Forensic psychologists combine the science of psychology with an extensive knowledge of criminal justice and law enforcement. Leveraging their understanding of human behavior, they apply their expertise to analyze illegal activities with the aim of solving and preventing future crimes.
Readers of You who are interested in a forensic psychology career will find an extensive analysis of the profession below. By the time they are done reading, they will gain an understanding of the general responsibilities, work environment, possible specialty area, and general considerations necessary to enter into the profession in the first place.
They will also understand what to expect concerning the possible annual average salary and the future of the discipline in the upcoming decade.
What are a Forensic Psychologist’s Responsibilities?
According to the American Board of Forensic Psychology, a forensic psychologist must be able to apply scientific principles and a specialized knowledge of human behavior to the field of criminal analysis. The ultimate objective of professionals in this field is straightforward: to understand the motives behind criminal acts and leverage this understanding to prevent future occurrences.
To achieve this, forensic psychologists carry out the following duties:
- Study past crimes and convicted criminals,
- Question possible suspects to detect motive and other hidden patterns,
- Conduct psychological evaluations and assessments (such as competency to stand trial, risk assessments, or insanity defenses) that may be used as legal evidence.
- Conduct in-court and out-of-court assessments,
- Provide psychological help to criminals who are at a mental health center,
- Implement outreach and initiatives to call for changes in the judicial and correctional systems,
- Conduct a series of deep research into the criminal mindset and behavior.
Forensic Psychology Work Environment
Forensic psychologists can be found in an array of work environments, depending on several factors, including their chosen focus area. Professionals who work as consultants will most likely be found in offices and in the court of law when they testify.
Those who work closely with law enforcement may have a lot more experience under their belt, as they may be expected to visit crime scenes, talk with suspects, and more. As a forensic psychologist in academia and research, the majority of time will be spent in an academic environment, not only carrying out extensive research but also presenting their findings and sharing their knowledge with a fresh generation of aspiring forensic psychologists.
And of course, correctional forensic psychologists spend a lot of time in correctional facilities.
The field can also be quite demanding, not only due to the stress and composure required to work in proximity to crime scenes, but also due to the occasional travel that the job may require.
How to Become a Forensic Psychologist
The following are the necessary steps to become a forensic psychologist:
Basic Requirements
Candidates must first ascertain that they have a love for the job, along with a few fundamental attributes necessary to become a forensic psychologist. These include a very curious mind and the ability to be comfortable in tense situations.
A lot of forensic psychologists work with individuals who have committed violent crimes, including assaults and homicides. Individuals who cannot be comfortable in such an environment may have to consider other fields of psychology and counseling.
Earning a Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree is the starting point for this career, but to become a licensed forensic psychologist, candidates must complete a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD in psychology, often with a forensic emphasis), plus supervised clinical training and licensure. Candidates may become a criminal justice counselor with a minor in psychology, but to become a fully-fledged forensic psychologist, a degree is required.
For those who do not complete a specific forensic psychology program, general psychology programs with criminal justice concentrations are just as suitable.
Earning a Master’s Degree
Even though a bachelor’s degree is considered the first stepping stone to becoming a successful forensic psychologist, candidates who would like to really specialize and become experts at their craft are expected to complete a master’s level education. Some schools also offer combined programs that allow candidates to study intensively and graduate with both a master’s and a doctoral degree.
Career Growth
For even more significant career growth, forensic psychologists can pursue a doctoral degree. They may pursue either a doctorate in psychology or a doctorate of philosophy. Such programs require deep research and professional practice.
Specializations
Forensic psychologists can work as correctional psychologists, in which case they will be working closely with individuals who are incarcerated. They can also work in criminal profiling, in which case their major duty will be to analyze crime and criminals based on common profiles.
Some forensic psychologists assist law enforcement with criminal profiling or consulting on investigations, but this is a rare and non-primary role. More common specializations include correctional psychology, police psychology, and juvenile justice psychology.
Other specializations in forensic psychology include police psychology, which supports law enforcement agencies; juvenile justice psychology, working with young offenders; and civil forensic psychology, which involves professionals who provide expert testimony in civil lawsuits.
Salary & Career Outlook
According to a survey of professionals carried out by the employment platform, Payscale, the annual average salary of a forensic psychologist is usually around $79,000 in the median range. For candidates who find themselves having to start in the low-earning bracket, it is still possible to manage an annual average salary of $50,000.
Professionals who have climbed the salary ladder and are among the top 10% manage an annual average salary of $125,000
According to indeed.com, the annual average salary of forensic psychologists in the country, sorted by state, includes: California, with an annual average salary of $139,094; Montana, with an annual average salary of $302,039; New Mexico, with an annual average salary of $245,566; and Massachusetts, with an annual average salary of $103,652.
Forensic psychologists in New York and New Hampshire manage annual average salaries of $89,383 and $86,54,7, respectively.
Career Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not track forensic psychology separately, but groups it under applied psychology roles such as clinical, counseling, and school psychology. These areas are projected to grow by 11–14% from 2022 to 2032, which includes forensic psychologists working in legal and correctional settings.
The growing popularity of the field, along with the increasing demand for expert testimony and analysis, will also contribute to this expected boost.
