Career in Criminal Psychology Information

When psychology is applied to the criminal justice system, it is referred to as criminal psychology or forensics psychology. It is an interesting and demanding field, which offers a myriad of possibilities. It is not for everyone; an individual must be willing to work with the legal system during the course of her career.

Sub-fields

A criminal psychologist handles legal issues and is often called upon by the justice system to state whether a defendant was insane when he committed a particular crime. Within the field of criminal psychology there are also developmental psychology, social psychology, clinical-forensic psychology and cognitive psychology.

The Attractions

An individual may be drawn to criminal psychology because it allows him to help others and because of the many sub-fields available. He may also be attracted to the chance of obtaining recognition from acting as an expert witness and to the changing environment resulting from working in a correctional facility.

The Drawbacks

An individual must keep current in the field of criminal psychology by undergoing continuing education, which includes seminars and conferences. There is also the risk of violence for those who work in prison settings with violent criminals. In addition, sometimes the pay is not enough for all the hard work involved.

Education

To become a criminal psychologist, an individual must take core classes that include psychology and criminal justice courses. She needs to obtain a doctoral degree (five to seven years of graduate study) to practice as a criminal psychologist.

Salary

In October 2009, the median salary for a criminal psychologist was $67,000.

References

• Careers in Forensic Psychology
• Forensic Psychology: Delving Into the Criminal Mind