Forensic Psychology Training: Checkmate the Criminal Mind Game
An education in forensic psychology offers distinct career opportunities
The growing field of forensic psychology offers diverse career opportunities to those educated in understanding the minds and actions of criminal suspects, at-risk populations and those behind bars.
Those working in the forensic psychology field use their knowledge of human behavior and mental health to assist the legal system in persecuting, rehabilitating and understanding criminals. They can work in a number of areas and various stages in court proceedings.
Some in the forensic psychology profession work with criminals facing charges to assess their mental well-being and understand their psychiatric symptoms. Often forensic psychologists work with correctional facilities to determine if a patient is at risk for becoming a repeat offender. Still others work within the courts as expert witnesses in criminal psychology and as educational aides to the jury.
Forensic psychologists also highlight at-risk populations that have financial or personal backgrounds which may lead to criminal activity. Substance abusers, the mentally ill and children of criminal offenders are often counseled by forensic psychologists. They also help those who have been victims of violent, domestic or sexual crimes and environmental disasters.
In the last 25 years, forensic psychology has gained a strong foothold in the U.S., according to the American Psychology-Law Society1. Where previously the introduction of psychology in criminal court had been questioned and approached with skepticism, now courts openly accept forensic psychologists to help with investigations and legal proceedings.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics2 (BLS), federal, state and local governments are the largest employers of psychologists. The mean annual wage for psychologists is $84,220, with those psychologists holding master’s, doctorates and specialized degrees commanding higher salaries.
Forensic psychology training and education generally includes principles of criminal justice and advanced psychopathology. Students confront legal issues, mental health, interviewing skills, cultural issues, intervention techniques and psychotherapy treatment. According to the U.S. Census Bureau3, 99 percent of employed psychologists are college graduates. The most significant source of postsecondary education or training for psychologists is a master’s degree, according to BLS.
A Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology is offered both on-campus and online through several accredited institutions across the United States.
Resources:
1 “Overview of Psychology & Law,” American Psychology-Law Society, accessed September 8, 2010, http://www.ap-ls.org/students/Careers.php#.
2 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, accessed September 8, 2010, http://www.bls.gov/oco/.
3 “Table 2. Earnings by Detailed Occupation: 1999: United States: Both Sexes,” U.S. Census Bureau, accessed September 8, 2010, http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/income/data/earnings/call2usboth.html.