Forensic Psychology Scholarships

Apply to a Forensic Psychology Scholarship

If you daydream about being the hero that solves brutal crimes and tracks down serial killers based on psychological theories, then forensic psychology scholarships can go a long way towards helping your career goals become a reality.

Forensic psychology is a fascinating applied discipline that blends psychology, criminal justice, and law together. Forensic psychologists may be involved in evaluating child custody cases, providing expert testimonies in court, giving sentencing recommendations for offenders, conducting competency evaluations, profiling criminals, or offering psychotherapy to victims.

Resource: Top 7 Cheap Online Forensic Psychology Degree Programs (Bachelor's)

Turn your obsession for popular TV shows like Criminal Minds, CSI, and Law & Order: SVU into a thrilling mental health career by investigating some of the following scholarship opportunities.

1. AAFP Dissertation Research Grants

Deadline: March 31st

Annually, the American Academy of Forensic Psychology (AAFP) offers the Dissertation Research Grants to provide up to $5,000 to outstanding doctoral students who are currently enrolled in an accredited forensic psychology degree program in the United States. Eligible candidates must submit a completed application with a dissertation proposal, a current CV or resume, at least one letter of support, and a personal statement exploring their career interests in the area of law and psychology. Recipients will be chosen based on their budgetary needs, experimental design, methodological soundness, and potential for contribution to the applied forensic psychology field.

Contact

AAFP Dissertation Research Grants
1200 Prince Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 229-2422

Scholarship Link

2. Adler Leadership, Public Service and Justice Scholarship

Deadline: December 1st

At Adler University in Chicago, the Leadership, Public Service and Justice Scholarship is awarded for up to $3,000 each year to students who are pursuing careers in public service by earning their degree in emergency management, criminology, counseling, or forensic psychology. Eligible candidates must be enrolled full-time in an approved undergraduate or graduate program, exhibit financial need, maintain good academic standing, be committed to ethical leadership practices, and show potential for future contributions to justice. Students are automatically considered for this scholarship when they submit their admissions application before the deadline.

Contact

Adler Leadership, Public Service and Justice Scholarship
17 North Dearborn Street
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 662-4000

Scholarship Link

3. AP-LS Doctoral Dissertation Awards

Deadline: December 31st

As Division 41 of the American Psychological Association (APA), the American Psychology-Law Society (AP-LS) has created Doctoral Dissertation Awards to provide financial support to doctoral students in the United States who are completing their dissertations in forensic psychology, criminology, or another law-related psychology discipline. Eligible applicants must be attending an accredited U.S. graduate school, be involved in basic or applied research, have AP-LS membership, be defending their dissertation in the upcoming calendar year, and submit a signed letter of recommendation from the dissertation advisor. Recipients will be invited to present their doctoral research at the Annual AP-LS Conference in San Diego.

Contact

AP-LS Doctoral Dissertation Awards
750 First Street NE
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 336-5500

Scholarship Link

4. ASC Graduate Minority Fellowships

Deadline: March 1st

Since 1988, the American Society for Criminology (ASC) has hosted annual Graduate Minority Fellowships to award $6,000 to three students of color who are entering the field of criminology, forensic psychology, criminal justice, or law. Qualified African American, Asian American, Native American, Pacific Islander, Alaskan Native, and Hispanic/Latino students must attend an accredited U.S. institution, be entering their doctoral studies, have unmet financial need, and maintain excellent academic standing. Along with an application, candidates must provide proof of enrollment, an up-to-date curriculum vitae, official college transcripts, three reference letters, and a personal statement describing their career plans in justice.

Contact

ASC Graduate Minority Fellowships
1314 Kinnear Road Suite 212
Columbus, OH 43212
(614) 292-9207

Scholarship Link

5. Control of Anger & Violence Research Scholarship

Deadline: March 6th

At Fielding Graduate University, the Control of Anger & Violence Research Scholarship is awarded annually for $750 to doctoral students currently enrolled in the university's Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology program with a concentration in Forensic Psychology, Health Psychology, Neuropsychology, or Violence Prevention/Control. Eligible applicants must be conducting research on topics related to the control of anger or violence, have a pre-proposal recorded, and be making timely progress on their dissertation project. Forensic psychologists at Fielding can also apply for the Ernestine Magagna Baker Scholarship if they're a first-generation college student to receive up to $9,000!

Contact

Control of Anger & Violence Research Scholarship
2020 De La Vina Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
(805) 898-4041

6. Early Career Scholarship Program

Deadline: March 31st

Through the American Academy of Forensic Psychology (AAFP), the Early Career Scholarship Program is granted each year to provide $2,000 to early career forensic psychology diplomate candidates who wish to complete a post-doctoral fellowship at an ABFP-approved setting. To qualify, applicants must already possess a Ph.D. or Psy.D. degree in forensic psychology, plan to apply for board certification in forensic psychology within two years, and have current AAFP membership. For consideration, forensic psychologists must submit a copy of their fellowship acceptance letter, two letters of recommendation, official graduate transcripts, and a small application fee.

Contact

Early Career Scholarship Program
1200 Prince Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 229-2422

Scholarship Link

7. Ellis R. Kerley Forensics Scholarship

Deadline: April 30th

Every academic year, the Ellis R. Kerley Forensic Sciences Foundation offers at least one scholarship to a deserving graduate-level student who is currently accepted to or enrolled in an approved program leading to a degree in forensic anthropology, forensic psychology, or another closely related forensic science. Eligible candidates must possess an outstanding academic record, have graduated from an accredited U.S. school, have some association with the AAFS or ABFA, and demonstrate leadership in school or community activities. Applications must include a two-page personal essay, official transcripts, and a sponsorship letter.

Contact

Ellis R. Kerley Forensics Scholarship
11275 Highway 98 W Suite 6
Miramar Beach, FL 32550
(678) 467-7248

Scholarship Link

8. Forensic Mental Health Association of California Scholarship

Deadline: January 15th

The Forensic Mental Health Association of California Scholarship is offered each year for worthy forensic psychology students to receive free tuition and lodging during the Annual FMHAC Conference. For consideration, qualified candidates must submit a completed application form with an original cover letter, a current resume, at least one letter of recommendation from a faculty member or supervisor, and a short essay describing how they'll contribute to this year's conference festivities. In exchange, recipients will be given responsibilities like registration, merchandise duty, or CE signing in/out through the final presentation on Friday.

Contact

Forensic Mental Health Association of California Scholarship
665 Third Street Suite 516
San Francisco, CA 94107
(415) 407-1344

Scholarship Link

9. Gene Carte Student Paper Competition

Deadline: April 15th

Also offered by the American Society for Criminology (ASC), the Gene Carte Student Paper Competition is held each year to award $500 to outstanding undergraduate or graduate-level college students who are currently enrolled on a full-time basis in an academic program related to criminology, forensic psychology, criminal justice, or a related law field. Qualified participants must submit a scholarly paper no longer than 7,500 words with references and a 100-word abstract on any topic directly relevant to the criminology profession. The ASC Committee will judge each submission based on the quality of conceptualization, clarity, aptness of research methods, and potential contribution to forensics.

Contact

Gene Carte Student Paper Competition
1314 Kinnear Road Suite 212
Columbus, OH 43212
(614) 292-9207

Scholarship Link

10. George H. Robinson Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: Varies

Funded by the Chesapeake Bay Division of the International Association for Identification (CBD-IAI), the George H. Robinson Memorial Scholarship is given for $500 each year to five students who are currently pursuing a degree in forensic science, forensic psychology, criminology, or criminal justice. Qualified applicants must maintain a minimum overall GPA of 2.5, be enrolled full-time at an accredited U.S. institution, reside within the Chesapeake Bay region, have attained at least sophomore-level standing, and need financial assistance. Applications must be accompanied by official college transcripts, an academic advisor form, two letters of reference, and a short biographical sketch.

Contact

George H. Robinson Memorial Scholarship
P.O. Box 224
Broad Run, VA 20137

11. Grace M. Walsh Forensics Scholarship

Deadline: April 3rd

As home to one of the top 10 teams for the National Forensics Association (NFA), the University of Wisconsin at Eau-Claire is proud to deliver the Grace M. Walsh Forensics Scholarship each year for $800 to currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate students who wish to compete on the university's intercollegiate forensics team. Eligible candidates must plan to attend at least three tournaments per semester, develop three different events for these tournaments, attend the Nationals should they qualify, and maintain good academic standing. Applicants are asked to complete a scholarship, attach a letter of recommendation from a previous forensics coach, and tape a six-minute audition video.

Contact

Grace M. Walsh Forensics Scholarship
Hibbard Humanities Hall Room 152
Eau Claire, WI 54702
(715) 836-4747

Scholarship Link

12. John A. Reisenbach Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: April 9th

In honor of a young advertising executive whose murder remains unsolved after he was shot and killed in a phone booth in West Village, the John A. Reisenbach Memorial Scholarship is granted annually for $2,000 to graduate students enrolled at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice to receive a master's in criminal justice, forensic science, or forensic psychology. All applicants must have completed nine to 12 graduate credits, maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.5, and compose a 500-word essay on how their graduate education will help them make New York City a safer place.

Contact

John A. Reisenbach Memorial Scholarship
445 West 59th Street Room 1285N
New York, NY 10019
(212) 237-8872

Scholarship Link

13. Lizette Peterson-Homer Grant Award

Deadline: October 1st

Sponsored by the American Psychological Foundation (APF), the Lizette Peterson-Homer Grant Award is open to graduate students in any psychology discipline, including forensic psychology, who are conducting research on the prevention of injuries in children and teens through accidents, violence, abuse, or suicide. Eligible applicants must be matriculated at an accredited U.S. institution, be earning a master's or doctoral degree, display research competence, and be committed to helping curb significant threats to child development. Applications must include a research proposal, detailed budget plan, current curriculum vitae, and faculty letter of support.

Contact

Lizette Peterson-Homer Grant Award
750 First Street NE
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 336-5500

Scholarship Link

14. Lorraine Thomas Endowed Scholarship

Deadline: December 1st

In the College of Psychological Studies at Nova Southeastern University, the Lorraine Thomas Endowed Scholarship is presented annually for $1,500 to graduate students currently enrolled in the Ph.D. Clinical Psychology, Psy.D. Clinical Psychology, M.S. Counseling, M.S. Family Therapy, M.S. Forensic Psychology, M.S. School Counseling, or Psy.S. School Psychology program. Qualified candidates must have clear career interests working with children or adolescents, be in good academic standing, be nominated by a CPS administrator or faculty member, have financial need, and be actively involved in clinical/research activities for their chosen psychological niche.

Contact

Lorraine Thomas Endowed Scholarship
3301 College Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314
(954) 262-7563

Scholarship Link

15. Mike Byrd Crime Science Scholarship

Deadline: May 1st

Annually, the Police Officer Assistance Trust (POAT) offers the Mike Byrd Crime Science Scholarship to award $1,000 to full-time college students who are currently majoring in biology, chemistry, forensic science, pathology, forensic psychology, criminology, or another major affiliated with crime scene investigation. Eligible candidates must be the sons or daughters of sworn law enforcement officers in Miami-Dade County, reside within southern Florida, attend an accredited in-state institution, and maintain a minimum overall GPA of 2.5. Applicants must submit a completed scholarship application with a certified transcript and two recommendations.

Contact

Mike Byrd Crime Science Scholarship
1030 NW 111 Avenue Suite 232
Miami, FL 33172
(305) 594-6662

Scholarship Link

16. Nancy B. Forest and L. Michael Honaker Master's Grant

Deadline: May 6th

Administered by the American Psychological Association (APA), the Nancy B. Forest and L. Michael Honaker Master's Grant is given annually for $1,000 to fund master's-level thesis research for graduate students in the United States majoring in any area of psychology, such as forensic psychology. To qualify, applicants must be APAGS members, be enrolled at least half-time, maintain good academic standing, attend a regionally accredited institution, and be starting their master's thesis project. Applications must include a two-page cover letter, an abbreviated research proposal, a current curriculum vitae, and one letter of recommendation.

Contact

Nancy B. Forest and L. Michael Honaker Master's Grant
750 First Street NE
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 336-5500

17. NRHSP Forensic Psychology Fellowship

Deadline: January 5th

Through the National Register of Health Service Psychologists (NRHSP), a Forensic Psychology Fellowship is offered annually to clinical psychologists who are seeking to become highly competent forensic examiners capable of independent forensic assessment practice and expert witness testimony. Eligible candidates must be completed an APA-accredited doctoral program, have finished an APA-accredited internship, have prior experience in forensics or corrections, submit three letters of recommendation, and write a personal statement addressing their interests in forensic assessment. Recipients will work one year full-time for 40 hours per week on a variety of forensic cases while earning a salary of $64,060 with benefits.

Contact

NRHSP Forensic Psychology Fellowship
1200 New York Avenue NW Suite 800
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 783-7663
Scholarship Link

18. Richard McGrath Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: December 1st

Funded by the Lambda Alpha Epsilon Society within the American Criminal Justice Association (ACJA), the Richard McGrath Memorial Scholarship is delivered annually for up to $1,500 to deserving student members who are majoring in any field related to criminal justice, including forensic psychology or forensic science. Qualified students must have attended at least one regional ACJA/LAE meeting, be attending an accredited U.S. institution, be actively involved in their chapter, maintain good academic standing, and be dedicated to a career in criminal justice. Candidates must be nominated by a regional or chapter president before the deadline.

Contact

Richard McGrath Memorial Scholarship
P.O. Box 601047
Sacramento, CA 95860
(916) 484-6553

Scholarship Link

19. Saleem A. Shah Early Career Scholarship

Deadline: November 30th

Offered by the American Academy of Forensic Psychology (AAFP), the Saleem A. Shah Early Career Scholarship is designed to provide $2,000 each year in honor of an accomplished clinical psychologist in the mental health law field who was tragically killed when his automobile was struck by a drunken driver in 1992. Eligible young forensic psychologists must have earned an accredited doctoral degree in psychology, have shown significant early career achievements in forensic psychology, submit a current curriculum vitae, and provide a letter of nomination from an AAFP member detailing their contributions to psychology and law.

Contact

Saleem A. Shah Early Career Scholarship
1200 Prince Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 229-2422
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Scholarship Link

20. The Chicago School Global Impact Scholarship

Deadline: April 1st

At the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, the Global Impact Scholarship is granted annually for $1,000 to an international student who is enrolling full-time in an on-campus program to receive a Psy.D. Applied Clinical Psychology, Psy.D. Clinical Psychology, Psy.D. Clinical Forensic Psychology, M.A. Counseling Psychology, M.A. Forensic Psychology, Ph.D. International Psychology, or Ed.D. School Psychology. Applicants must maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.5, have a combined GRE of 1300 or higher, follow full-time enrollment status, and write a short essay explaining how their education will help them globally impact the psychology field.

Contact

The Chicago School Global Impact Scholarship
325 North Wells Street
Chicago, IL 60654
(800) 721-8072

Scholarship Link

Earning a degree in forensic psychology means that you'll likely have to find the financial funding to afford three to six years of graduate studies beyond your bachelor's program. Even though tuition prices aren't going anywhere but up, there's no reason to give up on your career goals in applying your psychological expertise in the legal system simply due to finances. Make sure you check out some of these great forensic psychology scholarships to help reduce the financial burden of your training in investigating and preventing crimes.