Forensic Psychologist Career

Crime is often a major problem in many areas, particularly densely populated areas. As much as we may wish for peaceful, crime-free lives, this is most likely not going to happen anytime soon. Punishing criminals or preventing them from committing crimes in the first place is typically necessary for protecting ordinary criminals from crime.

Forensic psychology often plays a role in punishing and preventing crimes. The word forensic is defined as "the scientific method for investigation of crime". Forensic psychology is often described as the merger of the merger of law and psychology.

This field of psychology is often focused on the criminals themselves. Professionals in this field are often given the ominous responsibilities of trying to figure out why certain types of people commit crimes; what type of person committed a crime; and how to prevent people from committing crimes.

Before 1940, psychologists weren't revered as expert witnesses in a courtroom, and medical doctors were preferred. In 1940, however, the court case People v. Hawthorne ruled that an expert witness's title was less important than the breadth of his knowledge. Another court case in 1962, Jenkins v. United States, ruled that psychologists were acceptable expert witnesses in a courtroom.

Featured Forensic Psychology Degree Program

Why Do We Need Forensic Psychology?

Forensic psychology can sometimes be a very important piece of the puzzle when trying to solve a criminal case. Professionals in this field are often able to help narrow down the suspect list, or at least provide a motive for a crime. In some cases, the expert testimonial of a respected forensic psychologist might be the last piece of the puzzle when trying to convict a criminal.

The field of forensic psychology is also a very important part of crime prevention as well. Professionals in this field might be called upon to participate in the rehabilitation of criminals, for instance, to help ensure that they become law abiding citizens. Research in this field can also help pinpoint certain types of people who might possibly commit crimes before they actually do.

What are the Education Requirements for a Forensic Psychology Career?

In general, individuals pursuing forensic psychology careers should make sure that their education is focused on psychology, criminology, and forensics. There are a couple different ways to pursue this type of education. First, a student can earn a bachelor's degree in psychology with a focus on criminology or criminal justice. A student can also earn a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or criminology with a focus on psychology. Some courses that an aspiring forensic psychologist might take may include courses on forensics, abnormal psychology, and the psychology of deviance.