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Until recently, programs offering a specific forensic psychology degree were quite rare. The most common approach to starting a career in forensic psychology is to obtain a master's or doctoral degree in an established subfield of psychology such as clinical, developmental, cognitive or social psychology, and to take supplemental coursework that relates to the legal system before or after graduating. But because of the rising interest in the field of forensic psychology, a small but increasing number of schools are offering the opportunity to obtain a specific forensic psychology degree at the master's or doctoral level. The programs that exist allow you to complete either a traditional or online forensic psychology degree. Since forensic psychology is such a comprehensive field, most master's programs that offer a forensic psychology degree, and all doctoral programs, require you to choose a subfield within psychology in which you will specialize. It may be helpful to determine your area of specialty in psychology early, as well as the specific area of law to which you'll apply your training. For example, a developmental psychologist may work with children within the court system in custody cases or testimony assessment.  Key Points About Forensic Psychology Here are some key points that may be useful to remember if you want to work in forensic psychology: - A master's or doctoral degree is necessary.
- A forensic psychology degree is not required.
- Forensic psychology degree programs are few but growing.
- You must choose a specialty area to obtain a forensic psychology degree beyond the master's level.
- To become a psychologist of any kind requires a doctoral degree.
- Most who work in the field of forensic psychology are clinical psychologists who choose a coursework track in law or criminal justice.
- A PhD is traditionally considered to be more research and teaching-based, whereas a PsyD generally focuses more on clinical practice. In a clinical context, both degrees typically are viewed as having the same level of prestige and applicability.
- Further certification or licensing beyond the doctoral level can be helpful, but not necessary.
Your Roadmap to Working in Forensic Psychology Here is a general idea of what you can do in forensic psychology with different degrees and additional certification—as well as the online availability of each. Bachelor's Degree A bachelor's degree in forensic psychology is currently not available. While it's true that a master's or doctoral degree is required to work in forensic psychology, a bachelor's degree in psychology should be considered a necessary stepping stone in your education before continuing on for advanced training. As an undergraduate you will learn about the general theories, history and practices of psychology, while ultimately focusing on a particular subfield, such as clinical or social psychology.
Online Bachelor of Arts degrees in Psychology are available. Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology The coursework for a master's degree in forensic psychology can vary. Some programs offer studies in the application of forensic psychology to areas such as organizational and legal consultation or law enforcement. Others are designed to enable students to become licensed mental health counselors. Since most jobs in the field of forensic psychology require a PhD, your career options may be limited with just a forensic psychology degree at the master's level. Completing a PhD program may yield the most opportunities within the field of forensic psychology.
Online degrees in forensic psychology at the master's level are available. PhD in Forensic Psychology (or related subfield) PhDs, specifically in forensic psychology, are even rarer than master's level degrees in that field. Those that exist most likely have a title that reflects the subfield of psychology in which you've chosen to specialize, such as "clinical forensic psychology." Regardless of the degree title or specialization, however, any doctoral degree in psychology you earn will accord you the credentials needed to begin a career in forensic psychology. Clinical, developmental, social and cognitive psychologists are some of the most common practitioners applying their expertise to the law in the field of forensic psychology. Whether you earn a traditional or online forensic psychology degree at the PhD level (or a PhD in a related psychology subfield), the possibilities for practice range widely and can include the following tasks: - Psychological evaluation or expert testimony in court cases
- Clinical treatment and assessment concerning individuals prone to aggressive behavior
- Forensic consultation to law enforcement, and/or criminal justice, corrections and mental health systems
Online degrees in forensic psychology or related subfields at the PhD level are available. PsyD in Forensic Psychology (or related subfield) A Doctor of Psychology degree generally emphasizes practice training with less research than a PhD program. To decide which degree you should choose, it may be helpful to consider whether you wish to work in the academic (teaching and research) or clinical (applied practice) realm. Academic institutions typically favor a PhD since it's the oldest doctorate and usually research-based; conversely, a program offering a PsyD degree often provides more of a focus on clinical skills. In clinical practice, both types of degrees offer similar opportunity and credential stature.
Online degrees in forensic psychology at the PsyD level are available. American Board of Forensic Psychology Certification If you achieve a forensic psychology degree at the doctoral level, no further licensure is necessary to begin practicing within the field of forensic psychology. However, additional certification may bolster your credentials in the job market. According to the American Psychology-Law Society , it is "helpful to become board certified by the American Board of Forensic Psychology," and such a diploma is the only forensic psychology post-doctoral certification recognized in the American Psychological Association Directory. This certification process involves both a written, practice and oral examination, and only the practice-sample examination may be submitted online.
Online certification from the American Board of Forensic Psychology is not available.  Sources: Argosy University; Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology; American Psychology-Law Society |
