Steps to Becoming a Forensic Psychologist
Often we think the forensic psychologist is called on to make a decision whether a death was a crime or suicide, for instance. We envision them hovering over corpses. They do some of this, but that is only one part of their career. Forensic psychologists consult on topics such as whether a defendant is psychologically ready to stand trial or whether a person is of sound enough mind to execute important papers, for instance.
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High School
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High school students with an interest in forensic psychology pursue a college preparation track. Besides the obvious interest in psychology and law classes, science is important in preparing you for your undergraduate degree. Strive for good grades so you can get into your first-choice college or university. Prepare yourself for an undergraduate degree in psychology by taking courses in biology, computer science, English, and psychology, states The Best Degrees website. They also recommend you volunteer or work in the mental health field if you hope to get into a good college.
Undergraduate Studies
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Your bachelor's degree program is comprised of four years of psychology studies. For the best chance of moving on to pursue a master's degree in psychology, earn very good grades during your undergraduate studies. Your undergraduate coursework focuses on psychology and criminal law. Because clinical psychology skills are essential for a practice in forensic psychology, lean toward clinical psychology courses when you have options.
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Graduate Studies
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After being awarded your bachelor's degree in psychology, you are ready to begin your graduate studies. This will take another three to four years of study. Your university or other organization typically pays a small salary that helps support you during your graduate studies. Earn a doctorate in psychology with a focus in clinical psychology. After graduating, you will have earned a doctorate in psychology and can begin practice. However, unless you did a year of forensics training as a part of your doctorate degree, more training is required.
Post-Doctoral Fellowship
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Typically, a one-year forensics fellowship or residency is required for forensic psychologists. Sometimes it is incorporated into your doctorate program, but oftentimes it follows. Like your earlier graduate studies, your fellowship usually pays a small salary. You immerse yourself in the very spot where law and psychology intersect in the real world. You will get hands-on experience and are prepared to practice as a forensic psychologist after successfully completing your residency. Typically, you will choose an adult or juvenile track depending on whether your practice will be adult or child psychology.
Board Certification
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The American Board of Forensic Psychology offers a board certification process open to forensic psychologists with at least four years experience. After successfully completing all requirements, including a certification examination, your are awarded title of Diplomate.
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References
- Reid Psychiatry; Special FAQs for Students and Class Projects; William H. Reid, M.D., M.P.H.
- All Psychology Schools; Forensic Psychology Resource Center: Why Forensic Psychology?
- Psychology Schools U; How to Become a Forensic Psychologist; September 2010
- The Best Degree; How To Become A Psychologist; 2011
- University of Massachusetts Medical School; Post-Doctoral Fellowship (Residency) Program in Forensics Psychology; 2011
Resources
- Photo Credit Legal Law Justice image by Stacey Alexander from Fotolia.com
