For those interested in the intersection of psychology and law, a graduate degree in Forensic Psychology is worth exploring. This degree program prepares students for careers in the civil and criminal justice systems, law enforcement, corrections, social work, teaching, or for doctoral studies. This is a rapidly growing specialty area of Psychology. Below is a list of schools that offer an online master’s degree in Forensic Psychology or Science taking solely cost into consideration — these are the cheapest online master’s degrees in this field. Program tuition does not include fees, so check with the institution for a full list of costs. Our data was taken directly from the university websites.
#1. University of North Dakota
Located in Grand Forks, the University of North Dakota enrolls over 15,000 students and offers a variety of online and on-campus programs. They offer 
a Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology that can be completed in as little as two years. This 35 credit hour degree features recorded lectures with one on-campus visit — a two-week capstone experience. This degree prepare students to apply psychology to legal systems. Graduates will have a deeper understanding of advanced psychological concepts and theories, refined communication skills, knowledge of the legal system and the way that forensic psychologists work within it, and strong analytical and evaluation skills. They will be prepared to work in a variety of criminal justice or civil settings or go on to do PhD or PsyD work. Students in this program are provided with student support services such as online tutoring, tech support, advising services, and online library services. Applications will be received for both spring and fall admission. There is no GRE required for entrance into this program.
Accreditation: The University of North Dakota is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Tuition: $16,104
#2. Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University is a private Christian school located in Phoenix, Arizona. Their Master of Science in Psychology with emphasis in Forensic Psychology requires 36 credit hours for completion. Students will participate in peer discussion, self-directed writing and research, and collaboration, as well as a capstone project. Upon graduation, they will be able to use research and analysis to understand system initiatives, ethical practices, and policies. Each course is eight weeks in length and courses include topics such as ethical issues in psychology, criminal behavior theories, psychology and the legal system, rehabilitation and reintegration, social and cultural psychology, and statistics and research methods. Students who complete this degree will be prepared for careers within government and law enforcement agencies, as researchers, or for doctoral work. An undergraduate GPA of 2.8 is required for admissions — applicants who do not meet this criteria will need to submit GMAT or GRE scores.
Accreditation: Grand Canyon University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Tuition: $18,000
#3. Trine University
Located in Angola, Indiana, Trine University is a private institution that enrolls approximately 3,500 students. They offer a Master of Science in 
Criminal Justice with concentration in Forensic Psychology that can be completed in as little as one year if desired. This program prepares graduates for careers in law enforcement, corrections, court practice, social work, teaching, or doctoral studies. It is designed for working professionals and consists of 13 courses, each taken for an eight-week term. Persons pursuing this degree will learn to analyze issues within the criminal justice system and effect change within this system through program planning and evaluation, critical thinking, and policy formation.
Accreditation: Trine University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Tuition: $18,180
#4. Saint Leo University
Saint Leo University is a private, liberal arts, Catholic college located outside of Tampa, Florida. With nearly 16,000 students enrolled they offer a broad range of 
undergraduate and graduate programs. Their Master of Science in Criminal Justice with Forensic Science specialization requires 36 credit hours for completion. As one of the leading military colleges, criminal justice professionals have been educated at Saint Leo for more than 30 years. Graduates will be prepared to assist with criminal justice agency operations when forensic science is needed. Students pursuing this degree will gain a broad understanding of the field of Criminal Justice through core courses that explore public policy, ethics and legal issues, leadership and management, offender treatment methodology, information resource systems, and major trends in criminal justice. The forensic science specialization will then provide coursework opportunities in forensic science history, recognitions and protection of physical evidence, courtroom acceptance, crime scene investigation, and laboratory analysis.
Accreditation: Saint Leo University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Program Tuition: $19,260
#5. National University
With a campus in Redding, California and various opportunities for online learning, National University serves over 17,000 students seeking 
undergraduate and graduate degrees. They offer a Master of Forensic Sciences degree that requires 54 quarter hours for completion. This program prepares students for work in law enforcement, law, private and governmental laboratories, and corrections institutions as they learn to focus the application of forensic science methods to solving legal problems. Upon graduation, persons will be able to explain basic human anatomy and perform death investigation, utilize procedures to collect and preserve evidence, apply the principles of forensic photography, explore the legal and ethical societal tensions as they connect to the rights of individuals, and use scientific research methods to explore forensic science issues. Two areas of specialization are offered: criminalistics and investigation. In order to qualify for the criminalistics program, applicants must have an undergraduate degree in a laboratory science, but there are no such stipulations for the investigation specialization.
Accreditation: National University is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Program Tuition: $22,464
#6. Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonpr
ofit institution enrolling over 3,000 on-campus and 60,000 online students. Their Master of Science in Psychology – Forensic Psychology prepares it students for work at the intersection of psychology and law. Persons pursuing this degree will gain knowledge and skills in analysis, research, human behavior, assessment, and communication. They will be prepared to work in civil, criminal, or family courts, in corrections facilities, law offices, police departments, and colleges. Coursework for this program includes research methods in psychology, social psychology, cognitive processes, measurement and assessment, personality theories, ethical practices, assessment, and psychology in the courtroom. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and applicants will receive an admissions decisions within days of submission. No GRE or GMAT required for admission.
Accreditation: Southern New Hampshire University is regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
Program Tuition: $22,572
#7. Walden University
An online-only institution, Walden University serves over 47,000 students with their undergraduate and graduate education progr
ams. They offer a Master of Science in Forensic Psychology requires 48 credit hours for completion. Students will explore the social, biological, and psychological factors that influence criminal behavior. They will develop an understanding of criminal behavior and the knowledge needed to make a difference in the criminal justice system. They will learn to evaluate psychological methods and their effectiveness, and they will be able to utilize research methods in forensic assessments and make recommendations for changes in forensic operations systems and programs. Students will learn through multimedia outlets that include interactive case studies, podcasts, interviews, and Walden’s interactive learning community. Persons pursuing this degree can choose the general program or one of 10 specializations: criminal justice, cybercrime, family violence, legal issues, military, police psychology, sex offender behavior, victimology, terrorism, or a self-designed specialization. Up to half of the coursework in this master’s program can be applied toward a PhD.
Accreditation: Walden University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Tuition: $24,480
#8. Nova Southeastern University
Located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Nova Southeastern University is a independent research university enrolling over 25,000 undergraduate and
graduate students. Their Master of Science in Forensic Psychology provides professional training that will enable graduates to work in a variety of settings including law enforcement, court cases, prisons, criminal justice, social services agencies, and treatment facilities. This 36-credit program requires its students to choose one of two specializations — either Forensic Psychology for Mental Health Workers, First Responders, and Disaster Teams, or Forensic Psychology in the Legal System. Students will complete 24 core credits and 9 credits toward the specialization. Core coursework includes psychopathology, methods and tools of psychology and violence risk assessment, evaluation and methodology, ethical concerns and multicultural issues, communication skills and tools, best practices and policies for the mentally ill, and gender violence. This program can be completed in 2 years if desired. There is no GRE or GMAT required for admission.
Accreditation: Nova Southeastern University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Program Tuition: $25,380
#9. University of Louisiana – Monroe
Serving roughly 8,800 undergraduate and graduate students, the University of Louisiana – Monroe is a public institution offering a wide variety of degree
programs. Their Master of Science in Psychology with concentration in Forensic Psychology degree is offered fully online and requires 36 credit hours for completion. Students in this program will complete courses in psychopathology, psychological assessment, theories of crime and delinquency, counseling in criminal justice, sociology of law, and minorities, crime, and criminal justice. Applicants are required to submit GRE scores for entrance.
Accreditation: The University of Louisiana – Monroe is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Program Tuition: $26,100 (includes fees)
#10. Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Through both on-campus and online programs, the Chicago School of Professional Psychology enrolls over 4200 students with 20 different degree
possibilities. They offer a Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology that can be completed in two years if pursued full-time. Persons in this program will deepen their understanding of psychology as it applies to criminal, civil, and juvenile justice systems. They will explore topics such as crime prevention, mental health law, trauma and crisis intervention, research, and community liaison work. Graduates will be prepared to work in corrections, military, law enforcement, treatment facilities, and social service agencies. No GRE required for admission into this program.
Accreditation: The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Program Tuition: $27,522
