Most Affordable Doctorates in Forensic Psychology


An intersection of law and psychology, forensic psychology offers a variety of meaningful career paths. Earning a doctorate in forensic psychologyprepares graduates to work within legal and correctional systems, at colleges and research institutions, or independently as consultants. Grounded in diagnostic skills and clinical acumen, forensic psychologists use their training to pursue justice and advance the understanding of criminal behavior.

Forensic psychology can also be a lucrative career choice. TheBureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that in 2019 psychologists, of whom forensic psychologists are a subset, earned a mean annual income of about $98,000 across the US.


Top 10 Most Affordable Doctorates in Forensic Psychology
RankSchool
1Florida International University
2Montclair State University
3University of California, Irvine
4Drexel University
5University of Wyoming
6University of Nevada, Reno
7University of Texas, El Paso
8Sam Houston State University
9Walden University
10University of Arizona

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What Is a Doctorate in Forensic Psychology?

Forensic psychology Ph.D. programs train candidates to apply the social, developmental, and cognitive principles of clinical psychology to the legal system. A background in these principles serves as the foundation of a forensic psychology program.

Most forensic psychology doctoral programs take 5-6 years to complete. Combined master’s/doctoral programs include a master’s thesis project and a dissertation. Students should expect to engage in research throughout their course of study. They begin by assisting their professors, then progress to independent research. Most Ph.D. candidates enter their programs with an undergraduate degree in either psychology or criminal justice.

Why Get a Degree in Forensic Psychology?

A doctorate in forensic psychology opens the door to a variety of careers.

  • Career Requirement: A doctorateis the basic requirement for most entry-level employment in the field. Some work is available to candidates with a master’s.
  • Access to Licensure: Forensic psychologists need a doctoral degree to obtain state licensure. Licensure enables them to evaluate individuals on behalf of a court or testify as an expert witness.
  • Research Experience: The research-intensive Ph.D. prepares graduates with a broad, evidence-based understanding of the field.
  • Meaningful Work: Whether working with offenders and victims, teaching, consulting, or pursuing research, forensic psychologists advocate for justice and aid the most vulnerable members of their communities.
  • Diverse Career Opportunities: Forensic psychologists work in courtrooms, jails, law offices, social service agencies, universities, consulting firms, and private practice.

FAQ
QuestionAnswer
Can you get a Ph.D. in forensic psychology?Yes. Some schools offer doctoral degrees specifically in forensic psychology. Others may offer degrees in clinical psychology with a forensic psychology concentration.
Is there a high demand for forensic psychologists?Yes. The BLS predicts growth in multiple fields open to forensic psychologists. Due to the rigorous educational requirements, qualified forensic psychologists face less competition for available positions than in many other industries.
How many years does it take to get a Ph.D. in forensic psychology?Most students earn their doctorate in forensic psychology in 5-6 years. Holding a related master’s degree can allow you to transfer credits and shorten the length of your Ph.D. program.
Can you get into a Ph.D. program without a master’s?Many students go directly into a Ph.D. program after completing a BA or BS. However, an MA or other post-baccalaureate study proves helpful for those without a psychology or criminology undergraduate background.

Accreditation for a Doctorate in Forensic Psychology

Whether you hope to study online or in person, make sure to verify the accreditation of any school under consideration. Students at both regionally and nationally accredited schools qualify for federal financial aid. However, regionally accredited schools are considered more rigorous and prestigious. Regionally accredited schools are primarily academically oriented, nonprofit institutions. Nationally accredited schools are primarily for-profit and vocationally oriented. Whether regionally or nationally accredited, schools generally accept transfer credits only from other schools with similar accreditation. You can search theDatabase of Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DPIP) to find out about your school’s accreditation.

In addition to making sure that the schools you are considering are accredited by organizations approved by theCouncil for Higher Education Accreditation, students considering a Ph.D in forensic psychology should look for a program accredited by theAPA Commission on Accreditation.

Courses for a Doctorate in Forensic Psychology

Forensic psychology Ph.D. programs give graduates a comprehensive background in the methodology of clinical psychology, followed by specialized forensic training. Candidates build skills in critical thinking, evidence-based research practices, and ethically informed decision-making. In addition to classroom courses, students complete practicum training, fieldwork, internships, and a dissertation. Combined master’s/doctoral programs also require a master’s thesis.

Basic psychology courses cover developmental, cognitive, biological, and social aspects of psychology. Courses in statistics, research methods, and experimental design provide the tools needed to conduct effective research. Advanced courses specific to forensic specialization focus on how law and psychology interact. These may address topics such ethics, child welfare, violence, deception, or witness reliability.

The courses listed below may not be offered by every school, but they represent an example of typical offerings.

Psychology and Law

This foundational course provides an introduction to the history, practices, and central issues of forensic psychology. Students explore the interrelationship between law and psychology. They also review landmark legal cases and examine issues such as competency to stand trial, false confessions, recovered memories, and insanity defense. This high-level overview establishes the groundwork that students build upon as they delve more deeply into their field of interest.

Pyschopathology

A basic requirement for all psychologists, psychopathology deals with the diagnosis of psychological disorders. This course familiarizes students with current scientific literature on the subject. Students learn about the characteristics of mental illness and study their biological, psychological, developmental, and sociocultural causes. Students also critically evaluate different approaches to diagnosis, etiology, and treatment. Forensic psychologists draw on their knowledge of psychopathology to evaluate defendants, provide expert testimony, and help rehabilitate offenders.

Multicultural Psychology

Forensic psychologists, who work with a variety of people, need a high level of multicultural competence. Courses in multicultural psychology cultivate students’ knowledge, skills, and awareness regarding diverse populations. Students consider how cultural background influences mental health. This course also examines systems of privilege and oppression, exploring how they affect the way people feel, think, and act. Topics covered include race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, and ability.

Criminal Behavior

This course draws on interdisciplinary theory and research to synthesize a broad view of criminal behavior. Students evaluate psychological, sociological, and cultural factors that influence criminality. In looking at case studies, they apply cognitive, behavioral, and emotional theoretical perspectives. The course covers risk assessment, prediction, intervention, and treatment. The course also familiarizes students with various offender groups they are likely to encounter as forensic psychologists, including both violent and non-violent offenders.

Psychology in the Courts

In this course, students learn about the functions forensic psychologists fulfill in the civil and criminal justice systems. Forensic psychologists work in the courtroom in a variety of roles. They serve as trial consultants, testify as expert witnesses, perform evaluations to determine sanity and reliability, provide counseling, and recommend treatment. Students will practice writing reports, preparing witnesses, and planning assessments.

How Much Do Forensic Psychology Majors Make?

According to the BLS, forensic psychology is a well-compensated profession, with practitioners garnering a median annual income of over $101,000. Location and employer can have a significant effect on salary. Psychologists practicing in cities are better-paid than their nonmetropolitan counterparts. Psychologists who work for the state or federal government can earn over $96,000 annually, while psychologists who work as private consultants earn about $115,000 a year.

Some forensic psychologists go into academia where they earn a median salary of $79,540. Others may turn their expertise toward sociology or anthropology. These professions have median salaries ranging from $63,670-$83,420. While slightly less profitable than staying within the field of forensic psychology, these industries have higher projected growth rates.

Career and Salary Outlook for Forensic Psychology Majors

Forensic psychology graduates frequently work within the justice system, filling a variety of roles in a courtroom setting. Outside of the courtroom, forensic psychologists work in correctional institutions, law offices, social service agencies, and schools.

Some forensic psychologists enter other industries. Forensic psychology graduates whose interests lie in teaching and research might seek out work at colleges, universities, and professional schools. They may also enter related fields such as sociology and anthropology.

  • Forensic Psychologist: Forensic psychologists take on different responsibilities in each of the many settings in which they work. In court, these professionals provide expert testimony, counsel victims, evaluate a defendant’s competency, or assess a witness’s reliability. They also offer their services as trial consultants, working alongside attorneys on civil and criminal cases.

  • Sociologist: Sociology is a broad category of social science that uses empirical research methods to observe social structures and the relationships among different communities. Sociologists can work at colleges and universities, in government, and for consulting firms. Criminology, a branch of sociology that studies crime within a social context, presents a relevant field for forensic psychologists.

  • Anthropologist: Sociologists and anthropologists work in academia, in government, or in the private sector. Cultural anthropology specializes in the study of human societies, including the roles of crime and justice within them. A growing number of professionals in these fields collect and analyze data on behalf of businesses.

  • Postsecondary Teacher: Employed by institutes of higher education, postsecondary teachers teach classes, develop curricula, mentor advanced students, conduct research, and serve on administrative committees. Postsecondary teachers also publish their research and participate in academic conferences. At larger institutions, they are likely to have more opportunity to devote time to research than at smaller schools where the teaching load may be heavier.

CareerMedian Annual SalaryProjected Growth Rate (2019-2029)
Forensic Psychologist$80,3703%
Sociologist$83,4204%
Anthropologist and Archeologist$63,6705%
Postsecondary Teacher$79,5409%

Source: BLS

Scholarships for a Doctorate in Forensic Psychology

Graduate school can be costly, and not all Ph.D. students get their degree fully funded by their institution. Fortunately, forensic psychology students have a multitude of outside financial aid options available to them. Aid for graduate students often takes the form of a grant or fellowship tied to a particular research project.

American Academy of Forensic Psychology Dissertation Grant
Who Can Apply: The AAFP is the body responsible for granting board certification to forensic psychologists. This award is open to graduate students undertaking dissertations in applied law and psychology. The sponsoring organization looks for a clinical-forensic orientation. Applicants must submit a personal statement, CV, dissertation proposal including budget, and a letter from the dissertation supervisor.
Amount: $1,500.00

AP-LS Grants in Aid for Graduate Students
Who Can Apply: Student affiliate members of the American Psychology-Law Society conducting research into psycholegal issues may apply for this grant. Applicants must submit a project proposal and proof of ethical approval. The AP-LS assesses proposals based on relevancy, innovation, methodology, feasibility, and budget.
Amount: $1,000.00

Ruth D. Peterson Fellowship for Racial and Ethnic Diversity
Who Can Apply: This award is open to applicants from minority ethnic backgrounds underrepresented in the field. Black, Indigenous, Asian, and Hispanic students enrolled in a doctoral-level program related to criminology and criminal justice may qualify. Application materials include a personal statement regarding race or ethnicity, a CV, and letters of recommendation.
Amount: $6,000.00

Mike Byrd Crime Scene Investigation Scholarship
Who Can Apply: Students who maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA in any course of study related to crime scene investigation may qualify. Applicants must live in Miami-Dade, Broward, or Monroe counties in Florida. Application materials include letters of recommendation, transcripts, and a personal statement discussing the applicant’s educational goals.
Amount: $2,000.00

AJCA/LAE Student Scholarship Program
Who Can Apply: The American Criminal Justice Association offers scholarships to graduate and undergraduate students. Students need a minimum 3.0 GPA and may be pursuing any course of study associated with criminal justice. While applicants must be members of the organization, they can apply for membership simultaneously with their scholarship application. Application materials include a personal statement and transcripts.
Amount: $100.00 – $400.00


Most Affordable Doctorates in Forensic Psychology


1. Florida International University

Florida International University is Miami’s first and only public research university and offers degrees from the bachelor to doctorate levels. The school was designed as a top-tier research institution and all programs emphasize research as a major component of study, and as the university’s mission. For over four decades the university has served local and global communities through education, research, and of the more than 200,000 alumni, 115,000 live and work in South Florida today.

Florida International University capitalizes on its Miami location in a major litigation center of the southeastern United States. FIU offers a PhD in Legal Psychology with a focus in Forensics. Students are expected to participate in research that explores psycholegal issues throughout the duration of their study under the supervision of faculty. A plethora of research facilities are available to students including two libraries, psychology laboratories, and computer and video facilities. The program is full time and requires students to be actively enrolled and researching year round, including summer. Applicants may apply without a psychology major, however, they must have completed a statistics and research methods course regardless of their background. These requirements are minimum.

On campus
Fully Funded


2. Montclair State University

PhD in Clinical Psychology programs, with a forensic track. The PhD program aims to develop leaders in the research and practice of clinical psychology and graduates from the forensic track can expect to take roles as high-level employees in private or government organizations. Unlike other programs, Montclair has a special focus on children, adolescents, and families which runs through its core curriculum. The full-time program combines classroom study with research training and field experience. Applicants should have a master’s or bachelor’s degree in psychology or a closely related field though at a minimum those with at least 15 credits in psychology may apply. The latter are encouraged to submit the GRE Psychology Subject Test with their application. The 96-credit hour program also requires a full time, one-year internship in clinical psychology and students must defend a master’s thesis and dissertation.

Montclair was founded in 1908 and is one of the leading institutions of higher education in New Jersey. The Doctoral University is accredited by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of higher education. The University has a total of 11 colleges and universities and serves over 20,000 students from across the globe annually. The campus spans over 250 acres crossing the communities of Montclair, Clifton and Little Falls. In 2017 the State of New Jersey designated the institution as a Public Research University.

On campus
Fully Funded


3. University of California, Irvine

The University of California in Irvine is the youngest member of the Association of American Universities. Since its founding in 1965, the institution has produced Nobel laureates and is known for its research, innovation, and overall academic achievements. More than 30,000 students attend annually, and the university is proud to be Orange County’s second-largest employer.

University of California, Irvine offers a couple of options for students interested in earning a fully funded forensic psychology degree. Students may choose from a PhD in Psychology and Social Behavior with Certificate of Concentration in Psychology and Law or a PhD in Criminology, Law, and Society. The PhD in Psychology and Social Behavior provides students with a strong foundation in theory and research methods, plus advanced statistics. All students collaborate with faculty on research through the duration of their study. The school offers unique personalized learning opportunities for all students enrolled. There are 31 full-time faculty members serving on average 70 graduate students annually. This strong sense of community is what draws many new students to the program. Applicants must submit GRE exam scores along with their application Though the program is fully funded, applicants should be prepared to cover costs for application and student fees.

On campus
Fully Funded


4. Drexel University

Drexel University was founded in 1891 and is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Today it is a comprehensive global research university and is ranked among the top 100 research institutions in the nation. It is also one of America’s 15 largest private universities. Additionally, the university is one of Philadelphia’s top 10 private employers and provides major economic support and development in Philadelphia and surrounding communities.

The PhD in Clinical Psychology with a Forensic Track at Drexel trains clinical psychologist using the scientist-practitioner model, which places an equal emphasis on both the application of scientific principles and on clinical research. The program prepares students for entry-level practice in professional psychology. The Forensic psychology track teaches students how to assess and intervene in order to inform legal decision-makers and attorneys on questions in family, civil, and criminal law, and Drexel offers a particular focus on juvenile and criminal issues. Students are required to complete one 800-hour forensic psychology practicum, a forensic psychology-focused thesis and dissertation, and at least two years of research in the field. The program is fully accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA).

On campus
Fully Funded


5. University of Wyoming

The University of Wyoming was founded in 1886 and is a nationally recognized land-grant research institution with global reach. The four-year, land-grant university offers the largest study-abroad scholarship endowment of any other institution of its kind in the United States. Students study in 50 countries each year at over four hundred domestic and study abroad sites.

The university offers a PhD in Legal Psychology, which leads graduates to careers in forensics. Students typically have focus on areas such as the role of race and ethnicity in legal decisions, jury decision-making, or forensic interviewing. Students work closely with other faculty to perform research in similar areas. All students are required to participate in the one-credit Psychology/Law pro-seminar which they enroll in each semester. The must also be active members of the Psychology and Law Research Lab. The full-time PhD program encourages students to publish their findings in professional journals or present at professional conferences annually.

On campus
Cost per Credit: $210


6. University of Nevada, Reno

The University of Nevada in Reno was originally founded in 1874 in Elko, Nevada, 300 miles northeast of its current location. From its humble beginnings, and through top-notch leadership, the university enrolls over 17,000 students annually. Keeping student success in mind, the university opened a $36 million dollar Student Achievement Center in 2016 which aims to unite and optimize all the on and off campus services that are vital to student success.

The prestigious PhD in Interdisciplinary Social Psychology offers a specialization in Law and Justice for students interested in forensic psychology doctorate programs. The interdisciplinary nature of the program by natures weaves together psychological and sociological scholarship with a foundation in understanding contextualized perspectives. Because of the university’s approach, students are trained to be leaders in their fields, including forensic psychology. The PhD program has been running since its founding in 1962. Students wishing to apply must do so by January 1st each year, for the following year’s admission.

On campus
Cost per Credit: $275


7. University of Texas, El Paso

Since its founding in 1914, and the second oldest institution in the UT system, the University of Texas at El Paso has become a national model for creating and successfully executing competitive research and academic programs across disciplines. Today the institution is the only public research university in the United States with a Mexican-American student population majority. The Carnegie high-research-activity defined university enrolls more than 25,000 students a year, with an 80% Hispanic student population. The research institution is dedicated to offering innovative solutions and top-tier research opportunities to all students enrolled, and in part to fulfill this mission, the school began construction on an $85 million interdisciplinary research building in 2017.

The Legal Psychology PhD program at the UTEP is one of the best programs of its kind found in the southwest United States. With an emphasis on application to the legal system, students conduct basic research alongside their academic study. Students are trained in both basic and applied experimental methodologies. Some areas of particular interest include forensic interviewing of children and adults, malevolent personality patterns, mental health and the criminal justice system, and the psychology of terrorism and prejudice/racial bias. Qualified faculty comes from the National Science Foundation, the National Institute of Corrections, and various other state and national foundations.

On campus
Cost per Credit: $299


8. Sam Houston State University

The PhD in Clinical Psychology aims to produce scientists and practitioners who are equally experienced in research and clinical practice. The program works on a unique mentor model where students are admitted to the program under the supervision of a primary research mentor. This mentor services as the students first-year research assistantship supervisor. Within the Clinical Psychology PhD, students are trained to become legally informed clinicians through the program’s forensic emphasis. This means all graduates are prepared to offer forensic assessment and consultation in the legal system should they choose.

On campus
Cost per Credit: $364


9. Walden University

Walden University is an accredited four-year institution dedicated to serving adult learners from all 50 states plus over 150 countries from around the world. The institution offers degrees from the bachelor to doctorate levels from the health sciences to criminal justice, to psychology, and more.

The school of Psychology offers a PhD in Psychology with a focus in Forensic Psychology for students who wish to enroll in an online PhD program. The fully online degree program prompts students to explore mental health issues that may drive criminal behavior. Graduates go on to become leaders in research or as teachers or consultants in their fields. The program works helps students gain a competitive advantage in the field of forensic psychology because of its specific focus on the subject. Students may also transfer up to six credit hours from a related master’s degree, saving students time and money after enrollment.

Online
Cost per Credit: $585


10. University of Arizona

Surprisingly, the University of Arizona has existed long before Arizona was a state. The first graduating class completed their study in 1895; the class consisted of two students total. Since its humble beginnings, the university today is a long-time partner with NASA and a state leader in the sciences and arts.

The institution has a competitive Clinical Psychology PhD program with a concentration in Forensic Psychology. The program follows a clinical science training model and prepares students to practice clinical psychology as practical and research leaders in their field. The program was accredited by the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS) in 2010, and it has also accredited with the American Psychological Association since 1962. All students, once admitted to the program, are automatically funded as either a Research Assistant or a Teaching Assistant, or they are funded on a Fellowship. This departmental support is available for students for up to five years while they work towards their forensic psychology degree.

On campus
Cost per Credit: $600


11. Widener University

Widener University stands strongly on three foundations of success: academic excellence, career preparation, and civic engagement. The school was originally founded as a military college though today it serves students from all walks of life from around the globe, and offers over sixty-degree options from the bachelor to doctorate levels. With a post-graduate average salary of $52,000 Widener ranks over $18,000 than the national average.

The Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology is proudly home to the longest-running doctor of psychology (PsyD) program in the nation. The school offers two graduate level Forensic Psychology degrees: Clinical PsyD with a Concentration in Forensic Psychology or a PsyD/Masters Joint Degree in Criminal Justice. Students in both programs benefit from learning through a wide range of contemporary and evidence-based approaches. The school is in accordance with the NCSPP scholar-practitioner model. Graduates go on to be leading clinicians in the field.

On campus
Cost per Credit: $886


12. Pacific University

Pacific University was founded in 1849 and prides itself in being a diverse community offering undergraduate to professional programs to students from around the world. The school is located in the quiet Portland suburb of Forest Grove, Oregon, a town that combines the convenience of a big city with the remnants of a strong history as a farming community. The institution is the oldest chartered university in Oregon and has a long and celebrated history of excellence.

Pacific University’s School of Professional Psychology offers a PsyD in Clinical Psychology with a Forensic Track. The forensic track prepares students for clinical and academic work in the field in order to assess and treat forensic and correctional populations. Additionally, the program puts equal focus on learning the psychology and law behind forensics. All students who choose the forensic track must compete for a forensically focused internship and postdoctoral training opportunities. They also complete a thesis and dissertation and complete at least two of the three required clinical training experiences.

On campus
Cost per Credit: $965


13. Spalding University

Founded in 1814 and located in Louisville, Kentucky, Spalding University, boasts a truly dynamic and diverse student population and actively promotes inclusion by supporting otherwise marginalized communities and individuals. Spalding is “a community of learners made up of artists, veterans, activists, parents, religious leaders, LGBTQIA community members, and athletes.” The private institution serves int he tradition of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth.

The Clinical Psychology doctorate degree was among the first PsyD programs in the nation and has been accredited by the American Psychological Association since 1989. The specialization in Forensic Psychology is grounded in evidence-based practice and prepares graduates to…. The 120-hour degree program includes practicum and internship courses on top of academics, clinical and research opportunities. Though not fully funded, the school does offer a number of fellowship opportunities annually. The assistantships are awarded annually and about 25% of full-time doctoral psych students participate. Students may complete the program full or part-time.

On campus
Cost per Credit: $975


14. Palo Alto University

PhD in Clinical Psychology program at Palo Alto University is a competitive program that serves both researchers and clinicians. Students use evidence-based clinical models for study while maintaining social and community-centered psychologist responsibilities in order to prepare them for holistic service as leaders in their field.

Admission to the Forensic Track at Palo Alto University is competitive. Students begin with the dissemination of forensic psychology through the Forensic I course as an elective. From there they may continue along the track by maintaining a “B” average or higher. The program is selective and student work is closely monitored by the department director. The PhD in Clinical Psychology is accredited by the American Psychological Association.

On campus
Cost per Credit: $990


15. University of Denver

Fortuitously located at the junction of the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains, the University of Denver is proudly rooted in exploration, both geographically and through rigorous and competitive academic and research opportunities. The school was founded in 1864 as Colorado Seminary and today serves students from all walks of life seeking education from the bachelorette to doctoral levels in the arts, sciences, and in forensic psychology at the graduate level. The accredited forensic psychology program at University of Denver is one of the most comprehensive programs in the nation.

The PsyD in Clinical Psychology offers a Forensic Focus. Broad based training acclimates students to the basis of general practice while the forensic focus allows students to specialize in order to take courses focused on forensic applications. The curriculum requires combined research and clinical study within areas such as history of psychology, system models, and cognitive bases of behavior models. Students must also complete a clinical competency exam, a doctoral paper, and participate in a competitive internship.

On campus
Cost per Credit: $1104


16. Nova Southeastern University

Founded in 1964 with humble beginnings, today Nova Southeastern University is one of the most accomplished private, not-for-profit institutions in the country. Not only is it the top intuition of its kind to meet the US Department of Education’s criteria to be considered a Hispanic-serving Institution, NSU is also a research university with ‘high research activity’ as classified by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. It is also one of only fifty universities awarded Carnegie’s Community Engagement Classification. The school has campuses in Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Miami, Miramar, Orlando, Palm Beach, and Tampa, Florida, as well as San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The university offers two forensic psychology degree programs: a PhD Psychology degree in Clinical Forensic Psychology (CFP) concentration and a PsyD in Clinical Psychology. Each specialization is competitive and admits a limited number of students during the first or second year of study. The forensic psychology concentration requires students to complete a set of electives, an approved practicum related to the concentration, and faculty approved research activities. The concentration emphasizes clinical psychological skills applicable in the criminal justice system.

On campus
Cost per Credit: $1110


17. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

PsyD in Clinical Forensic Psychology can be completed at the three California campuses or partially online. The program is rooted in a commitment to service, community, and innovations so students are expected to participate in research and internship activities on top of clinical and academic requirements.

The forensic psychology doctorate program at TCSPP follows the Engaged Practitioner Model of Education. Students attending full time can expect to earn their degree in five years and will be prepared to find entry-level positions as licensed clinical psychologists in a variety of areas, including those that deal with criminal, civil and forensic law. All students complete their training at one of The Chicago School Counseling Centers both located in Southern California.

On campus & Online
Cost per Credit: $1310


18.William James College

On May 7, 2015, the Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology, founded in 1974, officially adopted the new name of William James College. Though the name changed, the college has stayed true to its commitment to combining classroom instruction with creatively integrated psychological theory, research and clinical practice. The Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program is accredited by the American Psychological Association. The university awards degrees at the graduate level.

The PsyD in Clinical Psychology at William James offers a concentration in Forensic Psychology. The concentration aims to expand on general clinical knowledge and training by offering opportunities for training in civil matters like child custody evaluations, employment lawsuits, discrimination, involuntary civil commitment and more. The comprehensive concentration uniquely also provides opportunities for education in correctional and police psychology.

On campus
Cost per Credit: $1310


19. Fairleigh Dickinson University

Fairleigh Dickinson University is the largest private university in New Jersey. The non-for-profit institution was founded in 1942, achieved four-year status by 1948, and today is an accredited multi-campus institution. Degrees are offered from the bachelorette to doctoral degrees, including clinical or school psychology. Campuses are located in New Jersey, Oxfordshire, England, and the Vancouver Campus in British Columbia, Canada.

The PhD program in Clinical Psychology is accredited by the American Psychological Association and follows the scientist-practitioner model of training. Both research and clinical practice are required in addition to course curriculum to earn the competitive forensic psychology doctorate degree. Students begin study with a focus on theory, research and practice of psychotherapy before converging into the forensic psychology focus. During the final year of the three-year program, students begin their dissertation research with faculty assistance. To participate in the forensic track students must complete one of the required clinical practicums during their first year of study and complete two additional required PSYC courses.

On campus
Cost per Credit: $1610