Online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – Forensic Psychology

This online Bachelor of Arts in psychology with a concentration in forensic psychology — one of the only undergraduate degrees on this topic in the nation — combines general training in psychology with specialized coursework in criminal law, criminal behavior and the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders and legal decision-making. You’ll be prepared for careers in mental health and criminal justice or further education in the field.

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Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 05/16/2024


Total classes:

Total classes: 39

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 120

Degree questions, answered.

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What you’ll learn in this forensic psychology bachelor’s degree concentration

Much of this program is similar to a typical BA in psychology curriculum. You’ll take introductory courses, courses in statistics and research methods and courses that cover a variety of areas of psychology.

Additionally, you’ll take a special series of courses covering topics such as abnormal behavior, forensic assessment, psychology in correctional settings, criminology, criminal law and the psychology of juries and witnesses. Plus, ​​several elective courses are available that address topics such as sex crimes and juvenile justice.

This curriculum will lead to you acquiring a better understanding of the mental state of offenders, as well as psychological topics related to the court system. Additionally, you’ll gain general research and data analysis skills that are sought after by many industries.

What can I do with a bachelor’s in forensic psychology?

 

This program provides you with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue roles such as a behavioral health specialist or social worker. It can also be the first step on your path to graduate and doctoral education, which is needed to pursue advanced roles in the field. For example, you’ll need to complete a graduate degree to work as a forensic psychologist.

BA vs. BS in forensic psychology: The differences between the two

 

ASU Online offers both a BA and BS in psychology with a concentration in forensic psychology.

This BA program focuses on concepts related to human behavior and the justice system. It focuses less on math and science and instead offers more electives and course selection you can use to customize your undergraduate studies.

The Bachelor of Science in forensic psychology provides more of a foundation in math and science and emphasizes biological and neuroscientific understanding. The BS is intended to support advanced study through the exploration of topics and concepts in psychology, clinical applications and public policy. As such, you’ll need to take additional lab courses and advanced statistical training. There are also more math and science requirements. Both degrees can be useful for applying to graduate programs, but the BS may be preferable for this.

Will my diploma say ‘online’?

No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.” That’s because ASU Online students learn from the same faculty and receive the same course content as in-person students receive.

Forensic psychology classes

Foundational courses in this forensic psychology bachelor’s degree concentration cover core concepts, including research, psychology, statistics and the law. In addition, you can pursue a wide range of electives based on your interests, including juvenile justice or specific categories of criminal behavior. Courses may include:


PSY 230: Introduction to Statistics (QTRS OR CS)


PSY 366: Psychological Disorders (SOBE OR SB)


PSY 368: Forensic Psychology


PSY 468: Psychology and Law


PSY 474: Correctional Psychology


CRJ 309: Criminology (SOBE OR SB)


PSY 290: Research Methods (SCIT OR L or SG)


Jobs you could get with a forensic psychology BA

Professional paths you can pursue with a forensic psychology bachelor’s degree concentration include administrative and corrections roles or positions as a technician. Other careers in the field may require further education. Career examples include, but aren’t limited to:

Behavioral Health Specialist


Growth: 6.6 %
Salary: $61,420

Detective Sergeant


Growth: 1.5 %
Salary: $86,280

Lawyer


Growth: 7.5 %
Salary: $135,740

Licensed Clinical Psychologist


Growth: 11.4 %
Salary: $90,130

Mental Health Counselor


Growth: 18.4 %
Salary: $49,710

Probation Officer


Growth: 2.5 %
Salary: $59,860

Psychiatrist


Growth: 6.7 %
Salary: $226,880

Social Worker


Growth: 5.3 %
Salary: $50,820

Substance Abuse Social Worker


Growth: 10.6 %
Salary: $51,240

Dedicated faculty who inspire excellence

As an ASU Online student, you’ll get the New College experience anywhere around the globe from the same faculty who teach our courses on campus. Our faculty members are some of the brightest, most innovative academic minds in the world. Their areas of expertise include psychology, anthropology, geography, political science, cybersecurity, forensic science and more. Our mission is to create an environment that prepares students to take their place in the world and pursue careers that benefit their community.

Dedicated faculty who inspire excellence

As an ASU Online student, you’ll get the New College experience anywhere around the globe from the same faculty who teach our courses on campus. Our faculty members are some of the brightest, most innovative academic minds in the world. Their areas of expertise include psychology, anthropology, geography, political science, cybersecurity, forensic science and more. Our mission is to create an environment that prepares students to take their place in the world and pursue careers that benefit their community.

How to apply

I am a future

You’re considered a first-year student for application purposes if you’ve never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours.

Learn how to apply.

Competency requirements

Additional admission requirements

High school equivalency

Homeschool

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.

To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.

*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.

To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.

*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.

Study at one of the top-ranked universities in the nation

ASU is a global university recognized for its commitment to innovation, research and high-quality academic programs. Our university has been recognized with peer-reviewed honors from U.S. News & World Report.

#1


in innovation for 9 consecutive years, ahead of Stanford and MIT.

Top 5


best online bachelor’s programs.

 

Top 10%


best global universities.

80%


of graduates reported that their experiences at ASU inspired them to explore new career opportunities. 

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

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