7 Forensic Psychology Careers to Consider - Explore Psychology (2024)

Forensic psychology careers are at the intersection of psychology and the legal system. Professionals in this field apply their expertise to understand criminal behavior, assess competency, and provide insights into legal proceedings. Careers in forensic psychology offer opportunities to work within diverse settings such as law enforcement agencies, courts, correctional facilities, and academic institutions, contributing crucial insights to the criminal justice system.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for all psychologists, including forensic psychologist careers, is expected to grow by 6% through the year 2032.

This article discusses forensic psychology careers and what you need to know before becoming a forensic psychologist.

Table of Contents

Forensic Psychology Careers to Consider

Careers in the field of forensic psychology encompass a broad range of roles, each with its own unique responsibilities and requirements. Here are several options:

Forensic Psychologist

Forensic psychologists assess individuals involved in legal matters, such as defendants, witnesses, and victims, utilizing psychological principles to aid in legal decision-making processes, such as determining competency to stand trial or evaluating mental state at the time of the offense.

Correctional Psychologist

Correctional psychologists work within correctional facilities, providing mental health assessments, therapy, and rehabilitation programs to incarcerated individuals, aiming to address psychological issues and reduce recidivism rates.

Police Psychologist

Police psychologists collaborate with law enforcement agencies to evaluate candidates for law enforcement positions, provide counseling and support to officers facing traumatic incidents, and assist in crisis negotiation and hostage situations.

Legal Consultant

Forensic psychologists may serve as expert witnesses in court, offering evaluations and testimony on matters such as the reliability of eyewitness testimony, the impact of trauma on memory, or the psychological effects of certain legal proceedings.

Victim Advocate

Some forensic psychologists work as victim advocates, providing support, counseling, and resources to individuals who have experienced trauma or victimization, guiding them through legal processes, and helping them cope with the aftermath of crime.

Academic Researcher

Forensic psychologists engaged in academia conduct research to advance knowledge in areas such as criminal behavior, eyewitness testimony, jury decision-making, and the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs, contributing to the development of evidence-based practices within the field.

Forensic Consultant

Forensic psychologists may also work independently or for consulting firms, offering services such as psychological profiling, risk assessment, and policy development to law enforcement agencies, legal professionals, and government organizations.

These career options illustrate the diverse opportunities available within the field of forensic psychology, each playing a vital role in the intersection of psychology and the legal system.

Origins of Forensic Psychology Careers

The term ‘forensic’ comes from the Latin expression ‘forum’, which means place of public discussion. The word forensic psychology, therefore, implies practice in a judicial context, typically as an expert witness testimony at a trial. In this sense, forensic psychology may also be referred to as legal or court psychology.

The American Psychological Association did not officially recognize forensic psychology as a separate and distinct discipline until 2001. However, the study of the intersection of psychology and law dates back much further.

Early psychologists, including Wilhelm Wundt and James McKeen Cattell, were interested in topics relevant to the field of forensic psychology. During the 1950s, psychologist Hugo Munsterberg published a book on how psychology could be applied in legal settings. Psychologists such as Alfred Binet and Lewis Terman made contributions to the field of intelligence testing, which is often used as an assessment tool in legal contexts.

Uses for Forensic Psychology Careers

In addition to psychological assessments and forensic consulting, forensic psychology may involve research and the development of forensic assessment techniques.

Forensic psychologists might work in a courthouse or prison setting, for law enforcement agencies, or for private companies such as those within the criminal justice system. They often train as clinical psychologists and receive additional training in forensic assessments either during their education or after.

Some of the ways that forensic psychology is used include:

Competency Evaluations

Forensic psychologists often assess a defendant to determine competency to stand trial and criminal responsibility. Competency to stand trial typically refers to whether a person charged with a crime is aware of what they have been accused of, if they understand the nature of the court proceedings against them, and if they can assist in their own defense.

Job Evaluations

Forensic psychologists may also assess police officers to determine fitness for duty and suitability for promotion. This may be related to an officer’s ability or capacity to meet physical requirements or perform certain tasks, such as handling a firearm.

Child Custody Evaluations

Forensic psychologists may play a role in child custody cases to inform judicial decisions regarding child custody.

Eyewitness Assessment

Professionals who work in this field may also be tasked with assessing whether an eyewitness’s age or emotional state affected their ability to accurately identify a perpetrator.

Responsibilities in Forensic Psychology Careers

Forensic psychologists specialize in applying psychological knowledge in the area of the law and criminal justice. Some other tasks performed by forensic psychologists include:

  • Providing expert testimony in court cases
  • Briefing witnesses
  • Offering treatment recommendations
  • Writing mental competency reports
  • Diagnosing and treating incarcerated individuals
  • Training prison and court staff to work with individuals who may have a mental health condition

This field has grown in popularity in recent years, partially due to depictions of the career in films, books, and television programs. While these pop culture portrayals might not necessarily give the most accurate view of forensic psychology, this field is still a promising area for people who have an interest in psychology and the law.

How to Get Started With Forensic Psychology Careers

To get started in forensic psychology careers, you will typically need to follow several key steps:

Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

Start by obtaining a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field. While specific undergraduate coursework may vary, it’s important to focus on classes related to psychology, criminology, sociology, and research methods.

Gain Relevant Experience

Seek out opportunities to gain experience in the field of psychology, particularly those related to forensic settings. This could include internships, volunteer work, or entry-level positions in psychology, law enforcement, or the legal system.

Earn a Graduate Degree

Pursue a graduate degree in psychology, preferably with a focus on forensic psychology. This could involve obtaining a master’s degree in forensic psychology or a related field, followed by a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in clinical psychology or forensic psychology.

Ensure that the program is accredited by a recognized accrediting body.

Complete Supervised Clinical Experience

As part of your doctoral program, you’ll likely need to complete supervised clinical experience, typically in the form of internships or practicum placements. These experiences provide hands-on training in conducting psychological assessments, therapy, and forensic evaluations.

Obtain Licensure

Most states require licensure to practice as a psychologist. This typically involves completing a certain number of supervised clinical hours, passing a licensing exam, and fulfilling any additional requirements specific to your state.

Gain Specialized Training

Consider pursuing additional specialized training or certifications in forensic psychology, such as certification from the American Board of Forensic Psychology. These credentials can enhance your qualifications and expertise in the field.

Seek Employment Opportunities

Once you’ve completed your education and training, explore employment opportunities in forensic psychology. This could include positions in government agencies, correctional facilities, law enforcement agencies, courts, private practice, or academia.

Continue Professional Development

Stay updated on developments in the field of forensic psychology through continuing education, attending conferences, and engaging in professional networking. This ongoing learning process is essential for maintaining competence and staying informed about best practices in the field.

By following these steps, aspiring forensic psychologists can build the necessary education, training, and experience to pursue a rewarding career in this specialized field.

Forensic Psychologist Salaries

Forensic psychologist salaries can vary considerably depending on factors ranging from geographic location to years of experience. Salary statistics suggest that forensic psychology can be a well-paying field, particularly for those with advanced degrees and experience.

Just how much do forensic psychologists typically earn?

As with most careers, specific salaries vary depending upon factors such as educational background, geographic location, employment sector, and years of experience in the field.

Exact figures on salaries for forensic psychology careers are difficult to locate. The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not compile data on this specific subfield.

According to figures compiled by job search engine Indeed.com, the average national salary for a psychologist was $86,185 per year as of September 2021.

Figures offered by salary website Payscale.com suggest that wages vary from a low of $51,000 to a high of $92,000, with a median annual salary of around $82,000. These figures are aggregated based on self-reports from website users who work in those fields.

One study found that the average hourly rate charged by clinical-forensic psychologists was $280.23 and that the median annual income for men was $175,000 and the median annual income for women was $125,000. (Note: Such income disparities persist even when controlling for years of experience and hours worked).

In many cases, those at the lower end of the scale tend to be those in entry-level positions. These starter salaries are often offered to those with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Those employed by non-profit organizations and government agencies often find lower pay rates than those employed in the healthcare industry, private agencies, or in private consulting.

Summary

Forensic psychology is a growing field that has attracted a great deal of interest in recent years. Potential salary is only one of many factors you should consider if you are thinking about pursuing a career in this field.

Sources:

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor,Occupational Outlook Handbook, Psychologists.https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm

Neal, T. M. S., & Line, E. N. (2022). Income, demographics, and life experiences of clinical-forensic psychologists in the United States.Frontiers in Psychology,13, 910672. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.910672

Otto, R. K., & Heilbrun, K. (2002). The practice of forensic psychology. A look toward the future in light of the past.The American psychologist,57(1), 5–18. https://doi.org/10.1037//0003-066x.57.1.5

7 Forensic Psychology Careers to Consider - Explore Psychology (2024)

FAQs

What are the five major areas of forensic psychology? ›

Forensic psychology includes five major subdisciplines — police psychology, investigative psychology, criminal psychology, correctional psychology, and legal psychology — all of which are covered in the course work comprising the 15-unit Certificate in Forensic Psychology.

What are the three major career roles of a forensic psychologist? ›

Forensic psychologists might evaluate the mental competency of defendants, provide counseling services to crime victims, and offer insights on jury selection or child custody cases.

What type of psychology do forensic psychologists use? ›

Forensic psychologists use psychological concepts from cognitive psychology, social psychology, and other research to help inform and improve the criminal justice system. A forensic psychologist helps to influence and better the decisions made within the legal system.

What are the 5 perspectives of forensic psychology? ›

Forensic psychology may be utilized in five major areas (police and public safety, law, crime and delinquency, victimology and victim services, and corrections) and two sub-areas (family and schools).

What are the 10 main areas of discipline in forensic science? ›

Common forensic science laboratory disciplines include forensic molecular biology (DNA), forensic chemistry, trace evidence examination (hairs and fibers, paints and polymers, glass, soil, etc.), latent fingerprint examination, firearms and toolmarks examination, questioned documents examination, fire and explosives ...

Which is the best example of forensic psychology? ›

Examples of forensic psychology include: Threat assessments for schools. Child custody evaluations. Competency evaluations of the elderly or criminal defendants.

What are the 3 main jobs of a forensic scientist? ›

The three tasks or responsibilities of a forensic scientist are:
  • Collecting evidence.
  • Analyzing evidence.
  • Communicating with law enforcement and testifying at trials.

What is the best major for forensic 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 a bachelor's degree in psychology with a focus on criminology or criminal justice.

What is the field of forensic psychology? ›

Forensic Psychology intersects the study of psychology and law to examine why people develop criminal behaviour and how crime effects the wider community. You will apply psychology practice and research to legal settings involving criminals, victims and witnesses, courtrooms and the jury, and the justice system itself.

How is forensic psychology used today? ›

Forensic psychologists can play a significant role in almost any level of the legal system. They may consult with legal professionals on mental health, criminal motivation, or risk assessment; they may assess or treat accused criminals or prison inmates for mental health disorders.

Are forensic psychologists in the FBI? ›

Summary. FBI Special Agents apply their professional experience and unique skill sets to their work. Many come from professional backgrounds such as psychology, forensic psychology, counseling and social work.

What psychological theories are used in forensic psychology? ›

These are psychodynamic theory, cognitive theory, behavioural theory, personality theory and theory of intelligence. These theories explain dynamics underlying crime and criminal behaviours. The psychodynamic theory provides explanation for crime and criminal behavior.

What are the 7 main perspectives in psychology? ›

There are seven modern perspectives used by psychologists in the field today.
  • Behaviorist Perspective. ...
  • Psychodynamic Perspective. ...
  • Humanistic Perspective. ...
  • Cognitive Perspective. ...
  • Biological Perspective. ...
  • Evolutionary Perspective. ...
  • Cross-Cultural Perspective.

What are the two areas of forensic psychology? ›

Forensic psychology can be conceptualized as encompassing both sides of the justice system (civil and criminal) as well as two broad aspects of psychology (clinical and experimental).

What are 3 roles that a forensic psychologist might complete? ›

The various roles that a forensic psychologist may take on include, but are not limited to:
  • Trial Consultant.
  • Expert Witness.
  • Evaluator.
  • Treatment Provider.
  • Researcher.
  • Academic.
  • Correctional Psychologist.
  • Professional Development.

What are the major components of forensic psychology? ›

The activities of forensic psychologists include the assessment of competency to stand trial and criminal responsibility, determining the validity of defenses (such as intoxication, amnesia, dissociative identity disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder), predicting violent behavior, assessing eyewitness testimony ...

What are the major areas of forensic science? ›

Most crime laboratories employ scientists in the areas of forensic chemistry (drugs, toxicology, trace evidence, explosives, fires, etc.), forensic biology (mainly DNA and body fluids and tissues), and criminalistics (fingerprints, questioned documents, firearms, and toolmarks).

What are the major theories of forensic psychology? ›

These are psychodynamic theory, cognitive theory, behavioural theory, personality theory and theory of intelligence. These theories explain dynamics underlying crime and criminal behaviours. The psychodynamic theory provides explanation for crime and criminal behavior.

What are the best majors for forensic psychology? ›

Major requirements in a forensic psychology bachelor's degree often include:
  • Cognitive psychology.
  • Social psychology.
  • Developmental psychology.
  • Abnormal psychology.
  • Research methods in psychology.
  • Psychology and the law.
  • Principles and methods of statistics.

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