No doubt, thanks to an entire generation or more growing up watching shows like CSI, Law & Order, NCIS, and similar, forensic psychology has seen a surge in popularity over the last two decades. On both the undergraduate and graduate level, earning a degree in forensic psychology has become more common and more sought after than any time in the past. So, the real question is: What are the best colleges with forensic psychology programs?
Table of Contents
- UC Irvine
- Corban University
- Tiffin University
- University of North Dakota
- The College of Saint Rose
-
The Bottom Line on the Best Colleges with Forensic Psychology
Best Colleges with Forensic Psychology Programs
We at BrokeScholar conducted a study to determine just that. The methodology for the study of the best colleges with forensic psychology included the following critical factors:
- Number of bachelor's degrees awarded in Forensic Psychology per academic year
- % of bachelor's degrees awarded in Forensic Psychology-to-undergraduate population
- Number of graduate degrees awarded in Forensic Psychology per academic year
- % of graduate degrees awarded in Forensic Psychology-to-graduate student population
- Graduation rate
- In-state and out-of-state cost of tuition and required fees per year
- Admission rate
- Student-to-teacher ratio
All data is for the 2022-2023 academic year and was sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
Read on the find out the best colleges with forensic psychology programs in the United State.
1. CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice
Type: 4-year, public institution
Graduation rate: 54%
Estimated tuition and required fees per year: $7,470 for in-state | $15,420 for out-of-state
Given its CUNY affiliation, the No. 1 best college for forensic psychology is located in New York City. John Jay College of Criminal Justice is home to more than 12,000 undergraduate students and around 1,860 graduate students. Thanks to a combination of solid scores across the board, John Jay College came in first place in our study. It has comparatively low in-state and out-of-state tuition costs, as well as the highest number of bachelor’s degrees awarded in the academic year 2022-2023 in forensic psychology, at 492, which works out to a ratio of bachelor’s degrees-to-undergraduate population of 4.1%, which is the highest ratio in the study. Equally impressive, the college awarded 111 master’s degrees in forensic psychology the same academic year. With a graduate student body of 1,860, that works out to a ratio of graduate degrees-to-graduate students of 6%, also the study’s highest. Plus, with an admission rate of 51%, John Jay is definitely one of the harder CUNY schools to get into.
2. Marymount University
Type: 4-year, private not-for-profit
Graduation rate: 61%
Estimated tuition and required fees per year: $37,600
Located in Arlington, Virginia, Marymount University came in as the No. 2 best college with forensic psychology. This small-to-medium sized school of over 3,700 total students recognized for its comprehensive academic offerings, and among its notable programs is the Forensic and Legal Psychology program. This program combines the study of psychology with the intricacies of the legal system, preparing students for careers in settings such as law enforcement agencies, court systems, and victim advocacy. Though there are no bachelor’s degrees in forensic psychology at Marymount, the university awarded 79 master’s degrees in forensic psychology last academic year. Out of a graduate student population of 1,436, that equates to a ratio of graduate students-to-graduate degrees of 5.5%, which is the second highest ratio in our study. The program's proximity to Washington, D.C., further enriches students' experiences, providing ample opportunities for internships and networking in related federal agencies and organizations.
3. Arizona State University Digital Immersion
Type: 4-year, public institution
Graduation rate: 52%
Estimated tuition and required fees per year: $11,088 for in-state | $13,358 for out-of-state
Arizona State University Digital Immersion is the distance-only version of the regular brick-and-mortar Arizona State University. Based in Scottsdale, Arizona State University Digital Immersion hosts a sizeable undergraduate student population of over 46,600 and a graduate student population of 15,872. With a solid 306 master’s degrees awarded in forensic psychology versus its graduate student body, that equates to a ratio of graduate degrees-to-graduate students of 1.9% — which may seem low but is actually one of the higher rates of forensic psychology degrees-to-students in our study.
4. Florida National University
Type: 4-year, private not-for-profit
Graduation rate: 34%
Estimated tuition and required fees per year: $14,888
Located in Hialeah, not far from Miami, Florida National University ranked No. 4 on our list of the best colleges with forensic psychology. Although a private college, Florida National University has comparatively very affordable rates of tuition, at an estimated $14,800 per year. The school has almost 2,500 undergraduates but only 252 graduate students. However, last academic year, 12 master’s degrees were awarded in forensic psychology, for a ratio of graduate degrees-to-graduate students of 4.8%, the third highest ratio in the study. FNU offers a Master of Science in Forensic Psychology, which takes a minimum of 36 credits to complete.
5. University of California, Irvine
Type: 4-year, public institution
Graduation rate: 87%
Estimated tuition and required fees per year: $13,939 for in-state | $44,011 for out-of-state
UC Irvine stands out for having the highest graduation rate of all 55 colleges with forensic psychology we analyzed, at 87%, which is 35 percentage points higher than the study’s overall average of 52%. With an in-state tuition of under $14,000 per year, UC Irvine is a deal for California residents, though its out-of-state tuition is on the pricier side. UC Irvine offers a Master of Legal and Forensic Psychology degree, and last academic year, the school awarded 41 master’s degrees in forensic psychology.
6. Corban University
Type: 4-year, private not-for-profit
Graduation rate: 54%
Estimated tuition and required fees per year: $35,767
Situated in Salem, Oregon, Corban University is a small private university, with only 818 undergraduates and 145 graduate students. In terms of admissions, Corban University is quite selective, having an undergraduate acceptance rate of only 35%. The school also provides students with good one-on-one time with their teachers by having a very low student-to-faculty ratio of 15 students to every one instructor. Last academic year, 14 bachelor's degrees were awarded in forensic psychology, which out of an undergraduate body of 818 students, works out to a ratio of bachelor's degrees-to-undergraduates of 1.7%.
7. Tiffin University
Type: 4-year, private not-for-profit
Graduation rate: 45%
Estimated tuition and required fees per year: $30,120
Appropriately located in Tiffin, Ohio, Tiffin University is a dynamic institution known for its commitment to delivering high-quality, professionally focused education. A particular highlight of the university's array of academic programs is its Forensic Psychology program, which helped it rank No. 7 on our list of the best colleges with forensic psychology. At Tiffin, you can earn an undergraduate degree and/or a Master of Science in Criminal Justice Forensic Psychology. These programs examine the intricate relationship between human behavior, psychological principles, and the criminal justice system. At Tiffin University, students receive a comprehensive education, blending theoretical frameworks with practical insights, which equips them to analyze and comprehend the psychological dimensions underpinning criminal actions. The program's curriculum ensures graduates are primed for various roles, from consulting within law enforcement agencies to providing expert testimony in court settings. Last academic year, 17 bachelor's degrees were awarded in forensic psychology, but even more impressive was the 15 master’s degrees awarded that same year. With a graduate student body of 705, the ratio of forensic psychology graduate degrees-to-graduate students is 2.1%, one of the highest rates in the study.
8. University of North Dakota
Type: 4-year, public institution
Graduation rate: 63%
Estimated tuition and required fees per year: $10,951 for in-state | $15,570 for out-of-state
Located in Grand Forks, the University of North Dakota (UND) came in as the No. 8 of our best colleges with forensic psychology programs. Notably, its Forensic Psychology program stands as a testament to UND's commitment to bridging psychology and the legal system. Within this program, students embark on a comprehensive journey exploring the intersection of human behavior, mental health, and criminal justice, while on their way to earning a Master of Art in Forensic Psychology. The curriculum provides a blend of foundational psychological theories coupled with practical insights into their application in legal settings – from expert testimonies to offender assessment and rehabilitation. Last academic year, UND awarded 53 master’s degrees in forensic psychology. The university also boasts one of the higher graduation rates in the study at 63%, compared to the study’s overall average of 52%.
9. The College of Saint Rose
Type: 4-year, private not-for-profit
Graduation rate: 55%
Estimated tuition and required fees per year: $36,398
Located in the heart of Albany, New York, the College of Saint Rose is a distinguished institution renowned for its dedication to academic excellence and student-centered approach. Among its wide range of programs, the Forensic Psychology program stands out as a blend of rigorous scholarship and real-world application. Students enrolled in this program at Saint Rose acquire a deep understanding of the crossroads between psychology and the criminal justice system. The curriculum not only introduces them to the psychological underpinnings of criminal behavior but also emphasizes the role psychologists play in legal settings — from expert testimony to offender rehabilitation. With an undergraduate population of 1,432 and 25 bachelor's degrees awarded in forensic psychology last academic year, that ratio works out to 1.7%, which may seem small but is actually higher-than-average. The College of Saint Rose also benefits from a low student-to-teacher ratio of 14 students to every one teacher.
10. Kean University
Type: 4-year, public institution
Graduation rate: 51%
Estimated tuition and required fees per year: $12,972 for in-state | $20,364 for out-of-state
Kean University, situated in Union, New Jersey, boasts a rich educational tradition and offers diverse academic programs. One of its standout offerings is the Forensic Psychology program. This specialized course of study delves into the intersection between psychological principles and the criminal justice system. At Kean, students pursuing forensic psychology are provided with a robust foundation in understanding the motivations behind criminal behavior, the psychological impact of crime on victims, and the role of mental health assessments in the legal system. The curriculum merges theoretical knowledge with practical skills, preparing graduates for a range of careers within law enforcement, the courts, and correctional facilities. The program is only offered on the master’s level and last academic year, 33 master’s degrees were awarded in forensic psychology at Kean.
The Bottom Line on the Best Colleges with Forensic Psychology
As the demand for forensic psychology professionals continues to grow, institutions across the US have risen to the challenge, offering programs that seamlessly merge psychological principles with criminal justice applications. These top colleges not only provide students with robust curricular experiences but also immerse them in real-world scenarios, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to make meaningful contributions in the fields of law enforcement, legal consultancy, and therapy.
Navigating the costs of college can be daunting, but for aspiring forensic psychologists, there's a silver lining. Many of these prestigious institutions offer scholarships specifically for students in this field, highlighting their commitment to nurturing the next generation of forensic professionals. Additionally, various student discounts and financial aid opportunities can substantially ease the financial burden. By taking advantage of these resources, students can focus on their academic and professional growth, ensuring a bright future in forensic psychology without being weighed down by financial concerns.
