Key takeaways
- Not many US colleges and universities offer stand-alone forensic psychology doctoral programs online.
- You can pursue an online doctorate in clinical psychology with a specialization in forensic psychology instead of an online doctorate in forensic psychology.
- Those who want to become eligible for clinical practice can explore online doctoral programs offered by Fairleigh Dickinson University and Florida Tech University.
- Walden University offers a standalone online doctoral program in forensic psychology preparing students for a wide range of careers in the field, except clinical practice.
- Alliant International University offers a PhD in Philosophy, Psychology, Public Policy, and Law with the option to pursue forensic science as a concentration track.
- Those interested in pursuing research in forensic science should consider Alliant International University’s program.
Forensic psychology is a broad field encompassing areas including criminal psychology, criminology, victimology, and more. The field bridges the gap between the legal system and psychology, introducing psychological theories and principles, applying them to legal investigations to not only ensure a fair trial, but also enabling the creation of better prevention strategies.
Whether you are already working in the field or aspire to become a forensic psychologist, you need a doctorate in forensic psychology to access the full range of job opportunities in the field and may even become eligible for clinical practice. Here, you will find a list of some of the best forensic psychology doctoral programs online.
Related: What do forensic psychologists do?
List of the top US universities offering a PhD in forensic psychology online
A simple Google search for the best forensic psychology doctoral programs in the US will turn up quite a few results. However, on a closer inspection, you will find that not many actually offer a doctoral program in the field, and even fewer offer an online doctoral program in forensic psychology.
Even though a stand-alone degree is hard to come by, there are alternative options you can pursue. One such straightforward route is to opt for a clinical psychology doctorate with a forensic psychology specialization. But before you pursue a doctoral program, you need to have completed a bachelor’s first and then a master’s degree only after which can you pursue a doctoral program.
Related: What are the best forensic psychology programs in the USA?
Here are a few universities where you can get the credentials you need to become an expert in the field of forensic psychology.
Fairleigh Dickinson University
The Fairleigh Dickinson University offers a PhD in Clinical Psychology with a Forensic Psychology specialization track. However, to qualify for the Forensic Psychology track, candidates must meet a few requirements. They must have or must be willing to take two additional courses, namely Forensic Assessment and Prediction, and Evaluating Criminal Responsibility and Competency.
Moreover, you must also have completed at least one of the required clinical practicums after the first year of the program. Failure to meet the above requirements will automatically disqualify you for the Forensic Track. Additionally, keep in mind that if you need to take the two courses mentioned above, your tuition will be higher than that mentioned below.
That being said, Fairleigh Dickinson’s doctoral program is one of the best options available for aspiring forensic psychology experts looking for an online program. The university offers several research opportunities in forensic psychology, enabling a fulfilling learning experience.
Moreover, it is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and is licensed by the State of New Jersey. Additionally, its Clinical Psychology curriculum is designed in line with the requirements of the American Psychological Association.
| Location | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| Teaneck, New Jersey | 84.1% | 47.2% | $48,836 (annual) |
Florida Tech University
Florida Tech is another renowned university offering an online doctoral forensic psychology program. Here, too, you can pursue a forensic psychology track in its Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology. The program specifically provides forensic psychology training to aspiring professionals through a blend of coursework and practicum. Through the program, you receive the training you need to apply clinical psychology to the legal field.
Here, you will learn how to evaluate competency to stand trial, serve as an expert witness, provide suggestions for sex offender treatment and research, and more. The program will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue a variety of forensic psychology careers.
Moreover, you benefit from the availability of forensic psychology experience that Florida Tech provides in its Psy.D. Clinical Psychology program. The Forensic Psychology Students in Training is available to all Clinical Psychology students, provided they have an interest in pursuing a career in the field. Additionally, students can participate in a variety of ongoing research projects in the forensic science field.
So, if you are searching for a doctorate in forensic psychology online offering a holistic learning experience, this is the program for you.
| Location | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| Melbourne, Florida | 64.4% | 60% | $31,330 (annual) |
Alliant International University
The Alliant International University offers a Doctor of Philosophy, Psychology, Public Policy, and Law is designed for individuals aiming to work in the public health and safety sector. Through the program, you will take a deep dive into the psychology of violence and all factors that affect it. Moreover, you will explore the effect of violence on areas such as criminal justice.
Alliant International University offers five specialization areas in its Doctorate of Philosophy, Psychology, Public Policy, and Law program, namely Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies, Criminal Behavior, Forensic Victimology, Professional Protection and Security Management, and Trial Consulting. To secure admission in the doctoral program, you have to express interest in one of the concentration tracks.
Regardless of your chosen concentration, you will develop extensive psycho-legal knowledge, learn forensic practice, and be able to apply research to the field of forensic psychology. Additionally, you need to undertake research in a relevant field and present your research as part of your dissertation to complete your degree. This program is ideal for those looking for a research-centered PhD in forensic psychology online.
| Location | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| San Diego, California | 67% | 68.2% | $839/credit hr
$50,340 (total) |
Walden University
Walden University is one of the few universities offering standalone forensic psychology doctoral programs online. Here, you can undertake an online PhD in Forensic Psychology to advance the understanding of criminal behavior. What sets this program apart is that you can directly access a customized path tailored to meet the needs of aspiring forensic psychology professionals.
Moreover, even if you do not have a master’s degree in forensic psychology specifically, you can still opt for a PhD in Forensic Psychology online from Walden University. The university offers a secondary path for students with a master’s degree in another discipline. Here, you will undertake courses in social psychology, victimology, stress and coping, law enforcement psychology, disaster response and recovery, and more.
Walden University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, which is a testament to the quality of education it offers. Moreover, it is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council of Higher Education Accreditation.
It is important to note that through the online forensic psychology doctorate program by Walden University, you do not obtain the license to become a psychology professional. While you may not be able to pursue clinical practice in psychology, you will still be an expert in forensic psychology, able to pursue research-based careers in the field, and provide expert opinion in the field.
| Location | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| Minneapolis, Minnesota | 100% | 31.6% | $7,470 per term |
Related: What is the purpose of forensic psychology?
Reasons to get a doctorate in forensic psychology online
Distance learning, even though quite popular, is still a relatively new and growing field. Even though you can pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a variety of fields, there are only a few options available at the doctoral level. In fact, you can only pursue a doctoral degree in a field that does not require any laboratory work.
However, when it comes to fields such as philosophy and psychology, obtaining a doctorate in forensic psychology online can actually prove to be a great option. Here are some reasons why you should consider an online PhD in forensic psychology.
Related: How to get a philosophy degree?
Complete your program faster
An online program does not limit you to a campus schedule and leaves you free to complete your courses at a pace you are comfortable with. In case of a PhD in forensic psychology, an on-campus program can take up to 8 years. But an online student can complete the coursework in around half the time and take the time needed to complete their research.
The option to take as many classes as you feel comfortable with can enable you to earn the program faster. The faster you earn your degree, the faster you can enter the job market and obtain the promotion you desire.
Related: Exploring forensic science and criminology jobs in the USA
Earn your degree at a cheaper rate than on-campus programs
Not having to commute can save a significant amount of money and is one of the biggest advantages of pursuing an online forensic psychology doctoral program. Moreover, international students or those situated out-of-state do not have to arrange for accommodation or account for additional costs such as utilities, traveling to and from their home state, and so on. Some colleges and universities charge a small technical support assistance fee, but overall, online doctoral programs are more affordable.
Easier to balance professional life and education
Whether you have a full-time job, a part-time job, or any other commitments, your PhD will not hinder them at all. You can pursue your education and your career side by side without compromising on either. The distance learning system allows you to gain professional work experience even before finishing your formal education, meaning you enter the job market with higher work experience, making you eligible for a wider range of job opportunities.
Get your doctorate online with ease and flexibility!
A PhD is the highest qualification level one can achieve unless you want to get a double PhD. Naturally, there are several considerations when getting such an advanced degree, especially when an online PhD in Forensic Psychology is under discussion. The distance learning industry has grown substantially and evolved quite a bit. The onslaught of the pandemic further pushed its utilization in mainstream academia and led to innovation that has resulted in the ‘online learning’ that we know today.
Thus, if you are considering forensic psychology doctoral programs online, do so stress-free. Online PhD programs offer several benefits over traditional programs and offer high-quality education. Some considerations to make when choosing a PhD forensic psychology online are to choose accredited programs and ensure the program curriculum meets your career aspirations. That being said, you can always refer to our list of the best forensic psychology doctoral programs online.
Best of luck in your future endeavors!