Forensic Psychology Programs

If you are looking for an exciting career that lets you work in the criminal justice system helping
to solve crimes, enrolling in a forensic psychology program might be the course of study for you.

What is Forensic Psychology?

This fascinating field of psychology takes the rules of psychology and applies them to the issues
about the law and criminal justice system. When you study this type of psychology you will
learn a variety of fascinating skills. You will learn how to evaluate criminals in regards to their
special circumstances regarding mental competence, drug dependence or other mental issues.
You will also be able to evaluate testimonies regarding child custody, mental disabilities, and
discrimination. Before, during, and after trails, you will assess, consult, and treat people who
may have overly aggressive personalities and may be a danger to the community.

What Does a Forensic Psychologist Do?

Forensic psychologists do not just work with the criminals and other participants in trials. They
also work with public policy makers to assess psychological issues with public policies. They
also help look at products and their potential liabilities and safety. They help monitor court-
appointed compliance in mental health related trials. They also work with developing policies
that do not discriminate against those who are mentally disabled.

Career Opportunities in Forensic Psychology

Some forensic psychologists believe that they do their best work preparing others to be forensic
psychologists. They are the psychologists who are the professors at the universities that offer
those programs.

There are many career opportunities for people who want to be forensic psychologists. Some can
be on staff at law offices so that the offices always have a reliable psychologist for consultations.
They can also be consultants for government agencies and trial lawyers. Forensic psychologists
can work for the penal systems and be on staff at residential treatment facilities, prisons, and
jails. They can also be self-employed in a clinical setting where they work with those who need a
forensic psychologist for treatment.

Demanding and Rewarding Career

As more and more studies are done on the people who are in the penal system and working their
way through the courts and criminal justice systems, more and more forensic psychologists are
needed to meet the demand. It is a fascinating field, whether you work directly with criminals,
lawyers, inmates, or witness or if you work with the creation of policies and more of the legal
aspects of the position.

Prepare to Study

Getting a forensic psychology degree is not an easy task because not only do you need to know
about psychology, but you need to be well versed in the law. You should be prepared to spend
many hours studying and putting laws to memory. Because you need to know so much about
the law, many lawyers go on to become forensic psychologists because their Juris Doctorate
degree is so compatible with the forensic psychology degree. To be a truly successful forensic
psychologist, you should consider getting more than a master’s degree and continuing on to a
doctorate to be well respected in the field.

Where to Earn a Degree

Since forensic psychology is a relatively new field, there are not as many programs available as
there are for those who pursue degrees in other forms of psychology. You might have to move
to attend a university that can meet your needs. These are some of the colleges offering forensic
psychology programs:

• School of Professional Psychology, Chicago: in addition to masters in forensic
  psychology, there are and graduate certificates.
• California Baptist University in Riverside, California: Master’s degree in forensic
  psychology
• Argosy University: where you can also get master’s of arts in psychology, in addition to
  specialization in homeland security.
• Chicago Adler School of Professional Psychology: this school also offers master’s of arts
  in counseling psychology with specialization in forensics.
• Fairleigh Dickenson University in New Jersey: Master’s degree in psychology.
• Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island: psychology and criminal justice
  degrees at various levels.

Some universities that offer forensic psychology degrees include:

• The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
• University of Arizona
• University of Virginia
• University of Denver
• Marymount University
• Palo Alto University
• Drexel University
• Sam Houston State University
• University of Illinois at Chicago