Criminal Justice Degree Schools » Criminal Justice Careers » Forensic Psychology Job Description & Career Outlook

Forensic Psychology Job Description & Career Outlook

Psychologists typically study human behavior by observing, questioning, and interpret how people relate to others and situations in which they find themselves. They carefully research and observe, looking for patterns or behaviors that help them predict how and why an individual reacts the way in which he or she does.

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Forensic psychologists are specialists that bridge the fields of psychology and criminal justice. Their job includes helping judges, attorneys, and others in the criminal justice system to understand the psychology involved in cases. Often, forensic psychologists are called to serve as expert witnesses in court cases; thus, they usually specialize in either family court, civil court, and criminal court. In family court, they may evaluate children involved in custody cases or even investigate alleged child abuse incidents. Read More +

In civil court, they may be asked to provide therapy to victims or provide second opinions in psychology-related matters. In criminal court, forensic psychologists may be asked to evaluate a defendant to determine whether he or she is competent to stand trial or work with witnesses who may be considered delicate, such as children or victims of violent crimes.

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Become a Forensic Psychologist: Education and Other Requirements

To become a forensic psychologist, one must usually possess a graduate degree in psychology. A doctoral degree is typically necessary in order to pursue independent practice as a psychologist. However, psychologists with a master’s degree may enter the field of forensic psychology as well. Gaining acceptance into graduate programs in psychology is highly competitive, but this can be accomplished with flexible or distance learning programs so that the student can work while pursuing the degree.

There are personal characteristics that an individual should possess in order to become an effective forensic psychologist. Emotional stability, maturity, and the ability to deal with others with sensitivity and compassion are primary qualities that are used in this job on a daily basis. In addition, forensic psychologists must be able to communicate clearly with a variety of people – adult victims, children, law enforcement, attorneys, and judges.

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Forensic Psychology Salary

Forensic psychology salaries vary widely, based on education, experience, and geographic location. In 2008, the median annual salary was approximately $64,000. This figure is typical for forensic psychologists, as those employed in state governments earned slightly below that at $63,710 annually.

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Forensic Psychology Career Outlook

The employment of psychologists in general is expected to grow at an average rate – about 12 percent – over the next decade. This anticipated growth is due to the expected growing demand for psychological services in social service organizations and in the criminal justice system. Psychologists who have a doctoral degree in an applied specialty, such as forensic psychology, have the best prospects for a job.

Forensic Psychology Related Degrees from Accredited Criminal Justice Schools

Kaplan University
Popular Degrees:

A.A.S. in Criminal Justice
B.S. in Criminal Justice/Forensic Psychology
B.S. in Criminal Justice/Corrections
M.S. in Criminal Justice/Corrections
B.S. in Criminal Justice/Crime Scene Investigation
B.S. in Criminal Justice/Computer Crime

Rasmussen College
Popular Degrees:

Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice
Associate of Science in Criminal Justice - Corrections
Associate of Science in Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security
Associate of Science in Criminal Justice - Psychology

Saint Leo University
Popular Degrees:

Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security Specialization
Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice - Criminalistics Specialization

University of Phoenix
Popular Degrees:

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration
Master of Science in Administration of Justice and Security
Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Bachelor of Science in Organizational Security Management
Master of Public Administration

Ashford University
Popular Degrees:

BA/Social and Criminal Justice
BA/Social Science - Psychology
BA/Organizational Management - Homeland Security
BA/Homeland Security and Emergency Management
BA/Environmental Studies

Walden University
Popular Degrees:

Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration - Homeland Security Policy and Coordination
Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) - Homeland Security Policy
M.S. in Psychology - Terrorism and Security
B.S. in Criminal Justice - Computer Information Systems and Security
M.S. in Forensic Psychology - Psychology & Legal Systems
Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration - Homeland Security Policy and Administration
B.S. in Psychology - Criminal Justice
PhD in Public Policy/Admin - Terrorism/Mediation/Peace

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UMassOnline
Popular Certificate Programs:

Criminal Justice Studies Certificate

Upper Iowa University
Popular Degree Programs:

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Master of Public Administration - Justice and Homeland Security emphasis
Master of Public Administration - Government Administration emphasis

Southern New Hampshire University
Popular Degree Programs:

Bachelor of Science - Justice Studies
Bachelor of Science - Justice Studies/Law & Legal Process
Bachelor of Science - Justice Studies/Policing & Law Enforcement
Bachelor of Science - Justice Studies/Crime and Criminology
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology/Forensic Psychology
MBA - Justice Studies

Kaplan University
Popular Degrees:

A.A.S. in Criminal Justice
B.S. in Criminal Justice/Forensic Psychology
B.S. in Criminal Justice/Corrections
M.S. in Criminal Justice/Corrections
B.S. in Criminal Justice/Crime Scene Investigation
B.S. in Criminal Justice/Computer Crime

Everest University Online
Popular Degrees:

Associate's in Criminal Justice
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
Associate's in Homeland Security
Bachelor's in Homeland Security
Associate's in Criminal Investigations

Keiser University

Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
Associate of Arts in Homeland Security
Bachelor of Arts in Homeland Security
Master of Arts in Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Science in Public Safety

Virginia College
Popular Degrees:

Associate of Science - Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Master of Science - Criminal Justice
Master of Science - Cybersecurity

Post University
Popular Degrees:

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Legal Studies
Legal Nurse Consulting Certificate
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Management for Registered Nurse
Forensic Accounting Certificate

Rasmussen College
Popular Degrees:

Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice
Associate of Science in Criminal Justice - Corrections
Associate of Science in Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security
Associate of Science in Criminal Justice - Psychology

Saint Leo University
Popular Degrees:

Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security Specialization
Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice - Criminalistics Specialization

Grantham University
Popular Degrees:

Associate of Arts - Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Arts Criminal Justice - Homeland Security
Certificate of Learning Computer Forensic Investigations
Certificate of Learning Criminal Investigation
Certificate of Learning Juvenile Justice

Strayer University
Popular Degrees:

Bachelor of Science in Information Systems - Homeland Security and Information Systems
Associate in Arts in Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice - Computer Security and Forensics
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice - Criminal Justice Administration
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Bachelor of Business Administration - Legal Studies

University of Phoenix
Popular Degrees: