A criminal psychologist works with lawyers and law enforcement officials to catch criminals or assist in crisis situations. They also work with victims to resolve conflict or perpetrators to determine their ability to stand trial. You'll need a Ph.D. and a license in order to become a criminal psychologist - read on to learn more about the job and its requirements.
Education Requirements
To work as a criminal psychologist, you need a doctoral degree in psychology. To enroll in such a program, you'll need a bachelor's degree; oftentimes, students major in psychology as undergraduates, too, but this isn't strictly required. You'll also need to take the GRE in order to apply to graduate school.
In a program leading to a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Clinical Psychology with a forensic specialization or a Ph.D. in Clinical Forensic Psychology, you will learn about how to conduct research in the field as well as general clinical practice techniques. In these programs, you study criminal law, trauma, violence, psychology law, and assessments. In addition to coursework, you complete a research dissertation and, depending on the program, may complete practical training in psychology. It's wise to choose a program that features faculty who specialize in your research interests (which could range from competency assessments to juvenile offenders to suicide risks) so that you'll have a knowledgeable mentor to advise you as you research and write your dissertation.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutCriminalPsychology">Important Facts About Criminal Psychology</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td> Job Outlook (2021-2031) </td><td>6% growth (<i>for psychologists</i>)*</td></tr>
<tr><td> Median Salary (2021) </td><td> $81,040 (<i>for psychologists</i>)*</td></tr>
<tr><td> Common Courses </td><td> Roles & Directions in Forensic Psychology, Violence, Aggression and Social Deviance, Diagnosis of Maladaptive Behavior</td></tr>
<tr><td> Work Environment </td><td>Partnering with law enforcement, working in crime scenes or crime labs, testifying in court</td></tr>
<tr><td> On-the-Job Training </td><td>Continuing education courses are offered through the APA</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---LicensingAndCertification">Licensing and Certification</h3><p>To work as a criminal psychologist, you must be certified as a psychologist. Specific certification requirements vary by state but usually include passing an exam administered by the state's board of psychology. Many times, this exam is the one created by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards.
</p><p>Optional certification as a criminal psychologist is available from the American Board of Professional Psychology, the association that recognizes professionals who have developed a specialty. To earn this certification, you must have a doctoral degree, complete an internship, work in the field, provide proof of continuing education, and be licensed in the state in which you practice. You also must take written and oral exams.
</p><h3 id="section---JobResponsibilities">Job Responsibilities</h3><p>Criminal psychology is a subfield of forensic psychology and science. Working in the field involves applying psychological principles to the legal and corrections systems. These psychologists evaluate and treat individuals in the criminal justice system, including criminals, victims, inmates, and law enforcement officers.
</p><p>As a criminal psychologist, you may be called upon to determine a person's mental competency, perform conflict resolution, and provide training to legal and law enforcement staff members. Job tasks might include providing crisis intervention or psychological profiling, giving expert testimony in court, preparing witnesses to testify, or assisting lawyers in choosing a jury. Sometimes, you might even participate in hostage negotiations or perform psychological autopsies. You work with children and adults in court systems, communities, prisons, or hospitals.</p>
