Choosing the right college for criminal psychology is a pivotal step for aspiring professionals. This discipline, which combines elements of behaviorism and criminal justice, prepares students to understand the minds of criminals and contribute to the justice system.
The best colleges for criminal psychology offer comprehensive programs that include rigorous coursework, hands-on training, and opportunities for research and internships. These institutions provide a solid academic foundation and offer unique resources, expert college faculty, and a network of alumni to support students' career ambitions.
In this article, we will explore some of the top colleges known for their exceptional criminal programs for studying criminal behavior.
What Is a Criminal Psychology Degree?
A criminal psychology degree focuses on understanding the psychological aspects of criminal behavior, providing insights into the motives, thoughts, and actions of individuals involved in criminal activities.
This interdisciplinary field combines behaviorism and criminal justice principles to equip students with the skills needed for careers in law enforcement, forensic analysis, and mental health services.
Degrees in criminal behaviorism typically include a Bachelor's degree in college, which offers foundational knowledge and prepares students for entry-level positions or further study.
A Master's degree provides specialized training and research opportunities for those seeking advanced expertise, while a Doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) is ideal for those aiming for clinical practice, academic, or high-level research roles. If you need to do a paper on this subject, simply say, ‘write my college essay for me,’ and our experts will help you shortly.
Career Benefits of a Criminal Psychology Degree
A criminal psychology college degree equips students with the skills to understand and analyze criminal behavior, essential for various roles in law enforcement, mental health, and the legal system.
This degree offers diverse career opportunities, job stability, and the chance to impact society by addressing and preventing criminal activities.
Diverse Career Opportunities
A criminal psychology degree opens doors to various roles in law enforcement, corrections, mental health services, and the legal system, providing various career paths.
Specialized Expertise
Graduates gain in-depth knowledge of criminal behavior, psychological assessment, and forensic techniques, making them valuable assets in criminal investigations and legal proceedings.
Job Security
With the increasing demand for professionals after college who can understand and address criminal behavior, a degree in criminal behaviorism offers strong job stability and growth potential in both the public and private sectors.
Impactful Work
Professionals in this field can make a significant impact by helping to solve crimes, rehabilitate offenders, and support victims, contributing to the overall safety and well-being of communities.
Advanced Research Opportunities
A criminal psychologist degree provides a solid foundation for pursuing advanced research, allowing graduates to contribute to developing new theories, practices, and policies in criminal justice and mental health.
Best Colleges for Criminal Psychology
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California State University
![California State University](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5e6bef9160e290b99b7644b5/6666c461dfc02f76bf0bf9be_aerial-calstatela-hero.jpg)
California State University (CSU) is an excellent choice for studying criminal psychology due to its robust academic programs, experienced faculty, and strong emphasis on research and practical experience. CSU offers a comprehensive curriculum integrating behaviorism and criminal justice, providing students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed for successful careers.
The college's connections with local law enforcement agencies and its focus on experiential learning opportunities, such as internships and fieldwork, further enhance the educational experience. Additionally, CSU's diverse and inclusive campus environment fosters a supportive community for students from various backgrounds.
Dr. Sarah Rodriguez
Ph.D. in Psychology (Criminal Psychology)
Dr. Rodriguez specializes in the intersection of forensic psychology and criminal behavior.
Dr. Michael Chang
Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology
Dr. Chang's expertise lies in forensic assessment and treatment of offenders.
Dr. Emily Nguyen
Ph.D. in Criminology
Dr. Nguyen's research interests include the psychology of violent crime and victimology.
Dr. Jamal Patel
Ph.D. in Social Psychology
Dr. Patel's work centers on the social psychology of criminal behavior, with a focus on understanding the influence of group dynamics and social norms on criminal acts.
John Jay College of Criminal Justice
![John Jay College of Criminal Justice](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5e6bef9160e290b99b7644b5/6666c5a92885ba0106b7c993_ENCLOS_Projects_JohnJayCollegeCriminalJustice_12_3000x1500-scaled.jpg)
John Jay College of Criminal Justice is an exceptional institution for studying criminal psychology due to its specialized focus on criminal justice and forensic psychology disciplines. With a global score of 61.1 and an overall Niche grade of A-, John Jay College provides a rigorous academic curriculum and practical experience opportunities, including internships and research projects, that prepare students for careers in law enforcement, legal professions, and mental health services.
The college's commitment to affordability is evident, with an average total aid award of $9,478 and 67% of students receiving financial aid, ensuring access to quality education regardless of financial background. With a net price per year of $5,829 and an SAT range of 990-1150, John Jay College offers an inclusive learning environment with a diverse student body, while its acceptance rate of 41% reflects its dedication to admitting motivated and capable individuals passionate about criminal behaviorism and justice.
Dr. Samantha Lopez
Ph.D. in Psychology
Dr. Lopez specializes in the psychology of criminal behavior and teaches courses on forensic behaviorism and criminal profiling.
Dr. James Washington
Ph.D. in Criminology
Dr. Washington's expertise lies in the intersection of criminology and behaviorism.
Dr. Rachel Carter
Ph.D. in Forensic Psychology
Dr. Carter's research interests include assessing and treating criminal offenders.
Dr. Benjamin Garcia
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
Dr. Garcia's work focuses on applying clinical behaviorism to the criminal justice system.
Oklahoma State University
![Oklahoma State University](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5e6bef9160e290b99b7644b5/6666c6a30e3b07e8a0e91404_banner_osu_buildings_.jpg)
Oklahoma State University (OSU) is an exceptional college for studying criminal psychology, offering a comprehensive academic program and a supportive learning environment. With a global score of 65.3 and an overall Niche grade of A-, OSU provides students with a strong foundation in psychology and criminal justice, preparing them for diverse career opportunities in law enforcement, forensic psychology, and social services.
The college's commitment to affordability is evident, with an average total aid award of $9,300 and 79% of students receiving financial aid, ensuring access to quality education for all. With a net annual price of $17,753 and an SAT range of 1060-1280, OSU offers an inclusive campus community and ample academic and personal growth resources. The university's acceptance rate of 74% reflects its dedication to providing opportunities for students passionate about criminal behaviorism and justice.
Dr. Emily Johnson
Ph.D. in Psychology
Dr. Johnson specializes in the psychology of criminal behavior, particularly focusing on the effects of trauma on offenders.
Dr. Michael Smith
Ph.D. in Criminology
Dr. Smith's research interests include the intersection of behaviorism and law enforcement.
Dr. Sarah Davis
Ph.D. in Forensic Psychology
Dr. Davis specializes in forensic assessment and treatment of offenders.
Dr. James Martinez
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
Dr. Martinez's work focuses on the application of clinical behaviorism to the study of criminal behavior.
University of Louisiana
![University of Louisiana](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5e6bef9160e290b99b7644b5/6666c7b197540e92cdcb343c_750b8584072a2ec28cf0477cfb5bdfa1a10121c5.jpeg)
The University of Louisiana offers an exceptional environment for studying criminal psychology, boasting a robust program that integrates theory with practical experience. The UL college provides a fertile ground for aspiring criminal psychologists with a global score reflecting its academic excellence and an overall niche grade indicating its reputation.
Moreover, its generous average total aid awarded and a high percentage of students receiving financial aid ensures accessibility to students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. The net yearly price remains affordable, easing the financial burden on college students pursuing this field. With a competitive SAT range and a reasonable acceptance rate, UL attracts top-tier talent while maintaining inclusivity.
Dr. Daniel Garcia
Ph.D. in Psychology
Dr. Garcia specializes in criminal psychology, focusing on the psychological factors influencing criminal behavior.
Dr. Lauren Thompson
Ph.D. in Criminology
Dr. Thompson's research interests include the behaviorism of crime prevention and victimology.
Dr. Ryan Jackson
Ph.D. in Forensic Psychology
Dr. Jackson specializes in forensic assessment and treatment of offenders, with a focus on risk assessment and recidivism reduction.
Dr. Kimberly Robert
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
Dr. Roberts's work centers on the application of clinical behaviorism to the criminal justice system
University of North Dakota
![University of North Dakota](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5e6bef9160e290b99b7644b5/6666c8abfb15ceec633b2fa3_fb6d55fe73996e56cd05aab3fc9e862e3579297b.jpeg)
The University of North Dakota offers a distinguished platform for delving into the complexities of criminal psychology, fostering a supportive and immersive learning environment conducive to academic growth and professional development. With a global score reflective of its commitment to excellence, UND stands out for its hands-on approach to education, providing ample opportunities for college students to engage in research and practical experiences within the field.
Boasting a significant average total aid awarded and a high percentage of students receiving financial assistance, UND prioritizes accessibility, ensuring that college students from diverse backgrounds can pursue their academic aspirations without financial constraints. Additionally, the university's affordable net price per year alleviates the burden of tuition costs, making quality education more attainable.
Dr. Jennifer Smith
Ph.D. in Psychology
Dr. Smith specializes in criminal psychology, focusing on understanding the psychological processes underlying criminal behavior.
Dr. David Johnson
Ph.D. in Criminology
Dr. Johnson's research interests include the behaviorism of policing and law enforcement.
Dr. Amanda White
Ph.D. in Forensic Psychology
Dr. White specializes in forensic assessment and treatment of offenders.
Dr. Robert Martinez
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
Dr. Martinez's research focuses on the intersection of mental health and the criminal justice system.
Arizona State University
![Arizona State University](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5e6bef9160e290b99b7644b5/6666c9fee15bee80f56828aa_210618-CollegeSchool-HeroTempe.jpeg)
Arizona State University (ASU) is an excellent choice for criminal psychology due to its comprehensive academic programs and resources. With a global score of 64.9 and an overall Niche grade of A, ASU offers a strong foundation in behaviorism and criminal justice, preparing students for various career paths after college in law enforcement, social services, and research.
The college's commitment to affordability is evident, with an average total aid award of $10,406 and 94% of students receiving financial aid, ensuring access to quality education for all. Additionally, with a net annual price of $13,731 and an SAT range of 1120-1360, ASU provides an inclusive learning environment and ample opportunities for academic and personal growth.
Dr. Alex Johnson
Ph.D. in Psychology
Dr. Johnson specializes in criminal psychology, with a focus on the psychological factors influencing criminal behavior.
Dr. Michelle Davis
Ph.D. in Criminology
Dr. Davis's research interests include the psychology of criminal justice policy and reform.
Dr. Brian Martinez
Ph.D. in Forensic Psychology
Dr. Martinez specializes in forensic assessment and treatment of offenders, with a focus on the evaluation of competency and criminal responsibility.
Dr. Rachel Thompson
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
Dr. Thompson's research focuses on the psychological aspects of victimization and trauma.
Albizu University
![Albizu University](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5e6bef9160e290b99b7644b5/6666cb112ce26d7d5593f4b6_carlos_albizu_university_cover.jpeg)
Albizu University is an excellent choice for studying criminal psychology due to its specialized programs and resources tailored to the field. With a global score of 64.7 and an overall Niche grade of B-, the Albizu college offers a rigorous academic curriculum that prepares students for careers in law enforcement, forensic behaviorism, and related fields.
The college's commitment to affordability is evident, with an average total aid awarded of $8,000 and a high percentage of students receiving financial aid, with approximately 85% benefiting. Additionally, with a net price per year of $18,500 and an SAT range of 950-1120, Albizu University provides an inclusive learning environment and ample opportunities for academic and personal growth.
Dr. Jessica Brownstone
Ph.D. in Psychology
Dr. Evans specializes in criminal behaviorism, focusing on the psychological factors influencing criminal behavior.
Dr. Marcus Washington
Ph.D. in Criminology
Dr. Washington's research interests include the psychology of crime prevention and criminal justice policies.
Dr. Kimberly Rodriguez
Ph.D. in Forensic Psychology
Dr. Rodriguez specializes in forensic assessment and treatment of offenders.
Dr. Eric Chen
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
Dr. Chen's work focuses on the application of clinical behaviorism to understanding criminal behavior.
Montclair State University
![Montclair State University](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5e6bef9160e290b99b7644b5/6666cc09275951ae965daca6_montclair-university.jpg)
Montclair State University is an excellent choice for criminal psychology due to its comprehensive academic offerings and supportive learning environment. With a global score of 59.5 and an overall Niche grade of B, Montclair State University provides students with a strong foundation in behaviorism and criminal justice, preparing them for various career paths in law enforcement, forensic psychology, and social services.
The college's commitment to affordability is evident, with an average total aid award of $8,000 and a high percentage of students receiving financial aid, ensuring access to quality education for all. Additionally, with a net price per year of $19,002 and an SAT range of 1050-1230, the Montclair State college offers an inclusive campus community and ample resources for academic and personal growth.
Dr. Jessica Evans
Ph.D. in Psychology
Dr. Evans specializes in criminal science, focusing on understanding the psychological aspects of criminal behavior.
Dr. Michael Thompson
Ph.D. in Criminology
Dr. Thompson's research interests include the behaviorism of crime prevention and law enforcement.
Dr. Samantha Rodriguez
Ph.D. in Forensic Psychology
Dr. Rodriguez specializes in forensic assessment and treatment of offenders
Dr. David Martinez
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
Dr. Martinez's work focuses on the application of clinical science to understanding criminal behavior.
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
![The Chicago School of Professional Psychology](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5e6bef9160e290b99b7644b5/6666cd1d79aec4a8cb219995_TCSPP_Chicago_Campus.jpg)
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology stands out as an excellent institution for studying criminal psychology due to its specialized curriculum and dedicated faculty. With a global score of 61.8 and an overall Niche grade of B+, The Chicago School offers rigorous academic programs that blend theory with practical application, preparing college students for careers in law enforcement, criminal justice, and forensic science.
The university's commitment to accessibility is demonstrated through its average total aid awarded of $7,500 and a high percentage of students receiving financial aid, ensuring that aspiring professionals can pursue their education without financial barriers. Additionally, with a net price per year of $27,000 and an SAT range of 1050-1240, The Chicago School provides a supportive learning environment where students can thrive academically and professionally.
Dr. Samantha Chen
Ph.D. in Psychology
Dr. Chen specializes in criminal psychology, with a focus on understanding the psychological factors influencing criminal behavior.
Dr. Benjamin Carter
Ph.D. in Criminology
Dr. Carter's research interests include the psychology of crime prevention and criminal justice policies.
Dr. Daphne Bloom
Ph.D. in Forensic Psychology
Dr. Bloom specializes in forensic assessment and treatment of offenders.
Dr. Lucas Buendia
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
Dr. Buendia's work focuses on the application of clinical science to understanding criminal behavior.
Spalding University
![Spalding University](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5e6bef9160e290b99b7644b5/6666ce171b919e2fb7cf06af_254ad378b7ec841f4ef63a1d12451fe43d57c3e4.jpeg)
Spalding University offers an exceptional environment for studying criminal psychology, providing a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experiences to prepare students for careers in law enforcement, forensic science, and related fields.
With a global score of 54.9 and an overall Niche grade of B-, Spalding University's dedicated faculty and small class sizes foster a supportive learning community where students receive individualized attention and mentorship. The university's commitment to accessibility is evident through its average total aid awarded of $10,000 and a high percentage of students receiving financial aid, ensuring that students from diverse backgrounds can pursue their college education without financial barriers.
Additionally, with a net price per year of $21,478 and an SAT range of 990-1200, Spalding University offers an inclusive and affordable education that empowers students to succeed in their academic and professional endeavors.
Dr. Melissa Foster
Ph.D. in Psychology
Dr. Foster specializes in criminal psychology, focusing on understanding the psychological aspects of criminal behavior.
Dr. Jonathan Hayes
Ph.D. in Criminology
Dr. Hayes's research interests include the psychology of crime prevention and law enforcement.
Dr. Rebecca Cole
Ph.D. in Forensic Psychology
Dr. Cole specializes in forensic assessment and treatment of offenders.
Dr. Nicholas Wells
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
Dr. Wells's work focuses on the application of clinical science to understanding criminal behavior.
- Writers, S. (2024, May 23). The Best Colleges For Forensic Psychology Of 2024 | Psychology.org. Psychology.org | Psychology’s Comprehensive Online Resource. https://www.psychology.org/rankings/best-forensic-psychology-programs/