What is forensic psychology? If a fifteen-year-old boy is convicted of a heinous crime, should he be sentenced to an adult prison? And should an abusive parent ever regain custody of her children? Questions such as these occupy the minds of forensic psychologists. Forensic psychology involves applying psychology to the legal system. For example, forensic psychologists help determine whether a defendant is competent to stand trial, assess whether the accused was legally "sane" or "insane" at the time of the alleged offense, and make recommendations about sentencing and treatment options. What occupations are available to forensic psychologists? Forensic psychologists fill a variety of roles and work in a variety of settings. They are most commonly depicted as expert witnesses in jury trials, but some work as traditional clinical psychologists in correctional institutions, and others work from private offices as consultants for trial lawyers. Forensic psychologists also work in public policy centers where they help to design laws. What types of degrees prepare forensic psychologists? Forensic psychologists have master’s degrees, PsyDs, or PhDs in psychology. Usually these degrees are in clinical psychology, but people trained in social psychology, neuropsychology, and other subfields may become forensic psychologists as well. Ideally, a forensic psychologist is formally trained in both psychology and law. An increasing number of graduate schools offer combined psychology/law programs that permit students to earn a psychology master’s or PhD and a J.D. more quickly than if each were pursued separately. Which schools offer training in forensic psychology? Descriptions of several PhD and joint PhD/JD graduate programs are listed below. For further guidance, prospective students should visit the American Psychology-Law Society and the American Psychology Association’s page devoted to forensic psychology.

• The University of Arizona offers a joint JD/PhD graduate program entitled Psychology, Public Policy and Law.  Four areas of concentration are available: Forensic Science and Practice; Violent and Criminal Behavior; Effects of Law and Legal Processes; and Improving the Law, Legal Systems and Legal Processes.

• The University of Denver has a two-year master’s program in forensic psychology. The main emphasis is law, but students are welcome to pursue a psychology PhD at the university upon completion of the master’s.

• The University of Illinois offers a minor in psychology and law to doctoral students in the following programs: Community and Prevention Research; Social Psychology; Clinical Psychology; Cognitive Psychology; and Behavioral Neuroscience.

• The University of Nebraska features several training options that combine legal studies and clinical psychology in a variety of proportions.

• The University of Nevada offers a Ph.D. program in social psychology that specializes in legal psychology. Emphasis is placed upon research and consultation.

Best Online Psychology Programs

B.S. in Psychology	Kaplan University - Bachelor’s Degrees. Kaplan University offers students a chance to go back to school and earn their Bachelor's degree in Psychology. With convenient and affordable classes, students have never had an easier chance to go back to school.
B.S. in Psychology	Ashford University - Bachelor's Degrees. Ashford University offers degrees online in the fast growing field of Psychology. Students going to school on a budget will be able to afford the classes offered Ashford.
B.S. in Psychology M.S. in Psychology Ph.D. in Org. Psychology	University of Phoenix - Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, & Doctoral Degrees. With the largest variety of Psychology degree levels, the University of Phoenix has the degrees every Psychology studet is seeking. Students can jump start their career at the University of Phoenix entirely online, or at select campus locations.
A.A. in Psychology B.S. in Psychology	Liberty University - Associate’s & Bachelor’s Degrees. Liberty University offers a variety of undergraduate level degrees in Psychology to students online. Liberty University is more than just an online college, it's a place where immerging minds can come together and get an exciting education.
B.A. in Psychology M.B.A in Org. Psychology	American InterContinental University - Bachelor's & Master's Degrees. American InterContinental University is an accredited online university that has been educating students for over 35 years. Students interested in obtaining a degree in Psychology will find the offerings at AIU right up their alley.
B.S. in Psychology M.S. in Psychology Ph.D. in School Psychology	Walden University - Bachelor's, Master's & Doctoral Degrees. Using a dynamic and innovative curriculum, students graduating from Walden University are among the most prepared in the country when they enter the work force. Walden University uses a student-centric approach to learning to make sure that each student receives the tools necessary to be successful.
M.S. in Psychology Ph.D. in Psychology	Capella University - Master’s & Doctoral Degrees. Offering only high quality upper level Psychology degrees, students interested in continuing their education will want to attend Capella University. Capella University is home to some of the best faculty in the country and it shows with the number of graduates leaving to go on to great careers.
B.A. in Psychology M.A. in Organizational Psychology D. Ed. in Counsel Psychology	Argosy University Online - Bachelor’s, Master’s & Doctoral Degrees. With multiple program offerings to accommodate any individual's schedule, Argosy University is one of the top choices for students with busy agendas or those who want to attain their degree quickly. Their curriculum provides students with the current and relevant skills needed to become successful practitioners.