Forensic Psychology
By: Kamryn Cockrill
All About Forensic Psychology
Forensic psychologists take on a unique role in the criminal justice system. They do not collect evidence and test it for a court trial. They analyze people’s minds to determine if they are telling the truth. A forensic psychologist must use his or her knowledge of psychology and criminal justice to counsel prison inmates, detect possible abuse, and determine witness credibility.
A Day In The Life of a Forensic Psychologist
The day to day life of a forensic psychologist is ever-changing. One minute he or she may be working on a huge murder case, and another he or she may be working with a couple that just got a divorce. Forensic psychologists are clinical psychologists at the core, and their work reflects that.
Job Duties
Evaluate parental rights cases
Counsel divorced couples
Train violent offenders
Determine visitation risks
Counsel families
Analyze sex offenders
Evaluate child custody cases
Counsel probationers
Assess child witness credibility
Counsel crime victims
- Detect potential child abuse
Becoming a Forensic Psychologist
To become a forensic psychologist, you will need to get an extensive college education. Most forensic psychologists spend more than a decade in school to start their jobs, but they love what they learn about along the way.
Degrees That May Be Benficial
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Master of Forensic Psychology
· Master of Arts in Social Work
· Master of Criminal Justice
· Master of Psychology
· Juris Doctorate
· Doctorate of Psychology
· Doctorate of Forensic Psychology
· Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice
· Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
· Bachelor of Science in Psychology
· Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science
· Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
· Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies
· Bachelor of Arts in Social Work
Pay of a Forensic Psychologist
Since forensic psychologists have to spend a ton of time in school, you would assume they would make a ton of money. They do in comparison to a lot of other criminal justice careers, but they still make less than some people are comfortable with.
List of Salaries
20+ years of experience: $50,335 – $248,323 per year
· 10-19 years of experience: $29,900 – $242,395 per year
· 5-9 years of experience: $33,840 – $102,824 per year
· 1-4 years of experience: $31,123 – $88,569 per year
· Less than 1 year of experience: $36,000 – $70,000 per year