Criminal Justice & Psychology Careers
Criminal psychology is also known as forensics psychology, which is the use of psychology in the criminal justice system. It is an intriguing and demanding field, which requires long working hours. It is also an expansive field; a prospective psychologist has many careers to choose from.
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Forensic Psychology
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According to the American Board of Forensic Psychology, the term "forensic" is derived from the Latin word "forensis," which means "of the forum," where ancient Rome's law courts were conducted. A forensic psychologist works within the legal system with regard to new laws, public policies, and helping to determine sanity when someone is charged with committing a crime. Forensic psychologists may also work on civil matters to help the courts arrive at a fair decision. Civil matters may include lawsuits, insurance claims that include emotional suffering or determining if a fatality in an insurance claim was an accident or a disguised suicide that requires in-depth investigation.
Clinical-Forensic Psychology
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Clinical-forensic psychology is the most popular subfield of criminal psychology. The psychologists in this field are more concerned with evaluating and treating convicted offenders suffering from mental disorders. Offenders can be forced into treatment while in prison, under hospitalization or on probation or parole. Some offenders may use a private practice clinical-forensic psychologist. A clinical-forensic psychologist will often make evaluating and treating these individuals the center of his life and career.
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Developmental Psychology
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Most developmental psychologists work at universities and colleges and often study the abilities of children and older people. They also study how convicting a juvenile will affect his life and what his most fitting options are. Developmental psychologists working in the legal field handle problems in the juvenile justice system and work with children who have suffered the adverse effects of separation and divorce. They may also be deeply involved in child custody cases and may serve as expert witnesses.
Social Psychology
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Social psychology is concerned with how society effects human behavior. Social psychologists may work in the legal arena with lawyers and the courts on witness credibility and jury selection issues. They are also concerned with how the jury interacts when making decisions, and examining the courtroom to determine what influences cause the jury to arrive at specific verdicts.
Education
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Generally, to practice independently in any psychology field and to have better career opportunities, a doctoral degree (PhD. or PsyD.) is required. A doctoral degree involves 5 to 7 years of graduate study, ending in a dissertation (thesis) relating to original research. An individual with a masters degree can work in a correctional facility, for the government, in a research environment, or for a nonprofit company. To practice as a psychologist and to have a private practice, an individual must pass the state licensing exam. To renew the license, some states require continuing education. According to the National Research Council Ranking, the top three psychology PhD programs are offered at Stanford University, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and Yale University.
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