A criminal psychologist makes a positive contribution to the criminal justice system. Through their research and testimony, they help law enforcement and legal professionals understand what causes crimes, serve as advocates for crime survivors, and provide mental health services to individuals involved in the legal system.
To become a licensed criminal or forensic psychologist, you must have a doctorate, which you can get after obtaining a master’s degree. Having a bachelor’s degree in criminal psychology provides an overview of the field and qualifies you for entry-level jobs.
Here is a detailed guide to criminal psychology degree programs for those who are interested in pursuing a career as a criminal psychologist and working in the criminal justice system of the U.S.
How to Get a Criminal Psychology Degree
Criminal psychology, also known as forensic psychology, examines offenders’ thoughts, feelings, events, and behaviors. People who graduate from criminal psychology programs often work in law enforcement, courts, and corrections throughout the criminal justice system. Many graduates work for mental health organizations, nonprofits, government agencies, or private practices.
You must earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology, often with a forensic psychology or criminology concentration, and then a graduate degree in forensic psychology or a related field to earn a criminal psychology degree. By completing this program, you will develop the skills necessary for working as a criminal psychologist; you will ensure that you meet all the licensing requirements in your area to practice.
It takes around 10-12 years to complete this process. You’ll need a bachelor’s degree (4 years), a master’s degree (2 years), and a doctorate (4-6 years), along with professional training and experience in criminal psychology before getting your license as a criminal psychologist.
Criminal Psychology Degree Subjects/Courses
Bachelor’s degrees in criminal behavior are typically completed in college, providing students with foundational knowledge and preparing them for entry-level positions or further studies.
On the other hand, master’s degrees provide specialized training and research opportunities while doctoral degrees (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) prepare students for clinical practice, academics, or high-level research roles.
To give you an overview, here are some typical criminology and psychology university courses offered at Liberty University in criminal psychology:
- Introduction to Criminal Justice
- Introduction to Psychology
- Overview of Theory and Treatment of Substance Abuse
- Crisis Intervention
- Psychology of Criminal Behavior
- Behavior Modification
- Psychology of Personality
- Multicultural Counseling and Research Issues
- Statistics in Psychology
- Psychological Foundations of Learning
- Physiological Psychology
- Psychology and Christianity
- Psychological Measurement
- Abnormal Psychology
These courses for criminal psychology might vary by name among different colleges and universities but the overall curriculum is the same everywhere.
Criminal Psychologist Graduate Degrees
To advance in the field, earning a master’s degree in criminal psychology is essential. Several schools offer special courses in forensic science that prepare master’s-level graduates for entry-level positions in criminology, forensic science, and criminal justice.
Most of the highest-paying jobs in criminal psychology require an APA-accredited doctorate. The doctoral program you select will require you to complete a minimum of one to two professional internships.
What Schools Offer Criminal Psychology Degrees Online and On Campus?
Here are some top universities for criminology that are offering criminal psychology and other related degrees in criminal justice:
Online Schools for Criminal Psychology Degrees
Check out the following universities that offer criminal psychology courses online for those who wish to pursue a career in criminology while working a part-time job in the related field:
- Louisiana State University – BS in Criminal Justice with a Criminal Psychology Concentration
The LSU Alexandria offers a fully online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Criminal Psychology. Through this program, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system and the benefits of integrating psychological insight into criminal justice.
In this program, students will develop their investigative skills and cognitive skills via extensive coursework and hands-on learning. The LSUA’s online programs also give you the chance to communicate with instructors via video conferencing in real-time.
- Degree: Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Criminal Psychology
- Fees: $39,000
- Acceptance rate: 85%
- SNHU – BA in Criminal Psychology Concentration
The Southern New Hampshire University online psychology degree gives you a basic understanding of psychology and how the criminal mind works. The course will help you better understand antisocial behavior, how crime impacts individuals and society, and the relationship between psychology and justice.
Throughout your studies in forensic psychology, you’ll learn about research, assessment, criminal psychology, social psychology, and theories of personality. During your time at the University, you’ll have the chance to pursue your career goals through experiential learning and internships.
- Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a concentration in Criminal Psychology
- Fees: $39,600
- Acceptance rate: 88%
- Liberty University – BS in Criminal Psychology
The online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Psychology program at Liberty University gives you an introduction to the criminal justice system, plus information on law enforcement, courts, and correctional facilities.
Getting into criminology means understanding the intent and motives behind a crime, helping victims get justice by solving crimes, and having a solid psychology background. This is why you’ll study psychology topics like research, social psychology, behavioral modification, characteristics of individuals, multicultural counseling, and statistics.
- Degree: Bachelor of Science in Criminal Psychology
- Fees: $46,800
- Acceptance rate: 99%
- Arizona State University – BA in Psychology – Forensic Psychology
The online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, which specializes in forensic psychology, is offered by Arizona State University on an undergraduate level. The program is designed to provide general psychological education, as well as courses on criminal law, criminal behavior, mental health diagnosis, and making decisions for lawyers. The degree will prepare you for careers in mental health and criminal justice as well as further education.
Additionally, you will take a series of courses covering topics such as behavior disorders, psychological assessment, psychology in correctional settings, criminology, criminal law, and the role of psychology in jury selection and witness testimony. Several elective courses on sex crimes and juvenile justice are available.
- Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – Forensic Psychology
- Fees: $46,980
- Acceptance rate: 65%
- Walden University – BS in Psychology with a Concentration in Forensic Psychology
With Walden’s online Bachelor of Science in Psychology, you can specialize in forensic psychology. You will gain an understanding of how psychological principles can be applied to legal proceedings, as well as questions of law that may be relevant to a case, in the Forensic Psychology concentration.
In addition, you will be able to gain real-world experience through an internship in a forensic setting. By gaining this experience, you will be able to acquire valuable skills and knowledge that can be applied in your future career.
- Degree: Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a Concentration in Forensic Psychology
- Fees: $14,414
- Acceptance rate: 100%
- Bryan College – BS in Criminal Psychology
You can get a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Psychology online at Bryan College. The program is designed to provide graduates with a comprehensive understanding of the varying psychological aspects of crime, as well as those of offenders, victims, and law enforcement professionals.
Students who graduate from this program have the option of working as community service specialists, correctional officers, forensic interviewers, jury consultants, or victim advocates.
- Degree: Bachelor of Science in Criminal Psychology
- Fees: $47,400
- Acceptance rate: 51%
- Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University – BS in Forensic Psychology
With an Embry-Riddle Bachelor of Science in Forensic Psychology degree, students learn how to apply scientific research and evidence-based practice to the legal field. By working in lab settings, taking courses, and getting mentorship, students get a solid grounding in psychology and forensics.
Psychology training focuses on diagnosing and analyzing human behaviors through behavioral and social sciences. Besides psychological training, the program provides solid grounding in forensic science, as well as law.
- Degree: Bachelor of Science in Forensic Psychology
- Fees: $44,074
- Acceptance rate: 65%
On Campus Criminal Psychology Degrees
Here are some top on-campus criminal psychology degree programs you can check.
Bachelor’s Programs
- Columbia College – BS in Forensic Psychology
A Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology at Columbia College is an interdisciplinary program that addresses behavior issues in the legal system. This degree allows you to assist law enforcement and attorneys by participating in forensic investigations and profiling criminal behavior. To practice, one must have a graduate degree and a license. Psychologists who are licensed in forensic psychology are capable of conducting evaluations, providing witness testimony, and determining the competency of defendants.
This criminal behavioral analysis degree includes foundational courses in criminological theory, mental disorders, criminal justice ethics, and personality development. An interdisciplinary perspective allows for a more comprehensive understanding of psychological and legal issues.
- Degree: Bachelor of Science in Forensic Psychology
- Fees: $21,420
- Acceptance rate: 95%
- University of New Haven – BS in Forensic Psychology
A forensic psychology degree from New Haven will prepare you for a career and graduate school placement in forensic psychology.
In the legal system, forensic psychologists are responsible for determining competency. Forensic psychologists have to understand mental competency not just psychologically but also legally and explain the determination of sanity or insanity to the court. This forensic psychology degree is what you need if you’re interested in a career like this.
Aside from criminal and juvenile offenders, forensic psychologists also deal with trial lawyers, law enforcement, and crime victims.
- Degree: Bachelor of Science in Forensic Psychology
- Fees: $34,888
- Acceptance rate: 91%
- Florida Institute of Technology – BA in Forensic Psychology
A pioneer in offering a bachelor’s degree in forensic psychology, Florida Tech provides students with a solid foundation for careers in criminal justice and related fields combined with psychological theory and research.
Florida Tech’s forensic psychology program combines psychology, criminology, and statistics. By participating in this program, you will develop skills in crime analysis and crime prevention, as well as what it means to represent legal, law enforcement, and social service agencies in the community.
- Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology
- Fees: $41,760
- Acceptance rate: 64.4%
- Cleveland State University – BS in Psychology and Criminology
Cleveland State University offers an integrated Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Criminology. This interdisciplinary program combines the study of criminal justice systems with an analysis of human behavior, mental processes, and factors influencing crime (the study of psychology).
The newly developed curriculum provides students with a wide range of skills and knowledge. The program includes coursework on both criminology and psychology, providing students with a thorough understanding of crime, its consequences, and prevention, along with psychological factors that influence criminal behavior.
- Degree: Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Criminology
- Fees: $21,375
- Acceptance rate: 85%
- Corban University – BS in Forensic Psychology
With Corban’s forensic psychology degree program, students are prepared to provide analysis and assessment to adults and juveniles involved in legal proceedings, as well as those suffering from substance abuse and mental health problems. As part of their degree programs, students examine criminal behavior from a variety of perspectives, including Christian perspectives. There are several topics discussed in coursework, including behavioral problems, family systems, juvenile crimes, and trauma therapy.
In addition to the degree, students must complete a field placement with a psychologist, corrections official, criminal investigator, counselor, or addiction treatment center. Students interested in pursuing advanced studies and careers requiring licensure will find this combination of research-based, experiential, and spiritual learning appealing.
- Degree: Bachelor of Science in Forensic Psychology
- Fees: $37,172
- Acceptance rate: 37%
Master’s Programs
- Fairleigh Dickinson University – MA in Forensic Psychology
By enrolling in the Forensic Psychology MA program at Fairleigh Dickinson University, students are prepared for entry-level positions in health services psychology in clinical forensic settings. The students will also be well prepared for entry into doctoral programs in clinical psychology, including those with forensic specialties.
As a result of the sequential, cumulative, and streamlined nature of the program, students can obtain their MA degree in approximately 1.5 years. Coursework covers a wide range of clinical and forensic psychology topics. By completing a 300-hour externship placement, students gain valuable clinical experience and may be able to participate in forensic research.
- Degree: Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology
- Fees: $11,945
- Acceptance rate: 96%
- Monroe University- MS in Forensic Psychology
Students enrolled in Monroe University’s Master of Science program in Forensic Psychology are provided with an academic foundation in the Psychology of Criminal Behavior, Criminological Theory, and Criminal Justice Systems, along with Perspectives on Drugs and Alcohol in Criminal Justice.
With a Master of Science degree in Forensic Psychology, you will be able to pursue leadership positions in a variety of criminal justice fields. Many Forensic Psychology graduates are employed by state, federal, and local government agencies.
- Degree: Master of Science in Forensic Psychology
- Fees: $18,464
- Acceptance rate: 60%
- Tiffin University – MS in Forensic Psychology
The University of Tiffin offers a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice with a specialization in Forensic Psychology. The purpose of this degree program is to provide students with a deeper understanding of the relationship between psychology and the criminal justice system. This degree is primarily a research-based program that prepares individuals for criminal justice and mental health services careers.
They can work in prisons and community correctional agencies, law enforcement agencies at the federal, state, and local levels, or continue their education and pursue a Ph.D. or Psy.D in Psychology or Forensic Psychology.
- Degree: Master of Science in Forensic Psychology
- Fees: $22,500
- Acceptance rate: 80%
- University of Denver – MA in Forensic Psychology
As part of the Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology (MAFP) program at the University of Denver, students will receive master’s level clinical psychology training alongside coursework and internships focusing on psychology and law.
Through the program, psychological theory, knowledge, skills, and competencies are applied to the civil and criminal justice systems. A primary objective of this program is to prepare mental health professionals for working in criminal and civil legal settings.
- Degree: Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology
- Fees: $51,090
- Acceptance rate: 66%
- Chicago School of Professional Psychology – MA Forensic Psychology
Upon completion of the Chicago School’s MA Forensic Psychology program, you will possess all the necessary diagnostic skills, therapeutic techniques, and consultative abilities necessary to work with a variety of populations within the criminal justice system. The graduates will be prepared for careers working with people experiencing mental, emotional, and intellectual challenges throughout their lifetimes.
These online and in-person M.A. programs in forensic psychology offer students an environment in which they can develop self-awareness and multicultural competence.
- Degree: Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology
- Fees: $50,724
- Acceptance rate: 7%
What are the Entry Requirements for a Criminal Psychology Degree?
The degree in criminal psychology requirements can vary depending on the program level (bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate) and the institution. Below is an overview of typical requirements at each level:
Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Psychology
The LSU School of Criminal Justice offers criminal and forensic psychology programs which has the following requirements:
- Completion of the Core Curriculum for college readiness by the time students graduate from high school
- Take no more than one developmental course at a time
Meet one of the following:
- Have a composite score of 20 or higher on the ACT
- Have a minimum grade point average of 2.0 in high school
Other schools and universities also have similar requirements. Be sure to visit their website to get an idea.
Master’s Degree in Criminal Psychology
The Monroe University School of Criminal and Social Justice has the following requirements for its master’s degree programs in criminal and forensic psychology.
- Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university.
Candidates must submit:
- A completed admissions application
- Write a 500-word essay explaining why you want to pursue a master’s degree
- An updated résumé
- Transcripts from all previous educational institutions.
- Two (2) letters of recommendation from professionals.
Additionally, there is a pre-admission interview for candidates who are interested in forensic psychology. Most schools have similar requirements.
Is Criminal Psychology Right for Me?
A criminal psychologist is responsible for helping police solve crimes and evaluating arrested suspects. While this job can be challenging, featuring exposure to traumatic crime scenes and irregular work hours, it also offers the chance to provide justice, solve crimes, and save lives.
It is typically necessary to have a doctorate in psychology or a related field to pursue this position. This role pays above average, but it’s not as lucrative as clinical psychology, so it’s suited to those passionate about the work rather than earning potential. It is common for criminal psychologists to work in offices that provide them with resources.
As a justice professional, you can play a positive role in preventing human rights abuses and preventing crime. It is a rewarding career for people dedicated to improving public safety despite its challenges.
Is a Criminal Psychology Degree Worth Pursuing?
A criminal psychology degree may be right for you if you wish to study criminal behavior, be involved in the justice system, and help make society a better place. In this field, there is the opportunity to work in different sectors, such as in police or legal departments, or even in mental health clinics.
There are indeed drawbacks to this profession, such as dealing with disturbing cases and working a random shift schedule. However, it gives one the chance to solve crimes, rehabilitate offenders, and prevent similar occurrences from occurring again. Additionally, the degree teaches psychology, research, and critical thinking, which are useful in all fields. However, it takes commitment, especially in modern times when you may need a master’s or even a doctorate.
The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that till May 2023, the mean annual wage for Psychologists is $92,740 per annum, which is higher than the average income.
Conclusion
This is everything you need to know about criminal and forensic psychology degree programs in the U.S. if you are considering pursuing a career in criminal psychology. Even though the experience of working on crime scenes can be a little traumatic, if you want to help individuals suffering from psychological challenges and contribute positively to your country’s legal and justice system, then this career might be for you.
