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Earning a forensic psychology degree online

To become a forensic psychologist, you will need to complete undergraduate and doctoral degree programs in forensic psychology. Omotola K. Ajibade, MD, MPH, is a Forensic Psychiatry Fellow and Board Certified General and Adult Psychiatrist who works closely with forensic psychologists. “Forensic psychology is a highly specialized skill,” Ajibade explained. He noted that most forensic psychologists complete their undergraduate education, and then usually get a PhD or PsyD, which focuses on clinical and applied psychology concepts. “To become a forensic psychologist, you typically have to do additional training because there’s a specific way [forensic psychologists] approach their work that interfaces more directly with the legal system than other fields do,” he said.

What degree levels are there for forensic psychology?

Students may take different paths to becoming a forensic psychologist. While some students may pursue a bachelor’s degree program in psychology, a program in criminal justice or a related field can also be helpful. Once students progress to the graduate and doctoral study levels, a focus in forensic psychology becomes essential. Here’s the progression:

What certification will I need to practice forensic psychology?

While certification isn’t required to practice forensic psychology, earning a certification can demonstrate your dedication to the profession and your specialized knowledge in the field. The American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) maintains certification for forensic psychologists.

To earn a certificate of forensic psychology, psychologists must meet many certification requirements:

• Earn a doctoral degree from an APA/CPA accredited or ASPPB/NR designated program
• Become a licensed psychologist
• Complete an APA/CPA accredited internship within a year of completing supervised experience
• Complete an ABPP board certification application
• Submit practice samples demonstrating their work and competency
• Sit for an oral exam

Becoming a licensed forensic psychologist

To practice as a forensic psychologist, you must become licensed in your state. “A lot [of licensing requirements] will vary state to state, but generally, expect to have one or more licensing exams depending on how many states you want to practice in,” Ajibade said. “The requirements will change depending on the setting, too—for example, on military bases, the licensing requirements might change.”

Depending on your state, licensing requirements might include:

• Completing an undergraduate degree program
• Completing a doctorate in forensic psychology
• Performing 1,600 hours of supervised experience
• Submitting an application for examination and licensure
• Passing your state’s licensing examination

Once licensed, you will need to complete continuing education and renew your license according to your state’s requirements.

How long will it take?

The process of becoming a licensed forensic psychologist is a long one and requires significant schooling. Altogether, plan to spend eight to 10 years earning your education, depending on whether you’re studying full-time or part-time. It may take another year or two before you are fully licensed and able to work independently as a forensic psychologist.

While the career requires significant education and training, it can be a worthwhile investment. “Psychology is a very applicable field in a variety of settings,” Ajibade said. “The biggest benefit in the forensic space is that if you’re socially conscious and civic-minded, it gives you a chance to work with some unique populations and do work related to the criminal legal system.” He noted that forensic psychologists can potentially advance causes related to criminal justice reform, too.

Are online programs available?

Yes, online programs are available for bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in forensic psychology. Many of these programs allow students to study entirely online without ever traveling to campus, which gives you access to more schools than might otherwise be practical to attend in-person.

When exploring online programs, consider how the courses are delivered.

When exploring online programs, consider how the courses are delivered. Asynchronous courses allow students to study at their own pace, which can be ideal in the case of a master’s or doctoral degree when you’re balancing your education with other commitments, like a full-time job. Some programs incorporate synchronous learning, in which you will virtually attend live courses, requiring you to include your schooling in your schedule. However, these virtual and more interactive courses can help you to build a relationship with your instructor and other students, and they also allow for real-time engagement so you can ask questions as needed.

If you’re planning to enroll in an online degree program, consider how you’ll stay on task and ensure that you have plenty of time for studying. Finding a friend or family member to help keep you accountable can help you make steady progress in your schooling. Additionally, most educational institutions give their virtual students access to their academic support resources, virtual library and career preparation center, all of which can help you to succeed during and after your degree.

How much will my education cost?

The cost of your education will depend on many factors, including whether you pursue online degrees, which degree programs you complete and the levels of education that you pursue. The best way to get a sense of what you’ll pay for your education is to research the prices of the programs that you’re interested in.

Remember that you may not have to pay entirely for your education out of pocket. Start by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to make sure you receive any financial aid that you financially qualify for. Your school’s financial aid department is another valuable resource that can help you explore additional financial aid options, like scholarships and grants.

Are there prerequisites?

Prerequisites will vary depending on the specific degree and degree level that you’re pursuing. Bachelor’s degree programs generally require a high school diploma or equivalent, and possibly standardized test scores. Master’s degree programs will often require a bachelor’s degree in any field, though some may want to see that you’ve earned a degree in psychology or a related field. Doctoral degree program prerequisites also vary, but may include a bachelor’s or master’s degree program in forensic psychology, a minimum GPA, letters of recommendation and a personal statement.

Accreditation for online programs

The APA Commission on Accreditation (APA-CoA) is the main organization that accredits United States-based professional education in psychology. The APA accredits doctoral programs, internship programs and postdoctoral residency programs.

Accreditation validates that you’re attending a program that provides a quality education meeting the APA-CoA’s standards. Completing an accredited program may help you to stand out as a job applicant, and your state may also require you to hold a degree from an accredited program in order to be licensed as a forensic psychologist.

Getting started

With online degree programs gaining ground in subjects such as forensic psychology, there’s no time like the present to begin pursuing the psychology education you need to meet your career goals. All you need to do is click the Find Schools button to begin researching online programs and schools that offer forensic psychology and related topic degrees.