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Guide to forensic psychology master’s degree programs

Master’s degrees in forensic psychology teach students how psychological knowledge is applied within the legal system. They are intended for students preparing for a doctorate program or who wish to pursue other careers in human services, law enforcement, corrections or related fields.

Most forensic psychologist jobs require applicants to have a license to practice psychology. In most states, a doctorate degree in psychology is the minimum education required to obtain licensure. Although some doctorate programs don’t require that you have a master’s degree to be admitted—or a master’s in forensic psychology specifically—it could make you a more competitive doctoral candidate.

Key takeaways

• A master’s degree in forensic psychology can prepare graduates for careers in corrections, victim services, criminal justice research and rehabilitation, depending on their qualifications and employers’ requirements.
• Forensic psychology master’s programs typically cover psychological theories, criminal behavior, research methods and the relationship between psychology and the legal system, with options for online and on-campus study.
• A master’s degree can be a stepping stone to doctoral study, since becoming a licensed forensic psychologist generally requires a doctorate, supervised experience and state licensure.

Should I get an MA or MS degree?

There are Master of Arts (MA) and Master of Science (MS) degrees available in forensic psychology, so what’s the difference?

An MA typically has a more well-rounded curriculum with a focus on the application of forensic psychology in correctional and legal settings. An MS tends to focus more on research and empirical study. Both degrees give you advanced knowledge of the subject, and neither one is superior.

Choosing which degree to pursue depends on your personal interests in the field, and what type of career you hope to have.  

What will I learn from a master’s in forensic psychology?

Your curriculum will be slightly different depending on which degree type you choose, but both have a lot of overlap in the courses they teach. You will learn topics in advanced psychology, the criminal justice system, and the fusion of both. Common courses include:

• Social and cultural psychology
• Psychology and the legal system
• Theories of criminal behavior
• Psychopathology of crime
• Offender rehabilitation and reintegration
• Correctional psychology
• Fundamentals of forensic psychology research

Master’s degree programs often culminate in a final project that allows you to showcase what you’ve learned over the course of your degree. Every program has different requirements, but you may have to complete one or more of the following, or some hybrid of these types of projects:

Some programs even offer a choice of what type of final project you would like to complete.

Admission requirements

Every program has different admission requirements, but there are some similarities. A bachelor’s degree is required for admission to nearly all master’s degree programs. Some forensic psychology programs require that your undergraduate major be in psychology or a related field, or that you have taken a certain number of psychology/social science credits. Some programs do not have requirements for your undergraduate major. Be sure to speak with an admissions advisor to determine if you have the necessary degree and/or credits to be admitted to their program.

Many master’s programs also require a GPA of 3.0 or higher from your undergraduate degree, in addition to a personal statement or essay and letters of recommendation.

Can I get a master’s in forensic psychology online?

There are several online master’s programs for forensic psychology, in addition to traditional in-person programs and hybrid learning formats. You should consider your own scheduling needs and learning style when considering what type of program you want to pursue. An online program may provide more flexibility if you are juggling work and other personal commitments.

Keep in mind that most online programs still require a certain number of in-person, practical experience hours to graduate. 

How long will it take to earn my degree?

Most master’s programs take two years to complete if you are a full-time student. Your degree may take longer to complete if you take classes part-time, or if you have to take other prerequisite courses first to be admitted to the program.

What can I do with a master’s in forensic psychology?

Most states require a doctorate in order to obtain licensure as a psychologist, but there are still plenty of possible career opportunities for master’s degree graduates. Consider some of the career paths below, but keep in mind that specific employers may require additional experience, specialized training or different degrees.

Is a master’s in forensic psychology worth it?

A master’s in forensic psychology may be worth pursuing if you want to build advanced knowledge of human behavior, criminal behavior and the relationship between psychology and the legal system. The degree can help prepare you for certain research, corrections, victim services and community-based roles, depending on your experience and employers’ requirements. It can also provide a foundation for applying to doctoral programs in psychology.

However, a master’s degree alone generally does not qualify you to work independently as a licensed forensic psychologist. If your goal is to conduct specialized psychological evaluations, provide services within the scope of licensed psychology practice or pursue other roles requiring psychologist licensure, you should research the doctoral education, supervised training and licensing requirements in your state before choosing a program.