Best master’s degrees in criminal psychology

Why get a master’s degree in criminal psychology?

Criminal psychology, usually called forensic psychology in the academic and professional world, examines the fascinating intersection of psychology and the criminal justice system. Criminal psychologists examine questions at the juncture of mental health, behavioral studies, the criminal justice system, and forensic science. This interdisciplinary field will teach you how to help victims, advocate for positive change in your community, and get to the bottom of complicated criminal cases.

In pursuing a graduate degree in criminal psychology, you will pick up many transferable skills that can be applied in various settings, including mental health clinics, courts, correctional facilities, and government agencies. You’ll gain a profound understanding of the behaviors, processes, and attitudes that lead to crime. While having a level-headed, analytical mind is important, so is compassion and a desire to advocate for vulnerable communities and individuals.

A master’s degree in forensic psychology can set you on the path to becoming a clinical psychologist, which would require you to pursue your studies at the doctorate level. Right after graduating with your MA or MS, you could go on to work as a victim advocate, mental health professional, probation officer, juvenile justice specialist, addiction councilor, and much more. To start your journey, you will first need to identify a university and program that suits your needs. Keep reading to find out the top schools for a master’s degree in criminal psychology.

Financial support

You have several options for funding your master’s degree. These include scholarships, grants, financial aid, and federal loans. Potential students are encouraged to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine how much federal aid they are eligible for.

Another thing you could do is apply for a scholarship or grant specifically for psychology students. The American Psychological Foundation (APF) has made graduate scholarships available to promising students doing research who want to go on to a Ph.D. after their master’s.

Careers

People who study criminal psychology often go on to become forensic psychologists or criminal psychologists. On average, forensic psychologists earn is $78,869, while criminal psychologists earn an average of $65,611. Remember that if you want to become a clinical psychologist, you will need a doctorate-level degree first.

Fortunately, there are other options for those with just a master’s degree, especially in the justice system. You could become a federal agent for a government agency, earning an average annual salary of $77,318. You could also pursue a job as a forensic analyst and earn $71,719 on average, or as a police detective – they make an average of $72,393.