Best Colleges for Criminal Psychology in 2025

When you are ready to research the most suitable colleges for criminal psychology studies, the key is to learn the basics of a criminal psychology degree.

Even when you know the legal system well, a typical criminal justice program will have certain specifics.

Most prospective students often get lost in the myriad of choices, yet we will do our best to assist you in finding the best colleges for criminal psychology!

Key Takeaways:

• You will learn about the quick choices in criminal psychology.
• We will provide a list of the top 30 criminal studies colleges.
• You will discover forensic psychology undergraduate programs.
• We will provide the key differences between forensic psychology and criminal studies.
• You will learn about the study requirements for a typical bachelor’s degree, including admission rules and costs.

Before we continue with a list of the best schools for criminal psychology, let’s narrow things down to the quick choices. It will help you jump into the criminal justice choices and learn if you have already heard about certain picks.

Without further ado, let’s see diverse career opportunities!

Top 15 Quick Criminal Psychology Colleges Picks

Our quick methodology of choices is based on the national ratings, affordability, and acceptance rate. This time, we will also focus on certain specifics on campus for our quick methodology.

1. University of Maryland

It has a 90% acceptance rate, which makes it even more appealing than the other entries. It provides a 120-credit criminal justice degree program focusing on cyber crimes and all the modern subjects. It is also considered number one among the 42 criminology universities in the United States.

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2. California State University

With a national score of 68.1 and a 48% acceptance rate, one can safely say that it is one of the best quick choices for a criminal psychology degree. The CSU offers numerous programs on topics with experienced college professors. The focus on practical experience is always helpful. During the field work, you will also gain theoretical knowledge and connections with law enforcement agencies.

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3. John Jay College of Criminal Justice

The national score here is 61.1 with a 41% acceptance rate. 67% of students receive financial assistance. The overall grade of students is A-. It is also one of the most affordable choices. As an exceptional institution for criminal psychology studies, it also offers forensic disciplines. It even offers mental health services as one of the possible academic options.

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4. University of Louisiana

The ranking score here is 85, with a 75% acceptance rate. It is an excellent institution with a great reputation. With over 60% of students receiving financial aid, it also becomes more affordable. The UL campus is filled with practical work and a great community.

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5. Oklahoma State University

The score is 65.3, and the acceptance rate is 74%. It has 80% of students receiving financial aid. It is the best choice for forensic psychology and focuses greatly on social services. If you are passionate about justice studies and behaviorist theories, look no further.

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6. University of North Dakota

The national rating is 82, with the acceptance rate of 80%. It has over 65% students getting financial assistance. If you wish to have a hands-on approach to learning, this choice is also one of the most practical and affordable.

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7. Arizona State University

It is one of the best choices for criminal psychology studies. The national score is 64.9, and the acceptance rate is 76%. The overall grade is A, with over 95% of students getting financial aid. It focuses on law enforcement studies, social services, and practical research subjects.

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8. Montclair State University

While it may not be a household name, it is one of the best choices for students aiming for forensic psychology studies. Over 90% of students are getting financial aid, with an acceptance rate of 75%. The global score is 61%. The university has a strong foundation in forensic studies.

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9. Albizu University

It has a national score of 64.7 and a whopping 93% acceptance rate. It focuses on more than just forensic behaviorism; it also touches upon artificial intelligence, technical psychology, and data research. It also offers one of the friendliest campuses with many ways for personal growth and career choices.

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10. Chicago’s School of Professional Psychology

It has a score of 61.8 and an acceptance rate of 74%. Although it may not be the most affordable choice, over 85% of students receive financial aid. It is a great way to pursue your academic career if you are interested in criminal psychology and have an existing background.

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11. Spalding University

With an acceptance rate of 90% and a 54.9 national score, you may look into this university for forensic science studies and related fields. What sets it apart is a scientific library and a list of inclusive classes.

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12. University of Cincinnati

As one of the best schools for criminal justice, it scored 76.1 according to the QS ranks. It has an 85% acceptance rate and has over 65% of students getting financial aid.

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13. Pennsylvania State University

The acceptance rate is 93% and the total program cost is affordable at $25.772. The good news is that 94% of students are getting financial aid. It offers a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice and has one of the most demanding requirements.

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14. University of Albany (SUNY)

It is ranked 5th for PhD programs in the United States for students focusing on criminal justice. The acceptance rate is 69.9%. Although it expects you to meet the basic GPA requirements and SAT/ACT scores, it is one of the most flexible colleges that offers criminal psychology.

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15. Rutgers University (Newark)

It has an acceptance rate of 60% and is in 11th place in the national rating for criminal justice and psychology studies schools. The school prides itself on partnerships with criminal justice agencies, police, courts, and social justice agencies.

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Top 23 Criminal Psychology Colleges in 2025 [Full Ranking]

This time, we will get into more details as we look for graduate degree choices. It is much easier to have a list first when choosing a forensic psychology program or looking for a criminal psychology degree.

Be it a Jay College of Criminal Justice or some city university, it will help aspiring criminal psychologists.

If you wish to study correctional psychology or focus on legal psychology, take your time to study faculty members and find a comprehensive curriculum first.

Now, let’s start with a list for your future professional development!

1. University of California, Irvine

• Academic Quality: It is the nation’s second-best online criminal psychology program. It also has a varied program for affordable criminal psychology degrees.
• Affordability: It is $15,722 for in-state students and $49,922 for out-of-state students
• Outcomes and Experience: It is best suited for Master’s programs.
• Accessibility and Format: Hybrid accessibility and distance learning criminal psychology programs.
• Accreditation: Master of Legal and Forensic Psychology accreditation by DPDC.

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2. Florida State University

• Academic Quality: One of the safest national criminal psychology choices with many internship options.
• Affordability: The tuition cost for in-state residency is approximately $15,000. The tuition cost for out-of-state residency or international students is approximately $35,000.
• Outcomes and Experience: One of the most prestigious and flexible criminal psychology colleges.
• Accessibility and Format: Online criminal psychology degrees online programs.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC.

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3. Michigan State University

• Academic Quality: Recommended for students majoring in Forensic Psychology.
• Affordability: in-state tuition of $12,201, out-of-state tuition – $29,084.
• Outcomes and Experience: Cutting-edge research and fieldwork programs.
• Accessibility and Format: Both online and offline programs are available.
• Accreditation: accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

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4. George Mason University

• Academic Quality: Clinical Psychology, Criminal Justice Counselling, and Criminal Forensics.
• Affordability: In-state tuition is $12,201, while out-of-state tuition is approximately $29,084.
• Outcomes and Experience: Although it is among the least affordable criminal psychology colleges, it offers a range of mental health and criminal justice courses.
• Accessibility and Format: Inclusive classes and many online training programs.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC.

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The next colleges for criminal psychology in our list are the best fit for successful careers since they revolve around forensic techniques. The program focuses on behavioral analysis, abnormal psychology, professional practice, and more.

You can use academic transcripts and learn more about the program’s emphasis on science courses.

5. University of Missouri

• Academic Quality: A good choice for a doctoral degree in Criminal Psychology with numerous career choices. 
• Affordability: $15.548 for in-state and $37.820 for out-of-state studies. 
• Outcomes and Experience: It focuses on both adult and juvenile justice studies, which expands the possibilities. 
• Accessibility and Format: It utilizes cutting-edge online studies and technical facilities that should not be missed. 
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission. 

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6. Northeastern University

• Academic Quality: It is a great choice for students interested in police psychology. If you need to be specific and wish to focus on mental health, for example, it is a good fit. 
• Affordability: The average student receiving financial aid pays $45,775. 
• Outcomes and Experience: It is a suitable choice for international students and those with specialized skills and prior practical experience in the field. It has a very good community. 
• Accessibility and Format: Many online and in-person courses to help you choose a flexible schedule. 
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). 

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7. University of Nebraska (Omaha)

• Academic Quality: The available course offered focuses on understanding criminal behavior patterns. It possesses a strong academic background in the fields of forensics and data analysis. 
• Affordability: $10,434 for in-state and $28,764 for out-of-state learners. 
• Outcomes and Experience: Many options for individual learning and practical work in the field. If you want to cooperate with LEA outlets, take a look at this one! 
• Accessibility and Format: Review individual schedules and numerous criminal behavior pattern labs. 
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC). 

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8. Temple University

• Academic Quality: One of the best choices for criminal law studies. Psychology and business are among the most popular fields to study here. It is also one of the best in Pennsylvania.  
• Affordability: Out-of-state students pay $35,232, while in-state students pay about $23,723. 
• Outcomes and Experience: The availability of numerous generous scholarships and various university clubs contributes to a positive experience. 
• Accessibility and Format: It offers numerous online degrees, particularly if you wish to pursue MBA studies as well. 
• Accreditation: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. 

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9. Sam Houston State University

• Academic Quality: It offers Capstone courses and studies personality theory, among others.
• Affordability: $11,370 for in-state and $23,520 for out-of-state students.
• Outcomes and Experience: This program is highly beneficial for students with no prior experience in the field of criminal psychology. It has many ways to prepare you. 
• Accessibility and Format: From essay writing tests to capstone projects and various studies, it is one of the most accessible options on our list. 
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees. 

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10. University of Florida

• Academic Quality: It prepares students for graduate programs in developmental psychology. This is quite rare in the context of education, per se.
• Affordability: One of the most affordable at about $19,000 for an academic year. 
• Outcomes and Experience: If you wish to focus on education and have a vector in criminal psychology and juvenile victims, this is the choice. 
• Accessibility and Format: Various online and in-person options are available. Special programs for students coming from underprivileged sectors. 
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

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11. Georgia State University

• Academic Quality: You may research human behavior in the psychology department. It is a classic American South way of education with a focus on details and affordability. 
• Affordability: $10,500 for in-state and $31,320 for out-of-state students. 
• Outcomes and Experience: It has a strong research base and numerous valuable entries in the university’s library. It also has good connections to different laboratories and research units nationwide. 
• Accessibility and Format: It is a classic educational approach with excellent libraries and a vibrant community to consider. 
• Accreditation:  Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
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12. University of Delaware

• Academic Quality: If you are after criminal profiling studies and rigorous academic programs, it is one of the best forensic psychology colleges.
• Affordability: $17,660 for in-state and $43,220 for out-of-state students.
• Outcomes and Experience: It is one of the best choices for future profilers. It may be a bit hard to get enrolled, yet it offers a unique way to learn. 
• Accessibility and Format: It uses AI technologies in studies and Augmented Reality. If you wish to embark on a technology journey, do not miss this one! 
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education. 

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13. University of South Florida

• Academic Quality: It boasts one of the top doctoral programs in criminal profiling, with a focus on social psychology. It offers one of the best options for those who wish to continue their studies.
• Affordability: $6,410 for in-state and $17,324 for out-of-state students.
• Outcomes and Experience: It is one of the best affordable options to look into criminal profiling. It is good for cases when you continue with your academic journey. 
• Accessibility and Format: Various online options are available, offering different transition methods. 
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), USF’s institutional accreditor.

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The last entries will be a great fit for most future forensic psychologists as we continue looking for the best forensic psychology program.

If you are familiar with the legal system and wish to focus on collaboration with local law enforcement agencies, the universities listed below will be a great fit.

14. American University

• Academic Quality: It implements innovative research methods and includes mental health studies. A great choice for a Master’s degree.
• Affordability: It features a unique system that is based on the family’s income. If yours is between $30,000 and $ 48,000, then you would have to pay around $22,059 on average. 
• Outcomes and Experience: Innovation is the key focus here, as it encompasses many of the country’s research methods. 
• Accessibility and Format: National security, crime prevention, homeland policies, and many other workshops make it unique. 
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

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15. University of Central Florida

• Academic Quality: A great choice for forensic psychologists’ work and related degree programs. According to education statistics, it is also an affordable option.
• Affordability: In-state tuition of $12,422. Out-of-state tuition is $29,909. 
• Outcomes and Experience: This is beneficial for forensic studies students who wish to expand their knowledge in the field of psychology. Many good internship options and career networks. 
• Accessibility and Format: Many online programs if you wish to expand your studies. 
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award degrees. 

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16. University of Massachusetts

• Academic Quality: Although it is primarily known for its technical disciplines, it is also well-suited for forensic and profiling studies. Most graduate students receive financial aid at this institution. 
• Affordability: The cost is $16,844 for in-state students and $42,431 for out-of-state students who receive financial aid.
• Outcomes and Experience: If you are coming from a technical background and wish to focus on profiling with AI-based methods, look no further! 
• Accessibility and Format: The online programs offer limited options, but flexible academic schedules are available. 
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). 
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17. University of South Carolina

• Academic Quality: Like John Jay College, it offers undergraduate degrees and carefully reviews your high school transcripts. If you are just starting, check it out.
• Affordability: $36,832 for in-state students and $60,116 for out-of-state students.
• Outcomes and Experience: Although it is on the expensive side, it is easier to get in if you are just starting your studies. It also features a robust career ladder system to help you advance and continue growing. 
• Accessibility and Format: Many helpful programs for high school students with visionary explanations. 
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.  

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18. Washington State University

• Academic Quality: One of the best national center labs for crime prevention studies. It already says something about the quality of studies and the labs available. 
• Affordability: The average annual cost is $36,804. It is considered an affordable option, considering the national fame. 
• Outcomes and Experience: If you wish to study with some of the best specialists nationwide and get access to all the latest discoveries, do your best to get enrolled. 
• Accessibility and Format: Many online and remote academic schedule options. It has many prolific studies. 
• Accreditation: It is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). 

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19. Indiana University

• Academic Quality: One of the best choices for clinical psychology and in-field work. Your chances of getting enrolled here increase if you choose clinical psychology. 
• Affordability: $12,144 for in-state and $42,295 for out-of-state students. 
• Outcomes and Experience: If you wish to choose clinical studies, it is a good place to start. 
• Accessibility and Format: Many online, affordable programs can help you prepare. 
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission. 

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20. Texas State University

• Academic Quality: It boasts a favorable student-to-faculty ratio and a strong employment program for doctoral degree holders. 
• Affordability: It is considered an affordable university. It is $29,900 for Texas residents and $42,200 for non-residents. 
• Outcomes and Experience: It has a very good admission system and a clear entry method. It also provides good internships. 
• Accessibility and Format: It has very good morals and a great campus, as many students and alumni say. 
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

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21. University of Texas (Dallas)

• Academic Quality: A unique graduate school that studies the current legal system and innovative research methods.
• Affordability: A first-year student at the University of Dallas pays around $27,250. 
• Outcomes and Experience: If you want to learn about modern techniques and stay up-to-date, this is the best choice. 
• Accessibility and Format: It incorporates the latest technologies and automation. Many online courses are available. 
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

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22. Southern Illinois University (Carbondale)

• Academic Quality: It is among the best choices for mental health studies and forensic science. According to labor statistics, it also provides a good foundation for future career networks.
• Affordability: $14,840 for in-state students and $22,757 for out-of-state students. 
• Outcomes and Experience: The institution offers numerous financial aid programs, making it even more appealing to students. It also offers good career network programs. 
• Accessibility and Format: The program offers various tools to make things more accessible, particularly for families with low incomes. Many online programs and campus mental health programs make it good. 
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission.

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23. University of Louisville

• Academic Quality: It focuses on crime prevention and undergraduate degrees with a focus on behavioral analysis.
• Affordability: In-state tuition is $12,422, while out-of-state tuition is $29,909.
• Outcomes and Experience: If you want to focus on crime prevention methods and work in the field, it is one of the safest choices. 
• Accessibility and Format: Many online programs are readily available, along with good workshops and university clubs. It has many programs that focus on bioethics.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). 

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If you are into professional practice and wish to study the criminal justice system, any of the entries above will be a great fit. Many will depend on whether you want to study forensic psychology or social psychology and criminal behavior.

Best Online and Forensic Programs to Consider

Here are the safe choices to consider for online studies:

1. Arizona State University Online Forensic Psychology Courses.
2. Florida Institute of Technology Criminal Psychology Degree.
3. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology Online.
4. Southern New Hampshire Forensic Psychology Degree Online.
5. Online MS in Forensic Psychology by Walden University.

Top 10 Online Forensic Psychology Studies

If you are looking for an online graduate school or wish to boost your master’s degree career, here is the list of choices that offer excellent online studies:

1. Bay Path University. 78% online enrollment
2. Quincy University. 63% online enrollment
3. CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice. 71% online enrollment
4. Florida Institute of Technology. 41% online enrollment.
5. Thomas College. 30% online enrollment
6. Vermont State University. 48% online enrollment
7. St. Andrews University. 51% online enrollment
8. Arizona State University. 56% online enrollment
9. Southern New Hampshire. 78% online enrollment
10. Saint Ambrose University. 8% online enrollment, but unique catholic values.

Criminal vs Forensic Programs Differences

The crucial difference is in their focus areas. While the criminal psychology basically deals with understanding criminal behavior to assist law enforcement agencies, the forensic psychology often deals directly.

It means it interacts with the legal system and addresses psychological aspects and elements of particular legal cases.

Study Requirements and Courses

As a rule, you must provide a high school diploma with relevant high school transcripts. Every criminal justice school will ask you for a personal essay before admission. You may also need to check a list of criminology topics to get yourself inspired.

Students interested in a particular program may be able to pass several courses that will help them understand criminal behavior.

If you aim for a doctoral degree, academic transcripts must be provided. Most graduate programs will also ask for good results in a high school diploma. GRE and GMAT are usually not required.

Learn About Admissions & Costs

A completed online application and academic transcripts usually come in first. The forensic psychology programs and relevant prices will depend on states and many other factors, such as in-state or out-of-state studies.

Depending on your housing and location, a bachelor’s degree will differ in price. Sometimes you may have to work on certain admission letters or research focused criminal justice topics to enroll.

In either case, make sure that you learn all about financial aid in each particular case.

How to Choose a Suitable Criminal Psychology College

Here are the main aspects you must consider when choosing a criminal psychology course. Depending on whether you wish to aim for a bachelor’s degree or go for a master’s degree, the following is necessary:

• Seek financial aid.
• Read reviews by graduate students about the best colleges for criminology.
• Study in-state and out-of-state options.
• See whether you can study forensic psychology.
• Look for criminal behavior studies and read through the criminal justice system curriculum.

If you are after a master’s degree, look for future career choices and cooperation with law enforcement agencies. Professional psychology courses are essential as well.

State Lists Guide

Even when you go for a doctoral degree in forensic psychology, it is important to know that some states are more popular regarding forensic psychology programs.

According to Psychology School Guide, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, California, and Texas are among the popular states for studying forensic psychology, criminal justice, and clinical criminal psychology.

It is not only because of the schools in question but also because of the professional networks and great career choices. California, NYC, and Texas are also the areas with the highest income for a criminal psychology career.

Careers & Next Steps You Must Consider

One of the best options is to choose mental health studies to understand criminal behavior in a much better way. Forensic psychology is essential to consider if you focus on human behavior and wish to pursue doctoral programs.

Additional degree programs and proficiency in something specific prepare students for particular careers. For those purposes, you can visit law enforcement workshops and study clinical psychology as your next step.

Methodology

Our methodology focuses on academic quality, including what is known about the faculty and university, ranks, enrollment, graduation, affordability of criminal psychology programs with financial aid and prices, outcomes and experience with career services, and more, accessibility and format of studies (online or hybrid), and accreditation.

All the information is sourced at NCES/IPEDS and university websites, or cross-checked at resources like Psychology.org.

Important: It must be noted that APA accreditation is related to master’s and doctoral degrees, not bachelor’s degrees. It is mostly a local accreditation, which is noted in our entries above. 

FAQ

What Is the Top Income for Criminal Psychologists?

Top earners work at 70 US dollars per hour with an annual salary of $146.000.

What Additional Field Should I Choose for My Studies?

It is believed that the study of criminal behavior is one of the crucial aspects for criminal psychologists. You may also choose clinical psychology as an additional course.

What Is the Most Famous Forensic Psychology School?

John Jay College of Criminal Justice is probably most famous for its graduate degrees. Arizona State University is also quite famous and competitive.