What Is a Forensic Psychology Degree?Depending on degree level, forensic psychology degrees can qualify graduates to work in diverse roles, such as correctional treatment specialist, nonprofit and government program manager, and forensic psychologist. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), psychologists across all specialties earned a median annual salary of $80,370 in 2019. Show
Forensic psychology degrees cover concepts in psychology, criminal justice, law, and criminal behavior. On this page, readers can learn more about forensic psychology degrees, including potential benefits, career paths, courses, and scholarship opportunities. Featured Online ProgramsExplore program formats, transfer requirements, financial aid packages, and more by contacting the schools below. Why Get a Degree in Forensic Psychology?Earning a forensic psychology degree provides students with many benefits, such as career advancement opportunities and niche expertise. The following list outlines several worthwhile reasons to earn a forensic psychology degree.
Career and Salary Outlook for Forensic Psychology GraduatesGraduates with a forensic psychology degree can pursue a variety of criminal justice careers. With jobs available at every educational level, students can pursue postsecondary degrees to qualify for higher-level positions and higher salaries. Salaries vary by position, experience, education, and location. Substance abuse and behavioral counselors earn a median annual salary of $46,240, while forensic psychologists make around $69,855 per year. Through education and experience, employees can increase their potential earnings. Below, readers can find more information regarding these and other careers related to forensic psychology and criminal justice.
Forensic Psychology Careers: Median Salaries by Experience
EXPLORE MORE CRIMINAL JUSTICE CAREERS Interview with a Forensic PsychiatristTo learn more about the complex field of forensic psychiatry, readers can check out this interview with Dr. Michael Welner, an associate professor at New York University. READ OUR INTERVIEW WITH A FORENSIC PSYCHIATRIST Types of Forensic Psychology DegreesLearners can study forensic psychology at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. More advanced degrees typically lead to more career opportunities and higher salaries. Associate degrees typically take 1-2 years to complete, while bachelor’s degree programs traditionally span four years. In 1-2 more years, students with a bachelor’s degree can obtain a master’s degree. Doctoral degrees take 4-6 years to complete. Time spent in school coincides with financial commitment. Lower degree levels may cost less, but those graduates also typically earn less. Students at all levels can pursue financial aid to offset the costs of a degree, and those studying at the graduate level can potentially fund their studies through assistantships.
Concentrations in Forensic PsychologyForensic psychology concentrations can prepare students for particular careers after graduation. Students should consider whether their career goals include licensure, which can impact concentration choice. Forensic psychology itself can serve as a concentration, particularly in bachelor’s programs. Students generally find more concentration options at the graduate level. Concentration options for forensic psychology may include:
Forensic Psychology CertificationsClinical forensic psychologists need a state license to practice. Membership in and/or certification from recognized associations like the American Board of Forensic Psychology also proves advantageous to those pursuing this career. Popular Forensic Psychology CoursesForensic psychology students encounter diverse curriculum offerings, depending on the school and program they choose. Bachelor’s courses tend to emphasize general psychology topics, providing a strong foundation for students to pursue further study. At the master’s level, students hone in on their particular areas of interest, often participating in hands-on capstone projects or in-depth thesis studies specific to their expertise. Doctoral programs are the most customizable, with ample opportunities for students to specialize in niche areas through dissertation research.
Selecting Your Forensic Psychology ProgramBefore choosing a forensic psychology degree program, prospective students should consider multiple factors. The following list outlines several key considerations for prospective students.
School SizeSome students prefer large universities, while others like more intimate settings. School size can impact student-to-teacher ratio, which may indicate how much personalized attention each student receives. When professors oversee more students, they may teach fewer classes and hand some responsibilities, such as grading, to graduate students.
Program LengthProspective students generally need to balance their postsecondary studies with personal responsibilities. Some may feel pressure to start working sooner, in which case expedited degree options may appeal to them, as might part-time and online programs that allow learners to work while completing their studies.
University ResourcesMany universities offer extensive networking opportunities, strong career services, and extracurricular options. Online students, in particular, should consider whether programs offer access to resources like career services, clubs, alumni networks, and events.
PrestigeStudents may take school prestige into account, depending on their career goals. Degrees from highly ranked schools with strong reputations may give graduates a competitive edge in the job market. Should You Get Your Forensic Psychology Degree Online?Students pursuing a forensic psychology degree online enjoy the flexibility to balance their studies with personal and professional obligations. Online courses often mirror their in-person counterparts, maintaining rigorous standards and high reputations. Distance learning particularly suits forensic psychology students, as theoretical materials easily translate to online lectures and articles. When considering whether to complete a forensic psychology degree online, students should factor in their individual situations and learning styles. Online students need exceptional time management skills and the ability to self direct. Some programs offer fully asynchronous courses, which don’t require set meeting times. Others require real-time meetings through webcam or in-person immersion events. Prospective students decide which of these formats works best for them. Accreditation for Forensic Psychology Schools and ProgramsProspective students should make sure their chosen school holds accreditation. Schools may receive regional or national accreditation, with regional accreditation generally considered the more prestigious of the two. Accreditation expands employment, financial aid, and education opportunities. For instance, only students at accredited schools qualify for federal financial aid, and many schools only accept degrees and credits from accredited institutions. Students can verify a school’s accreditation status through the U.S. Department of Education’s database of accredited schools. Programs within a school may also receive accreditation, including psychology programs. Doctoral programs can hold accreditation from the American Psychological Association. Master’s programs may hold accreditation from the Master’s in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council. Featured Online ProgramsExplore program formats, transfer requirements, financial aid packages, and more by contacting the schools below. ResourcesFrequently Asked Questions
Scholarships for Forensic Psychology ProgramsForensic psychology students can help fund their studies through scholarship opportunities. Available at all degree levels, scholarships may be sponsored by professional associations, private organizations, or government agencies. The list below details five scholarships for students pursuing forensic psychology degrees.
Additional Reading
Related ReadingMaster’s in Criminal Psychology DegreesSeptember 3, 2021 | Staff Writers A master’s degree in criminal psychology focuses on how psychology applies to criminals and criminal contexts. Criminal psychology master’s programs provide foundational knowledge of clinical… 15 Best Bachelor’s in Criminal Psychology Degrees 2021April 5, 2022 | Staff Writers Our ranking explores the top U.S. criminal psychology degrees of 2021 and provides a detailed guide to program requirements and career tracks. Top Law Schools 2021February 22, 2021 | Staff Writers Interested in pursuing a juris doctor? Explore our list of 2021 JD degrees to find excellent ABA-approved and accredited programs at top law schools. What is the best degree for a forensic psychologist?Gaining a bachelor's degree in either criminal justice, criminology, or general psychology will provide a solid foundation to pursue forensic psychology. However, some schools now offer bachelor's degrees in forensic psychology specifically, which is also a good option if available.
What is the most common job for a forensic psychologist?Common jobs for forensic psychologist majors to pursue include:. Victim advocate.. Correctional officer.. Probation officer.. Clinical counselor.. Forensic science technician.. Jury consultant.. Forensic social worker.. Crime analyst.. What is the highest paying jobs in forensic psychology?What are Top 5 Best Paying Related Forensic Psychologist Jobs in the U.S.. |