What Is a Master's in Forensic Psychology Degree?
Psychologists assess the behavior and emotions of individuals through a variety of research-based methods, including the use of both formal evaluations and informal observations. Forensic psychology maintains this same focus but places it within the context of the criminal justice system. Students who complete a master's degree in forensic psychology are typically preparing for a career involving mental health services and support for individuals connected to criminal incidents or family legal issues, such as custody cases. Due to the nature of the work, some colleges and universities prefer to title their programs as a master's degree in criminal justice with an emphasis or specialization in forensic psychology. While it is more common to see forensic psychology listed as a Master of Arts degree, there are Master of Science degrees available as well, particularly in those programs that are pathways into a doctoral degree in this same field. While a master's degree will enable an individual to provide mental health services or work in an industrial or organizational setting, to practice as a psychologist requires a doctoral degree and formal certification.
Common Undergraduate Degrees for Forensic Psychology
A bachelor's degree in psychology or criminal justice are two of the more common undergraduate degrees for those preparing to begin graduate studies in forensic psychology. Additional undergraduate degrees may be acceptable depending upon the individual college or university's admissions guidelines; however, in that instance, prerequisite coursework may then be added to the degree plan in order to develop the necessary foundational knowledge.
Admissions Requirements for Forensic Psychology Master's Programs
In order to formally begin a master's level program of studies, completion of a bachelor's degree, typically in psychology or criminal justice, is required. Students must take and submit Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores, between one and three letters of recommendation, and official transcripts from their undergraduate institution. Additionally, a personal essay or writing sample must be submitted, generally discussing the applicant's interest in joining the program. The requirements for the writing sample usually specify about one page in length. Some programs also require an interview with a faculty panel.
How to Choose a Master's in Forensic Psychology Program
When comparing forensic psychology program offerings from different colleges and universities, the first consideration is whether to select a Master of Science degree or a Master of Arts. Generally speaking, the primary difference between the two is in the level of emphasis regarding the technical versus humanities attributes of the field. Master of Arts programs usually focus on developing a thorough understanding of the people aspects, crisis counseling, for example, and perhaps involve a real-world practicum experience. Alternatively, Master of Science degrees might emphasize technical skills such as research, inquiry, and assessment metrics. Often this type of program will also require a thesis. Although either degree is considered an equally rigorous program of study, a master of science degree tends to be the preferred pathway to a doctoral program due to its emphasis on the technical.
It is important to identify the official name of the degree. A Master of Science in Psychology degree is similar to, but not the same as, a Master of Science in Forensic Psychology. Sometimes the degree is informally titled by the specialization rather than the formal degree name. Is it a degree in forensic psychology specifically, or is it perhaps a master's degree in criminal justice with a specialization in forensic psychology? Either may be acceptable, but you should be sure to know ahead of time what the exact degree is that you are working toward.
Lastly, read through the various elective or concentration course options. Do you see a program with a course list that looks more interesting to you than others? If so, that college or university might be worth investigating further.
Forensic Psychology Master's Degree Courses
As this career field sits at the intersection of psychology and the law, coursework will contain elements of both environments. Legal classes often include an examination of issues such as mental competence, involuntary committal to mental institutions, and psychological issues surrounding child custody cases. Psychology classes investigate behavior theory, mental disorders, and psychological evaluations. Both psychology and law are considered research-heavy fields; thus, research studies coursework will be emphasized.
Forensic Psychology Foundational Courses
Research methods and statistics coursework is a common strand in most master's degree programs, including forensic psychology. Other core classes, such as behavioral theory, establish a solid foundation for students in this area of study. Evaluation and assessment courses will assist in learning how to determine a person's intellectual acuity and identify any personality or neurological disorders. Many programs also include core coursework in therapy, which will benefit those students who wish to enter a mental health services field. Testimony, including how to serve as an expert witness, is generally a part of the foundational course sequence, as are courses examining criminal behavior theory.
Forensic Psychology Specialist & Elective Courses
Specialization and elective course strands tend to follow one of the two branches that comprise this degree: forensics or psychology. A forensics specialization focuses on how psychological theories and tenets can aid in the investigation of a crime. Courses could include crime analysis, psychopathy, and terrorism investigation. Psychology specializations center on courses that examine how to work directly with victims or the accused criminal. Courses in this strand include counseling techniques, drug abuse treatment, victimology, conducting interviews in the legal setting, working with youth in the criminal justice system, and identification or treatment of individuals with mental illness.
Licensure and Certification in Forensic Psychology
Guidelines to become a licensed psychologist differ slightly according to location and specialization. A doctoral degree, a professional internship, and at least one to two years of formal supervision are required, along with an exam. The Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) provides information on the exam, licensing, and educational requirements by state. Additionally, the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) offers a document library that includes information on the examination fees, application process, and registration for the certification test in addition to general requirements, benefits of certification, and other useful information for those considering pursuit of the licensure process. Other careers within the field of forensic psychology may require certification specific to that position. One example of this type of certification is behavioral psychology, which involves the identification and treatment of behavioral issues that individuals may face due to autism or other disorders.
Internships/Externships in Forensic Psychology Master's Programs
Internships can be helpful in identifying which area of specialization might be a good fit for your personal area of interest. The federal prison bureau offers paid internships to students who are considering a federal career, with those who complete the program having an opportunity to become eligible for a civil service position. Similarly, the FBI has a ten-week Honors Internship Program working in one of their field offices or at their national headquarters. In addition to paid internship opportunities, many colleges and universities have unpaid practicum positions available locally and often are willing to assist their students in locating a practicum site.
Post-Graduate Options After Master's in Forensic Psychology
Two types of doctoral degrees are available for those choosing to become licensed psychologists: the Psy.D. and the Ph.D. The Psy.D. is a Doctor of Psychology degree and is generally designed to incorporate professional experience within the clinical setting in lieu of a dissertation. Alternatively, the Ph.D stands for Doctor of Philosophy. This degree program usually includes course strands focused on statistical analysis and research studies. Specialty certifications are also available post-master or doctoral studies from the American Board of Professional Psychology or the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology.
Forensic Psychology Professional Organizations
The American Psychological Association is considered to be a leading professional association for the field of psychology, with over 122,000 members. The organization offers multiple levels to facilitate membership options for interested high school students, high school or college teachers, undergraduate students, and graduate students. Other professional associations of interest include the American Academy of Forensic Psychology, the International Association for Correctional and Forensic Psychology, or the International Investigative Interviewing Research Group.
What Can I Do with a Forensic Psychology Master's Degree?
There are a number of career options for students with a master's degree in forensic psychology. When combined with a doctoral degree, career options include a criminal forensic psychologist or forensic psychiatrist. A criminal forensic psychologist works extensively with the criminal justice system, testifying in court as an expert witness, providing formal evaluations of prisoners, or even analyzing terroristic behaviors. A forensic psychiatrist is a medical doctor and must complete medical school, a residency in psychiatry, and a fellowship in forensic psychology before being fully licensed. This process to become a forensic psychiatrist usually takes between 13 and 14 years following high school graduation to complete. They are essentially medical doctors whose specialty is mental health. Forensic psychiatrists can determine whether an accused individual is mentally competent to be able to stand trial, evaluate an individual to determine whether he/she should be involuntarily committed to a mental institution, or work with issues involving family law, such as child custody.
Doctoral degrees are not required for clinical positions such as mental health workers. These employees find jobs in hospitals, mental health centers, drug abuse treatment centers, and child advocacy centers. Positions are also available in settings such as parole services, juvenile justice facilities, child protective services, and state forensic units. Additionally, governmental agencies such as police departments, the FBI, veterans' affairs, and the department of corrections are available sources of employment opportunities at the master's degree qualification level.
Job Outlook for a Master's in Forensic Psychology
The need for psychological support in social service agencies, mental health clinics, hospitals, and counseling centers is expected to increase due to the aging population, the number of veterans needing mental health support, and number of people with mental disorders. While the employment opportunities for psychologists is projected to keep pace with the average employment growth, options for forensic science technicians are expected to undergo rapid growth: 14% between 2019 and 2029 as compared to the overall growth of 4% for all job occupations due to the increasing availability and acceptance of forensic information by the courts. In 2019, psychologists earned an average (mean) annual salary of $87,450 while the average (mean) salary for forensic science technician was $63,170. A psychologist would need both undergraduate and graduate degrees, generally a doctorate, in a field related to psychology, however, to begin a career as a forensic science technician simply requires an undergraduate degree in forensic science or an area of natural science such as biology or chemistry. Salary ranges for positions open to those with a master's degree in this area can vary according to the specific position.
How to Become a Mental Health Counselor
Mental health, behavior disorder, or drug abuse counselors can typically enter the field with a bachelor's degree, although a master's degree is often encouraged. To begin private practice, licensure is required. These rules vary by state and may be found on the website for the National Board for Certified Counselors for general counselor requirements or the Addiction Technology Transfer Center Network for behavioral or substance abuse counselors. The average (mean) annual salary for mental health counselors in 2019 was $46,050.
How to Become a Correctional Treatment Specialist
Correctional treatment specialists assist in the transition of the inmate from incarceration through probation. They coordinate with prison inmates, community agencies or mental health services staff, and parole officers to assess the inmate, develop case reports for the parole board, arrange for counseling or treatment if needed, locate housing and assist with placing the inmate in a job upon release. The specialists also ensure the inmate understands the conditions of their release and help monitor their progress along with the probation offer. A bachelor's degree in criminal justice, social work, behavioral science, or a related field such as forensic psychology is required to become a correctional treatment specialist. The average (mean) annual salary for this occupation was $59,910 in 2019.
Master's in Forensic Psychology Program Financial Aid & Scholarship Resources
The federal student aid program offers a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA),which is an excellent starting point when seeking to apply for graduate school financial aid. The submission window for this application does vary by state. It is vital when applying for any scholarships or financial aid to confirm and meet all deadlines.
Organizations and associations are an excellent source for locating scholarship opportunities. For example, the American Psychological Foundation offers scholarships for graduate students studying the field of psychology. These range from $2,000 to $5000. Additionally, colleges and universities often offer scholarships, financial aid, or graduate assistantships for students. Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island, for example, offers assistantships specifically designed for students enrolled in their program.
