Are you interested in studying the psychology behind criminal acts? Does the thought of profiling and assessing suspected and convicted criminals pique your fascination? If it does, then finding an online school that offers an accredited forensic psychology degree may be a great path for you.
Forensic psychology typically works within the legal and criminal justice systems. As a forensic psychologist, your expertise may be called upon to evaluate and diagnose the mental health of criminals and defendants. You may also be hired to strengthen or weaken arguments in civil disputes, or work directly with law enforcement on criminal matters. You can earn a forensic psychology degree online from several reputable schools. Enroll today for an exciting and interesting career path.
What Is Forensic Psychology?
Forensic psychology is a newer type of applied psychology that works primarily for the legal and justice systems. Sometimes, this field is referred to as investigative psychology or forensic science. In short, a forensic psychologist is one who provides psychological expertise to matters of the court or legal system. Forensic psychology is primarily concerned with applying psychological theories to explain criminal behavior.
Jobs For Forensic Psychologists
Clinical Practice
Some forensic psychologists find work in a clinical capacity. In such a role, forensic psychologists apply their clinical training to assess the mental state and health of defendants. Often, theses individuals will be under the scrutiny of the counts, and their mental health must be evaluated to determine if they can stand trial, or if they suffer from a mental disorder, or if they are likely to re-offend upon being released from custody. In civil disputes, a forensic psychologist may be hired to strengthen or weaken an argument, such as with custody battles between parents. Unlike counseling psychology, the services of a forensic psychologist is often court ordered, and so the psychologist must be prepared to work with clients who are uncooperative and may use deception.
Academic Research
Another role for graduates with a forensic psychology degree is to be involved with academic research, usually at a college or university. Such research is designed to expand the knowledge in the field of forensic science, and findings may be published in one of several journals that cater to the subject. Such research, in turn, may be used by other academic researchers, or by law enforcement or the courts for practical application. In the past, forensic psychology has studied such topics as eye-witness reliability, false memories, and deception detection. Although forensic psychology is often described as an applied form of psychology, there is much academic work taking place that falls under its banner.
Expert Witness: Civil Court
Increasingly, the services of forensic psychology are being sought for in civil court. Typically, a forensic psychologist will be hired as an expert witness to strengthen or weaken a case. From sexual harassment to worker’s compensation, forensic psychology has been used to win arguments in the judicial system. As psychological harassment becomes increasingly recognized and targeted as inappropriate behavior in the workplace, it is expected that the need for forensic psychology services will grow as these issues find their way to court.
Expert Witness: Criminal Court
Forensic psychology is perhaps best known for its use in criminal court cases. Here, a forensic psychologist is typically hired by the courts to assess the mental health of individuals set for trial. From white collar criminals to violent offenders, forensic psychologists will evaluate the mental competency of defendants and have their assessment heard by the courts. A forensic psychologist may also be used to determine the likelihood of a convict re-offending, or the state of their rehabilitation. If you are looking for a truly interesting and challenging career path, then perhaps this line of work is for you.
How to Get a Forensic Psychology Degree Online
Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology
Students interested in earning a forensic psychology degree must start by obtaining a bacherlor’s degree in psychology (a B.A. or B.S.). During this 3 to 4 year term, students should concentrate their studies on psychology, criminology and criminal justice courses. Specific courses in psychology may include: personality, social, legal, developmental, and clinical psychology studies. Such a course load will give a suitable introduction to the science of forensic psychology and set the student up for graduate studies in the discipline.
Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology
After enrolling in a graduate degree program specific to forensic psychology, a student will study for another 2 years to receive their M.A. and become recognized professionals in the field of forensic psychology. After this achievement, individuals will be ready to work in various capacities.
Doctorate Degree in Forensic Psychology
As with many fields in psychology, earning a PhD. is the best way to find work as a professional psychologist. Holding a doctorate degree will allow one to work in almost any position related to their training. It will also provide the best job opportunities related to income, and allow one to operate their own private practice.
Forensic psychology is one of the fastest growing fields in forensic science. Those wishing to jump onboard a relatively young and quick moving discipline, should consider enrolling in an online forensic psychology program.