Where Law, Criminal Justice and Psychology Meet

Gain an understanding of what forensic psychologists do and will learn how to apply this training in a variety of professional contexts. Become an advocate for change and make a difference in the community!

With this degree, you can pursue or enhance your career opportunities in the legal, judicial or criminal justice fields – today’s first line of defense in mental health crises across many states. Our alumni enjoy rewarding careers in law firms, at national security and law enforcement agencies, in social services and child welfare agencies, prisons and treatment facilities.

Online Forensic Psychology: Learn From Anywhere, Any Time

The NSU Forensic Psychology program is designed specifically for busy working adults. The result is an online format/non-clinical curriculum designed to help you continue your graduate studies, while still balancing job responsibilities, especially if you work non-traditional shifts or live far from a physical campus.

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Quick Facts

Delivery Options

Offered 100% online: ideal for full-time working adults based anywhere in U.S. or abroad.

Start Dates

Start your online Forensic Psychology program in August (apply by 7/7); January (apply by 12/1); or May (apply by 3/29).

Tuition

Tuition for the degree program is $790 per credit hour.

Degree Completion

NSU’s Master in Forensic Psychology program is 36 total credits (12 courses). Students can choose one of two concentrations: Forensic Psychology in the legal system or Forensic Psychology for mental health workers, first responders, and disaster teams.

Why Choose NSU?

  • Fully accredited Forensic Psychology programs
  • 100% online: earn your degree on your schedule
  • Empirically based
  • Faculty consist of experts in psychology, law, policy
  • Provides foundation for further education and/or other policy research
  • No GRE required
  • Only 12 courses

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Earning Potential

Average Forensic Psychologist Salary $69,453

This is based on the national average. Source: Payscale.com

 

Learn from Global Forensic Psychology Leaders

Get the NSU Edge by learning from experienced attorneys, judges, published authors and global change leaders who are respected worldwide for shaping the future of forensic psychology. Just two of many stellar examples:

Dr. Lenore Walker

Four-time published “Battered Women’s Syndrome” author whose proactive educational efforts within the legal system ensured fairer treatment for thousands of gender violence victims. 

Ginger Lerner-Wren, J.D.

Experienced judge, “Therapeutic Justice” author, and international speaker, who founded the first U.S. mental health court. She’s been instrumental in helping  legal and law enforcement teams interact more successfully with mental health sufferers. 

Testimonials

Forensic psychology at NSU COP focuses on the application of clinical psychology to answer real-world questions faced by the legal community. This includes learning to evaluate and treat people involved with the criminal justice system as well as provide for child custody and other family court needs. Some prepare to work in the jails and prisons while others will work in agencies or their own offices. Classes are taught by those faculty who are practicing in the field. The MS program offers the opportunity for lawyers or mental health clinicians to update their skills while the PsyD and PhD programs give a path towards licensure as a psychologist.

Dr. Lenore Walker

NSU Forensic Psychology COP has been a leader in course offerings related to criminal justice reform and problem-solving justice through the advancement of Court innovation. My students over the years have led new models in applied forensic psychology from a trauma-informed and social justice framework.

Adjunct Professor, Judge Ginger Lerner-Wren

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Download Resources

Download
Handbook
View all required training.
Download
Student Catalog
View the next available courses.

Which Degree is Needed to Be a Forensic Psychologist?

It’s important to understand that there’s no licensure or certification in Florida or most states for Forensic Psychology at this time. It is considered a subspecialty of other clinical mental health or legal programs. If you’re interested in clinical licensure, we recommend the options below: 

  1. Our two doctoral programs lead to general psychology licensure: the Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, or Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology.  (Your Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology provides all prerequisites to transition into either program.)
  2. Want to be a mental health counselor at Master's level? We recommend the M.S. in Counseling instead. This program provides the requirements for licensing in Florida.

Not sure which option is right for you? We’re here to help answer your questions. Reach out to us: 

(954) 262-7563
800-541-6682 ext. 27563
gradschool@nova.edu