Forensic Psychology Careers
Forensic psychologists apply their knowledge of psychology to the fields of law and crime. They assist legal professionals such as judges and lawyers in understanding how psychological findings are relevant to a particular case. They are helpful in the criminal justice and legal systems because they can serve as “expert witnesses,” or people who specialize in testifying about a certain issue in a court trial.
There are three primary specialties within forensic psychology, focusing on various courts:
- Those working in criminal court assess and evaluate children and adults, deciding their level of mental competency, whether as witnesses or offenders.
- Those working in family court offer counseling to families, conduct assessments, and investigate the stability of children's home lives.
- Those working in civil courts evaluate people's competency, provide therapy to victims, and serve as expert witnesses.
A master's degree or a doctoral degree is usually required to become a forensic psychologist, with more job opportunities available to those holding a doctorate.
Skills: You are likely to succeed in this field if you are passionate, motivated, patient, and adaptable. Strong speaking and communication skills are also necessary as forensic psychologists speak with a wide variety of people and are often ask to speak as expert witnesses during trials. An interest in conducting research is also important for people in this field, as a large proportion of your time is likely to be spent doing this.
Salary: The salary for forensic psychologists is often not high given the time and training you need to invest to qualify for the job – those interested in this career are usually passionate about the field and are motivated to make a difference in society rather than inspired by an astronomical salary. You can expect a starting salary around $35,000-$40,000. Psychologists working for private companies can expect to earn more than those working for the government.
Job Outlook: The job outlook for forensic psychologists is good because they are always needed – their services are a necessary part of the legal system and the demand for psychologists in general is expected to increase by 14 percent in the next decade.
Article Resources:
University of Nebraska, Lincoln
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
West Chester University of Pennsylvania