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Future Criminal Psychology professionals must understand human behavior and what makes them tick. Fortunately, many colleges and universities offer Bachelor’s in Criminal Psychology degrees.
Students explore the causes, treatment, and impact of crime on specific communities. At times, they will also gain a better understanding of police officer effectiveness, the psychology of urban life, and the role of race, gender, and social status when it comes to criminal activities.
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The Lowdown
While most criminal and forensic psychology programs are offered on-campus, many are also made available through online learning. The best online forensic psychology degrees help undergraduate students qualify for a meaningful and rewarding career in the criminal justice field.
Other online students in criminal psychology choose to further their education by earning master’s degrees and doctoral programs. A master’s or doctoral degree will help them obtain certifications and achieve leadership roles to enhance their credentials and boost their career opportunities.
Methodology
Prospective students whose career interests lie in the field of Criminal and Forensic Psychology will find a bachelor’s degree in the field a valuable choice! Our list of the best programs in the country is compiled based on these:
- Features comprehensive online coursework that applies the principles of social psychology, multicultural policing, criminal investigations, criminal law and procedure, forensic psychology, abnormal psychology, forensic science, and criminal justice,
- Delivered as a web-based or hybrid learning format,
- Employs instructors with appropriate Criminal Psychology educational background, credentials, and professional experience,
- Offered by a regionally accredited college,
- Offers financial aid program, as well as transfer credit policies and similar support services to emphasize affordability and convenience,
- Gets positive reviews from students and alumni.
Please visit our Methodology page and review our detailed ranking process.
Best Online Bachelor’s in Criminal Psychology Programs
Liberty University
Bachelor of Science in Psychology – Criminal Psychology
Liberty University’s online Bachelor of Science in Psychology is for students pursuing a satisfying career in the criminal psychology field.
This program has a concentration option that focuses on criminal psychology, teaching students to develop their professional knowledge and skills when it comes to an understanding of human behavior and development. It is an excellent way to acquire a solid foundational knowledge of criminals’ behavior and actions.
- This degree program is available online, making it accessible to both working students and professionals who require more flexibility with their schedules.
- Online students will receive training on the core skills that will help them understand the criminal’s mind, including their thoughts and intentions.
- It is possible to finish this online program in less than four years.
- Some of the courses included in the program’s curriculum are crisis intervention, psychology of criminal behavior, and social psychology, among others.
What Makes This Program Unique:
This online program allows students who completed the Children in Healthcare to pursue a Child Life Specialist Certification.
They are expected to learn the basic principles of human development and the psychological well-being of children. It is also part of the course to prepare for the certification exam through the guidance of a professor.
Did You Know?
As one of the highly recognized higher learning institutions that offer affordable and quality higher education accessible to many, Liberty University has many financial aid options for its students.
The First Responder Discount gives financial assistance to active-duty law enforcement and first responders. This entitles them to a 25% tuition discount.
Louisiana State University
BS in Criminal Justice – Criminal Psychology
Louisiana State University is one of the institutions that give access to quality education through online learning.
Their Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice offers a concentration in criminal psychology, giving students an opportunity to learn the criminal justice system foundation and apply the benefits of psychological insight to the field.
- Students can strengthen their cognitive and investigative skills through the program’s comprehensive coursework and hands-on learning.
- The online program is offered in a synchronous format, which allows online students to interact with instructors in real-time with the use of video conferencing and other technologies.
- The core courses in the program curriculum include Police Process, Cultural Diversity, Developmental Psychology, Introduction to Abnormal Psychology, and Drugs and Behavior in Psychology.
What Makes This Program Unique:
The program considers credits for military and law enforcement training to be applied towards this online degree through the Prior Learning Assessment program. This allows students to save time and money by completing the course faster.
Did You Know?
Louisiana State University is ranked 3rd on the Best-Universities.net list of the Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s Degrees for last year.
Faulkner University
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Psychology
Students who want to pursue a successful career in the field of forensic psychology may want to consider earning a Bachelor’s in Forensic Psychology. This online bachelor’s in forensic psychology program prepares students for a rewarding career by exploring the core principles of psychology, criminal behavior, and forensics.
This will also improve their understanding of criminal justice.
- Students can complete core coursework in a range of subjects, including psychology and justice courses such as Criminal Behavior Analysis, Developmental Psychology, Criminal Investigations, Theories of Personality, and more.
- The online learning format means that students can complete their assignments whenever and wherever is most convenient for them.
- The online forensic psychology program curriculum is headed by skilled instructors with hands-on experience in the field.
What Makes This Program Unique:
The program allows transfer applicants with a minimum of 24 transferrable hours from a regionally accredited college to forego the submission of ACT or SAT scores for admission.
Did You Know?
The university offers affordable online education to students interested in forensic psychology. In fact, the online course fee is only $70 per semester hour.
Bushnell University
Bachelor of Science in Psychology – Forensic Psychology
Bushnell University is another educational institution that offers a BS in Psychology with a concentration on Forensic Psychology. This program is also available online, allowing students to pursue their bachelor’s degree at their own pace.
- The program focuses on equipping students with a better understanding of the essence of being human and how it relates to and influences the American justice system.
- The courses in this online forensic psychology degree start every week.
- Students with prior college, law enforcement, and military training may use the credits towards their degree.
- The online learning format combines limited face-to-face classes one night a week.
What Makes This Program Unique:
The Forensic Psychology major requires students to demonstrate their knowledge of psychological principles as they apply to the criminal justice system. This includes courses such as Human Development, Research Methods, Cognition, Biological Psychology, and Forensic Psychology.
Did You Know?
Bushnell University makes it easy for students to apply for financial aid. Apart from FAFSA, they may also apply for scholarships, grants, and student loans.
Eastern Kentucky University
Bachelor of Science in Psychology – Forensic Psychology
The Bachelor of Science in Psychology major in Forensic Psychology provides students with a strong foundation in general psychology. It helps them build critical thinking skills and prepare for entry-level positions in the field.
- Students can tailor their psychology degree to align with their career interests and goals.
- The Forensic Psychology concentration introduces them to the significant areas of the field, enhancing their understanding of relevant psychological principles.
- To earn the program, students must complete a total of 120 credits, including 42 upper-division credits.
What Makes This Program Unique:
This online degree program offers accelerated 8-week terms. Students can expect the courses to begin six times per year, which allows them to maximize their time and earn the degree faster.
Did You Know?
The BS in Psychology program offers free textbooks and course materials for undergraduate students, which is a tremendous financial help to those who need affordable education.
Southern New Hampshire University
Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology – Criminal Psychology
Southern New Hampshire University, a private, nonprofit school, features the online Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology with a concentration in Criminal Psychology.
The program aims to instill critical thinking and research skills while providing students with a solid foundation in the liberal arts and gives an overview of the industry and the workings of the criminal mind.
- The program is designed to study the intersection of psychology and law. Aside from core psychology courses, students also get to apply their research and critical thinking skills to look at a variety of issues related to the justice system and the interplay of psychology and the law.
- Entry into the program does not require SAT/ACT scores, and there are no application fees.
- The program also comes with an embedded 12-credit Data Literacy in Psychology certificate.
What Makes This Program Unique
Being a nonprofit institution, Southern New Hampshire University offers some of the lowest tuition in the country. SNHU also offers a 30% tuition discount for US Service members, as well as the spouses of those who are on active duty.
Did You Know?
Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by NECHE or the New England Commission on Higher Education.
Arizona State University
Bachelor of Science in Psychology – Forensic Psychology
Arizona State University, a public research university based in Phoenix, offers a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Forensic Psychology.
This online forensic psychology degree is designed as an exploration of the intersection of the legal system and mental health, where students are provided with a strong foundation in core psychological concepts as well as in research and statistical reasoning.
- The program contains a total of 120 credit hours, with a total of 39 classes that are each 7.5 weeks long.
- As a BS degree, the curriculum also includes courses in Research Methods, Statistics, and Neuroscience.
What Makes This Program Unique:
As a Bachelor of Science degree, the program is well-suited to advanced study, utilizing the approaches of exploring significant topics and concepts in psychology, as well as clinical application and public policy.
Did You Know?
Arizona State University consistently makes it into the top tier of the country in terms of best online bachelor’s degree programs. ASU also offers this degree with a concentration in Forensic Psychology as an online Bachelor of Arts.
Maryville University
Bachelor’s Degree in Forensic Psychology
A private university in Missouri, Maryville University offers a Bachelor’s in Forensic Psychology that gives students a comprehensive understanding of the field of forensic psychology through a curriculum that focuses on the key areas of psychology, criminal justice, and social science.
- The program is accessible 100% online, with three start dates every year.
- There are also no required application fees or entrance exam scores.
- This online degree program contains 128 credit hours and has 27 credits of psychology courses, 27 credits of criminal justice courses, and 125-150 hours of required clinical practice.
- Maryville University’s psychology coursework is designed to meet the educational standards set by the American Psychological Association (APA).
What Makes This Program Unique:
Many advanced practice roles in the field often require a master’s degree at the bare minimum. Maryville University implements what it calls the Early Access program, where up to 12 credits of undergraduate coursework also get credited to a future Master’s Degree aside from the Bachelor’s degree.
To qualify, students at Maryville should have already completed at least 75 credit hours of education with a GPA of 3.25 or better.
Did You Know?
Maryville University also offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice degree program.
Touro University Worldwide
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – Forensic Psychology
Through the Touro University Worldwide campus, Touro University, a private university in New York City, offers a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, with a concentration in Forensic Psychology, accessible online. This degree program prepares students for career paths in the legal system and the criminal justice field.
- The program is offered 100% online, and students get to enjoy a self-paced approach to their coursework.
- The program contains 120 credit hours in total, with 45 credits dedicated to General Education, 39 credits of core coursework, and 24 credits of electives. A further 12 credits are dedicated to the forensic psychology concentration area.
- Students on full-time enrollment, i.e., 12 credits per semester at three semesters per academic year, can earn their degree within 3.5 years. Students on a part-time enrollment can complete the program in seven years.
- There are six start dates throughout the year, and classes are at 8-week sessions.
What Makes This Program Unique:
This program is primarily a preparation for an eventual Master’s in Psychology with a Concentration on Forensic Psychology, which is typically part of the set of minimum requirements to become a practicing forensic psychologist.
Did You Know?
Touro University Worldwide accepts the transfer of up to 90 credits for this program, provided they meet specific quality standards, such as having been earned at an accredited college/university.
Waldorf University
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Forensic Psychology
Waldorf University, a private, for-profit university based in Iowa, offers a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Forensic Psychology. The program is an exploration of the psychological theories that underlie criminal behavior and trains students to analyze criminal behavior using the lens of psychology.
- The program is offered online only and contains a total of 120 credit hours.
- The Forensic Psychology concentration contains four courses (12 credits): Developmental Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, and Psychological Assessment.
- Students who are on full-time enrollment can earn their degree within four years.
What Makes This Program Unique:
The program is designed not only as an excellent undergraduate preparatory for careers in forensic psychology. Still, it is also a good option for professionals who are looking for continuing education options.
Did You Know?
As an alternative entry into criminal justice career paths, Waldorf University also offers a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a Criminal Justice concentration, also offered as an online-only program.
Key Differences Between Forensic Psychology and Criminal Psychology
It may seem at first glance that both terms are interchangeable, but there are key similarities and differences that separate the two. Let’s take a quick look at these.
First, both professions are essential components of the modern criminal justice system, working with the courts, criminal investigation, and law enforcement.
They also require strong backgrounds in psychology, and as a minimum, careers in both fields require an advanced degree, i.e., graduate-level education. Criminal psychology practice typically requires a doctorate in Psychology, as well as a license.
Key differences lie in the roles they play within the criminal justice system. Forensic psychologists have a broader knowledge of the field. They take on both entry-level and advanced roles, fulfilling tasks such as working with victims, evaluating witnesses, selecting juries, or as victim advocates or corrections and probation officers.
Criminal psychologists, meanwhile, tend to take a more focused look at the criminal individual and the criminal mind. An overall goal of criminal psychologists is to use their foundation in psychology to gain an understanding of the underlying factors and motivations of criminals and their acts and to develop psychological profiles that aid in apprehending them.
Criminal psychologists are also called to provide expert testimony in courtrooms and conduct a recidivism risk assessment and counseling of individuals who have committed crimes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Bachelor’s in Criminal and Forensic Psychology worth it?
This undergraduate program will help them land a job in probation and parole, family services, counseling, community corrections, and program and policy development, among many others.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, psychologists can earn up to $92,740. This will vary, however, according to one’s educational attainment, experience, and professional certifications.
How long does it take to get your Forensic Psychology degree?
The program duration for many criminal and forensic psychology programs often varies depending on student enrollment. Those enrolled full-time will be able to finish the degree in forensic psychology faster than those who registered on a part-time basis.
Also, it is good to note that many online forensic psychology degrees allow students to complete their psychology courses at their own pace. This may either help them complete the undergraduate degree earlier or later.
What are the admission requirements for a Bachelor of Criminal or Forensic Psychology program?
The admission requirements for an online forensic psychology degree program differ from school to school. However, it often starts with lodging an online application and submitting the necessary requirements.
The following are the most common:
- High school diploma
- Official transcripts of record
- ACT or SAT scores
- Minimum GPA
- Application fee
Key Takeaways
Undergraduate students who want to build a solid foundation for a lucrative career in forensic or criminal psychology will want to consider earning a bachelor’s degree.
This online program is a step closer to one’s goal of becoming a certified psychologist in the criminal justice field. Many pursue a graduate degree to qualify for high-level positions.
Students in this program will be able to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills, along with a good understanding needed to deal with human behavior when it comes to criminal activity.
Additional Information:
