Online Master of Science in Forensic Psychology

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they’ve earned a bachelor's or master's degree in psychology, criminal justice, social science or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00="A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00="A") in an applicable master's degree program.

The admissions committee reviews applications holistically and may consider applicants with a GPA below 3.00 if they’ve demonstrated a strong past performance in related coursework.

All applicants must submit

• Graduate admission application and application fee
• Official transcripts
• Personal statement
• One letter of recommendation
• Evidence of a completed psychology, social science or criminology research methods course

An applicant whose native language is not English (regardless of current residency) must provide proof of English proficiency.

A master's in forensic psychology can prepare you for a range of forensic psychology jobs across mental health, victim services, juvenile justice, policy and case management. Many students pursue a degree to advance in a career they already have, while others use it to move into a new field. Because this degree combines clinical training with knowledge of the legal system, many employers in health care, corrections, courts and nonprofit organizations look for these skills, opening up additional job opportunities.

Yes. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, psychologists earned a median annual wage of $94,310 in May 2024, and employment in the field is projected to grow 6% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. A master's in forensic psychology also stands on its own as a credential. You don't need to pursue a doctorate to use it. Graduates can apply what they learn directly to roles in behavioral health, victim advocacy, juvenile justice, policy and case management. If you are interested in continuing your education, you can use this degree as a step toward a doctoral program in forensic psychology.

No. A Ph.D is only required if you want to work as a licensed forensic psychologist who conducts clinical or courtroom-ordered evaluations. That path requires a doctorate and state licensure. A master's in forensic psychology doesn't require you to continue on to a doctoral program. Many students use the degree on its own to build a career in a related field, such as victim advocacy, juvenile justice, policy or case management. If you do want to continue toward a doctorate, this online master's in forensic psychology builds a foundation in research methods and legal psychology to support that next step.

This program can take about one to two years to complete, depending on your course load. ASU's online master's in forensic psychology includes 11 courses and 33 credit hours, taught in 7.5-week sessions with two sessions each semester. Full-time students who take two courses per session can complete the program in about a year to a year and a half. Part-time students who take one course per session usually finish within two to three years. Each session runs on a set schedule with instructor deadlines, so you can study on your own schedule with deadlines.

No. Forensic psychology depends on clinical judgment, in-person evaluation and expert testimony, tasks that require human accountability. AI tools are showing up in the field mostly as support and forensic psychologists increasingly need to understand how AI tools are used and where their limitations lie, particularly in evaluating algorithmic bias in legal contexts. ASU's online master's in forensic psychology builds skills in critical thinking, mental health assessment and legal-system knowledge, preparing you to use new tools rather than be replaced by them.