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Psychological Studies and its principles are relevant to Criminal Justice. Criminal investigations, which are mandated under the legal and judicial systems, utilize Psychology in processing, analyzing, and solving crimes.
A subset of Psychology, Forensic Psychology is aimed at assisting law enforcement in assessing crimes, with the goal of helping solve them. Forensic psychologists conduct interviews, profile offenders, and testify in court. They also provide law enforcement with psychological training.
The first solid step to becoming a forensic psychologist is to earn an online Bachelor’s in Forensic Psychology degree. Social work, law, and counseling are also excellent career paths for Forensic Psychology majors.
The Lowdown
Forensic professionals are involved in every facet of the criminal justice system. To better understand the psychological issues connected to criminal behavior and the treatment of offenders, forensic psychologists apply psychological theories to criminal investigations.
Earning a Forensic Psychology degree online is a start! Graduates enjoy career advancement as they pursue a master’s degree and a doctorate later on.
Methodology
Do suspenseful crime dramas (exaggerated as they are) keep you glued on the television and make you curious about their line of work? An online Bachelor’s in Forensic Psychology program could pave the way for a similar occupation in real life!
Each Forensic Psychology online bachelor’s program on our list was picked because it meets these essential academic requirements:
- Offered as an online or blended distance learning undergraduate program,
- Develops students’ knowledge of Forensic Psychology through different learning activities, such as research, group discussions, online collaborations, and capstone projects,
- Hones students’ soft skills, including analytical, communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities,
- Features rigorous coursework put together and taught by Forensic Psychology experts,
- Facilitates close collaboration between online students and professors,
- Prepares Forensic Psychology majors for a master’s program,
- Offers access to federal aid and financial assistance programs, such as student loans, scholarships, flexible payment plans, and military benefits,
- Earned the approval of the Department of Education and regionally accredited,
- Affiliated with organizations where the principles of Forensic Psychology are relevant.
Learn about our ranking process. Visit our Methodology page.
Best Online Bachelor’s in Forensic Psychology
Maryville University of Saint Louis
Online Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology
A Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology degree from Maryville University can prepare you for careers combining psychology and criminal justice. If you love both of these fields, this is the right preparatory degree to pursue your dreams.
In this program, students will receive training and take part in courses such as social science, psychology, and criminal justice to help them gain a comprehensive understanding of Forensic Psychology.
The wide range of applications for Forensic Psychology in the legal and criminal justice systems requires Forensic Psychology graduates to have a solid knowledge of various forensic and psychological topics.
For this requirement, Maryville’s Forensic Psychology degree program emphasizes a combined curriculum for Psychology and Criminal Justice, featuring core courses, general education courses, and electives.
What’s Unique About this Program:
- Those with transferable credits may be able to complete the online bachelor’s degree in Forensic Psychology in less than two years.
- Because of the accelerated academic schedule at the university, you can start at any time throughout the year.
- Maryville also offers early admissions to graduate-level courses so you can begin your master’s degree sooner.
Did You Know?
- It has been Maryville’s mission to match driven professionals with domain knowledge. The Forensic Psychology program is taught by famous professors who promote experiential learning.
- This private university has a high national ranking and is known for its comprehensive and cutting-edge instruction focused on student success and outcomes.
Arizona State University
Online Bachelor of Science in Forensic Psychology
Arizona State University is offering its online Bachelor’s in Psychology – Forensic Psychology that explores how mental health and law intersect. The program will provide you with a solid foundation in research, reasoning, and statistical analysis.
After four years of study, students can work in criminal justice, forensics, psychology, or any other related fields. It’s also possible to proceed to graduate studies.
Here are some courses to expect in this online forensics psychology degree:
- Law and Psychology
- Criminal Behavior
- Mental Problems
- Legal Decision-Making
This online education with 120 credit hours can lead to a degree and valuable experience after graduation.
What’s Unique About this Program:
The online Forensic Psychology degree will expose you to topics such as psychological perspectives, abnormal behavior, and criminology, all combined in the legal system. In this online degree, you have to expect coursework in statistics, lab work, research, and neurology.
As for electives, they can be tailored to your interests or skills.
Did You Know?
This bachelor’s degree in Forensic Psychology can be your first step toward graduate and doctoral degrees. While some institutions don’t require graduate studies, they can help you become competitive when you want to acquire advanced positions in the field.
Southern New Hampshire University
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology – Forensic Psychology Online
The Southern New Hampshire University online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology – Concentration in Forensic Psychology combines psychology with law and criminal investigation. The online Forensic Psychology degree we offer will help you advance in your career.
This curriculum focuses on stabilizing the transferrable skills that will benefit you in the real world. Afterward, you’ll take in-depth Forensic Psychology courses to enhance your job prospects.
Research and critical thinking skills are also taught in Forensic Psychology. Antisocial behavior and the factors that affect it will be covered, as well as psychology and law.
This online degree requires 120 credits for completion and prepares students for careers as psychologists, criminal investigators, counselors, and evaluators.
What’s Unique About this Program:
An undergraduate degree in Forensic Psychology gives you a thorough understanding of psychological concepts and how they can be applied to real-world problems. You should understand that an online Forensic Psychology degree leads to career paths, even if you’re planning to investigate crimes or create profiles of criminals.
This emphasis may prepare you for a variety of positions in the public, private, and criminal justice sectors.
Did You Know?
SNHU offers low tuition rates. While psychology programs are deemed expensive by traditional learners, the online Forensic Psychology degree offered at SNHU is affordable.
Eastern Kentucky University
Online Bachelor of Science in General Psychology: Forensic Psychology
Eastern Kentucky University offers a Bachelor’s Degree in General Psychology: Forensic Psychology. This online degree helps students acquire solid academic skills. Through this degree, one will be able to improve soft skills such as critical thinking, communication skills, and problem-solving skills.
The graduates are prepared for employment or to enroll in a graduate program that meets their needs.
The curriculum emphasizes core classes and requires 120 total credits for completion. Aside from Forensic Psychology, they offer other concentrations:
- Substance Abuse
- Brain and Cognitive Science
- Psychiatric Rehabilitation
- Child and Family Psychology
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- General Psychology
- Workplace Psychology
As for Forensic Psychology, expect to take on the following courses:
- Social Psychology
- Abnormal Psychology
- Psychological Interviewing and Reporting
- Research
- Statistics
- Clinical Psychology
- Behavior Therapy
What’s Unique About this Program:
Through engaging, career-oriented coursework and a number of in-demand concentration options, the Eastern Kentucky University online Psychology Forensic program equips students with the skills they need to pursue gratifying careers.
Their curricula investigate the many prospects and uses of Psychology. Overall, Eastern Kentucky University’s Forensic Psychology program combines academic and professional training.
Veterans can take advantage of flat tuition rates, and this online program comes with 8-week terms.
Did You Know?
Eastern Kentucky offers mentorships through its PASS tutoring program. The fact that their curriculum requires zero visits to campus makes the program even more appealing to distance learners.
Union Institute and University
Online Bachelor of Psychology: Forensic Psychology
The Bachelor of Psychology: Forensic Psychology program is available at the Union Institute & University. This online degree prepares students for rewarding careers in mental health and human services. Their small online classes are enriched by students’ real-world experiences, bringing real-world knowledge to the classroom.
Courses in this Forensic Psychology specialization provide the knowledge and skills necessary for success in holistic health and counseling. As a bonus, it also enriches your faith and spirituality. The curriculum can be completed in 120 semester hours and is fully online.
What’s Unique About this Program:
This major prepares adult learners for jobs in human services and mental health at the baccalaureate level. The program’s emphasis on real-world experience also prepares students for graduate-level jobs in clinical or counseling psychology.
Graduates can seamlessly transfer into MA programs at Union that are accredited while pursuing licensure.
Did You Know?
A Bachelor of Arts with a major in Psychology degree has the option of advancing more quickly into a master’s program during the final year of the degree program. After graduation, students can proceed to a master’s degree without much hassles.
Why Study Forensic Psychology?
A career in Forensic Psychology is ideal for those with a passion for criminal justice and human behavior. It’s such a mystery to learn how criminals think and what influences their acts of crime.
The Forensic Psychology concentration is an excellent choice for people who enjoy being challenged and engaged, as it combines understanding human behavior with aiding in the investigation of crimes.
If you’re still on the fence as to whether or not to take up an online bachelor’s in Forensic Psychology, read along with the following reasons to study this field:
Each day at work is different!
Careers that are tough and fast-paced keep things interesting and engage your mind. This is one characteristic of Forensic Psychology.
The variety of tasks that forensic psychologists do are unique and never repetitive. This is because you’ll have to deal with different cases and situations, as well as people. You’ll deal with facts when you discuss a case with victims or other parties to understand what motivated the crime.
The uniqueness of cases and the need to study them often make them compelling despite their long duration.
You’ll receive fair and reasonable compensation.
One of the most important aspects of choosing an occupation is the wage. A psychology professional makes an average of $80,251 per year, according to PayScale. Because forensic psychologists perform specialized work, they may earn even more money.
You’ll also factor in the state, experiences, level of position, and tenure in the company, which can all influence the amount of salary you get.
You can give criminals the treatment they deserve and assist the victims.
Forensic psychologists can’t be biased to one side. Many people choose psychology as a career choice because they want to help others. As a forensic psychologist, you’ll have to consider both parties in the crime.
You have to study the victim and the suspect, their train of thought, physical condition, and backgrounds. A forensic psychologist can assist people from all sides of an argument when a crime has been committed.
It comes with a variety of educational options.
To become a forensic psychologist, a student must complete extensive educational coursework before beginning their career. A student can choose any degree they want to pursue during their undergraduate years.
The good thing about Forensic Psychology is that you will gain transferable skills and broad knowledge of psychology, which opens doors to educational opportunities in other fields. Anytime you want to transfer, you can pursue criminology, law, sociology, human services, or anthropology.
Tips to Become a Successful Forensic Psychologist
There are many career opportunities available in the field of Forensic Psychology. But like any other occupation, a forensic psychologist’s job is not a walk in the park.
Those who specialize in Forensic Psychology can take part in the legal courtroom or work in the criminal justice system as mental health counselors or consultants. But before being great with your specific roles, here are some pointers in order to succeed as a forensic psychologist:
Always be objective.
Since Forensic Psychology focuses on crime and law, it can be stressful and emotionally intense. But don’t let such emotions and temporary situations get the best of you.
Forensic psychologists must have the ability to detach themselves from difficult situations with their clients in order to be successful.
In their working relationships with criminals, victims, and lawyers, psychologists must respect the needs of their clients without growing sentimental or displaying personal feelings.
Get educated.
Depending on the industry that you’ll work for, some would require a doctorate or master’s degree. Otherwise, a bachelor’s degree should suffice for entry-level work. The key is to select the best quality degree program that matches your personal and academic goals.
There are certain Forensic Psychology master’s programs that welcome applicants from various educational backgrounds. However, the majority of PhD schools only take applicants with relevant master’s degrees.
Hone your communication abilities.
Strong communication abilities are essential for everyone in the Forensic Psychology area, no matter whether you’re in the lower, middle, or higher rank. You’ll have to speak with police officers, lawyers, jury advisers, counselors, and victim advocates on a regular basis.
Additionally, constant connection with prisoners, crime victims, attorneys, and judges may be necessary for your line of work. Therefore, you must be able to speak and listen well.
Flexibility is also crucial in your communication approach. You’ll learn down the road that every person requires a different communication style in order to work with them better.
Always be on the lookout for the small details.
Many Forensic Psychology occupations require the ability to observe and analyze data and circumstances. It is crucial to pay close attention to body language and to a variety of communication modalities.
Typically, prison workers provide inmate counseling and deal with crises. The first step to resolving conflict is to understand body language and apply conflict resolution techniques.
Gain Forensic Psychology experience.
What sets you apart from general psychologists is the time you spend completing your Forensic Psychology internship, fellowship, or supervised experience. These opportunities provide students with the practical knowledge required to work in Forensic Psychology.
Whether conducting research, shadowing a forensic psychologist, attending seminars, or taking part in mock trials, students can grow their Forensic Psychology experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an online Bachelor of Science in Forensic Psychology valuable?
An undergraduate degree in Forensic Psychology is a great way to start your career as a forensic psychologist. Eventually, you will need an advanced degree to work in clinical or research psychology.
A Bachelor’s degree in Forensic Psychology can prepare you for a range of exciting entry-level jobs, and once you gain a master’s or doctor’s degree, you’ll have higher positions.
You can join industries such as police, jail office, victim advocacy, investigative units, and correctional care.
How valuable is a Bachelor of Forensic Psychology in this modern era?
Essentially, Forensic Psychology is an excellent career choice for anyone who is interested in human psychology, mental health issues, and how the law can affect people and their behavior.
In crimes, a forensic psychologist’s focus is evaluating criminal acts and criminal behavior from a psychological perspective. The skills you develop as a forensic psychologist will help uncover, solve, and prevent crimes.
How do Forensic Psychology majors contribute to solving and preventing crimes?
Did you know roughly 1.23 million violent crimes were committed in the US in 2022? Forensic psychologists work with authorities to solve crimes and promote justice.
Those who receive a bachelor’s degree in Forensic Psychology can offer their expertise in determining how to treat individuals based on their criminal conduct, as required by the court system. In particular, their responsibilities typically include creating criminal profiles, helping victims, and figuring out the best strategy for preventing or resolving crimes that have an impact on the public.
Summary Points
- Forensic Psychology examines the relationships between the law, crime, and the judicial system.
- By offering guidance on crime prevention, punishment, and rehabilitation, forensic psychologists may work in different entities to lower the likelihood of crime or repeat offenses. They frequently collaborate with members of the public sector, law enforcement, educational institutions, nonprofits, associations, and coalitions of nonprofits, as well as members of the local community.
- In the criminal justice system, forensic psychologists frequently hold positions as investigators, consultants, or managers. They also serve in government and nonprofit groups that try to lessen crime and stop recidivism as expert witnesses in court or as members of legal teams.
Additional Information:
