Online Bachelor of Science in Psychology – Forensic Psychology

Explore the intersection of law and mental health with an online forensic psychology degree. In the Bachelor of Science in psychology with a concentration in forensic psychology, you’ll gain a strong foundation in psychological concepts as well as statistical reasoning and research. Graduates may work in related areas or pursue additional studies.

Learn more

Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 05/16/2023


Total classes:

Total classes: 39

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 120

Degree questions, answered.

Have questions about the Psychology – Forensic Psychology (BS)? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!

This is a required field.
This is a required field.
Email is required and should be valid.
Invalid phone number.

What is forensic psychology?

Forensic psychology explores the relationship between psychology and the law. That includes corrections, courts, criminal behavior, diagnosis, treatment and much more. As a forensic psychologist, you may help determine the mental state of criminal defendants. You could also work in other parts of the justice system, including law enforcement or corrections. If you have a career in these fields, or in investigations or mental health, you can build valuable and directly relevant knowledge through this online forensic psychology degree concentration.

How can I become a forensic psychologist?

 

Working as a forensic psychologist requires advanced training and education. With an undergraduate degree, you can work in a wide variety of related settings where psychology and the legal system intersect. To become a practicing forensic psychologist, you’ll need to complete a doctoral degree. An online forensic psychology degree can provide you with important background knowledge and is necessary for earning a doctoral degree in the field.

What is the difference between a BA and a BS in psychology?

 

The BS in psychology with a concentration in forensic psychology emphasizes biological and neuroscientific understanding. The BA program focuses less on math and science, instead offering more electives that students can use to customize their education.

The BS degree with a concentration in forensic psychology may be preferable if you want to apply to graduate programs. However, either online forensic psychology major will be applicable. The BS curriculum 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 to complete the BS.

Will my BS in psychology with a concentration in forensic psychology 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.

Your concentration in forensic psychology will appear on both your diploma and transcripts.

Forensic psychology college courses

The coursework in this psychology degree and forensic science concentration is similar to other bachelor’s degrees in forensic psychology. You’ll study a variety of topics, including abnormal behavior, criminology and psychological perspectives on the court system. The degree also entails study in research and statistics, lab work and neuroscience. You can choose electives that focus on specialized topics in forensic psychology and align with your personal or professional interests. Courses in this forensic psychology major include:


PSY 230: Introduction to Statistics (CS)


PSY 290: Research Methods (L or SG)


PSY 366: Psychological Disorders (SB)


PSY 368: Forensic Psychology


PSY 468: Psychology and Law


PSY 474: Correctional Psychology


PSY 330: Statistical Methods (CS)


What can you do with a forensic psychology degree?

A bachelor’s degree with a concentration in forensic psychology can support your career growth in several fields. This includes work as a police officer, behavioral health technician or corrections professional. An advanced degree is required for many specialized positions. Here are several career paths you might consider, some of which may demand further study:

Behavioral Health Specialist


Growth: 5.1 %
Salary: $64,210

Counselor (General)


Growth: 13.0 %
Salary: $45,760

Detective Sergeant


Growth: 1.1 %
Salary: $86,940

Lawyer


Growth: 4.0 %
Salary: $126,930

Licensed Clinical Psychologist


Growth: %
Salary:

Mental Health Counselor


Growth: %
Salary:

Neuropsychologist


Growth: 2.3 %
Salary: $105,780

Psychiatrist


Growth: 11.9 %
Salary: #

Social Worker


Growth: 11.7 %
Salary: $48,430

The same world-class faculty, online or in person

As an ASU Online student, you’ll get the New College experience from the same faculty who teach our courses on campus from anywhere in the world. Our faculty members are some of the brightest, most innovative academic minds in the world. Our 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 using the skills they have learned to pursue careers that benefit their community.

The same world-class faculty, online or in person

As an ASU Online student, you’ll get the New College experience from the same faculty who teach our courses on campus from anywhere in the world. Our faculty members are some of the brightest, most innovative academic minds in the world. Our 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 using the skills they have learned to pursue careers that benefit their community.

Admission requirements for the forensic psychology major

I am a future

You are considered a first-year student for application purposes if you have not attended college at all, or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours (with a minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA).

1. Review competency requirements

2. Review other admission requirements

3. Complete online application

4. File your FAFSA

5. Request ACT or SAT scores

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain admission to 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 the Earned Admission Pathway is right for you.

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain admission to 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 the Earned Admission Pathway is right for you.

A bachelor’s degree in psychology from a leading research university

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 8 consecutive years, ahead of Stanford and MIT.

Top 10


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.

You might also be interested in

Psychology – Forensic Psychology (BA)

Undergraduate

Psychology – Forensic Psychology (BA)


Psychology (BS)

Undergraduate

Psychology (BS)


Psychology (BA)

Undergraduate

Psychology (BA)


Criminology and Criminal Justice (BS)

Undergraduate

Criminology and Criminal Justice (BS)