Low-Cost Bachelor’s in Forensic Psychology

forensic psychology degree

The projected growth rate for psychologists (not exclusively or specifically forensic psychologists) between 2019 and 2029 is 3%, which is as fast as average for all careers. Individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree in forensic psychology can explore careers as forensic science technicians, medicolegal investigators, criminal investigators, and other opportunities in the criminal justice field. 

Earning a bachelor’s degree can increase your earning potential and expand your career opportunities. As professionals advance their education, their median weekly earnings rise. Individuals who possess a bachelor’s degree not only explore a wider range of careers available, they may earn higher wages. Additionally, with each increased degree level, professionals experience lower unemployment rates.

To become a forensic psychologist, professionals must earn a master’s or doctoral degree and obtain a professional license. Licensing laws can vary depending on the state and specific position. Even though a bachelor’s degree does not allow students to become a forensic psychologist, it does provide a good stepping stone and prepares professionals to advance their careers later on.

Methodology

In our search for the best online kinesiology bachelor’s degree programs, we applied the standard rating and ranking methodology detailed here, using tuition to break any ties.


Affordable Bachelor’s in Forensic Psychology

#1 — University of Southern Indiana

Evansville, Indiana

  • Tuition: $274.96 per credit hour for residents; $667.89 per credit hour for nonresidents
  • Delivery Format: Hybrid

USI’s low-cost bachelor’s in forensic psychology is ideal for students who want a blend of traditional and online courses. The program allows learners to participate in real-world experiences to sharpen the skills they develop during their classwork. Students enjoy small class sizes, providing them the opportunity to better access their instructors.

The unique program affords enrollees the chance to participate in up to two internships in a research lab, workplace, or service agency. Degree seekers can customize their curriculum, choosing courses tailored to their career goals and personal interests.

#2 — Eastern Kentucky University

Richmond, Kentucky

  • Tuition: $4,633 per term for residents; $9,669 per term for nonresidents
  • Delivery Format: On-campus or online

Degree-seekers interested in mental health or social services can pursue EKU’s low-cost bachelor’s in forensic psychology. The curriculum explores the history and systems of psychology, substance abuse, and adolescent and adult development. Learners must complete 120 credit hours to earn their degree, including 36 credit hours of general education courses, 33 credit hours of core courses, 31 credit hours of electives, and 12 credit hours of concentration courses.

The flexible program provides enrollees with hands-on learning opportunities, including clinical or research practicums and co-op programs. Students can pursue second major options, minors, and study abroad opportunities.

#3 — University of North Dakota

Grand Forks, North Dakota

  • Tuition: $355.85 per credit for online students regardless of residency; $355.85 per credit for North Dakota residents; $398.55 per credit for Minnesota residents; $533.77 for nonresidents
  • Delivery Format: On-campus or online

Offered both online and on-campus, UND’s bachelor’s degree in psychology makes it easy for students to tailor their degree to their career goals. Learners can earn a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree in psychology. They can further customize their program by pursuing a specialized certificate in forensic psychology or behavioral health.

Bachelor’s students must satisfy 120 credit hours of coursework to earn their degree and an additional nine credits to achieve the forensic psychology certificate. The rigorous curriculum covers practical experiences in psychology, psychology and law, and advanced individual research.

#4 — Castleton University

Castleton, Vermont

  • Tuition: $493 per credit for residents; $1,200 per credit for nonresidents
  • Delivery Format: On-campus

Designed for students interested in pursuing psychology careers in law enforcement, probation and parole, and the judicial process in courts, Castleton’s bachelor’s degree in forensic psychology emphasizes hands-on experience. The advanced curriculum prepares learners to transition into graduate programs should they choose.

Students should graduate with a solid knowledge base in psychology, critical thinking and scientific inquiry skills, the ability to communicate effectively, professional development skills, and a sense of ethical and social responsibility within a diverse world. Courses explore topics such as criminal behavior, police psychology, and juvenile delinquency.

#5 — Faulkner University

Montgomery, Alabama

  • Tuition: $740 per semester hour
  • Delivery Format: On-campus or online

Located in Montgomery, Alabama, Faulkner University offers undergraduate students the chance to earn a low-cost bachelor’s in forensic psychology. Rooted in Christian principles, the psychology program encourages learners to connect the concepts they learn during their coursework to societal and spiritual notions. Enrollees can participate in their courses online or through a traditional daytime format.

Forensic psychology students explore the criminal justice faction of psychology, preparing for careers as victim advocates, law enforcement officers, and correctional officers. The university’s psychology club allows psychology students and faculty to network, expand their knowledge, and participate in seminars and learning experiences.

#6 — Tiffin University

Tiffin, Ohio

  • Tuition: $926 per credit
  • Delivery Format: On-campus

Established in 1888 in Tiffin, Ohio, TU’s campus spans 135 acres. Known for its diverse program offerings, the private university enrolls around 3,000 students each year across undergraduate and graduate levels. Students can explore a variety of unique programs, including a low-cost bachelor’s in forensic psychology.

Created for students who want to explore the connection between psychology and the criminal justice system, the program focuses on advanced concepts, including crisis intervention, victimology, and personality assessment. Learners can participate in the Washington Center experience, earning credits toward graduation for professional experience.

#7 — Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, New Hampshire

  • Tuition: $7,500 per semester
  • Delivery Format: On-campus

Manchester-based SNHU operates as one of the fastest-growing universities in the country with diverse and expanding online opportunities. Founded in 1932, the private university offers a variety of affordable program options including a low-cost bachelor’s in forensic psychology.

The bachelor’s degree prepares students for careers within the criminal justice field ,including crime analytics, investigative research, and psychological assessment. Learners who wish to become forensic psychologists can advance into a master’s program. The rigorous curriculum explores motives and patterns of criminal behavior, eyewitness memory, and criminal profiling.

#8 — St. Ambrose University

Davenport, Iowa

  • Tuition: $16,645 per semester
  • Delivery Format: On-campus

Founded in 1882 as a seminary for young men, SAU became fully coeducational by 1968. The private Roman Catholic university is affiliated with the Diocese of Davenport. Enrollees can explore a variety of program opportunities across undergraduate and graduate levels. Among the diverse programs, students can consider earning their bachelor’s degree in forensic psychology.

Degree-seekers focus on course topics including criminal law and procedure, psychology of criminal behavior, and offender treatment and theories. The program offers unique opportunities such as an honors program, the summer research institute, and independent research practicums.

#9 — Marymount University

Arlington, Virginia

  • Tuition: $17,200 per semester
  • Delivery Format: On-Campus

Operating as a private Catholic University, Arlington, Virginia-based Marymount offers a wide variety of degree opportunities across bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Enrollees enjoy affordable tuition rates across degree levels, including a low-cost bachelor’s in forensic psychology.

A select group of incoming freshmen, current students in good academic standing, and transfer students selected by the Forensic Admissions committee can participate in Marymount’s Forensic Scholars Program, earning a spot in the forensic and legal psychology program. To qualify, learners must meet stringent continuation requirements.

#10 — Bay Path University

Longmeadow, Massachusetts

  • Tuition: $410 per credit
  • Delivery Format: On-campus or online

Bay Path offers unique and innovative programs, including traditional undergraduate programs for women and more than 30 coeducational graduate programs. Bay Path’s American Women’s College became the first college to offer an accredited online bachelor’s degree for exclusively women. Bachelor’s students can explore a variety of program opportunities at the university, including a forensic psychology program.

Offered both on-campus and online, the forensic psychology degree explores what motivated criminal behavior, how families are impacted by incarceration, and the relationship between access to mental health services and crime. Designed for students who want to earn both bachelor’s and master’s degrees, Bay Path’s 3+1 program allows psychology students to earn both degrees in just four years.

#11 — Maryville University

St. Louis, Missouri

  • Tuition: $12,383 per semester
  • Delivery Format: On-campus or online

Established in 1872 as a women’s only college, Maryville began admitting men in 1968. Today, the university boasts a diverse student body with enrollees from all 50 states and nearly 50 different countries. Comprising six colleges, the university offers a variety of programs including an innovative bachelor’s degree in forensic psychology.

The rigorous curriculum allows learners to focus on criminal justice, criminology, and social science research. In addition to their coursework, degree-seekers participate in an internship or practicum. Students can enroll in the program online or on campus. All on-campus undergraduate students receive an iPad with more than 200 apps included, along with access to a life coach who can help them personalize their degree plan.

#12 — Walla Walla University

College Place, Washington

  • Tuition: $819 per quarter hour
  • Delivery Format: On-campus

Located in College Place, Washington, WWU boasts four additional campuses throughout the Pacific Northwest. Founded in 1892, the private Seventh-day Adventist university integrates faith-based learning across all programs. WWU’s School of Education and Psychology offers both graduate options and career-oriented bachelor’s programs, including a bachelor’s degree in forensic psychology.

Designed for students seeking careers in law enforcement, parole, and probation, the forensic psychology program consists of 65 quarter hours of major coursework. Learners focus on topics such as theories of personality, criminology, and juvenile delinquency. Along with the major requirements, students must complete the general studies program and the required cognate courses.

#13 — California Baptist University

Riverside, California

  • Tuition: $34,918 per year
  • Delivery Format: On-campus

Riverside-based CBU is one of the top private Christian universities in southern California. CBU offers a variety of programs across associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Among CBU’s innovative opportunities, degree-seekers can pursue a low-cost bachelor’s in forensic psychology.

Psychology students can pursue a concentration in forensic psychology, allowing them to focus on history and systems of psychology, theories of personality, and psychophysiology. The curriculum includes general and major courses, a capstone component, and an internship in the human services field. Learners interested in expanding their career options can advance into graduate programs after they complete their bachelor’s degree.

#14 — Florida Institute of Technology

Melbourne, Florida

  • Tuition: $1,188 per credit hour
  • Delivery Format: On-campus

Comprising four colleges, Florida Tech offers programs in engineering and science, aeronautics, psychology and liberal arts, and business. Within the psychology and liberal arts college, degree-seekers can explore innovative opportunities, including a bachelor’s degree in forensic psychology.

Boasting small class sizes, the program allows enrollees to collaborate closely with classmates and instructors. Unlike most other forensic psychology programs, Florida Tech offers a specialization in child advocacy. During their senior year, students participate in an internship as part of their scholarly inquiry project. The project includes both field experience and extensive research.

#15 — Seattle University

Seattle, Washington

  • Tuition: $16,170 per quarter
  • Delivery Format: On-campus

Recognized as the largest independent university in the northwestern United States, SU operates as a private Jesuit university. Enrolling more than 7,500 students each year, the institution offers programs across both undergraduate and graduate levels. Learners can consider traditional, online, and accelerated programs across a range of disciplines. Degree-seekers interested in working in the criminology or criminal justice fields can consider a bachelor’s degree in forensic psychology.

The unique curriculum explores criminal justice research methods, forensic science, and criminal law. Students enjoy the chance to customize their degree, choosing five different specialization elective courses.


About Forensic Psychology

Forensic psychology is a specialized field within the discipline of psychology that focuses on the application of psychological principles to the legal and judicial systems. It combines the areas of criminal justice with psychology to judge the competency of a defendant to stand trial.

Forensic psychologists work on both civil and criminal cases and often serve as expert witnesses during court proceedings. Courses within a forensic psychology program typically includes psychological and clinical assessment of individuals and evidence, report writing, interviewing, and communication skills.

Most forensic psychologists are required to hold a license in their state, especially those who work in clinical practice. They typically have a master’s degree in forensic psychology or even a doctoral degree to practice, but an undergraduate program gets them started in the field. Students get the opportunity to start with entry-level jobs and gain hands-on experience while they prepare for advanced study. Bachelor’s programs in forensic psychology to prepare students for a range of careers spanning areas like corrections, counseling, law enforcement, and social work.

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