What Is Forensic Psychology? A Look at This Exciting Career

Practitioners of forensic psychology can have careers that are engaging, challenging, and most importantly, impactful. These professionals apply psychological expertise to the field of law.

Forensic psychology practitioners have the opportunity to advocate for fair treatment and informed decision-making within the criminal and civil legal systems. They examine a range of factors — psychological, biological, and social — that influence criminal behavior, and they assess the effectiveness of various approaches with offenders.

What Does a Forensic Psychology Professional Do?

Forensic psychology professionals are trained for roles in forensic fields with a range of populations within the legal system. Equipped with specialized knowledge, they analyze behavior and navigate issues related to law and society.

Read on to learn more about the field and the vital roles forensic psychology professionals play.

Victim advocacy. Victim advocates offer a range of services to support crime victims, including connecting them with legal representation and aiding them in their day-to-day lives. Advocates accompany victims and their families throughout the criminal justice process.

Advise on jury selection. Not all forensic psychology professionals work directly with victims and those charged with crimes. Attorneys often hire psychology professionals to consult on jury selection and hold focus groups to assess the persuasiveness of the lawyer's case. Jury consultants, or trial consultants, aid litigators by conducting research on cases and juror backgrounds, consulting on opening and closing statements, and assessing witness credibility throughout the trial process.

Focus on academia and research. Some forensic psychology professionals choose paths other than applied work. Those with advanced degrees can teach or conduct research for the government or at universities and corporations.

Weighing the Pros and Cons of a Forensic Psychology Career

It’s fascinating work. A career in forensic psychology provides intellectual stimulation. People who appreciate the challenge of deciphering complex behavior and the opportunity to work in a variety of settings may be well suited for a career in this field.

Less insurance bureaucracy. Forensic psychology professionals have a perk that practicing clinical professionals don't: There are fewer hassles from dealing with insurance and managed care.

Stressful situations are common. While the work is rewarding, this area of practice can also take a toll. As a forensic psychology professional, you must:

• Deal with distressing issues and situations
• Work on the courts' schedules, not your own
• Be thick-skinned

How to Become a Forensic Psychology Professional

If you would like to start a career in forensic psychology, you need to invest in your education. Your level of education will determine the career opportunities available to you.

With a master's in psychology degree with a forensic psychology concentration, you can pursue careers related to criminal justice such as victim advocate, family advocate, police consultant, attorney consultant, or director of court and criminal justice programs.

Additionally, those who have earned a master's degree may work as psychology professionals in correctional facilities or for nonprofit organizations, or they could lobby for changes to the legal system.

Professionals who provide expert testimony and analyses for criminal cases usually have a doctorate and years of experience. Other required training and experience will depend on your desired area of specialization. For example, forensic pathology requires a medical degree, residency, and board certification. Criminal profiling for a law enforcement agency may require police or other agency academy training and on-the-job experience.

Get Started With Purdue Global

If you want to understand the mysteries that drive criminal behavior and make a difference in the lives of those touched by crime, consider the field of forensic psychology. Learn more about Purdue Global's online master's in psychology program with a forensic psychology concentration. Reach out today to get started.