Find an Online Psychology Program for You
Featured Online Psychology & Counseling Programs
Forensic psychologyis the application of psychological principles to the justice system. For example, forensic psychologists may be concerned with topics such as the accuracy of eyewitness testimony, competence to stand trial, workplace discrimination, child custody disputes, brain abnormalities, and insanity pleas.
Because of the wide variety of topics forensic psychology covers, a degree in forensic psychology can prepare individuals for a wide variety of careers. In fact, forensic psychology isone of the fastest-growing psychology subfields. People with a degree in forensic psychology may work in a variety of settings, including:
Forensic Psychology Licensing
Although each state has specific requirements to become a forensic psychologist, all states require certification or licensure to practice. All states require some form of certification or licensure to practice as a forensic psychologist. Individuals should examine the specific requirements for the state in which they plan to practice as early as possible in their academic career.
Learn more abouthow to become a forensic psychologist.
Bachelor’s Degree in Forensic Psychology
Average timeline to earn a bachelor’s degree in forensic psychology is typically 4 years.
Because of all the psychology prerequisites, many undergraduate students choose to major in psychology. Alternatively, students often choose a major that compliments their psychology major or is well-suited to their graduate program. For example, forensic psychology graduate students may major in criminal justice orneuroscienceas an undergraduate.
Psychology bachelor’s degree students usually complete a curriculum covering a number of core psychology subfields, including:
Examples of Psychology electives may include: Personality psychology, educational psychology, evolutionary psychology, or other special psychology topics. General coursework in other areas, such as math, science, art, composition, and literature should also be considered.
Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology
Average timeline to earn a master’s in forensic psychology is typically an additional 2-years.
A master’s in forensic psychology can prepare students for careers, such as:
One major difference graduate students often notice is that they are only required to take courses in their focus area, and do not need to take general electives. This is because graduate school is aimed to prepare students for their specific careers.
Master’s level coursework includes a variety of courses in criminology, the sciences and psychology, and includes:
Taking additional courses in psychology will further expand a student’s knowledge and help gain valuable insight into relevant areas of opportunity.
PhD in Forensic Psychology
Average timeline to earn a doctoral degree in forensic psychology is typically an additional 2-4 years
Earning a doctorate in forensic psychology can prepare students to become a forensic psychologist or college professor. Getting a doctorate in forensic orchild psychologytakes a minimum of eight years—four years of an undergraduate bachelor’s program, and four-to-six years of doctoral study. Many students choose to earn their master’s before their Ph.D., which can add another two years. Students may also complete a short paid position after their doctoral program, called a postdoctoral fellowship (or “postdoc”).
Students who choose to earn their doctorate in forensic psychology will take many more specialized classes than when they earned their undergraduate degree.
Doctoral coursework can include:
Career Guidance
Although a graduate’s career goals will determine a degree or specialty focus, individuals with a degree incriminal psychologycan hold many jobs, including:
Online Forensic Psychology Degree
Campus-based programs offer the opportunity to study face-to-face with leaders in the field. For many students, on-campus learning is necessary for disciplined study and interaction with other students and professors.
Related Articles
Related CareersHow to Start a Forensic Psychology CareerPositive Psychology CareersMedia Psychology CareersCommunity Psychology CareersEngineering Psychology Careers
Related Careers
