College of Arts and Sciences · Bachelor of Science

Bachelor's in Forensic Psychology / Criminal Justice

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Program Overview

Bringing Psychology to Legal and Human Services Careers

Prepare for careers at the intersection of psychology, criminal justice and human services with Maryville University's bachelor's degree in forensic psychology/criminal justice. Build a foundation in psychology, criminology and social science research while gaining practical experience through community-based internships and research opportunities.

What sets the program apart

    • Study psychology, criminal justice, criminology and social science research methods.
    • Complete at least 150 hours of internship or practicum experience in a community setting.
    • Participate in undergraduate research alongside faculty or conduct an independent research project.
    • Prepare for careers in corrections, victim assistance, community services and other human services professions, or graduate study leading to therapy and related fields.

An Overview of Forensic Psychology at Maryville

 
(light music) Forensic Psychology is the application of psychology to the legal system. The uniqueness of the program here at Maryville rests on the ability to specifically tailor your education and course work to fit your professional goals. At Maryville we also have faculty work as an interdisciplinary team that allows you to get a diverse and more comprehensive understanding of what the forensic area has to offer. When you graduate with a degree in forensic psychology, you will be prepared to further your education by pursuing graduate school. You can also find work straight out of school as a police officer, a probation officer, court liaison, or victim advocacy specialist. Our goal at Maryville is to prepare you for a wide range of career opportunities. If you're interested in the forensic psychology program at Maryville, schedule a tour, come see what we have to offer. (light music)
Why Maryville

Why Choose Maryville for Your Forensic Psychology / Criminal Justice Degree?

Class Size14

Average Class Size

SupportLife Coaching Team

A dedicated team of life coaches helps you personalize your education

Career Outcomes98%

Career outcomes rate for Maryville graduates

Financial Aid$59M+

Awarded in scholarships and aid last year

Get Started

Ready to apply or want to visit campus?

We've made it easy: free transcript evaluation, quick admission decisions, and no application fee.

  • Upcoming term starts:
  • Fall 2026 Start Date: August 24
  • Spring 2027 Start Date: January 11
Apply nowSchedule a campus visit
Career Outlook

What can I do with this degree?

Professionals with a background in forensic psychology and criminal justice support individuals, communities and justice systems through roles in corrections, behavioral services, victim advocacy and related fields.

A combination of classroom learning, research experience and supervised internships helps graduates prepare for careers or continued graduate education in psychology and related disciplines.

Career Paths

Develop rehabilitation plans, monitor offender progress and help individuals successfully transition back into the community.
Supervise individuals on probation, connect them with resources and monitor compliance with court requirements.
Support crime victims by connecting them with services, resources and assistance throughout the legal process.
Coordinate services for individuals experiencing mental health, substance abuse or other social challenges.
Help clients address substance use disorders through counseling, treatment planning and ongoing support.
Continue into graduate education to pursue careers in forensic psychology, therapy or expert consultation.
19%Projected job growth

Employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations as demand for behavioral health and treatment services continues to increase.

$59,190Median salary

Median annual pay for substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.*

48,900Annual job openings

Average annual openings are projected over the decade due to employment growth and workforce replacement.

*Source: Career statistics are based on national data published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and are provided for informational purposes only. Individual career outcomes may vary.

Admission Requirements, Curriculum & Courses

Undergraduate Admissions Requirements Discover requirements for a freshman, transfer, or international student.Course Descriptions Explore our catalog for details about the course requirements and electives.Degree Planning Sheet A sample plan of study

Interested in earning your forensic psychology degree online?

Maryville also offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology for students seeking a flexible path to completing their degree. The program is delivered 100% online and combines psychology, criminal justice and social science coursework to prepare graduates for careers in law enforcement, corrections, social services and related fields. Students benefit from APA-guided psychology coursework, multiple start dates and opportunities to accelerate into graduate study through Maryville's Early Access program.

View the online degree information

Want to learn more about our course offerings?

Detailed course descriptions and prerequisites are listed in our catalog.

Read full course descriptionsExplore the full catalog
Tuition, Cost & Savings

How you can afford an education.

An investment in your future shouldn't be out of reach. Maryville offers multiple paths to reduce your out-of-pocket cost — and our team will help you find every one you qualify for.

Ways to Save

Scholarship OpportunitiesMerit and need-based awards for qualifying students.
Transfer CreditApply previously earned credits toward your degree.
Benefits for MilitaryTuition assistance and GI Bill benefits for those who served.

Estimated tuition cost breakdown

Full-Time Tuition$25,766
Fees*$2,600
Estimated total cost**$28,366

*Fees can include digital course materials and textbooks/lab materials.

**Estimated cost does not include room and board or meal plans.

Explore additional tuition and costs

Need help financing your education? Get in touch!

Our financial aid advisors are here to walk you through scholarships, grants, and aid options for the Forensic Psychology / Criminal Justice program.

Financial Aid InformationContact the Financial Aid Office
Accreditation

Maryville is accredited.

Maryville University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Honors & Rankings

  • Kiplinger Best College Values 2019Ranked among the best values in private colleges by Kiplinger's Personal Finance.
  • Forbes America's Top Colleges 2018Ranked among “America's Top Colleges” by Forbes.
  • Ranked No. 1 in social mobility among private universities in St. Louis.
  • Best for Vets Colleges 2022 Military Times. We made the list!Named Best for Vets among colleges by Military Times.
Review Maryville's full list of honors and rankings
Take the Next Step

Ready to take the next step?

Apply today, request more information, or schedule a visit to see if Maryville is the right fit for you.

Apply nowRequest more informationSchedule a campus visit

Frequently Asked Questions

Students study psychology, criminal justice, criminology and social science research while exploring the relationship between psychology and the legal system.
Yes. Students complete at least 150 hours of internship or practicum experience, typically with organizations in the St. Louis region.
Internships may include work with individuals experiencing mental illness or substance abuse, neuropsychology-related settings and probation services.
Yes. Students may collaborate with faculty on research projects or complete independent undergraduate research.
Graduates may pursue careers in corrections, victim assistance, community and human services, or continue to graduate study for careers in therapy and forensic psychology.
Yes. Maryville also offers a Bachelor's in Forensic Psychology/Criminal Justice Online.