Careers in Forensic ScienceCareers in Forensic Science

Forensic PsychologistForensic Psychologist

Jacob WheelerJacob Wheeler

What is Forensic What is Forensic Psychology?Psychology?

• Forensic Psychology is the application of Forensic Psychology is the application of psychology to the criminal justice psychology to the criminal justice system.system.

• Forensic psychologists are expected to Forensic psychologists are expected to have a broad understanding of topics have a broad understanding of topics such as psychology, biology, law, such as psychology, biology, law, criminology, and public policy.criminology, and public policy.

• Forensic psychologists are used in a wide Forensic psychologists are used in a wide variety of areas (treatment, law, etc.)variety of areas (treatment, law, etc.)

Main ResponsibilitiesMain Responsibilities

Most often, a forensic psychologist is used in Most often, a forensic psychologist is used in research and experimentation.research and experimentation.

Also used for jury selection, treatment of Also used for jury selection, treatment of mentally ill defendants, used in court cases to mentally ill defendants, used in court cases to determine sanity and competency, and to help determine sanity and competency, and to help design prisons and correctional facilities.design prisons and correctional facilities.

Also works with police to help gather Also works with police to help gather evidence and question witnesses & suspects.evidence and question witnesses & suspects.

Educational & skill requirementsEducational & skill requirements

Education: Best opportunities are for Education: Best opportunities are for those who have at least a Master’s those who have at least a Master’s Degree in a related field, but a Ph.D. is Degree in a related field, but a Ph.D. is required to do licensed psychological required to do licensed psychological work.work.

Skills: Patient, adaptable, able to work Skills: Patient, adaptable, able to work effectively in groups, enjoy research, good effectively in groups, enjoy research, good speech skills, willingness to continue speech skills, willingness to continue learning throughout one’s career.learning throughout one’s career.

EmploymentEmployment

Typically, unless you have a doctorate degree, Typically, unless you have a doctorate degree, employment in this field is almost impossible.employment in this field is almost impossible.

Usually work in a related field while completing Usually work in a related field while completing graduate work (parole/probation officer, case graduate work (parole/probation officer, case worker).worker).

Those with a Master’s can find work at clinical Those with a Master’s can find work at clinical institutions, government work, and non-profit institutions, government work, and non-profit agencies.agencies.

SourcesSources

http://www.wcupa.edu/_ACADEMICS/http://www.wcupa.edu/_ACADEMICS/sch_cas.psy/Career_Paths/Forensic/sch_cas.psy/Career_Paths/Forensic/Career08.htm#employCareer08.htm#employ