Forensic psychology is an emerging field of psychology that examines the intersection of psychology and criminal justice.
To become a forensic psychologist, you'll need to undergo many years of education at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Below, we've broken down what you need to know about this career field, including the educational requirements.
What Is a Forensic Psychologist?
A forensic psychologist is a psychologist who focuses their practice on law, crime, and the justice system.
Their job duties may include:
- assessing the psychological and mental state of individuals facing criminal charges
- assessing psychological damages suffered by individuals involved in lawsuits
- assessing and providing therapy for inmates within the prison system
- conducting research on the intersections of psychology, law, and crime
- testifying in court by providing evidence and expert testimony
This is a relatively new field of psychology that has gained popularity thanks to crime shows like Criminal Minds. As with other types of psychology, the field changes and grows when new research comes to light.
There are several specialty jobs that forensic scientists may find themselves in. These include:
- consultant for law enforcement
- counselor for at-risk populations
- counselor for those convicted of crimes
- criminal profiler
- non-profit lobbyist for criminal justice issues
- political advisor on criminal justice issues
- professor of criminal psychology
- researcher in forensic psychology
Forensic psychologists may find themselves working in a variety of settings depending on their specialty. These may include:
- courtrooms
- crime scenes
- government agencies
- jails and prisons
- law enforcement offices
- mental health clinics
Forensic Psychologist Education Requirements
Forensic psychologists must undergo many years of education in order to become licensed to practice or to work as an expert in their field.
This education includes both undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Bachelor's Degree
Before moving on to a graduate program, students must first obtain a bachelor's degree. This is a four-year undergraduate degree.
Some schools offer forensic psychology degrees at the bachelor's level, or psychology degrees with a concentration in forensic psychology. These programs often cover topics such as:
- correctional psychology
- criminology
- psychological disorders
- research methods
Forensic psychology programs aren't available everywhere, so many students will earn bachelor's degrees in general psychology. These degree programs offer a broader look at the field of psychology as a whole.
Some graduate programs do not require you to have majored in psychology, so long as you've taken a certain amount of undergraduate psychology courses.
Master's Degree
Some students may choose to earn a master's degree in forensic psychology, although this is generally not required for admittance into a doctoral program.
However, a master's degree is a good option if you earned your bachelor's degree in a different field. Holding a master's degree may also reduce the time you spend in your doctoral program.
Master's degree programs take an average of two years, although they can range from one to three depending on previous credits and if you take courses full time or part time.
While a master's degree program isn't enough for you to become licensed, it can open the door to entry-level jobs in psychology.
Doctoral Degree
When earning a doctorate in forensic psychology, you have two options. You can earn a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD).
PhDs are degrees for those more focused on research, while a PsyD is a professional degree for those wanting to practice psychology.
Those with PhDs usually work in academia. These programs can take five to seven years and often require a dissertation at the end of the program.
PsyD holders are those who want to work directly with patients. These programs take four to six years and will include clinical experience.
Other Requirements to Become a Forensic Psychologist
To practice as a clinical or expert forensic psychologist, you'll likely need to earn a license through your state.
State requirements can vary, so it's important to check what your state requires so you know what steps you'll need to take to obtain licensure.
Typically, you'll need a few years of supervised postgraduate experience, including an internship, before you can earn your license. You may also need to pass a background check.
You'll also need to pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).
Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology
The EPPP is a standardized test written and administered by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB). It's a two-part test.
Part one covers knowledge. The content areas covered in part one are:
- biological bases of behavior
- cognitive-affective bases of behavior
- social and cultural bases of behavior
- growth and lifespan development
- assessment and diagnosis
- treatment, intervention, prevention, and supervision
- research methods and statistics
- ethical/legal/professional issues
Part two covers skills. The domain areas covered in part two are:
- scientific orientation
- assessment and intervention
- relational competence
- professionalism
- ethical practice
- collaboration, consultation, supervision
Specialty Certification
Specialty certification isn't a requirement to become a psychologist, but having certification indicates that you have advanced knowledge and skill in your field.
The American Board of Professional Psychology is the primary board for specialty certification in psychology. It offers a certification in forensic psychology that requires passing both a written and oral exam.
The written exam is made of 208 multiple-choice questions. The questions cover the following categories:
- ethics, guidelines, and professional issues
- laws, precedents, court rules, civil and criminal procedures, and judicial practices
- testing and assessment, examination issues, and application of scientific knowledge to legal procedure
- civil competence, individual rights and liberties, workplace discrimination, and employment rights
- juvenile, parenting, and family/domestic/matrimonial matters
- civil damages, personal injury, disability, and workers compensation
- criminal competence, criminal responsibility, and sentencing
Students must score at least 70% to pass the written exam.
The oral exam is done in person, and the candidate answers questions posed by the examiners. This test determines if a candidate meets professional competence requirements.
Become a Forensic Psychologist
Forensic psychology is a unique and ever-evolving field of psychology. It requires multiple years of education and experience.
With the information above, you can be on your way to a career in forensic psychology.