Forensic Psychologist Job Description – Salary, Education and Career Guide for Becoming a Forensic Psychologist

Forensic psychologists apply their knowledge of human behavior and mental illnesses to the field of criminal justice. The profession is similar to forensic sciences, but focuses more on intangible qualities of the legal system, such as criminal motives, mental health and suspect profiling. Forensic psychologists can apply their skills to a variety of specialized job tasks including:
  • consulting with attorneys
  • evaluating a witness' competency to testify
  • jury selection
  • treating mentally ill offenders.

Job Description

Most forensic psychologists engage in some form of criminal justice research. As such, research studies often constitute the bulk of a forensic psychologist's day. Topics of study might include investigating the effectiveness of interrogation strategies or how to improve the prison system.
 
Outside of research, forensic psychologists are often called on as consultants for specific trials. Job tasks frequently include the assessment of jurors, witnesses and the accused. Forensic psychologist jobs may also involve working with police to improve arrest rates or to assist on a particular case.
 
The varied nature of the profession allows forensic psychologists to move from one case to another, both in research and in the field. This helps eliminate the boredom one might experience in a more repetitive profession. The job can also be very rewarding, leading to judicial results that benefit individuals and society at large. Some disadvantages of forensic psychologist jobs might include a risk of injury from working with criminals, emotional drain and possible lower pay than other psychologist positions.

Salary Guide

A forensic psychologist salary ranges from about $37,473 to $111,957 per year, with an average of $62,216. Salary figures depend on your level of education, location and whether you work for a company, non-profit organization or educational institution.
 
Forensic psychology positions are expected to see a steady growth rate through 2016. Positions related to public policy, attorney consultation and judicial courts are expected to be in the highest demand.

Education and Training

How to become a forensic psychologist? As with most psychology professions, a forensic psychologist typically must earn a doctoral degree to successfully follow his or her desired career path. A Ph.D. program is required in most states to gain a license in psychology. Related jobs available to individuals with a Bachelor's degree include social worker, youth counselor or parole officer. A psychologist with a Master's degree might work in a supervised research position or policy-making job at a government agency or non-profit organization.
 
Very few degree programs focused specifically on forensic psychology are available. Students interested in a career as a forensic psychologist might consider a course load that heavily focuses on a combination of psychology and criminal justice courses. Effective courses related to forensic psychology include:
  • abnormal psychology
  • criminal law
  • criminology
  • motivational psychology
  • statistics.

Prior Work Experience

The career path of a forensic psychologist often begins with the connections and relationships students foster as an undergraduate. Often, lower-level jobs such as case worker or youth counselor lead to job advancement following completion of graduate school. Doctoral psychology degree programs often end in a 1-year internship, which can also lead to full-time employment.

Career Advancement

Top employers of forensic psychologists include research centers, prisons and government agencies. Applying for membership in the American Psychological Association (APA) may be a good idea for graduating students, as the organization provides exclusive psychology job banks to members.

Related Associations and Groups

For more information about forensic psychology careers, you may want to contact:
  • American Academy of Forensic Psychology
  • American College of Forensic Examiners
  • American Psychological Society
  • American Psychology – Law Society
  • International Association for Correctional and Forensic Psychology.

 

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