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Online Master's in Forensic Psychology

Explore the Impact of Psychology on Criminal Behavior and Justice

100% Online

Four Semesters

36 Credit Hours

$857 per Credit

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Use a Forensic-Based Perspective to Bridge the Gap between Psychology and Law

  • Apply By: 05/18/26
  • Start Class: 05/18/26

Prepare for an impactful career path that connects mental health to the justice system with the Master of Arts in Psychology – Forensic Psychology online program. Psychology impacts criminal behavior and administration of justice, and this forensic psychology master’s online program will help you understand forensic principles and their applications within legal and criminal justice contexts.

Explore how sociocultural, developmental and neurological factors influence criminal behavior and societal deviance. Develop forensic assessment and psychopathic identification skills and understand how psychology affects the court system, such as jury selection, expert testimony and sentencing. Online forensic psychology master’s courses are taught by supportive, experienced faculty who are committed to your success.

Program Benefits

  • Study anytime with asynchronous courses
  • Flexible program can be completed on full-time or part-time basis
  • Gain immediately applicable strategies and skills
  • Excellent preparation for doctoral study
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Explore Your Diverse Forensic Specialization Courses

The broad-based curriculum explores the intersection of psychology and the justice system, including forensic tools, techniques and ethics. In addition to learning about histories and policies affecting criminal justice, you will also study how deviant behaviors are influenced by cultural, biological and temporal factors.

Forensic Psychology Required Courses

This graduate-level MAP course is focused on the intersection between psychology and the justice system. The three critical areas of knowledge and skill that define the scope of practice for psychologists working in forensic psychology are:

  • Clinical (e.g., diagnosis, treatment, psychological testing, and intervention/rehabilitation)
  • Forensic (e.g., response style, forensic ethics, tools and techniques for assessing symptoms and risk, and relationship to answering specific legal questions)
  • Legal (e.g., knowledge of law and the legal system, knowledge of legal proceedings and protocol)

Within these areas of scope (clinical, legal, and forensic) that define psychological practice in forensic settings, students will learn how professionals in the forensic field develop sound and empirically based decision-making related to forensic populations. This course will help students develop knowledge related to the legal system and to the different types of law and processes that underlie the legal system. This course is designed to provide students with a survey of the many different sub-populations within the criminal and civil law systems. Emphasis will be placed on the role of mental health professionals working in forensic settings and use of research, advocacy, and knowledge of legal terminology and proceedings that allow psychologists and other professionals to effectively fulfill these roles. An in-depth exploration will be conducted regarding the landmark legal cases that have significantly impacted the field of forensic psychology, as well as, the roles of psychologists working in this field.

This course will examine the development and structure of the criminal justice system, including police, courts, and corrections. Topics will include the history, present status, and possible reform solutions for the criminal justice system. Students will formulate policy solution strategies to address the issues that are identified in each branch of the criminal justice system.

This graduate-level MAP course will focus on the concepts of deviance in human society, specifically that which is found in Western cultural norms. Theories of deviance, as well as the cultural, biological, and temporal nature of these theories will be explored in depth through both sociological and psychological lenses. Some other fundamental foci of the course include the: the nature of sexual paraphilias, the cultural context of drug abuse, the underlying determinants of “cultic’ membership, and the identification of psychopathic traits through both objective and projective assessment.

In addition to these specialization courses, you will also complete core courses, clinicals, research and applied psychology courses, and electives tailored to your interests. This flexible program provides a wide range of courses to choose from to fulfill curriculum requirements.

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Advance in a High-Demand Field and Help Ensure Equitable Administration of Justice

There is a growing demand for forensic psychologists, who increasingly work in courtrooms and correctional facilities to provide expert testimony, assist with jury selection and direct rehabilitation programs. The job growth for psychologists is projected at 6 percent per year through 2034, double the national average.1

Projected annual job openings for psychologists are estimated at 11,800 through 2034, while the projection for all community and social services job openings is 313,700 per year. 2

Forensic Mental Health Specialist $61,156 per year3

Victim Advocate $60,627 per year4

Career Outlook

Explore More MA in Psychology Specializations

The knowledge and skills you will develop in Carlow’s online forensic psychology master’s program are applicable to a wide range of roles across diverse industries. If you’re seeking a particular field of psychological study, Carlow University offers a variety of MA in Psychology specializations. Explore your options and choose the one that best fits your interests and professional goals.

Psychology, MA: Assessment Psychology

Develop psychological measurement skills to assess, diagnose and support individuals. Learn how to interpret and apply complex data to inform treatment.

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Psychology, MA: Therapeutic Arts Psychology

Learn how to use the creative powers of art, writing and imagination to foster healing, recovery and personal development among diverse populations.

View Program

Psychology, MA: Treatment Psychology

Develop critical skills to assess, diagnose and implement effective treatment interventions that benefit individuals, couples, families and communities.

View Program

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore our frequently asked questions for in-depth answers. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, reach out to us.

To apply for one of the programs, submit your application and transcripts, along with any other required information. Apply now.

The program is 36 total credits, including nine specialization credits. The program can be completed in as few as four semesters.

You do not have to pick a specialization and can use electives to tailor the program to your professional interests.

You can move from one specialization to another. However, each specialization has individual course requirements.

You may incur costs beyond tuition, such as textbooks, supplies and other fees. Take these costs into consideration as you budget for your education.

Sources

  1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Psychologists.” Retrieved Nov. 13, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/.
  2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Community and Social Service Occupations.” Retrieved Nov. 13, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/.
  3. ZipRecruiter. “Forensic Mental Health Specialist Salary.” Retrieved Dec. 2, 2025, from https://www.ziprecruiter.com/.
  4. ZipRecruiter. “Victim Advocate Salary.” Retrieved Dec. 2, 2025, from https://www.ziprecruiter.com/.