Forensic Psychology – Career Guide

What is forensic psychology?

Forensic psychology is the study of psychology, law and the criminal justice system.  The goal of this field is to understand and diagnose the underlying reasons people commit crimes or attempt to engage in criminal behavior. 

If analyzing crime scenes seems more interesting to you, then you should should consider a career in forensic science.

What does a Forensic Psychologist do?

Forensic psychologists play a number of important roles in the criminal justice system. While perhaps best known as the professionals who appear in court to offer expert opinions on a defendant’s mental/emotional state, conducting competency interviews, forensic psychologists also conduct independent research, practice at the clinical level, and teach in institutions of higher learning.  Some may even work directly with inmates as part of their ongoing mental and emotional treatment.  Others may be asked to determine the mental fitness of people on death row.  If determined insane, inmates can’t be sentenced to death.

While there are many careers associated with forensic psychology, requirements will depend on the career you choose.  The term “forensic psychologist” most often applies to licensed psychologists with forensic-specific experience and doctoral degrees in forensic psychology. Many of these professionals have followed a similar academic path in order to reach their career goals.

Is Forensic Psychology right for you?

Before you start down the path to becoming a forensic psychologist, make sure this career track is the right choice for you.  Careers in forensic psychology generally require individuals who are open-minded, objective, thorough, and truly committed to the legal system.  You must be impartial and be able to separate your beliefs from potential cases you may be involved in.  In some cases, you will be working directly with convicted criminals so you should not be easily intimidated. Be sure you’re the right person for the job by speaking with a career counselor or, if possible, with a professional already working in the field.  

How to Become a Forensic Psychologist

In order to become a licensed forensic psychologist, you must commit to years of challenging, and sometimes expensive, masters and doctoral coursework; however, there are certainly affordable forensic psychology programs offered online that you could explore and choose from.  You should take into consideration cost, GRE requirements and learning format.

forensic psychologist in courtroom

Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Forensic Psychology

If you’re interested in a career in forensic psychology, your first step should be to obtain a bachelor’s in forensic psychology. Like most bachelor’s programs, you will need to complete the general education requirements along with your degree requirements. Some courses you might take will include abnormal psychology, health psychology, social psychology and child psychology. Additionally, your curriculum might consist of courses like criminal law, criminal behavior and cognitive neuroscience. When you receive your bachelor’s degree, you will have a wide variety of career options available to you. Some of these careers include:

  • Crime Analyst
  • Victim Advocate
  • Police Officer
  • Human Services Manager
  • HR Assistant

Some careers may require additional certification, training, or education. Be sure you check with each job profession requirements.

Earn a Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology

In order to become a professional forensic psychologist, you will first need to obtain a master’s degree. Typical master’s programs for this specialization, like that offered by Roger Williams University in Bristol, RI, can be completed in two years.  Forensic psychology master’s programs combine advanced coursework with practical experience. Advanced core courses can include cross cultural psychology, forensic psychology, and clinical assessment. In addition to the core coursework, you will need to complete a certain amount of credit hours in elective courses.  Some of these courses could include group counseling, family violence, and law and mental health. To earn your master’s degree, you will invariably need to complete an internship with one of your school’s participating forensic sites.

If you’re already a working professional and don’t have time to physically attend a university on a full-time basis, you should consider earning your master’s degree from an online university.  Many online schools, such as Walden University, offer an MS in forensic psychology degree that you can pursue at your own pace and from the comfort of your own home. Coursework for such programs traditionally combines online media-based learning with live, interactive class sessions.  

courtroom mallet

Earn your Ph.D. in Forensic Psychology

With your master’s level coursework completed, you will already be eligible for employment as a correctional officer, a law enforcement advocate, or as a case manager. But if you’re seeking a career at the clinical level, or as an independent researcher, you will need to hit the books once more and earn your Ph.D. in forensic psychology. All full-time Ph.D. programs include specialized coursework, the completion of a scholarly dissertation, and a one-year internship. Coursework will vary depending on your chosen area of specialization. Many of these programs place a balanced emphasis on students’ developing both research and professional skills.

– Best PhD in Forensic Psychology Programs

Obtain Professional Licensure

Once you’ve earned your Ph.D. degree you will be eligible to apply for professional licensure in whatever state you wish to start your career as a forensic psychologist. According to the American Board of Professional Psychology, candidates who wish to practice independent forensic psychology at the doctoral level must obtain an appropriate license in a U.S. jurisdiction. Online applications for board certification are available on the AABP website. Once you become a license forensic psychologist, you are at liberty to begin working in your particular area of expertise.

Where do forensic psychologists work?

Forensic psychologists usually work independently and may have their own solo practice.  You will likely spend a lot of time in law offices, police departments, jail and state and federal courts.  You might be called upon at any time to take on a case. This would involve reviewing criminal activity, researching, interviewing criminals, and sitting as a witness during a criminal trial.  

Forensic Psychologists have a lot of interaction with lawyers, judges and cops. Therefore, it’s important to develop relationships with those in the legal field, as well as law enforcement officials.  It’s equally important to establish yourself within the field as an expert with an impeccable track record.  Becoming a trusted forensic psychologist will ensure that you will have plenty of work.  The types of offenders you may be interviewing or examining could be any of the following: sex offenders, the mentally ill, drug offenders, or those who have committed homicide. 

Job Outlook for a Forensic Psychologist: Salary and Career Expectations

According to the Bureau Labor of Statistics as of May 2019, the median annual salary for specialty psychologists, including Forensic Psychologists, is $92,610.  While the job outlook for psychologists is only expected grow by 3%, those who have a doctoral degree should have more opportunities landing forensic psychology jobs.  This field is expected to see high growth through 2029.  As crime continues to increase, we continue to need educated professionals in this field to attempt to understand the motives and intentions of those committing these violent crimes.

Forensic psychology as a career can be exciting, rewarding and lucrative.  Don’t miss out on your chance to have a a fun and dynamic career while also making a difference in society.

Forensic Psychology Schools Online

If you’re ready to continue with your search, check out the following schools that can help kick start your career:

Online Bachelor’s in Forensic Psychology Programs

Online Master’s in Forensic Psychology Programs

Best PhD in Forensic Psychology Programs

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