Do you have an uncanny interest in the human psyche? Have you ever binge-watched a crime show or podcast? If so, then perhaps we just solved an important job search case! You may be a perfect fit for a PhD in forensic psychology online. This versatile and innovative doctorate can help your career soar to new heights.
If you’re not familiar with forensic psychology, you aren’t alone. In short, this is a field within psychology that has rapidly evolved over the past two decades. It’s where clinical psychology intertwines with the legal system. For instance, a forensic psychologist can influence the outcomes of court cases with their expert testimony. Their expertise may determine the competency of a witness, the mental state of a defendant, or help develop a criminal profile.
With this degree, you can serve your community in many ways. For example, you may practice in rehab centers, correctional facilities, clinics, schools, or hospitals. Your work can help families impacted by sexual assault, trauma, and other crises. Licensed forensic psychologists provide support for inmates, law enforcement agencies, and victims of crime, to name a few.
In this article, we will explore this interesting field and also one of the top forensic psychology PhD programs available.
Keep reading to learn more!
PhD in Forensic Psychology Online: Degree Types
Let’s begin our tour of online forensic psychology doctoral programs. A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) are the two principal doctorate types.
If you don’t know which to apply for, first consider your long-term plans. Of course, both doctorates have a lot of clout and signify scholarly success. Graduates with either degree may also be equipped for similar careers. You will have the skills to lead in several settings. However, each degree has its own strengths.
GetEducated's Picks
- Walden University Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology / Forensic Psychology
- Walden University Doctor of Philosophy in Forensic Psychology / Criminal Justice
- Walden University Doctor of Philosophy in Forensic Psychology / Criminal Justice (BS Entry)
PsyD vs. PhD in Forensic Psychology
To begin with, a PhD in forensic psychology online will improve your research and teaching skills. In fact, this is a terminal research degree. A PhD in forensic psychology online will prepare you for success in the world of academia – such as a researcher or professor. In addition, their stringent enrollment requirements lead to fewer admissions compared to PsyD programs. The process of writing a dissertation is a key component of this degree. Later, you will defend your research in front of a committee. Students can also expect extensive fieldwork practice in core areas like evaluation, assessment, and intervention.
On the other hand, a PsyD in forensic psychology online is designed for someone who will be working hands-on in the field. Treatment and face-to-face patient care are typical professional outcomes. As a result, this degree incorporates a heavy load of clinical practice into its curriculum. You will be able to work with clients throughout the learning sequence. This degree typically admits more students.
Criminal vs. Forensic Psychology
After deciding on the type of doctorate, the next layer involves choosing a major. Let’s highlight two popular learning pathways: Forensic psychology and criminal psychology. Criminal psychology degrees emphasize understanding the minds and behavior of people who break the law. Coursework will give a deeper understanding of the justice system, mental health, and law. On the other hand, forensic psychology doctorates teach students about law enforcement, criminal justice, and social sciences. You will gain expert insight into the relationship between families, victims, juries, and the police.
Many universities let students choose a specific concentration to guide their studies. Thanks to dynamic and relevant forensic psychology courses online, a concentration will help graduates land a job that matches their interests. It’s important to research each institution to understand which specializations are available. Example concentrations are criminal justice, legal issues, and crisis leadership.
Let’s talk about accreditation. Generally speaking, regional accreditation has more esteem than national accreditation. However, if your goal is to be licensed to practice forensic psychology, then accreditation from the American Psychological Association (APA) is ideal. The APA is the premier accrediting body in the country. When applying for licensure, every state accepts APA accredited forensic psychology doctoral programs. Without this specific accreditation, your doctorate will only qualify you for a license in certain states.
Although there are fewer career outcomes, people who earn a master’s in forensic psychology online also have access to many interesting careers. An example is mental health counselors. These professionals require state licensure and often a graduate degree. Other interesting professions include victim advocate, jail supervisor, and probation officer.
School Profile: Walden University
Walden University has over 50 year’s experience in helping professionals advance in their careers. In addition, it’s institutionally accredited by the High Learning Commission (HLC). Walden offers a PhD in forensic psychology and clinical psychology online. What’s more, there are twelve specializations combined for students to find a program that matches their long-term goals.
Pursuing a PhD in forensic psychology online with Walden means you are choosing a school with highly esteemed faculty. It has a strong online learning ecosystem and an impressive catalog of advanced psychology coursework. In addition, students can make their degree more affordable with numerous financial aid opportunities.
Walden’s Doctoral Degree Coach is an invaluable resource to support your education. This interactive platform tracks the progress of all degree requirements. Let’s take a closer look at what Walden offers.
Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology / Forensic Psychology
This is one of the best clinical forensic psychology Ph.D. programs available. It is an excellent choice if you want to become a licensed psychologist. That is because this degree qualifies graduates to apply for a license. It is a blended program with multiple in-person elements. In fact, four 4-day Ph.D. residencies are available either online or in person. There is also a blended Academic Year of Residence (AYR). This hybrid year helps students build community, engage with their professors, and gain hands-on training. Also, they will gain practitioner skills as an educator, and researcher, and be able to support people with mental illness.
This PhD in forensic psychology online can take up to 8 years to complete. In summary, it includes a doctoral dissertation, internship, and clinical practice. There are 143 quarter credits plus 20-100 quarter credits for the dissertation. You will learn about the American Counseling Association (A.C.A.) and A.P.A. ethical codes. This degree helps graduates become stewards of social change. They will also have expertise in clinical psychology policy.
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Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology / Forensic Psychology
Doctor of Philosophy in Forensic Psychology / General
This advanced degree prepares future forensic psychology specialists who will improve our legal system and work in numerous settings. If your goal is to broaden your overall understanding of forensic psychology then the General Concentration is perfect for you. Students will receive a wide understanding of various aspects of the field. This includes behavior evaluation, research methods, and ethical codes. Coursework touches on teaching, program evaluation, and consulting. A sample course is Police Psychology, which explores different forensic psychology roles in police departments. The program operated in a hybrid format. In other words, there will be in-person training. During this time, students will complete four residencies. These promote group learning and collaboration.
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Doctor of Philosophy in Forensic Psychology / General
Available Concentrations for Walden’s PhD Forensic Psychology Online Programs
There are three additional concentrations for Walden’s PhD in forensic psychology, each with two tracks. One track is for those with a master’s in forensic psychology. The other is for enrollees with either an undergrad or master’s in an unrelated field. The latter will feature additional core and research-related coursework. Students with high academic achievement may be awarded a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree. This will make you stand out when applying for jobs. Please note that unlike the PhD in clinical psychology, the PhDs in forensic psychology do not lead to licensure. Below are descriptions of some of the available concentrations.
Doctor of Philosophy in Forensic Psychology / Criminal Justice
Gain expertise in how various criminal justice fields mesh with forensic psychology with this doctorate. Students can choose from 19 specialization courses to create a truly personal learning program. An example course is Legal Research for Public Policy. This Self-Designed degree will build your knowledge of the many areas of criminal justice. It’s ideal for candidates who wish to explore a bit of everything, rather than one focus area.
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Doctor of Philosophy in Forensic Psychology / Criminal Justice
Doctor of Philosophy in Forensic Psychology / Crisis Response
This concentration gives a profound understanding of the minds of first responders and victims. Also, this pathway shows how forensic psychologists can collaborate with law enforcement agencies. Whether it involves training police, hostage negotiations, or critical incident stress debriefing, this program will prepare you. An example specialization course is Disaster, Crisis, and Trauma.
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Doctor of Philosophy in Forensic Psychology / Crisis Response
Doctor of Philosophy in Forensic Psychology / Legal Issues in Forensic Psychology
This degree serves as a bridge between forensic psychology and the intricacies of today’s legal system. Students will learn how to serve in the court system as forensic psychology professionals if called to do so. Probation, corrections, parole services, jury selection, and expert testimony are just a few of the topics that will be covered. This pathway includes courses like Victimology.
Students have up to eight years to complete their doctorate. There are 60 required credits in each program. During each term, students will also complete 5 credits of dissertation writing courses. Programs feature 15 credits of specialization courses. Either forensic psychology Ph.D. online will help you graduate with many advanced skills. For instance, you will learn complex legal concepts, gain advanced research skills, and have expertise in forensic psychology assessments. In short, you will have in-demand competencies for many professional fields.
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Doctor of Philosophy in Forensic Psychology / Legal Issues in Forensic Psychology
How Does an Online PhD in Forensic Psychology Work?
If you’re wondering what to expect from an online PhD program in forensic psychology, we’re here to help. This section provides insights into the admission requirements and program structure for online forensic psychology doctoral programs, including prerequisites, program duration, coursework details, and in-person components like residencies and internships.
Admission Requirements
Before we dive into programs, it’s important to address admission requirements first. All forensic psychology online programs have their own criteria for accepting applicants. However, qualified candidates typically hold a master’s in criminology, psychology, or a related field from an accredited university. They may accept applicants with a different degree as long as their transcript features a certain amount of related coursework. Universities may require a minimum graduate degree GPA, official transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and an academic writing sample.
Program Structure and Duration
An online forensic psychology PhD or PsyD is challenging in its design. Once enrolled, students begin an adventure that requires the utmost dedication. Forensic psychology online degrees have varying time commitments. PsyD students typically finish in 4 to 6 years. Similarly, PhD students might need 5 to 7 years to complete each graduation requirement. Fortunately, the majority of your degree can be completed from the comfort of your home.
Both programs can offer a wide arrangement of interesting forensic psychology courses online. Students typically begin their degree with foundational, core, and research-orientated courses. Examples include Interpersonal Psychotherapy and Social Psychology. Due to each course’s high time commitment, doctoral students typically only take a maximum of two per term.
After completing initial coursework, doctoral candidates will begin learning about topics related to their specialization. These electives will deepen your understanding of a focus area that aligns with your passions. Electives are important complementary resources to a student’s clinical practices and internship.
Later in the program, students will begin preparing for their dissertation. A dissertation, to clarify, is a substantial written document that explores a specific topic in great detail and often makes an original contribution to the field of study. It will be a culmination of all your acquired knowledge and certainly your most impressive scholarly work to date. Many accredited forensic psychology programs even offer dissertation writing courses. These spaces help students work alongside faculty and often are available online. At the end of your degree, you will defend your work in front of a committee. This climactic portion of the degree is usually held virtually.
Residencies and Internships
Another key point involves in-person elements. Since many programs require residencies, they are presented in a hybrid format. Residencies provide spaces to collaborate and grow among peers. Their design varies with each program. Certain residencies are available online or in person. They often consist of seminars, workshops, and labs that complement coursework. It’s an opportunity to network and enhance skills. For example, Walden University offers four 4-day residencies after two consecutive terms. In some cases, residencies can be up to a year long.
Because patient care is a vital part of forensic psychology doctoral programs, practicums and internships are essential. These experiences are in person. They help students develop their skills, gain confidence, and prepare them for their future practice. It is common for internships to include 1,500 to 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork. This is because most states require a certain amount of internship hours in order to apply for licensure. Internships typically occur during the final stages of one’s doctoral education. Internship coordinators match students with fieldwork locations. Prospective students should consider internship locations before applying to programs.
PhD in Forensic Psychology Online Coursework
Students who pursue a PsyD or PhD forensic psychology online will encounter diverse curriculums. The coursework offered will vary with each school. However, you can expect a sequence of classes that cover areas like victimology, psychology and law, and criminal forensic assessment.
An online PhD in forensic psychology may feature courses such as Social Psychology, Lifespan Development, plus History and Systems of Psychology. Students will also take courses to prepare for their dissertation. As highlighted before, PhD programs typically include a large amount of research. Therefore, students may enroll in classes like Research Theory or Quantitative Reasoning. This allows them to become subject matter experts.
PsyDs in forensic psychology programs may offer courses in Clinical Forensic Assessment, Forensic Psychology (Psychology & the Law), or Fundamentals of Forensic Psychology. Because field education is a common Psy.D. pillar, most programs have extensive face-to-face internship requirements. These practices may happen at outpatient clinics, forensic hospitals, or even correctional facilities.
In addition, each specialization provides a unique collection of topics that directly relate to a student’s focus area. For example, if concentrating in Crisis Leadership Management, you may take courses like Leadership and Leader Development or Psychology of Organizations.
Jobs & Salaries with an Online PhD in Forensic Psychology
A PhD in forensic psychology online will catch an employer’s attention. Since a Ph.D. is the most reputable advanced degree, recipients can easily qualify for many rewarding and high-paying careers. Whether your dream is to work in law enforcement, hospitals, clinics, government, or academic settings, this degree will serve you well. Using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), we will highlight some interesting careers below:
Certain programs, like Walden University’s PhD in Clinical Psychology, can lead to licensure. Licensed psychologists will see a 6% projected job growth over the next ten years. Moreover, the 2022 median national salary for this job was $85,330. Each state requires practicing psychologists to obtain licensure. Although unique to each state, requirements generally include examination and supervised experience. The Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) is the most commonly accepted test.
With an online PhD in forensic psychology, you can also teach at a college or university. In 2022 this profession earned a median of $80,840 per year. Not to mention, this position is expected to grow 8% over the next ten years. Additional university roles include academic researcher. According to Glassdoor, these professionals earn a median $64,091 yearly salary. Neither role requires a license.
The 2022 median annual salary for social workers was $55,350. Not only that, but social workers can expect a comfortable 7% projected employment increase over the next ten years. With this in mind, they must hold a license in the state where they work. This job can directly impact the lives of people involved in legal or criminal cases.
A PhD in forensic psychology online can lead to other exciting careers like crime scene consultant, clinical therapist, and psychotherapist.
Get Started Today!
The time is now. Take the next step towards a PhD in forensic psychology online today! Not only will it set you apart from other job applicants, but it also brings you closer to an exciting industry. According to the APA, forensic psychology is a rapidly growing field. This means that many interesting career options are available. Since potential jobs boast a respectable salary, an online PhD or PsyD is a worthy investment. Whether you aspire to make a direct impact on people’s lives, inspire future psychologists, or innovate in the field, a doctorate will propel you forward. You now know about one of the best PhD programs in forensic psychology. So, what are you waiting for? Get started on your journey today!