What do i need to become a forensic psychologist

The field of forensic psychology applies the principles of the discipline to the world of criminal justice.

Some students pursuing a psychology degree may choose to narrow their focus and career path toward forensic psychology specifically. Often, this involves enrolling in specific forensic psychology degree programs or combining psychology and legal education.

What is Forensic Psychology?

The word forensic means “the scientific method of investigating crimes.” Therefore, forensic psychology is a branch of psychology that deals with criminal investigations and other areas of law.

Forensic psychology applies psychological concepts (like cognitive psychology, social psychology, and more) to the criminal and justice systems in an effort to improve legal practices.

What Does a Forensic Psychologist Do?

 Forensic psychologists use their knowledge to assess and guide individuals who are involved in the legal system.

Job duties of a forensic psychologist may include:

• Conducting research studies
• Performing witness investigations
• Consulting on legal matters
• Performing threat assessments
• Performing child custody evaluations
• Determining the competency of defendants
• Selecting jurors
• Delivering testimony in court
• Improving upon existing processes or institutions such as prisons, public policy, and more

Forensic psychologists are also often tasked with unraveling why certain criminal behaviors occur and developing ways to minimize and prevent these behaviors in the long run.

How to Become a Forensic Psychologist

To become a licensed forensic psychologist and to stay relevant in the field, follow these steps:

Complete a Degree

The first step toward becoming a professional forensic psychologist is obtaining the necessary degrees. Students in this field must earn a bachelor’s degree, then a master’s degree in a relevant field before moving on to earn a doctorate in forensic psychology.

It is vital to research schools offering degree programs in forensic psychology in order to ensure you are accredited and determine the level of study you wish to complete.

After this, you can apply for the program that is best suited to your needs and interests. This could mean choosing a program based on location, length of the program, or offered specialties in psychology (such as legal studies or forensic psychology in particular).

Earning a doctorate (which means you must have also earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree) is often a requirement for state licensure.

Apply for Forensic Psychology Licensure in Your Practicing State

A degree does not automatically qualify you as a forensic psychologist. In order to legally practice, aspiring forensic psychologists must first achieve licensure and certifications depending on the requirements of the state in which you wish to practice.

First, do your research to determine what is needed in your specific state to earn a forensic psychology certification or license. The requirements for most states include:

• Completion of a doctoral program from an accredited institution
• Supervised number of working hours (internship, postdoctoral hours, practicum hours, etc.)
• Taking and passing the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP)

A state certification acts as proof that you have completed the training and fieldwork required to practice forensic psychology in your state. Be sure to check any local requirements, as they may vary.

Forensic psychologists also have the opportunity to earn a specialized professional certification from the American Board of Professional Psychology once you earn your state licensure. This certification is not required by law; however, it plays a vital role in establishing your expertise in the field.

Apply for a Forensic Psychologist Position

After obtaining your degree and licensure for your given state, the next step is to apply for available job opportunities in the field.

Where can forensic psychologists work? Graduates of forensic psychology degree programs often enter the workplace in areas including:

• Forensic laboratories
• Hospitals
• Police departments
• Research centers
• Medical examiners’ offices
• Independent consulting

Pursue Continuing Education and Maintain Licensure

After getting your licensure, it is a necessary requirement for psychologists in most states to complete continuing education (CE) courses to maintain their license.

Apart from maintaining certification, continuing education courses also help expand forensic psychologists’ knowledge base and offer increased awareness of current trends in the field.

Continuing education and specialized certifications can also help advance a forensic psychologist’s career, allowing you to achieve more senior-level positions.

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology offers M.A. in forensic psychology programs across the country as well as a two-year dual degree, which combines forensic psychology with a Master of Legal Studies from The Colleges of Law.