Are you interested in studying criminal activity or working with the legal system to understand and prevent crimes? If so, earning a forensic psychology degree online is an ideal option. Forensic psychology degrees equip you with the tools to evaluate mental health issues, research mental processes and behavioral trends, and design treatment plans for criminal offenders. Though it's usually necessary to hold a graduate degree to become a professional forensic psychologist, less advanced online forensic psychology degrees provide excellent training for careers as probation officers, victim advocates, parole officers, and more.With a growing demand for psychological professionals nationwide, experts estimate a whopping 19% increase for clinical psychologists, a broad designation including clinical forensic psychologists, FBI psychologists, and more. Often, professionals in the field of forensic psychology can expect to earn between $45,000 and $80,000 annually.A strong online forensic psychology degree program covers working with the judicial or legal system, using psychological research techniques, and diagnosing and treating mental illnesses. You'll also gain experience analyzing and interpreting human behavior and working in stressful environments, such as crime scenes and courtrooms. If you're interested in pursuing a career in forensic psychology, read on. Our introductory guide will provide key information about forensic psychology degrees, including costs, courses, majors, and job options for distance learners.
Meet Our Expert: Nilda M. Laboy, PsyD
Clinical and Forensic Psychologist
LinkedInOnline Forensic Psychology Degree Overview
| Degree Level | Average Cost | Loan Default Rate | Time Commitment | Early Career Pay | Mid-Career Pay | Unemployment Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's | $19,734 | 8.68% | 4 years | $53,500 | $61,500 | Not reported |
| Master's | $18,680 | 7.36% | 2 years | Not reported | $82,000 | Not reported |
Careers in forensic psychology require at least a bachelor's degree, although a doctoral degree is necessary to become a professional forensic psychologist. Attaining an advanced forensic psychology degree online will help increase your salary once you begin your career, and will also increase your likelihood for employment. Those holding a bachelor's in forensic psychology can expect an average salary of $49,000, while those with doctorate forensic psychology degrees earn significantly more, with average wages falling between $60,000-$80,000.
Online Forensic Psychology Degrees
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Online Forensic Psychology Choose Your Career
| Career | Median Salary | Projected Growth | 2014 Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forensic Psychologist | $61,500 | 19% | 91700 |
| Probation Officer | $49,360 | 4% | 91700 |
Online Forensic Psychology Degree in Action
Meet Our Expert: Nilda M. Laboy, PsyD
Clinical and Forensic PsychologistNilda M. Laboy, PsyD, is a clinical and forensic psychologist and a counselor educator. She has over 25 years of experience that includes positions as a staff psychologist in addiction programs, a state psychiatric hospital, a federal forensic facility, and adult and juvenile court clinics. She is an associate professor and the Chair of the Counseling Department at William James College in Newton, Massachusetts.
LinkedInOnline Forensic Psychology Professional Requirements
Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP)
The EPPP is required for individuals who intend to become licensed psychologists. The test covers eight major topics: biological bases of behavior; cognitive-affective bases of behavior; social and cultural bases of behavior; growth and lifespan development; assessment and diagnosis; treatment, intervention, prevention, and supervision; research methods and statistics; and ethical/legal/professional issues. Those taking the EPPP should hold a doctorate in psychology, should have completed a year of supervised clinical experience, and should have a foundational knowledge of the field of psychology. Additional requirements vary by state.
American Board of Forensic Psychology (ABFP) Certification in Forensic Psychology
American Board of Forensic Psychology certification is an optional qualification that signifies expertise in the practice of forensic psychology. The certification is not mandatory, but is often attractive to employers. Certification involves three major parts: a review of credentials (including education and training), a written exam covering broad knowledge in the practice of forensic psychology, a review of work samples, and an oral examination testing specialized knowledge in the field. Candidates should have doctoral forensic psychology degrees and demonstrable work experience.