Forensic Psychology Degree

If you are interested in the workings of the human mind and how it relates to crime and criminal behavior, a forensic psychology degree could be a good match. Become a forensic psychologist requires all the training and education that a typical psychologist would need to undergo including the completion of a bachelors and masters degree in psychology and in some cases a forensic psychology graduate degree. Many upper level degree programs allow you to choose a particular focus within their psychology education and some colleges have programs that are specifically tailored for future forensic psychologists.

Forensic Psychology Masters Degree

Becoming a forensic psychologist requires that you obtain a masters or doctoral degree. You cannot be considered a licensed psychologist without receiving a graduate level degree. As an undergraduate, you should focus on courses in motivational psychology, abnormal psychology, criminology, and research methods. With a masters degree in forensic psychology you may be employed by a correctional facility or government agency. You may, for example, focus on police psychology or correctional psychology and assist in matters where an expert in psychological matters involving police cases or evaluations of inmates may be required.

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Forensic Psychology Doctoral Degree - Phd

Most forensic psychologists opt to obtain a doctoral degree as it will provide the necessary education and credentials to perform a wider variety of work in forensic psychology. At this level, you may choose to have an independent practice for counseling offenders, psychotherapy, or as a consultant. You may be asked to be an expert witness in criminal cases or conduct assessments for those who are on trail for competency or insanity. Correctional facilities often employ a forensic psychologist with a Phd to supervise others employed with a masters level education. In addition, you may be asked to assist with criminal profiling or jury consulting. Another path is to remain in a university setting as a researcher or professor. At the doctorate level, your options become much greater.

Forensic Psychologist Job Description

A forensic psychologist uses the science of psychology and applies it to the needs of the legal system. Forensic psychologists may be asked to perform a psychological examination of an individual to determine if they are fit to stand trial in cases where an insanity plea has been made. A forensic psychologists job may also entail the assessment of a previously convicted person to determine if that individual is likely to be a repeat offender if released. When psychological disorders are present in someone being convicted of a crime, this may greatly change the motivational landscape and alter the way criminal motive was determined. Forensic psychologists can also help explain how testimony from a witness may be influenced by psychological or environmental factors. It is also common for forensic psychologists to assist in the training of law enforcement officers in terms of how they should deal with those who have psychological or dependency issues. These are just a few of the scenarios a forensic psychologist may find themselves involved in. Some may work more in the capacity of a researcher or in an academic setting. The field is vast and has many important functions in the country's criminal justice system.

How To Become a Forensic Psychologist

Becoming a Forensic Psychologists requires that you first complete a bachelors degree in psychology, criminal justice, or a related field. Once you have completed your bachelors degree, you will need to apply for and enroll in a masters in forensic psychology program or something closely related. Many schools offer a masters in psychology with the option to focus on criminal behavior. Some may choose to pursue a doctorate (Phd) in psychology with the focus again being on forensic psychology. As mentioned above, there are some schools who have programs specifically designed for those pursuing a career in forensic psychology.