BS in Psychology: Forensic Psychology Degree
Advance the Cause of Justice Through Psychological Principles
Forensic psychology bridges the gap between the criminal justice system and psychology, utilizing cognitive and behavioral principles to comprehend human actions and motivations. Professionals in this field assist law enforcement and contribute to legal cases. Students who are passionate about both psychology and law enforcement can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with an Emphasis in Forensic Psychology at Grand Canyon University.
This program, offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, teaches a foundation in criminal law, forensic psychology and cognitive and behavioral science. It covers topics such as victimology and criminal behavior, while encouraging ethical reflection in the fields of criminal justice and psychology. BS in Psychology: Forensic Psychology graduates may choose to begin entry-level careers or advance to graduate studies in forensic psychology.
Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)
- 16+ years old
- High School Graduate
- 3.0+ Unweighted GPA
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
- ACT: 19
- SAT: 1000*
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
*Math and reading only on a 1600 point scale (test date after 3/1/2016). SAT score of 1380 required for 2400 point scale (test date before 3/1/2016).
A Mission-Driven Approach to Forensic Psychology
GCU aims to equip students with critical professional skills grounded in ethical standards, including guidelines outlined in the American Psychological Association (APA) Code of Ethics. You’ll be taught within a mission-driven academic community that values thoughtful dialogue and diverse perspectives.
The curriculum is built on a Christian worldview, encouraging you to integrate faith with practice, emulate Christ-like character and pursue a career that makes a positive impact on individuals and in communities. To support your goals, GCU offers flexible learning options, both online and on campus, so you can balance your education with your other commitments.
Choose online classes and enjoy a flexible, quality education. The user-friendly e-learning platform offers 24/7 access to coursework, eBooks and discussion boards, keeping you connected. You can benefit from faculty mentorship, responsive tech support and various student resources as you earn your degree in a way that fits your schedule and lifestyle.
As an on-campus student, you can benefit from academic lectures and discussions, faculty mentorship, the GCU library and career services. The campus offers an enriching experience, promoting a supportive community and featuring student organizations, clubs, activities, worship services and Christian student groups.
New online and evening undergraduate psychology or behavioral health science students may be eligible for up to 32% off tuition scholarship.(See disclaimer †)
Explore Key Topics in Forensic Psychology Courses
GCU’s BS in Psychology: Forensic Psychology program explores the role that forensic professionals play in both the justice and psychology fields. You will study criminological and victimological theories while applying psychological principles to understand criminal behavior and patterns of propensity.
As you progress through the program, you can build both practical skills and theoretical knowledge to prepare for practical application. In your final year, you will complete a capstone project, during which you will develop and present a research proposal with a sound methodological design. This culminating experience not only demonstrates your academic growth but also aids your transition into professional practice, allowing you to explore various career paths and graduate-level opportunities.
The forensic psychology courses cover a range of multidisciplinary competencies, including:
Abnormal psychology
Research methods and statistics
Cognitive neuroscience
Social psychology and cultural applications
Criminal behavior and profiling
Victimology and trauma
Justice system processes and procedures
Adult development and health psychology
Explore Careers in Forensic Psychology
Earning a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with an Emphasis in Forensic Psychology can open doors to entry-level roles in law enforcement, the legal system and community services. Roles in these areas often collaborate with police officers, attorneys, victims and offenders, applying psychological principles to practical challenges.
You may also pursue careers such as a social and community service manager, where you coordinate programs that support public well-being, or roles like social and human service assistant and community and social service specialist. These positions can enable you to make a direct impact by assisting individuals and communities in need, while gaining valuable experience in the field.
After earning a BS in Psychology: Forensic Psychology degree, you may pursue a graduate degree in forensic psychology, typically at the doctoral level, to become a licensed forensic psychologist.(See disclaimer 1) In this role, you may evaluate defendants’ mental competency, conduct assessments, provide counseling, assist in child custody cases and contribute to criminal investigations. Many also engage in research that influences legal decisions or consult on threat assessments and law enforcement training.
Forensic psychology specialists may work in a variety of settings, such as:(See disclaimer 2,3)
Hospitals and rehabilitation centers
Community service organizations
Police departments
Law firms
Educational institutions
Government agencies
Prisons and jails
Courthouses
Estimated new jobs for social and community service managers from 2024 to 2034(See disclaimer 4)
Median annual salary for social and community service managers as of May 2024(See disclaimer 5)
Study Forensic Psychology at an Accredited University
Grand Canyon University is an institutionally accredited university dedicated to delivering quality instruction and curriculum, while fostering academic excellence within our learning community. GCU has proudly met the rigorous standards set by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968.
Frequently Asked Questions
As you consider your career path and degree options in forensic psychology, read through these questions and answers to gain more insight into this field.
What does a forensic psychologist do?
What qualifications do I need to be a forensic psychologist?
Why study criminal behavior analysis?
Is forensic psychology a dangerous career?
Program Curriculum
General Education Requirements
Core Courses
Build a strong foundation in forensic psychology by studying human behavior, ethics and applied psychological principles at GCU.
(See disclaimer †) MOU 10324: This scholarship is only valid for new student applicants who submit a complete application, meet all requirements for acceptance and start an online or evening Bachelor of Science in Psychology or Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Health Science beginning on or after Feb. 1, 2026. GCU will award eligible applicants a scholarship of 32% off tuition per course for your program. This scholarship cannot be used in conjunction with any other GCU scholarship/awards. This scholarship will be applied toward your tuition only, and you will not receive funds in excess of your charges.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, Aug. 28). How to Become a Psychologist. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved December 2025.
- American Psychological Association. (2014). A Career in Forensic and Public Service Psychology. Retrieved December 2025.
- Clay, R.A. (2009). Postgrad Growth Area: Forensic Psychology. American Psychological Association. Retrieved December 2025.
- COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective August 2025, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Social and Community Service Managers, retrieved December 2025.
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Social and Community Service Managers as of May 2024, retrieved December 2025. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as social and community service managers, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It is very unlikely that a median salary will reflect an entry-level salary. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.