Putting Your Forensic Psychology Degree to Use

Most of the forensic

psychologists that you find will have a doctorate, while there are some who have a Master’s degree and who have never pursued their doctorate. In most cases, the higher the forensic psychology degree you have the easier it is going to be to find work in the areas that you want. With the need for forensic psychologists growing, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, now is a great time to start your schooling so that you will have the skills needed to land the best jobs in the field.

One of the biggest reasons that the job field for those with a forensic psychology degree is growing is because of the great use that the psychologist can be to the criminal justice system. Qualified forensic psychologists are able to provide insight into the criminal mind and develop behavioral patterns that could help the police when they are trying to find a suspect. Psychologists can use evidence and crime scene analysis to help them solidify their profiles.

Of course, they do far more than just help find criminals. A forensic psychologist can evaluate suspects to see if they have the mental capacity to stand trial as well. The psychologist will be able to help the police with interviews of suspects as well. Using forensic techniques in the interview can help the psychologist learn things that a regular police-conducted interview might not. The psychologist might provide examinations of convicts who are getting ready for a parole hearing as well. If they don’t meet the requirements, the psychologist will tell the parole board, which will factor into their decision.

As you can see, a person who has a forensic psychology degree is going to be able to work in many different areas within the criminal justice system. It’s a great career that has a ton of potential right now.