An online master's degree in forensic psychology is a unique
choice for a graduate program, targeting that specific group of students who enjoy the study of both
psychology and criminal justice. Rather than focusing only on the tangible aspects of law enforcement,
students in this program learn how to consider the behavior and motives of criminals, as well as how
mental health affects criminal behavior. Graduates of such programs are perfectly suited for jobs in
probation, social services, rehabilitation, and corrections.
If you're thinking about getting your master's in forensic psychology, take a look at the list below. There are a lot of excuses people come up with to avoid going back to school - it's too expensive, it's too time consuming, there aren't any good schools aroundâ¦the list goes on. But choosing an online college can easily solve all these problems. Many of them are affordable and offer flexible schedules for working adults, but maintain high academic quality. Even the least expensive schools sometimes also claim the best online master's degrees in forensic psychology in the nation.
Methodology
Below we have listed the 10 cheapest schools with such programs. They are listed from most to least expensive, covering price ranges from $22,500 a year down to just $8,500 in annual tuition. We used the latest data available at time of publishing from U.S. Department of Education's College Navigator database. Although cost was our primary motivator in making this list, we also verified that these colleges are accredited and reputable in the quality of education they serve.
Ranking the Most Affordable Online Master's in Forensic Psychology Degree Programs
10. Southern New Hampshire University
Online MS in Psychology - Forensic Psychology
Website
Southern New Hampshire University offers an online MS in Psychology with a
concentration in Forensic Psychology. Students gain an understanding of the professional roles in which
they will be employed by practicing and applying criminal justice and psychological theories and methods.
Students are not required to have GRE or GMAT scores for admission. In addition to being one of the most
affordable online master's degrees in forensic psychology available, BestCollegesOnline.com ranked SNHU a
top 20 Best College for Socially Conscious Students, and Fast Company named the university one of the
world's most 50 innovative companies.
Tuition: $22,572/yr
9. The Chicago School
Online MA in Forensic Psychology: Non-Licensure Track
Website
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology's online master's degree
in Forensic Psychology is a non-licensure track program offering students the opportunity to develop the
skills to assist with cases of crime prevention, substance abuse, and trauma and crisis intervention. In
as little as 20 months, students learn to better understand mental health law and issues, as well as how
to serve as liaisons to legal, social service and law enforcement agencies. The Master's program features
three areas of interest specializations through guided electives: Corrections, Law and Sex Offenders. The
National Council of Schools and Programs of Professional Psychology recognized The Chicago School for
distinguished service and outstanding contributions to cultural diversity and advocacy.
Tuition:
$22,014/yr
8. Argosy University
Online Master of Arts (MA) in Forensic Psychology
Argosy University's accredited online Forensic Psychology graduate degree instructs students in an
overwhelming multitude of subject areas, including risk factors for violence and criminality, forensic
treatment and intervention skills, and prediction and intervention measurement. Argosy's program
introduces students to the professional practices of psychological profiling and patterning, as well as
forensic assessment. The program's innovative approach also stresses the study of the epidemiology of
mental and behavioral disorders, which few programs do. All students at Argosy University receive
one-on-one support from faculty and staff from enrollment to graduation. In 2012, Argosy ranked 30th in
the Guide to Online School's 2012 Online College Rankings.
Tuition: $19,467/yr
7. Nova Southeastern University
Online M.S. in Forensic Psychology
Website
Nova Southeastern
University's non-licensure Master's degree program in Forensic Psychology is an entirely online course of
study that imparts knowledge of the roles forensic psychologists hold in the legal system. A
cross-disciplinary program that allows students to explore the intersection of psychology and criminal
justice, the online forensic psychology master's degree is also flexible and convenient. Students acquire
the professional knowledge necessary to function in forensic organizations where psychology is utilized,
such as law enforcement agencies and court cases. College Prowler placed NSU among the top 200 schools in
the 2015 rankings, earning an overall A- grade.
Tuition: $15,350/yr
6. University of North Dakota
Online Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology
Website
The University of North Dakota's M.A. in Forensic Psychology focuses
on preparing students to apply both psychological theory and practical skills to pressing issues in the
legal, criminal justice and social service systems. Students can complete the program at their own pace
- an ideal design for working professionals. This top online master's degree in forensic psychology
offers in-state tuition for all students regardless of residency, further lowering its cost for online
learners. BestPsychologyDegrees.com ranked UND's MA in Forensic Psychology program as the #2 Most
Innovative Graduate Psychology Degree Program in 2014.
Tuition: $6,626/yr (In-state)
$17,690/yr (Out-of-state)
5. Walden University
M.S. in Forensic Psychology Online
Website
Walden
University offers an online graduate degree in forensic psychology that focuses on the study and
application of psychological theory to forensic settings and institutions, including correctional,
psychiatric, and community based agencies. Students choose from one of five specializations: General,
Forensic Psychology in the Community, Mental Health Applications, Program Planning and Evaluation in
Forensic Settings, and Psychology and Legal Systems. Walden's innovative degrees all utilize the
MobileLearn program, allowing students to access course material anywhere, including on mobile devices.
100% of Walden University students return to continue their studies after their first year, according to
College Prowler.
Tuition: $11,814/yr
4. Trine University
Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice: Forensic Psychology Concentration
Website
Trine University's Master of Science in Criminal Justice allows a
concentration in Forensic Psychology. The program instructs students in the analysis of criminal justice
issues with an eye towards implementing change in the criminal justice system. Top-notch faculty work hard
to help learners develop critical knowledge in program planning, research and evaluation, and policy
analysis and formation. Students can obtain this cheap online master's degree in forensic psychology at an
affordable price while simultaneously benefiting from training that prepares them for key roles in the
industry. Many graduates find positions in social work and safety organizations, as well as law
enforcement. Princeton Review repeatedly recognizes Trine as a top school, most recently naming it
a "Best Midwestern College."
Tuition: $11,280/yr
3. University of Louisiana at Monroe
Online M.S. in Psychology - Forensic Psychology Concentration
Website
The University of Louisiana at
Monroe offers a comprehensive master's degree in Forensic Psychology online. The program gives students
the opportunity to expand upon their knowledge of psychological theories and practices in both forensic
and legal settings. The program does not require a written thesis, although students planning on pursing a
PhD find ULM's faculty to be a great resource in thesis writing. ULM insists on offering high quality
programs despite its low price, as revealed by U.S. News' choice to name it one of the top schools
in the South. In addition, TheBestSchools.org recently named it the top online school in the state of
Louisiana, a significant indication of its academic excellence.
Tuition: $5,046/yr
(In-state) $15,693/yr (Out-of-state)
2. National University
Online Master of in Forensic Sciences
Website
National University's online Master of Forensic Sciences is a specialized
degree program geared towards furthering a professional career in the forensic sciences, law enforcement,
forensic laboratory settings, or correctional facilities. Students choose between specializations in
Criminalistics or Investigation. The core courses in the Forensic Science program feature an unusual focus
on psychology, making it a solid choice for anyone interested in the behavior and mental status of
criminals. The Criminalistics focus delves further into such topics, even covering subjects like criminal
profiling. New online students constantly flock to NU, and the university is not only the second-largest
private institution of higher learning in California, but the 12th largest in the United States.
Tuition: $10,368/yr
1. Concordia University St. Paul
Online Masters in Human Services - Forensic Mental Health
Website
Concordia University St. Paul has partnered with the American Institute
for the Advancement of Forensic Studies (AIAFS) to offer a Master of Arts in Human Services with a
concentration in Forensic Mental Health. The 100% online program provides students with a detailed study
of the field of forensic mental health and the related systems of healthcare. Students also get to explore
the relationship between mental health and the law, providing students with a unique set of useful skills
to tout in interviews. U.S. News places Concordia University St. Paul in the "Top 150 Universities
in the Midwest," suggesting that the online master's degree in forensic psychology represents a smart
choice for anyone in the region.
Tuition: $8,550/yr
See also: Top 7 Cheap Online Forensic Psychology Degree Programs (Bachelor's)
Sources:
College
Navigator
Best Colleges Online
Fast Company
National Council
of Schools and Programs of Professional Psychology
Guide to Online Schools
Wikipedia - Argosy
University
College Prowler
Best Psychology Degrees
Princeton Review
The Best Schools
Wikipedia
- National University
U.S. News
& World Report
About the Author:
Iris Stone began her writing career when she started working as a
freelance writer and researcher in 2011. Her freelance business soon took off and she now owns and
operates a writing and editing firm that works with clients all across the country. Despite the time it
takes to run a business she still does much of the writing herself, and her work has included a variety of
content related to education policy, colleges and universities, academic programs, and graduates' careers.
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