10 Best Criminal Psychology Degrees & Programs (2025)

Criminal psychology, also known as forensic psychology, is a field of study that explores the inner workings of the criminal mind. It applies psychological principles to the criminal justice system in order to better understand criminal behavior.

The following is a list of the top ten best criminal psychology degrees and programs available through online learning, offering convenience and flexibility.

Criminal psychology courses are designed to provide students with a thorough foundation of the theories and principles of criminal psychology, as well as practical skills to apply this knowledge in real-world settings.

Best Criminal Psychology Degrees Programs

Criminal psychologists play a crucial role in criminal investigations, providing valuable insights into the legal and judicial systems.

To become a criminal psychologist, individuals usually pursue a bachelor's degree in criminal or forensic psychology or criminal justice. Here are the best criminal psychology degrees and programs to choose from.

1. Louisiana State University

Louisiana State University provides an online Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice with a concentration in criminal psychology.

Core coursework includes subjects such as:

• research methods in criminal justice and criminology
• social psychology
• developmental psychology
• ethical leadership in criminal justice
• abnormal psychology

It delivers a comprehensive understanding of how psychology applies to the criminal justice system. The program requires 120 credit hours at a cost of $325 per credit plus applicable fees.

2. Grand Canyon University

Students can earn a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology at Grand Canyon University with a specialization in forensic psychology through distance education.

The curriculum covers topics including:

• criminal behavior and victimology
• criminal law
• abnormal psychology
• introduction to forensic psychology
• general psychology

This bachelor's degree program offers deep insight into criminal behavior using psychological theories through seven or eight-weeklong courses. It costs $485 per credit, and it requires a total of 120 credits to graduate.

3. Liberty University

Liberty University has an online Bachelor of Science degree in psychology with a criminal psychology concentration that enhances skills in human behavior and development.

This program features course subjects such as:

• psychology of criminal behavior
• social psychology
• behavioral modification
• abnormal psychology
• crisis intervention

Students can transfer up to 75% of the total 120 credits needed to graduate, accelerating the completion time. The hourly cost is $390 for full-time students and $455 for part-time students.

4. Arizona State University

Arizona State University offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology with a concentration in forensic psychology that prepares students for mental health and criminal justice careers.

Classwork covers topics including:

• criminology
• psychological disorders
• correctional psychology
• research methods
• psychology and law

It teaches the psychology of juries and witnesses and theories applying to court systems. This bachelor's program requires 120 credits to graduate, and the tuition is $634 per credit plus fees.

5. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University provides the opportunity to earn an online Bachelor of Arts degree in forensic psychology focusing on criminal psychology.

Course topics in this major include:

• social psychology
• counseling process and techniques
• sociology of crime and violence
• theories of personality

It integrates psychology with criminal investigation and law to prepare students for crime analysts or jury consultant careers. The cost is $330 per credit, allowing up to 90 transfer credits.

6. Florida Institute of Technology

The Florida Institute of Technology offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in applied psychology with a forensic psychology emphasis, where individuals explore how to understand and analyze human behavior.

The curriculum covers topics such as:

• social psychology
• forensic clinical psychology
• integrated theories of crime
• abnormal psychology
• law and psychology

This bachelor's degree program costs $520 per credit hour and requires a total of 121 credits to earn.

7. Maryville University

Maryville University has a bachelor's degree in forensic psychology with specializations in criminal justice, psychology, and social science through flexible online learning.

This program includes course subjects including:

• social psychology
• criminal behavior
• abnormal psychology
• juvenile delinquency
• police psychology

Students gain criminal justice expertise and learn to evaluate witness testimony and conduct behavioral research. It requires 128 total credits to graduate, costing $525 per credit plus technology and other fees.

8. Bay Path University

Bay Path University delivers an online Bachelor of Arts degree in forensic psychology through The American Women's College that puts students in positions for criminal justice or mental health careers.

Coursework in the major covers subjects like:

• psychopathology
• psychology of criminal behavior
• social psychology
• psychology of the female offender
• theories of personality

The cost is $410 per credit and requires 120 credits. It takes about three and a half years to complete.

9. Waldorf University

Students can obtain an online Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice at Waldorf University with a concentration in forensic psychology.

Core requirements include coursework in topics such as:

• abnormal psychology
• developmental psychology
• forensic psychology
• psychology assessment

It equips students with the right tools to analyze criminal behavior from a psychological perspective. A total of 120 credits are needed to graduate at a cost of $325 per credit plus fees.

10. The Chicago School

The Chicago School has an online Bachelor of Arts degree in criminology with a forensic psychology track that provides insight into crime and criminal behavior and ways to prevent victimization.

Courses include topics such as:

• criminal and juvenile law
• criminal profiling
• criminal investigations
• restorative justice and practices
• criminological theories

The tuition is $516 per credit plus applicable fees and requires a total of 120 credit hours to earn this bachelor's degree.

What Does a Criminal Psychologist Do?

Criminal psychology provides valuable insights into the psychological factors contributing to criminal behavior and methods to prevent and treat it.

A criminal psychologist assists in criminal investigations and contributes to the legal and judicial processes. Criminal psychology majors pursue careers in criminal justice, mental health, or law.

Job titles for careers in criminal psychology include:

• juvenile defender counselor
• probation or parole officer
• substance abuse counselor
• crime analyst
• victim advocate
• corrections officer
• jury consultant
• case manager
• police detective
• CIA agent

A criminal psychologist's job and specific duties vary depending on their specialization and the setting in which they work.

Can You Earn an Online Criminal Psychology Degree?

Yes, it is possible for individuals aspiring to become criminal psychologists to take advantage of some of the best criminal psychology degrees and programs offering comprehensive education and training through the convenience of online learning.

Students generally seek a bachelor's degree in criminal or forensic psychology, criminal justice, or a related field to become a criminal psychologist, and several are available from accredited institutions through distance education.

Discover the Best Criminal Psychology Degrees & Programs Today

With the advancement of online learning, pursuing a career in criminal psychology has become more accessible than ever before.

Our list of the best criminal psychology degrees and programs helps individuals find the right one to acquire the necessary skills to advance in their careers and make a meaningful impact in the field of criminal justice.