How to Become a Forensic Psychologist
Learn more about how to become a forensic psychologist, including the educational requirements, skillsets needed, where you can work, and more.
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What Is Forensic Psychology?
What Do Forensic Psychologists Do?
The word forensic is defined as “the scientific method for investigation of crime.” Forensic psychology is often described as the merger of law and psychology. Forensic psychologists play a role in punishing and preventing crimes.
This field of psychology is typically focused on the criminals themselves. Professionals in this field are often given the ominous responsibility of trying to figure out the psychological profile of individuals who commit crimes to better understand the criminal mind and even prevent others from committing crimes of a similar nature.
Forensic psychology can be an important piece of the puzzle when trying to solve a criminal case. Professionals in this field can often help narrow down the suspect list or at least provide a motive for a crime. In some cases, the expert testimony of a respected forensic psychologist might be the last piece of the puzzle when trying to convict a criminal.
The field of forensic psychology is an essential part of crime prevention as well. Professionals in this field might be called upon to participate in rehabilitating criminals, for instance, to help ensure that they become law-abiding citizens. Research in this field can also help pinpoint types of people who might commit crimes before they actually do.
Below is the complete educational path for the Psychologists:Psychologist Educational TrackSchool ProgramsAverage Education LengthChoosing Online or Campus1.Earn a Bachelor’s DegreeView Programs4 YearsOnlineorCampus2.Earn A Master’s DegreeView Programs2 Additional YearsOnlineorCampus3.Earn a PHD or PsyDView Programs2-4 Additional YearsOnlineorCampus
Psychologist Educational TrackSchool ProgramsAverage Education LengthChoosing Online or Campus1.Earn a Bachelor’s DegreeView Programs4 YearsOnlineorCampus2.Earn A Master’s DegreeView Programs2 Additional YearsOnlineorCampus3.Earn a PHD or PsyDView Programs2-4 Additional YearsOnlineorCampus
What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Forensic Psychologist?
Wondering if a career in forensic psychology is right for you? Before becoming a forensic psychologist, it’s important to understand the skills needed to succeed in the career. These can include both hard skills, such as data analysis and soft skills, including communication and empathy.
Critical Listening and Think
Data Analysis
Forensic psychology includes analyzing data and statistics to draw conclusions according to the specific situation you are analyzing. Accurate data analysis is a necessary skill for forensic psychologists.
In addition to data, forensic psychologists must also analyze physical evidence and the state of a crime scene to better understand the nature of the crime and the psychological state of the individual who committed it. Evidence, or even the lack of evidence, at a crime scene can often be used to develop a criminal profile. This can then be used to narrow down a list of suspects.
Research
Research is often a big part of a forensic psychology career. Forensic psychologists will often study and analyze research from other professionals and conduct their own research. They might study criminals and their crimes, for instance, to determine what traits certain types of criminals have. These tasks may involve interviewing criminals, along with their loved ones and victims.
Communication
Forensic psychologists regularly work with lawyers, judges, counselors, and clients. Therefore, they must be good at communication and able to tailor their message to the recipient.
Many forensic psychologists also act as expert witnesses during criminal trials. They will often give testimonies about why a crime may have occurred, or whether they believe a defendant was likely to have committed the crimes in question. A forensic psychologist might influence on a criminal’s sentencing. Because of these implications, clear and efficient communication is a must.
Empathy
At the end of the day, forensic psychologists are often dealing with traumatic crimes that affect the lives of those around them. Having empathy for victims and those involved in the case is a powerful trait that helps forensic psychologists excel.
What Is the Average Salary of a Forensic Psychologist?
Forensic psychologists working for professional, scientific, and technical consulting companies earn an annual median wage of $109,690 while their colleagues in federal, state, and local governments have a median wage of $113,150.
How much you make as a forensic psychologist will depend on how much schooling you have, where you work, and what state you work in. Every role is different.
Forensic psychology jobs blend multiple disciplines: law, psychology, criminal justice, and counseling. Learn more about how to become a forensic psychologist below.
1. Pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology
Individuals pursuing forensic psychology careers should make sure that their education is focused on psychology, criminology, and forensics. There are a couple of different ways to pursue this type of education.
First, a student can earn abachelor’s degree in psychologywith a focus on criminology or criminal justice. A student can also earn a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or criminology with a focus on psychology orchoose a forensic psychology school. Some courses that an aspiring forensic psychologist might take may include courses on forensics, abnormal psychology, and the psychology of deviance.
2. Pursue a Master’s Degree
A master’s degree in forensic psychology is considered the standard minimum for getting into the field in a research or consultancy role, while clinical work that involves working directly with patients will require a Ph.D. or PsyD, as is the case with all clinical psychologists.
Decide Where You Want to Work
Are You Ready for a Career in Forensic Psychology?
Forensic psychology is a unique career because it blends aspects of so many different industries, including law, criminal justice, and psychology. Forensic psychologists should be good listeners and communicators and understand how to process data, both on paper and from crime scenes. Is a career as a forensic psychologist right for you?Find a psychology programfit for your needs, including ones focused on the discipline of forensics.
Employment Outlook & Career Guidance for Forensic Psychologists
As cases regarding school violence, workplace conflict, sexual abuse, and other serious crimes in the United States continue to emerge, the escalating awareness of mental health issues and criminal behavior creates a demand for the services and expertise of forensic psychologists.
What Type of Positions Can a Forensic Psychologist Hold?
Companies and agencies that seek to hire forensic psychologists are those that have legal roles or clientele, which includes anyone associated with family, civil, or criminal court. Forensic psychology graduates may follow a range of diverse career paths, including positions in consulting, private practice, government, education, and in the courtroom. Learn more abouthow to become a forensic psychologist.
Career options available to forensic psychologists include:
The type of degree a forensic psychology graduate possesses will determine some of the positions he or she qualifies for.
“At the master’s level, they can work in criminal justice settings like probation or parole, work as therapists in mental health or drug courts and work in correctional facilities as therapists or case managers. At the doctoral level, they can work as forensic psychologists in state mental hospitals, complete competency evaluations for the courts, complete psychological evaluations for legal cases, complete custody evaluations, and work in correctional facilities as psychologists or administrators.”
–Dr. David Stephens
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Forensic psychologists also find employment within a:
Dr. O’Leary suggests focusing on the job settings that are most enjoyable to a forensic psychology student or graduate, as a way to easily build upon his or her marketability.
“…if one’s passion is working with victims of crimes, then they [should] look for advocacy centers, legal aid, department of social services, etc. This is more beneficial if one uses this approach while still attending school as it positions them for available positions once they graduate.”
–Dr. Bill O’Leary
Ways for Forensic Psychologists to Increase Desirability as a Job Candidate
Dr. O’Leary suggests taking an open-minded approach towards a forensic psychology career in order to create a broader range of opportunities as a professional, which can ultimately increase a job candidate’s desirability to potential employers.
“I have done anger management for the NY Giants, gone to schools to present to students and parents, worked with victims as well as perpetrators, taught for several universities…”
“Get a variety of professional experiences in forensic settings. For students, this can be accomplished through completing practicum experiences in …probation or parole, correctional facilities, state hospitals, etc.”
Dr. O’Leary also gives the following suggestions on how to become a better-rounded job candidate:
Qualities and characteristics that employers typically look for in a forensic psychologist include:
“Degrees get you into the interview; experience and character get you the job.”
Ways for a Forensic Psychologist to Increase His/Her Salary
Forensic psychologists with a doctoral-level degree (PhD or PsyD) are qualified to offer part-time and full-time private practice or consulting services as a way to increase their income. The average hourly rate for services is between $150 and $450 an hour, and may consist of performing psychological evaluations; competency evaluations; as well as evaluating people involved in personal injury or class-action suits (and then give testimony in court about the harm their clients have experienced).
“Depending on the setting, most salary increases occur through annual performance reviews. Increasing the quality of work, being involved in extra duties or projects at the place of employment, and being promoted all contribute to increasing salary.”
“…one can take the collegiate route and teach at a college. I tend to do that as a supplement to income as opposed to a main source.”
Read more aboutforensic psychology degrees online.
Forensic Psychology Networking Opportunities and Organizations
Forensic psychologists have the option to effectively network both online and onsite, especially when working with law enforcement or judicial agencies. Dr. O’Leary says going to law enforcement settings and’case-conferencing’over lunchis a good way to network in the field – this type of interaction “helps streamline investigations and catch problems earlier on”.
Another type of conference for forensic psychologists to participate in is the kind that takes place regionally, nationally and internationally, which creates opportunities to meet with academics, researchers, practitioners and students of psychology.
Attending a conference, such as the Forensic Expert Witness Annual Conference & Symposium, provides a means to engage with high-profile keynote speakers, participate in workshops, speak on individual papers, and enjoy social activities with other psychologists.
Joining a regional boardhelps forensic psychologists develop relationships throughout the state, and provides an excellent way to stay informed in the field. According to Dr. O’Leary, boards usually include established professionals, and provide an invaluable source to be able to talk about cases and practice.
“Attending and/or presenting at conferences, and joining professional listservs are among the best ways to network with colleagues.”
Organizations that provide networking opportunities for forensic psychologists include:
Forensic Psychologist Continuing Education (CE) Sources
In addition to state-approved continuing education (CE) programs for psychologists, the APA also provides CE credit options for forensic psychologists. Opportunities for professional development include earning credits in topics related to forensic psychology, such asForensic Assessment and the Standard of Care; Human Aggression and Violence: Causes, Manifestations, and Consequences;andTherapy with Coerced and Reluctant Clients.
2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections forpsychologists, all other,is based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed June 2023.
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