Careers in Forensic Psychology
Forensic psychology is a specialty area that deals with issues that involve psychology and the law. Learn more about careers in forensic psychology.Julie ElliottForensic psychology involves applying psychology to the field of criminal investigation and the law. The popularity of forensic psychology has grown phenomenally in recent years, partly due to sensationalized portrayals of the field in movies and television, which are not always accurate. Forensic psychologists are often depicted as criminal profilers who are able to almost psychically deduce a killer's next move. In reality, these professionals practice psychology as a science within the criminal justice system and civil courts.
Forensic psychologists are often involved in custody disputes, insurance claims and lawsuits. Some professionals work in family courts and offer psychotherapy services, perform child custody evaluations, investigate reports of child abuse and conduct visitation risk assessments.
Those working in the civil courts often assess competency, provide second opinions, and provide psychotherapy to crime victims. Professionals working in the criminal courts conduct evaluations of mental competency, work with child witnesses, and provide assessment of juvenile and adult offenders.
Salaries within forensic psychology can range greatly depending on the sector of employment, although most entry-level positions for those with a doctorate degree start out between $60,000 and $70,000 annually. Individuals with a bachelor's or master's degree generally hold the title of psychological assistant or psychological associate. Starting level salaries for these positions generally start around $35,000 or $40,000. Those in private practice who offer consulting services typically earn more, often in the $85,000 to $95,000 range.
Forensic psychologists need a doctoral degree in psychology, usually in clinical or counseling psychology. A number of schools such as the University of Arizona and the University of Virginia offer degrees specifically focused on forensic psychology that combine courses in both psychology and law. Such a degree typically takes 5 to 7 years of graduate study to complete and admission into doctoral programs is highly competitive.
After the appropriate education, training, and experience, forensic psychologist can apply for board certification. The American Board of Forensic Psychology offers professionals the opportunity to be certified as a Diplomat of Forensic Psychology.
Before you decide on a career in forensic psychology, there are a few factors you should consider. Do you enjoy working with others? Forensic psychologists usually work with a team of other professionals in addition to working directly with clients or criminal offenders. Do you enjoy challenging problems? In most situations, people are experiencing problems that cannot be easily or quickly resolved.
Forensic psychologists need patience, creativity, and commitment. Are you interested in studying both law and psychology? Students who enjoy both subjects may find that forensic psychology is the perfect career choice.
Benefits of a Career in Forensic Psychology The opportunity to help othersDiverse career paths (i.e. criminal courts, consulting, government, education)Can be a challenging and rewarding careerDownsides of a Career in Forensic Psychology Requires a substantial time commitment (5-7 years of graduate study)Pay is usually low in relation to the amount of education and work requiredFrustration, stress, and burnout can occurShould You Become a Forensic Psychologist? - Take this brief quiz to learn if a career in forensic psychology is right for you.
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Carlos ChavezUndergraduate psychology programs help students acquire a wide range of interpersonal skills, which can then be put to use in a number of different sales and marketing positions. Employers value skills such as the ability to speak well and communicate effectively. If you are interested in working in this field, take classes that will improve your understanding of people and human behavior. Courses in social psychology, personality and communications can be especially beneficial.zSB(3,3)
Brandon BankstonThe art and science of persuasion is a major topic in psychology, which is why advertising is often an ideal career choice for people with a bachelor's degree in psychology. Careers in this field often involve researching the target audience for a product or message and developing advertising materials based on this research. If you are interested in a career in this field, look for ways that you can gain practical experience now. Internships are an excellent way to get experience, find professional mentors and build networking relationships in your chosen field.
Marcin Balcerzak/iStockPhotoWhile some people with a bachelor's degree in psychology find work in other professions, some choose to work directly in the field of mental health and human services. A few potential job titles in this area include psychiatric technicians, mental health technicians and social work assistants. In most cases, these individuals work directly under the supervision and guidance of a licensed clinical psychologist or social worker. Job duties involve helping patients with basic daily needs, teaching life skills, conducting applied therapy sessions and performing related case management tasks.
bo1982If you enjoy helping people discover their potential, then working as a career counselor can be a fulfilling choice. This job often involves helping people select a career, assisting those in the process of changing careers or providing vocational rehabilitation to individuals returning to the workforce. Some individuals choose to work with disabled adults who may need skills training, job search help, on-the-job training and regular workplace supervision.
Lance KidwellIf you are interested in working in the field of criminal justice, you might want to consider a career as a probation or parole officer. Typically hired by local or state governments, probation and parole officers work directly with individuals who have been convicted of criminal offenses. These professionals supervise offenders at home, work and school settings to track behaviors, make recommendations to the courts and coordinate with drug treatment professionals or therapists.
Sanja GjeneroEarning a bachelor's degree in psychology generally requires a great deal of writing. After graduation, put those communication skills to work in a writing-related career. Some potential job titles in this area include technical writers, advertising copy writers and newspaper reporters.
Sanja GjeneroPeople working in the field of market research perform a variety of tasks, including conducting interviews, performing opinion polls, collecting data and interpreting results. A bachelor's degree in psychology prepares students for work in this field by training graduates in statistical and scientific methodologies.
Heriberto HerreraAnother way to utilize your bachelor's degree in psychology is to become a child care worker. One way to work directly in psychology is to become a partial care worker in a mental health setting. Other options include working in a daycare or after-school program, or even opening up your own child care office.zSB(1,2)
Rich Legg/iStockPhotoIf you have an interest in research and experimental psychology, working as a psychology laboratory assistant could be a great way to put your bachelor's degree to work. Some settings that might employ psychology lab assistants include university psychology programs, government agencies and businesses that study human behavior. Get a leg up on the competition by gaining valuable research experience today. Sign up for a research assistant position at your university, or consider taking an internship in a psych lab.
Brad Killer / iStockPhotoIndividuals with a bachelor's degree in psychology can also find career opportunities working in the social services sector for government agencies or non-profits. These positions might entail helping individuals locate psychological resources in their community, providing counseling services directly to clients and other types of case management services.
Rich / iStockPhotoStudents who also earn a teaching certificate along with their bachelor's degree in psychology can also become teachers. Some graduates may opt to apply their knowledge of psychology indirectly as an elementary or middle-school teacher, while others may choose to teach psychology at the high school level. If you already hold a bachelor's degree in psychology, you might be able to enroll at an accredited teacher education program in order to earn a teaching certificate in your state. Contact your state's board of education to learn more about the requirements and any alternative routes to becoming a credentialed teacher that might be available.if(zSbL
