Is a Degree in Forensic Psychology Right for You?

Quick Highlights:

• Forensic psychology blends psychology and law, focusing on understanding criminal behavior and legal processes.
• Careers include assessing witness credibility, evaluating criminals, and providing expert testimony.
• Education usually requires a bachelor’s or master’s degree, with additional certifications and licensure.
• Forensic psychology offers various roles and a positive job outlook with an average salary of $78,934 according to Payscale.com.

Have you ever wondered, “Is forensic psychology right for me?” With a degree in this field, many opportunities in this industry will become available to you. Forensic psychology programs are available for those who want a profession that involves law and psychology.

Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of crime is understanding the reasons why individuals make certain decisions. By studying forensic psychology, you will gain the tools needed to both understand the criminal mind and how to navigate the legal system we use to keep us safe. A forensic psychology degree will provide you with the experience you need to work in a field that is critical for public safety. 

Related:

• 10 Best Bachelor’s in Forensic Psychology Online
• 5 Top Bachelor’s in Forensic Psychology
• What are the Different Psychology Specializations?
• The Pros and Cons of Pursuing a Bachelor’s in Psychology

Understanding Forensic Psychology

What does a forensic psychologist do? It is a specialty of professional psychology that is characterized by providing psychological expertise in legal environments. If you are interested in pursuing a career in forensic psychology, it is necessary to understand your role in the legal system. You will need to understand the field before you can decide if it’s the right fit for you.

Understanding forensic psychology and its role in the judicial process is important. Depending on your role, you will be required to:

• assess witness credibility
• evaluate criminals for competency
• provide expert testimony
• design correctional programs

Forensic psychology skills entail understanding how someone makes a decision before committing a crime as well as how to handle their treatment and rehabilitation. 

Educational Path

Regardless of the institution you choose to attend, there are common forensic psychology education requirements that you need to meet. A forensic psychology degree is a sub-discipline of psychology with many criminal justice courses as well. Consider the many options that are available to you, as many academic institutions provide forensic psychology programs. 

The program’s forensic psychology coursework will be the first step toward completing your degree.  However, you will also need to consider the certifications and licensures that are required in the location where you will be pursuing your career. Each area will have different requirements when it comes to legal procedures.

Typically, the education path will involve at least an associate degree. However, many positions expect a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree. Review the type of career you want to see what level of education is normally required. 

Skills and Qualities Needed

As you begin studying forensic psychology, you should prepare to observe many aspects of the legal system that you may have not previously been exposed to. Working with criminals requires a set of qualities that are difficult to learn in an academic setting, such as remaining calm under pressure and interacting with unsettling crimes. 

Forensic psychology and law careers all require you to be a perfectionist when it comes to your ability to complete paperwork and memorize legal definitions. Someone who majors in forensic psychology typically needs the following skills:

• Knowledge of psychology 
• Analytical thinking
• Ability to listen
• Ability to work under pressure
• Non-judgmental approach
• Knowledge of psychology 
• Empathy

Career Opportunities and Outcomes 

There are many benefits of a forensic psychology career. You will gain insights into the field of law and the study of psychology. From here, you can work in the public sphere, private practice, and academic institutions. Whatever route you take, a career in forensic psychology will open up many different avenues.

The forensic psychology job outlook is positive. The average wage is $78,934, so the pay rate is substantial for those looking to maintain a long-term career in the field. A forensic psychology degree also allows you to search for opportunities in related fields as well, which allows you a dynamic future in your professional life. 

In this field, you could work in one of the following roles: 

• Forensic engineer
• Correctional officer
• Forensic architect
• Professional clinical counselor
• Senior forensic consultant
• Clinical forensic psychologist

Pros and Cons of a Forensic Psychology Career

Forensic psychology programs will provide you with the tools you need to be successful, but it is important to consider every aspect of this career path. For example, you will want to think about various forensic psychology specialties, which will help you manage the benefits and drawbacks of each option. You’ll get to support the rule of law and protect your community, but you must also navigate the complicated world of crime and violence. 

There are challenges in both the legal and psychological professions because these two fields often involve deep human trauma and suffering. In the end, you will need to determine if the intellectual demands and emotional tolls are worth overcoming. 

Making Your Decision

As you continue your research into starting a career in forensic psychology, you will find a wealth of information. These professionals are placed in the top 36% of those most happy with their chosen profession according to CareerExplorer. There are many options available in this field and different programs you can take, so you can find something that meets your needs.

Becoming a forensic psychologist requires patience and determination because you will need to prove yourself in the field of academia and in the courtroom. Not only that, but you should also be aware that studying forensic psychology is an ongoing process. The field of mental health is constantly developing, and new laws are constantly being made. 

Conclusion

There are many factors to consider before deciding if forensic psychology is the right career path. You will be working in an environment where you impact the lives of real people during the most stressful times of their lives, and you will be responsible for keeping a logical and objective frame of mind. The career of forensic psychology is best suited for individuals who can be stoic in the face of criminal violence. 

That said, a forensic psychology degree can be incredibly rewarding. Studying forensic psychology is a calling that brings together people who are interested in supporting law enforcement. Carefully consider your professional goals and personal interests before making a final decision because this degree requires a significant investment of time and energy, so you need to make sure you genuinely want to pursue a role in this field.