology. Specifically in evaluating criminal justice applicants.

Therefore, attending a school in the US will make it all easy to secure a position in any field of the related course.

Forensic psychologists have the option to use their skills in the service of the public good. For example, they may work as special agents for the FBI. The Bureau is actively seeking individuals with a background in counseling or psychology, according to the FBI’s website.

The average salary for a Forensic Psychologist is $73381. What Is the Average Forensic Psychologist Salary by State; Washington, $118,759; New York, $112,532

Top 15 Best Forensic Psychology Schools In the US

Here, we’ve provided a list of the 15 best and most notable Psychology schools in the US. You can see them below and make a selection of a school that suits your needs the most. Meanwhile, considering the ranking principle we applied, we used the National Center for Educational Statistics. To determine the best schools offering the best programs in Forensic Psychology. However, after narrowing down our search we discovered that the best schools were those having qualities like;

• Offering a variety of courses in key forensic psychology areas
• Well accredited by the right authorities.
• Their courses taught by expert faculty
• Preparing students for master’s level positions in the field

#1. Fairleigh Dickinson University – Teaneck, New Jersey

Fairleigh Dickinson University is among the top forensic psychology schools on our list. Thus, the school is the largest private university in New Jersey. Hence, their forensic psychology master’s is an 18-month program that offers a streamlined curriculum. Hence, their curriculum gives students broad exposure to the field.

Furthermore, students in Fairleigh gain the knowledge and skills required to be competitive in master’s levels forensic jobs or to pursue advanced doctoral studies in forensic psychology. Meanwhile, all students will complete a 300-hour externship placement to gain hands-on experience. Also, students can choose to partake in forensic research or complete a thesis.

Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $9,732/year

Points: 12

#2. University of Houston-Victoria – Victoria, Texas

The University of Houston-Victoria, a member of the University of Houston System, is a public university with more than 4,500 students. The school program is among the top forensic psychology schools in the US. Hence, they offer a budget-affordable master’s in forensic psychology that prepare students to work in the field of forensics. Also, students gain hands-on experience through a practicum. Meanwhile, some of the courses you’d learn include;

• Techniques in Psychotherapy
• Group Psychotherapy
• Theories and Issues in Psychotherapy

Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $6,476/year in-state and $13,838/year out-of-state

Points: 10

#3. Liberty University – Lynchburg, Virginia

Liberty University is one of the largest Christian universities in the world has more than 100,000 students and 700+ programs of study. Hence, the school offers master’s in forensic psychology programs that take 18 months to complete. Meanwhile known as one of the best forensic psychology schools in the US, their courses teach students methods and theories in psychology as they relate to the following;

• corrections
• law enforcement
• the judicial process

Featured courses include:

Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $7,935

Points: 10

#4. Holy Names University – Oakland, California

The top value master’s in forensic psychology at Holy Names University focuses on the intersection of psychology, law, and also social justice. Holy Names University is recognized among the top forensic psychology offering schools in the US.

However, the program in the school is a 39-unit degree based on a philosophy of restorative and therapeutic justice.

Student to Faculty Ratio: 8:1

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $18,054/year

Points: 10

#5. University of North Dakota – Grand Forks, North Dakota

The University of North Dakota is among the oldest institution of higher learning in the state. Thus, UND offers a part-time, affordable master’s in forensic psychology that takes two years to complete. Hence, one of the best forensic psychology offering schools in the US.

Meanwhile, students gain an in-depth knowledge of the legal system, develop effective communication skills needed in forensic backgrounds, and take a deep dive into advanced psychological concepts and theories. Also, the program has been framed to meet the needs of working students.

Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $11,060/year in-state and $16,590/year out-of-state

Points: 9

#6. John Jay College of Criminal Justice – New York, New York

John Jay College of Criminal Justice was founded in 1964 as the only liberal arts college that focuses on criminal justice and forensics. Thus, the school offers a high-value master’s in forensic psychology that prepares students for work in the criminal or civil justice systems or doctoral study. Meanwhile, the school is among the top forensic psychology offering schools in the US.

Furthermore, this 42-credit hour program includes 39 credits of coursework and 3 credits for an externship or prospectus/thesis. Moreso, students can choose from a wide variety of elective course offerings including:

• Crisis Intervention and Short-term
• Terrorism
• Counseling
• Criminal Psychological Assessment

Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $11,090/year in-state and $20,520/year out-of-state

Points: 9

#7. University of California-Irvine – Irvine, California

The University of California-Irvine offers a top master’s in legal and forensic psychology through a partnership between the Department of Psychological Science and the Department of Criminology, Law, and Society. They possess to be among the top forensic psychological offering schools in the US.

However, the school offers some of its courses online making this a great choice for working professionals. Also, there is a one-week mandatory in-residence course before the beginning of the fall quarter. Thus, some of the elective courses students will undertake include;

• Clinical Interviewing and Treatment
• Violence and Psychopathology
• Law and Behavior: Compliance and Enforcement

Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $11,442/year in-state and $26,544/year out-of-state

Points: 9

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#8. Tiffin University – Tiffin, Ohio

Tiffin University is a private coeducational university located in northwestern Ohio. They offer a budget-friendly forensic psychology master’s degree heavily focused on research. Also, Tiffin University is among the top forensic psychology offering schools in the US. However, students will acquire and refine the skills required to work in the criminal justice system and mental health service agencies. Meanwhile, some of the courses you’d offer there include;

• Substance Abuse
• Mental Health Law in Forensic Psychology
• Statistical Applications in Forensic Psychology

Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $12,600

Points: 9

#9. Roger Williams University – Bristol, Rhode Island

Roger Williams University is a private university situated in Rhode Island. Thus, the school offers a cost-friendly master’s in forensic and legal psychology for students planning to pursue a research-based Ph.D. Also, the school is one of the best forensic psychology offering schools in the US. This full-time, two-year program includes research practicums or directed research.

Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $17,016/year

Points: 9

#10. Arizona State University – Scottsdale, Arizona

Arizona State University features a best-value master’s in forensic psychology for students interested in career advancement and also advancing to doctoral study.

Meanwhile, courses are taught by the same award-winning faculty who teach on campus. Thus, courses are about seven-and-a-half weeks-long so students can earn their degree in about two years.

Student to Faculty Ratio: 25:1

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $6,516/year

Points: 8

#11. California State University – Los Angeles, California

California State University Los Angeles is part of the public university system in California, also among the largest four-year public university system in the US. Hence, the forensic psychology program is composed of 33-34 credit hours of coursework including a nine-month practicum. Meanwhile, during the practicum, students receive hands-on exercises related to their specific career goals and interests.

Student to Faculty Ratio: 24:1

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $7,176/year in-state and $16,680/year out-of-state

Points: 8

#12. Montclair State University – Montclair, New Jersey

Montclair State University is the second-largest university in New Jersey. Thus, they offer an affordable master’s in clinical psychology with a focus on forensic psychology. However, the concentration emphasizes family, adolescent, and child issues such as:

• juvenile offender assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation
• child abuse and neglect

Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $12,600/year in-state and $18,432/year out-of-state

Points: 8

#13. California Baptist University – Riverside, California

The forensic psychology master’s program at California Baptist University gives students an extensive understanding of key areas of their specialization.

Furthermore, students can earn their degree in two years. Courses are scheduled during the evening hours to accommodate working professionals.

Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $13,410/year

Points: 8

#14. Marymount University – Arlington, Virginia

Marymount University is the first school in Washington, D.C. to hence offer an affordable master’s in forensic and legal psychology. Meanwhile, the school is close to several key agencies in the field of forensics. So, students can complete site visits, observations, field research, and even internships at organizations like:

• the FBI
• NCIS
• the U.S. Department of Justice

Student to Faculty Ratio: 12:1

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $19,620/year

Points: 8

#15. William James College – Newton, Massachusetts

William James College features a high-quality master’s in clinical mental health counseling with an area of emphasis in forensic and correctional counseling. Thus, Students can complete the program in two years of full-time study or three years of part-time work.

Student to Faculty Ratio: 7:1

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $33,900

Points: 8

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Conclusion

Finally, a profession in forensic psychology is quite demanding but a very lucrative and interesting career path. Therefore, if you aspire to become one, we recommend you look through the list of forensic psychology schools in the US provided herein again. You’d definitely get a good school of interest you can enroll in.

Meanwhile, you probably might have more questions relating to forensic psychology schools in the US that haven’t gotten any cogent response yet. So, if you fall in this category, feel free to reach out to us on any of our platforms provided here.

Frequently Asked Questions About Forensic Psychology Schools In the US