Shape the future of criminal justice by developing deeper insights into the intersection of crime, psychology, and the legal system. Learn the skills and knowledge you need to contribute to the field through consultation, research, and instruction.
Personalize Your PhD
Investigate the problems that interest you and select electives that meet your goals with a self-designed specialization.
Work With Expert Faculty
Learn from doctoral scholar-practitioners with experience in their field, preparing you to make an impact.
Move Past ABD
If you have finished everything but your dissertation, our completion program can get you on track to finishing your PhD.
Curriculum and Completion Requirements
Building on your foundation of forensic psychology knowledge, you'll dive right into advanced topics and begin developing your doctoral research skill set.
Featured PhD in Forensic Psychology Courses
Factors of cognitions and social behavior are at the root of nearly all experiences pertaining to individuals in society. In this course, students use the lens of social psychology to examine perceptions, attitudes, relationships and attraction, motivation to help others, prejudice and aggression, conformity and obedience, group behavior, and the influence of culture. Students apply knowledge and skills gained in the course to a final project in which they develop a plan for using social psychology research to address a significant social problem. Moreover, students consider ways to extend lessons learned to their personal and professional lives to effect positive social change as scholar-practitioners.
Students in this course examine contemporary theories on the perception of stress, appraisal of stressors, ways of coping, and the psychophysiological mechanisms involved in the stress response. They explore topical issues, including psychoneuroimmunology, behavioral nutrition, psychophysiology, traumatic stress, chronic pain, and stress-related psychophysiological and medical disorders as they relate to stress and coping. Students engage in discussions designed to provide practical application of course content. Demonstrating breadth and depth of knowledge and critical thinking skills, students explore a topic of interest through a final research proposal and paper on a current issue related to course concepts.
What is the relationship between victims and those who commit crimes against them, and how does the criminal justice system protect and respond to victims of crime? In this course, students have the opportunity to answer such questions through a comprehensive assessment of victimology, a relatively new discipline in the field of criminal justice. Students examine victim patterns and tendencies and learn how victims interact with the police and the legal system. They also examine how factors of class, race, and sexual orientation affect the perception of the victim by different constituents, including the public, the court system, and the media. Students assess and discuss the concept of primary and secondary victims and gain practical insight on a range of services and resources available to all types of victims.
Students in this course learn about the various roles and responsibilities of forensic psychology professionals working with and in law enforcement, the structures and organizational cultures in which they work, and the skills needed to perform daily functions, such as counseling, consulting, training, and supporting law enforcement. Students analyze and discuss common issues and challenges, including crisis situations, psychological risks of law enforcement work, and the relationship of stress and performance, including resiliency and emotional intelligence. Engaging in assignments designed to provide application of content, students gain practical insight on a variety of topics, such as ethical, legal, and diversity issues, training and development, community impact, and forensic psychology operations.
A major concern of disaster response professionals is meeting basic and humanitarian needs of disaster-affected populations. In this course, students explore a range of issue, including evacuation, relocation, and tactical and strategic decisions in the immediate aftermath of an emergency episode. Students study important federal policies related to disaster response and recovery, including the National Response Framework (NRF), and they can gain an understanding of how local, state, and federal policies mesh in response and recovery efforts. Through their exploration, they study how recovery begins once the immediate threat of the emergency wanes and the focus shifts to restoring disaster-affected areas. As part of this course, students complete the FEMA Emergency Management Institute course IS208.a: State Disaster Management.
Curriculum and Completion Requirements
Choose this online PhD in Forensic Psychology track if you have a bachelor’s degree in any field or a master’s in a different discipline other than forensic psychology.
Featured PhD in Forensic Psychology Courses
The skills required to assess research and work effectively with stakeholders are among the many proficiencies required of professionals who evaluate and develop programs. In this course, students examine these skill sets as well as the history, theory, and major approaches underlying program evaluation. Students learn how to select appropriate quantitative and/or qualitative models and techniques to perform evaluations, demonstrate program effectiveness, and disseminate results. Additionally, students explore the procedures and techniques involved in offering their evaluation services to a specific group or organization. They also examine strategies to gain stakeholder interest in developing appropriate standards, research progress, and evaluation outcomes. Students acquire practical experience evaluating a program of interest through which they outline organizational structure, identify stakeholders, employ evaluation models, explain steps in planning, and predict possible challenges or stakeholder fears, for which they recommend solutions.
Understanding the characteristics and causes of atypical thoughts and actions—commonly known in mental health professions as abnormal behavior—is essential in determining accurate diagnoses, answering forensic referral questions, and planning effective treatment programs. In this course, students examine the history and evolution of abnormal psychology and how practitioners use contemporary diagnostic criteria of abnormal behavior in various settings, such as schools, rehabilitation facilities, community agencies, and forensic situations. They examine specific techniques for the diagnosis, assessment, and/or treatment of cognitive, emotional, and developmental disorders, as well as for psychophysiological and psychosocial problems. Using the scholar-practitioner model, students consider environmental and biological factors contributing to behavioral disorders. Students also investigate and discuss current and future trends, legal and ethical issues, and multicultural factors that complicate diagnosis and clinical assessment.
Students in this course are provided with contemporary views, theories, and case-study analysis of maladaptive and criminal behavior, victimology, and victim-offender relationships. A broad conceptualization of criminal behavior, such as that woven from biological, sociological, and psychological perspectives, is explored and evaluated. Theories of crime and the application of risk factors associated with criminal behavior are examined. Additionally, students will be exposed to specific offender groups, both violent and nonviolent, including psychopaths, serial and mass murderers, criminal paraphiliacs, arsonists, white-collar thieves, scam artists, domestic terrorists, and others.
Students in this course examine techniques and issues related to teaching psychology at the college and/or university level. The primary focus is on teaching skills, developing rapport with students, managing the course, and managing the classroom. Classroom communication and ethical issues relevant to both faculty and students are also covered.
Organizational and professional development (OPD) professionals promote and implement organizational change by using fundamental techniques of change management. Students in this course examine and apply these tools, including consulting competencies, approaches, and organizational change models to learn the skills of an OPD consultant. Students explore methods for accelerating individual, group, and organizational performance through consulting, coaching, and change management. They also explore related topics, such as organizational assessment; team development; strategic planning; group dynamics; power, politics, and influence; leadership; and conflict management. Students apply course concepts to the assessment of an organization and the development of strategies to address identified needs for change.
PhD Completion Program
If you have completed your PhD coursework but not your dissertation, Walden’s PhD completion program is designed to help you finish your degree. A structured pathway, expert faculty, and award-winning learning tools help keep you on track.
Featured PhD in Forensic Psychology Completion Program Courses
Welcome to your final ascent on the doctoral journey! This course celebrates your expertise and supports you in clarifying goals, building a scholarly network, and crafting a meaningful research plan. You’ll learn to articulate research problems, review literature, identify gaps, and design impactful studies, all while receiving encouragement and practical feedback from faculty and peers. You will focus throughout the course on building your personalized “My Academic Plan.” You’ll gain the confidence, network, and resources to complete your PhD and to advance the greater public good.
Doctoral students in this course are provided with the opportunity to integrate their Program of Study into a research study through which they explore a specific area of interest. Students complete the dissertation with the guidance of a chair and committee members through a learning platform classroom in which weekly participation is required. Students work with their dissertation chair to write the prospectus, complete an approved proposal (the first three chapters of the dissertation), complete an application for Institutional Review Board approval, collect and analyze data, and complete the dissertation. During the final quarter, students prepare the dissertation for final review by the university and conclude with an oral defense of their dissertation. Once students register for FPSY 9000, they are registered each term until successful completion of the dissertation for a minimum of four terms.
Students take this course for a minimum of four quarters and are continuously enrolled until completion of their dissertation with final chief academic officer (CAO) approval.
To complete a dissertation, students must obtain the academic approval of several independent evaluators including their committee and the Institutional Review Board; pass the Form and Style Review; gain approval at the oral defense stage; and gain final approval by the chief academic officer. Students must also publish their dissertation on ProQuest before their degree is conferred. Learn more about the dissertation process in the Dissertation Guidebook.
Admissions
Talk to a Walden Enrollment Specialist who will walk you through the process—from choosing a program to paying for your degree.
Streamlined Admissions Process
Earning your PhD in Forensic Psychology online is a big decision, which is why we’ve streamlined and simplified the admissions process. Start your journey with:
No application fee
Easy credit transfer
No essay
To be considered for this doctoral program, you must have either a bachelor’s or a master’s degree from an accredited school and meet the general admission requirements. All applicants must submit a completed online application and transcripts. More information for international applicants. (Note that you do not need to take the GRE to apply for this program).
DOCTORAL EXPERIENCE
How will I learn?
YOUR DOCTORAL JOURNEY
Earning a doctorate is no easy feat—it takes drive, dedication, and perseverance. Knowing what to expect can help you make an informed decision.
DOCTORAL DEGREE COACH®
Map and track milestones, meet weekly targets, connect with faculty, and find support with this personalized digital resource.
ACADEMIC RESIDENCIES
Broaden your knowledge, engage with peers and faculty, and shape your professional identity during this integral doctoral learning experience.
EARN AN MPhil ALONG THE WAY
To mark how far you’ve come on your journey, you will be eligible to be awarded a Master of Philosophy degree upon completion of program requirements prior to the dissertation.
Tuition Breakdown
Cost is important when you’re exploring online forensic psychology doctoral programs—and we want to help put your goals within reach. Walden gives you several ways to lower your tuition, including:
Experience-based credits
Special tuition savings
Grants
Program Savings
Program Savings
Receive up to a $5,000 grant when you start an eligible PhD program.
Standard Option - Track 1
| Curriculum | Requirements | Cost | Total * | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition-Coursework | 60 quarter credits | $645 per quarter hour for coursework credits | $38,700^ | |
| Tuition-Doctoral Study/Project | 20–125† quarter credits | $645 per quarter hour for dissertation credits | $12,900–$80,625* | |
| Program Fee | $185 per quarter | $2,035–$5,920* | ||
| Residency Fee | Four Residencies | $1,420 each (virtual) $1,520 each (in-person: travel, lodging and other expenses are additional) | $5,680–$6,080 | |
| Estimated Range: | 3-Year | 8-Year | ||
| $59,315 | $131,325*+ | |||
| (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 2
| Curriculum | Requirements | Cost | Total * | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition-Coursework | 90 quarter credits | $645 per quarter hour for coursework credits | $58,050^ | |
| Tuition-Doctoral Study/Project | 20–115† quarter credits | $645 per quarter hour for dissertation credits | $12,900–$74,175* | |
| Program Fee | $185 per quarter | $2,590–$5,920* | ||
| Residency Fee | Four 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-Year | 8-Year | ||
| $79,220 | $144,225*+ | |||
| (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.
| Curriculum | Required Quarter Credits (min) | Required Quarter Credits (max) | Cost per Quarter Hour | Total (min) | Total (max) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition-Coursework | 5 | 5 | $645 | $3,225 | $3,225 |
| Tuition-Doctoral Study/Project | 20 | 55 | $645 | $12,900 | $35,475 |
| Program Fee | $185 | $925 | $2,220 | ||
| Estimated Range: | 15 months | 36 months | |||
$17,050* | $40,920* |
+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.
Career Opportunities
A doctorate in forensic psychology can help you advance your expertise in this exciting psychology sub-field and pave new paths to your future.
Psychology Teacher, Postsecondary
Teach courses in psychology as a faculty member or professor, or conduct research in the field.
Expected growth: 5%1
Estimated annual wage: $49,790–$106,6101
No guarantee is made that a person who enrolls in the (include applicable program) program will obtain a job or will earn the stated salaries. Wage estimates are based on the 10th - 75th percentile.
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.
Online PhD in Forensic Psychology FAQ
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Yes. Walden has specialized in distance learning for over 50 years and its PhD in Forensic Psychology program is all online—providing the academic rigor to prepare you for your next step in your career with the flexibility to study on your own schedule.