Fastest Accelerated Online Master’s in Forensic Psychology

Fastest Accelerated Online Master’s in Forensic Psychology
By Chloe Dembski
Reviewed By Dr. James Barham
Published:

Featured Programs

Top 9 Fastest Online Master’s in Forensic Psychology Programs

  1. Arizona State University
    • Program Duration: 12 mos.
    • Credits Required: 33
  2. National University
    • Program Duration: 16 mos.
    • Credits Required: 30
  3. Liberty University
    • Program Duration: under 2 yrs
    • Credits Required: 36
  4. Southern New Hampshire University
    • Program Duration: 15 mos.
    • Credits Required: 36
  5. University of North Dakota
    • Program Duration: 2 yrs.
    • Credits Required: 30
  6. Saint Leo University
    • Program Duration: 2 yrs.
    • Credits Required: 36
  7. Stevenson University
    • Program Duration: 18 mos.
    • Credits Required: 36
  8. Concordia University
    • Program Duration: 2 yrs.
    • Credits Required: 36
  9. Nova Southeastern University
    • Program Duration: 2 yrs.
    • Credits Required: 36

Key Takeaways

  • Accelerated online master’s programs in forensic psychology can be completed in as little as 12 months.
  • A master’s degree in forensic psychology can be completed online, on-campus, or a hybrid of the two.
  • Despite a more relaxed course load, some part-time programs can still be finished in less than two years, offering a solid option for those seeking a fast master’s degree in forensic psychology.

The absence of the desired learning model or long program durations can be a dealbreaker for many prospective forensic psychology students. It felt like a long shot, but we did some research, and curated a list of fastest accelerated online master’s in forensic psychology programs - from accredited schools! Check them out now!

Fastest Accelerated Online Master’s in Forensic Psychology

Due to their busy lives and schedules, working professionals looking to continue their education often seek out the fastest accelerated online master’s in forensic psychology. This type of program gives them two main benefits: A flexible schedule and a faster completion time.

Another benefit of these programs is that they offer students a range of specialization options. With a myriad of online forensic master’s degrees out there, we have rounded up the top programs for you to consider:

Stack of books placed on the table
  1. #1

    Arizona State University

    Tempe , AZ
    #2 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2024 #2 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2024 #12 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #22 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    90%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    85K

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at Arizona State University

    Cost of Degree: $12,914
    Expenses: $19,509
    Starting Salary: $52,746
    Salary after 4 years: $62,832
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    • Financial aid: Yes
    • Graduation rate: 54%
    • Acceptance rate: 90%
    • Accreditation: Yes (Higher Learning Commission)

    Overview of Arizona State University

    • Tuition fee: Tuition estimator 
    • Program duration: 12 months, 18 months, and 24 months
    • Credit hours of the program: 33

    What Do We Love About Arizona State University?

    Arizona State University is a public institution that consistently ranks as one of the top institutes for online education in the US.

    With a deep commitment to grooming students for professional careers, the university offers an online master’s in forensic psychology that gears you up for careers in mental health and criminal justice. Primarily, the course focuses on legal psychology, mental health issues, and research methods specific to forensics.

    • Arizona State University is great for students who: Plan to pursue a doctoral degree in forensic psychology since their thorough program also prepares students for a more advanced level degree in the field.
    • Arizona State University might not be the best fit for those who: Thrive in a less competitive environment, since securing a spot at ASU is only possible if you hold a bachelor’s degree and maintain a 3.0 GPA in your last 60 credits.
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  2. #2

    National University

    San Diego , CA
    #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in California 2025 #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Strategic Communications Degree Programs #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in California 2024 #3 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Cybersecurity
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Graduation

    22%

    Student body

    29K

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at National University

    Cost of Degree: $15,912
    Starting Salary: $43,023
    Salary after 4 years: $52,471
    • Financial aid: Yes
    • Graduation rate: 11%
    • Acceptance rate: 55%  
    • Accreditation: Yes (WSCUC)

    Overview of National University

    • Tuition fee: $442 (cost per unit)  
    • Program duration: 16 months
    • Credit hours of the program: 30

    What Do We Love About National University?

    Founded in 1971, the National University is an excellent choice for students seeking an accelerated master’s program in forensic psychology. With weekly start dates and 30-credit-hour options, it’s designed to accommodate students who stick to traditional schedules.

    At its core, the program specializes in two key areas: General Forensic Psychology and Threat Assessment Management. Both areas cover diverse topics such as psychological theories, ethical behavior evaluation, and forensic setting diversity issues.

    • National University is great for students who: Prefer flexibility with start dates since the National University allows students to start this degree at their convenience.  
    • National University might not be the best fit for those who: Prefer a slow pace since many students may find National University’s curriculum structure less suitable for their learning style.
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  3. #3

    Liberty University

    Lynchburg , VA
    #4 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2024 #6 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2024 #8 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2024 #13 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $23K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    131K

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at Liberty University

    Cost of Degree: $8,405
    Expenses: $19,987
    Starting Salary: $30,189
    Salary after 4 years: $36,818
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    • Financial aid: Yes
    • Graduation rate: 53%
    • Acceptance rate: 99%  
    • Accreditation: Yes (SACSCOC)

    Overview of Liberty University

    • Tuition fee: $565 (full-time per hour rate)
    • Program duration: Under 2 years
    • Credit hours of the program: 36

    What Do We Love About Liberty University?

    As the top Christian University in the US, Liberty University is ideal for students seeking faith-based education. LU’s master of science in criminal justice with a forensic psychology concentration tops the list for many students.

    The program is designed to help students develop leadership skills and address key legal issues. The coursework covers forensic psychology, crisis intervention, offender rehabilitation, and other critical subjects.

    • Liberty University is great for students who: Prefer easy admissions, since the acceptance rate of 99% indicates that getting in at LU doesn’t have to be a hassle, making it a great option for working professionals.
    • Liberty University might not be the best fit for those who: Prefer a more inclusive learning environment. This is because Liberty University is known for its conservative, fundamentalist Christian orientation.
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    4. Therapist looking at her patient while she talks during a session
  5. #4

    Southern New Hampshire University

    Manchester , NH
    #5 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2024 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Hampshire 2025 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in New Hampshire 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in New Hampshire 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    41%

    Student body

    224K

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at Southern New Hampshire University

    Cost of Degree: $19,470
    Expenses: $21,900
    Starting Salary: $36,606
    Salary after 4 years: $44,644
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    • Financial aid: Yes
    • Graduation rate: 31%
    • Acceptance rate: 89%  
    • Accreditation: Yes (NECHE)

    Overview of Southern New Hampshire University

    • Tuition fee: $637 per credit
    • Program duration: 15 months
    • Credit hours of the program: 36

    What Do We Love About Southern New Hampshire University?

    Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University has evolved into one of the nation’s fastest-growing yet most dynamic private, nonprofit universities. The university offers an outstanding accelerated online master’s in forensic psychology with ten-week terms, achievable in just 15 months.

    Focused on the criminal justice aspects of forensic psychology, the program employs an online learning management system to facilitate the degree.

    • Southern New Hampshire University is great for students who: Want a flexible master’s in forensic psychology since SNHU lets you transfer up to 12 graduate credits.
    • Southern New Hampshire University might not be the best fit for those who: Want an easy-going academic environment. The coursework at SNHU is very intensive and requires a deep commitment to finish the program.
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  6. #5

    University of North Dakota

    Grand Forks , ND
    #1 Best Schools for Becoming an Air Traffic Controller in 2024 #5 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2024 #1 Best Grad Schools North Dakota 2025 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    17K

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at University of North Dakota

    Cost of Degree: $13,677
    Expenses: $14,416
    Starting Salary: $54,931
    Salary after 4 years: $65,435
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    • Financial aid: Yes
    • Graduation rate: 42%
    • Acceptance rate: 83%  
    • Accreditation: Yes (HLC)

    Overview of the University of North Dakota

    • Tuition fee: $588.65 per credit
    • Program duration: 2 years
    • Credit hours of the program: 30

    What Do We Love About the University of North Dakota?

    The University of North Dakota offers a fully online master’s in forensic psychology designed to help working professionals advance their careers. This two-year part-time program consists of asynchronous coursework that develops the skills required to excel in the field.

    This 30-hour-credit program also offers the flexibility to choose between full-time and part-time schedules, both of which can be completed within two years.

    • The University of North Dakota is great for students who: Are inclined towards a more practical academic approach. At the University of North Dakota, you learn trial preparation and jury selection and join hands with agencies to tackle forensic issues.
    • The University of North Dakota might not be the best fit for those who: Are less competitive since admission at North Dakota requires a forensics psychology bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
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  7. #6

    Saint Leo University

    Saint Leo , FL
    #18 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #5 Best Christian Colleges in Florida 2024 #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Florida 2025 #4 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Computer Science
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $27K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    15K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1085/23

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at Saint Leo University

    Cost of Degree: $18,436
    Expenses: $19,552
    Starting Salary: $36,825
    Salary after 4 years: $44,911
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    • Financial aid: Yes
    • Graduation rate: 39%
    • Acceptance rate: 80%  
    • Accreditation: Yes (SACSCOC)

    Overview of Saint Leo University

    • Tuition fee: $760 per credit hour
    • Program duration: 2 years
    • Credit hours of the program: 36

    What Do We Love About Saint Leo University?

    Saint Leo University offers an online master’s in criminal justice with a focus on forensic science, which can be completed in about two years. Mainly designed for criminal justice aspirants, the curriculum focuses on topics like crime scene investigation and management, ethical and legal considerations in criminal justice administration, and public policy-making.

    • Saint Leo University is great for students who: Prefer character building in addition to learning as SLU offers a value-based community that positively impacts the student experience over there.  
    • Saint Leo University might not be the best fit for those who: Prefer niche academic programs since SLU’s programs are generally less extensive than larger institutions.
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    8. Three students all looking at the same laptop monitor
  9. #7

    Stevenson University

    Owings Mills , MD
    #8 Best Private Colleges in Maryland 2024 #1 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity in Maryland #4 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs #5 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at Stevenson University

    Cost of Degree: $8,340
    Expenses: $19,780
    Starting Salary: $39,814
    Salary after 4 years: $48,558
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    • Financial aid: Yes
    • Graduation rate: 58%
    • Acceptance rate: 84%  
    • Accreditation: Yes (American Bar Association)  

    Overview of the Stevenson University

    • Tuition fee: $705.00 per credit
    • Program duration: 18 months
    • Credit hours of the program: 36

    What Do We Love About Stevenson University?

    Stevenson University’s accelerated online master’s in forensic psychology is also designed for professionals in the field to complete within two years or less. The classes are delivered both asynchronously or synchronously in 16-week sessions.

    The program typically covers topics like forensic journal research, foundations of justice, and other criminal justice subjects.

    • Stevenson University is great for students who: Want a more comprehensive curriculum. At SU, the curriculum comprises 36 credit hours of coursework, a mock trial capstone, and even a written and oral exit exam.
    • Stevenson University might not be the best fit for those who: Want breaks during the degree, since to complete the degree within two years at SU, you need to take three courses per term, including summer sessions.  
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  10. #8

    Concordia University

    #22 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
    • Financial aid: Yes
    • Graduation rate: 54%
    • Acceptance rate: 69%  
    • Accreditation: Yes (HLC)

    Overview of the Concordia University

    • Tuition fee: $475 per credit hour
    • Program duration: 2 years
    • Credit hours of the program: 36

    What Do We Love About Concordia University?

    Concordia University’s two-year forensic behavioral health master’s program offers a career-focused curriculum, digging into forensic disciplines and criminal justice matters. This forensic degree can be completed entirely online, featuring flexible coursework taught by experienced faculty from the industry.

    In this program, you’ll learn to select, assess, and employ data obtained from risk assessment tools within human services.

    • Concordia University is great for students who: Approved by the American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Studies (AIAFS), this program is perfect for those seeking quality and credibility.
    • Concordia University might not be the best fit for those who: Prefer a more extensive forensic program since Concordia University has relatively fewer psychology specialization options.
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  11. #9

    Nova Southeastern University

    Fort Lauderdale , FL
    #3 Best Private Colleges in Florida 2024 #10 Best Grad Schools in Florida 2024 #10 Best Research Universities in Florida 2024 #1 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    24K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1175/23

    Career Outlook for Psychology degree at Nova Southeastern University

    Cost of Degree: $23,911
    Expenses: $20,570
    Starting Salary: $40,543
    Salary after 4 years: $49,447
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    • Financial aid: Yes
    • Graduation rate: 56%
    • Acceptance rate: 76%  
    • Accreditation: Yes (SACSCOC)

    Overview of the Nova Southeastern University  

    • Tuition fee: $16,110.00
    • Program duration: 2 years
    • Credit hours of the program: 36

    What Do We Love About Nova Southeastern University?

    Nova Southeastern University offers an affordable accelerated online master’s in forensic psychology, fit for those who wish to advance their careers.

    Plus, it offers two tracks: Forensic Psychology in the Legal System and Forensic Psychology for Mental Health Workers, First Responders, and Disaster Teams. These courses are available online via the university’s virtual platform. If you’re an aspiring forensic psychologist, a master’s degree from NSU is something you should seriously consider.

    • Nova Southeastern University is great for students who: Are working alongside the degree. Designed with working professionals in mind, the degree can be completed in two years with a full-time course load.
    • Nova Southeastern University might not be the best fit for those who: Prefer a more cost-effective degree since tuition at NSU might be relatively higher for some.  
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Benefits of Earning an Online Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology

The next big question is: Is a master’s in forensic psychology worth the investment? The shorter and simpler answer is yes. The degree provides you the flexibility you need to develop the research and critical thinking skills you need to excel in the field. Here’s a rundown of benefits that make the psychology degree a choice worth considering:

  • An online master’s in forensic psychology opens doors to multiple jobs within the criminal justice system and various social service agencies.
  • The master’s program prepares you for advanced-level degrees, including forensic psychology PhD, PsyD, or JD.
  • You can learn wherever you want while continuing to work full-time as a professional in the field.

Top Careers to Pursue With a Master’s in Forensic Psychology

According to Zippia, the job market for Forensic Psychologists is expected to grow 6% from 2018 to 2028. This makes it pretty evident that with a master’s degree in the field, the future is promising. Here’s a list of the careers you can pursue with a master’s in forensic psychology:

Mental Health Counselor

  • Median annual salary: $75,386 per year
  • Growth: Projected to grow 10.6% between 2022 and 2032

Forensic Social Worker

  • Median annual salary: $78,890 a year
  • Growth: Projected to grow by 3% between 2021 and 2031

Probation Officer

  • Median annual salary: $62,965 a year
  • Growth: Projected to grow 3% from 2022 to 2032

Jury Consultant

Forensic Science Technician

  • Median annual salary: $64,333 per year
  • Growth: Projected to grow 13% from 2022 to 2032

Law Enforcement or Police Consultant

  • Median annual salary: $86,450 per year
  • Growth: Projected to grow 3% from 2022 to 2032

Victim Advocate

  • Median annual salary: $70,593 per year
  • Growth: Projected to grow 12% from 2018 to 2028

Research Assistant

  • Median annual salary: $55,199 per year
  • Growth: Projected to grow 19% from 2018 to 2028
Police tape covering a crime scene

Related Questions

What can I do with a master’s in forensic science?

After a master’s in forensic science, you can pursue careers as forensic scientists and criminal investigators. A master’s degree in forensic science also helps you tap into law enforcement or other traditional sciences.

How much money can I make with a master’s in forensic science?

The earning potential for graduates with a master’s in forensic science depends on several factors, including their location, employer, qualifications, and experience. Nonetheless, Zippia reports the average salaries of forensic scientists lie between $45,000 and $112,000 each year.

What courses will I take in an online master’s in forensic psychology program?

Typically, a master’s in forensic psychology covers psychology, forensics, legal studies, and statistics. Some main courses required during your degree include Advanced Social Psychology, Criminal Behavior, Eyewitness Testimony and Memory, Forensic Assessment, and Mental Health Challenges in Policing.

Conclusion

With this comprehensive list of different fast-tracked online master’s in forensic psychology, you can pick the one that aligns with your interests. Don’t forget to focus on different tracks offered by these institutes as they directly impact career choices moving forward.  

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