Build a foundation to apply the science of the mind in the court system, corrections, social services, and private sector. Maryville University’s online Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology program can help you develop the skills and experience to blend psychology and criminal justice and put you on a path to advancement.
Study 100% online with no campus visits required
Benefit from psychology coursework designed to meet American Psychological Association standards
Apply with no SAT or ACT entrance exams required
Graduate with 150 hours of internship experience
Join a school ranked among “America’s Top Colleges” (Forbes)
Why Choose Maryville for Your Forensic Psychology Degree?
Since 1872, Maryville University has built a reputation of academic excellence because of our commitment to our students. We focus on teaching first and foremost, and employ renowned faculty who value experiential learning, especially in the forensic psychology program.
As part of this human services program, you can serve your community — and build valuable professional experience — by completing a 150-hour internship in your area. You can explore a wide range of applications for psychological expertise, like probation and corrections, substance abuse clinics, and government agencies.
You’ll also have the opportunity to team up with a faculty member and your fellow students to take part in a research project while completing your degree. It’s a firsthand look at how the fields of psychology and criminal justice are progressing.
Why Maryville?Maryville meets high standards:
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission — HLC
Ranked among “America’s Top Colleges” — Forbes, 2017
Ranked among the best values in private colleges
— Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, 2018
Career Opportunities with a Forensic Psychology Degree
Because forensic psychology has applications in many areas, the job prospects are broad and varied. Forensic specialists are on the front lines of important cases, working closely with victims and offenders, and conducting valuable research used by law enforcement.
Some common roles and median salaries for the degree include*:
- Community and social service specialist — $43,120
- Probation officer or correctional treatment specialist — $50,160
- Social and community service manager — $64,680
- Social science research assistant — $43,190
*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Earning potential for graduates with a bachelor’s in social sciences is on the rise, with starting salaries increasing 14% from 2015 to 2016.**
**Source: NACE Spring 2017 Salary Survey
Build the Skills to Succeed in Forensic Psychology
Our degree in forensic psychology blends the foundational social sciences such as human development, sociology, and various disciplines of psychology with professional skills such as critical thinking, research methodology, and criminal theory and investigation, and psychological testing.
Students complete a 150-hour internship in their chosen setting, as well as a senior project capstone experience — both of which help prepare you for the world of psychology and criminal justice.
That means you get to explore an area of interest hands-on — whether it’s behavioral research, criminology, psychotherapy, corrections, or rehabilitation — and start learning what it takes to succeed in that role while also building valuable experience for your resume.
Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology/Criminal Justice Curriculum
With applications in so many areas of the legal and criminal justice system, a diverse foundation of forensic and psychological knowledge is paramount. At Maryville University, we offer online psychology programs designed for the forensic scope and beyond. This program can be completed in less than two years for full-time students with eligible transfer credits, and includes a senior research project and 150 hours of practicum experience. With flexible and industry-relevant coursework, our bachelor’s degree in forensic psychology curriculum can help you expand your psychology knowledge and familiarize yourself with policing, law, corrections, and social services.
Maryville’s online forensic psychology degree includes electives and courses in general education, psychology, and criminal justice, in addition to a social science research sequence and internship.
Psychology Core Courses — Strengthen your understanding of human psychology through a series of courses in critical thinking, abnormal psychology, social psychology, testing, forensic psychology, cognition, and more.
Criminal Justice Core Courses — Learn the principles of criminal justice theory and procedure with a series of courses covering topics like social connections, criminal behavior, police psychology, juvenile delinquency, investigations, and multicultural issues.
Social Science Research Sequence — The social science research sequence includes a series of courses designed to help students emerge with an inter-connected understanding of how to craft research, analyze results and present findings.
Internship — Personalize your internship based on your specific area of interest.
Electives — Round out and customize your education with your choice of electives.