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Online PhD in Forensic Psychology

Gain deeper insight into the intersection of crime, psychology, and the legal system.

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Online PhD in Forensic Psychology

Ready to Get Started?

Fill out the form and we will contact you to provide information about furthering your education.

Please use our International Form if you live outside of the U.S.

  • Current Step 1: About You
  • Step 2: Contact Information
""
CUSTOMIZED PATH

Where do you want your Walden PhD in Forensic Psychology degree to take you? Expand your professional expertise and tailor your coursework to fit your goals with our General Program or the Self-Designed specialization.

RELEVANT LEARNING

Strengthen your knowledge, skills, and professional practice in one of four academic residencies, held virtually or in person.

TWO DEGREE TRACKS

Whether you have a master's in forensic psychology or in a different discipline, Walden offers a degree pathway for you.

DOCTORAL DEGREE COACH®

Map and track milestones, meet weekly targets, connect with faculty, and find support with this personalized digital resource.

Program Details

Take a Closer Look

Learn more about Walden’s online PhD in Forensic Psychology program, from our admissions requirements to our immersive curriculum.

 

DOCTORAL EXPERIENCE

How will I learn?

Standard Option - Track I

CurriculumRequirementsCostTotal *
Tuition-Coursework60 quarter credits $620 per quarter hour for coursework credits$37,200^
Tuition-Doctoral Study/Project 20–125 quarter credits$620 per quarter hour for dissertation credits$12,400–$77,500*
Program Fee $175 per quarter$1,925–$5,600*
Residency FeeFour Residencies$1,420 each (virtual)
$1,520 each (in-person: travel, lodging and other expenses are additional)
$5,680–$6,080
Estimated Range:  3-Year8-Year
   $57,205$126,380*+
   (assuming completion in a 3-year timeframe)(assuming completion in an 8-year timeframe)

These are ranges of what a student can expect in terms of time and tuition cost to complete a degree. It does not include other fees, nor is it adjusted for tuition increases over time. Walden faculty has concluded that generally students who do not complete their program in eight years are unlikely to complete and only allow students to exceed that time frame when a student petitions for an extension and provides good reason for the delay and assurances that obstacles to completion can be overcome. Time is calculated using the time allowed for each semester or unit that the student completes. Students are encouraged to work continuously during the program so as not to extend the time needed to complete the degree as work can become stale and students lose focus. Students who earn two grades of “Unsatisfactory,” who repeatedly drop a course before a semester or unit has been completed, or are unable to complete in the eight year time frame, should expect that they may be dismissed from the program. Walden believes that it is in the best interest of a student who is unable to complete the degree in the stated ranges to strongly consider withdrawal or obtaining a lesser degree.

Time to completion and cost are not estimates of individual experience and will vary based on individual factors applicable to the student. Factors may be programmatic or academic such as tuition and fee increases and/or the student’s transfer credits accepted by Walden; program or specialization changes; unsuccessful course completion; credit load per term; writing, research and editing skills; use of external data for their doctoral study/dissertation; and/or individual progress in the program. Other factors may include personal issues such as the student’s employment obligations; care giving responsibilities or health issues; part-time vs. full-time enrollment; leaves of absence; and/or other personal circumstances.

Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included. Students may incur additional costs for remedial writing assistance, if necessary.

^This assumes students successfully complete their coursework on the first attempt.

Based on a 2.5-year or 3-year minimum completion requirement and an 8-year maximum timeframe as outlined in Walden academic policy.

*Tuition and fees will be higher if students petition to extend the 8-year maximum timeframe or choose to take more expensive elective courses.

+Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition discounts. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-642-0198.

Standard Option - Track II

CurriculumRequirementsCostTotal *
Tuition-Coursework90 quarter credits $620 per quarter hour for coursework credits$55,800^
Tuition-Doctoral Study/Project 20–115 quarter credits$620 per quarter hour for dissertation credits$12,400–$71,300*
Program Fee $175 per quarter$2,450–$5,600*
Residency FeeFour Residencies$1,420 each (virtual) 
$1,520 each (in-person: travel, lodging and other expenses are additional)             
$5,680–$6,080
Estimated Range:  3.25-Year8-Year
   $76,330$138,780*+
   (assuming completion in a 3.25-year timeframe)(assuming completion in an 8-year timeframe)

 

These are ranges of what a student can expect in terms of time and tuition cost to complete a degree. It does not include other fees, nor is it adjusted for tuition increases over time. Walden faculty has concluded that generally students who do not complete their program in eight years are unlikely to complete and only allow students to exceed that time frame when a student petitions for an extension and provides good reason for the delay and assurances that obstacles to completion can be overcome. Time is calculated using the time allowed for each semester or unit that the student completes. Students are encouraged to work continuously during the program so as not to extend the time needed to complete the degree as work can become stale and students lose focus. Students who earn two grades of “Unsatisfactory,” who repeatedly drop a course before a semester or unit has been completed, or are unable to complete in the eight year time frame, should expect that they may be dismissed from the program. Walden believes that it is in the best interest of a student who is unable to complete the degree in the stated ranges to strongly consider withdrawal or obtaining a lesser degree.

Time to completion and cost are not estimates of individual experience and will vary based on individual factors applicable to the student. Factors may be programmatic or academic such as tuition and fee increases and/or the student’s transfer credits accepted by Walden; program or specialization changes; unsuccessful course completion; credit load per term; writing, research and editing skills; use of external data for their doctoral study/dissertation; and/or individual progress in the program. Other factors may include personal issues such as the student’s employment obligations; care giving responsibilities or health issues; part-time vs. full-time enrollment; leaves of absence; and/or other personal circumstances.

Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included. Students may incur additional costs for remedial writing assistance, if necessary.

^This assumes students successfully complete their coursework on the first attempt.

Based on a 2.5-year or 3-year minimum completion requirement and an 8-year maximum timeframe as outlined in Walden academic policy.

*Tuition and fees will be higher if students petition to extend the 8-year maximum timeframe or choose to take more expensive elective courses.

+Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition discounts. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-642-0198.

Find Your Specialization

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

Positively Impact the Field

Walden’s online PhD in Forensic Psychology program can help prepare you with the knowledge to be an advisor, thought leader, and scholarly contributor in this fascinating and evolving field.

 

No guarantee is made that a person who enrolls in the PhD Forensic Psychology program will obtain a job or will earn the stated salaries.
1Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2023)

Learning Outcomes

As a graduate of Walden’s online PhD in Forensic Psychology program, you will be prepared to:

Evaluate behavior using psychological theory and research from a forensic psychology perspective.

Analyze seminal works in forensic psychology in terms of their relation to education and/or research.

Differentiate between advanced legal concepts pertaining to forensic psychology.

Integrate principles of advanced research methods to produce independent scholarly research related to forensic psychology.

Evaluate how assessment elements (psychological assessment, risk assessment, psychological reports) are used within forensic psychology settings.

Engage in decision-making using relevant ethical codes (e.g., APA and Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists) in forensic work settings.

Promote social change through the integration of principles of forensic psychology in scholarly and/or professional activities.

Meet Your Academic Team

Walden’s faculty includes passionate subject matter experts and seasoned professionals who are committed to helping you grow as a scholar-practitioner.

You Might Also Be Interested In

Explore these other Walden online degree programs related to psychology and criminal justice.

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Online PhD in Forensic Psychology FAQ

Do you need a PhD to work in forensic psychology?

A doctorate is an elite credential that can help you stand out from the crowd and command respect from employers and peers. If your long-term goals lie in this field, a PhD in Forensic Psychology degree from Walden can academically prepare you to teach at the university level and train the next generation of forensic psychologists. It can also help you make a positive impact on the field by working with vulnerable populations such as the incarcerated, recently released offenders, those with mental illness, and juvenile offenders.

How many years does it take to get a PhD in Forensic Psychology?

The amount of time it takes to complete your online PhD in Forensic Psychology program will depend on your previous educational experience and how long you work on your dissertation. Walden’s PhD in Forensic Psychology program offers a Track I for those entering with a master’s degree in forensic psychology and a Track II for those entering with a master’s degree in an unrelated discipline. Students in Track I complete a minimum of 80 quarter credits and students in Track II complete a minimum of 110 quarter credits. The minimum amount of time required to complete the coursework and dissertation is 2.5 years. Students have up to eight years to complete their doctoral degree requirements.

Why should you earn your online PhD in Forensic Psychology degree?

Psychology plays a critical role in the American legal system. If you’re interested in making an impact in the criminal justice field as a psychology professional, exploring online forensic psychology doctoral programs is a smart move. Here are a few highlights that come with earning this doctoral degree:

  • You’ll receive a specialized education. Enrolling in a PhD in Forensic Psychology degree program like Walden’s allows you to immerse yourself in the field, tailor your learning to your interests, and develop highly targeted expertise.
  • You’ll gain respect and distinction. A doctoral degree is more than a line on a résumé. It’s a coveted credential that signals dedication, advanced skills, and deep knowledge in your discipline.
  • You’ll do independent research in your field. Pursuing a PhD in Forensic Psychology at Walden gives you the opportunity to conduct original research in a chosen area of the field.
What is a forensic psychology professional?

A forensic psychology professional applies psychological theory and practices to the criminal justice and legal system. They do this by evaluating criminal behavior in order to determine the motives and mindset of an offender. A forensic psychology professional often works with local law enforcement and has a presence in the courtroom, providing testimony of their findings and assessment for a judge and jury. By uncovering a person’s mental state at the time of a crime, not only do forensic psychology professionals identify the drive behind the action, they also help prevent the same crimes from happening in the future.

What courses will I take in a PhD in Forensic Psychology program?

If you’re eyeing a future in forensic psychology, a PhD degree program can provide the rigorous and stimulating coursework you need to make your mark in this rewarding field. Here are some of the courses you might take at Walden:

Victimology: Learn how victims interact with the police and the legal system, and how factors of class, race, and sexual orientation affect the perception of the victim.

Understanding Violence, Risk, and Threat Assessment: Explore the various assessment techniques and instruments used within the forensic psychology arena.

Advanced Issues in Forensic Psychology: Apply problem-based learning to cases and scenarios such as juvenile delinquency, terrorism, and human trafficking as well as examine current trends and issues in forensic psychology.

Disaster, Crisis, and Trauma: Study how natural and human-made disasters impact the psychology of individuals and groups.

Police Psychology: Learn about the roles and responsibilities of forensic psychology professionals working with and in police departments.

What can you do with a PhD in Forensic Psychology?

Pursuing this credential can give you the expertise you need to qualify for a range of opportunities and effect change in the legal system and community settings.

A PhD in Forensic Psychology degree from Walden can prepare you to work in a variety of settings, including:

  • Universities and colleges
  • Law enforcement departments
  • Government agencies
  • Corrections facilities