Interested In Pursuing A Career In Forensic Psychology? Here Are Some Options

Do you have an interest in the human psyche? Have you always wanted to advocate for others and help serve the public? If so, a career in forensic psychology—the application of psychological principles to public safety through law enforcement and other areas of the legal system—may be right for you. 

Jobs in forensic psychology can vary widely in terms of skills and education required, salary and workplace environment. Below, we’re going to discuss different forensic psychology career paths, their requirements and how you can get involved in them. 

Forensic psychology careers

The field of forensic psychology generally includes widely varied career routes that may leverage different skills and levels of education. Below, we’re going to discuss common forensic psychology careers that you can pursue based on your specific degree path and level of education. We do want to note, though, that certain workplaces may require different levels of education based on the specific role. While not absolute, this article can serve as a general guide to help you explore the different expectations and experiences that might be required from related career options. 

Bachelor’s degree-level work 

If you have a bachelor’s degree in psychology, criminology or a related field, you might consider pursuing the following careers: 

Survivor advocate

A survivor advocate can play an integral role in the criminal justice process. An advocate generally works intimately with survivors of crime, helping them navigate the legal system and acquire the necessary resources and services. Though survivor advocates typically do not provide counseling themselves, their knowledge of how mental health and the legal system interact can help them provide guidance to survivors. 

Forensic psychologists, in this context, may also play a role in educating a survivor on the legal system, go to court dates with them, and assist them in getting legal representation, mental health care and shelter. Survivor advocates may not need a particular certification. However, if candidates are interested in seeking a higher degree of knowledge and certification, they can find education and training at the National Organization for Victim Assistance.

Law enforcement officer

Those who’ve been educated in psychology and criminology might choose to work for law enforcement, generally at the local, state or federal level. Many law enforcement agencies might be in need of forensic psychologists who are able to put together criminal profiles, evaluate people who are already in the legal system and provide a variety of other insights when it comes to the psychology of crime. 

Many people who pursue a career in forensic psychology may do so to work in law enforcement, given the direct impact on the community these agencies can have.

Probation officer

Probation officers can work with individuals who are re-entering society after being convicted of a crime, who may have already served prison or jail time. A probation officer can play an important role in helping people who’ve been convicted of crimes keep up with their legal responsibilities, as well as with finding job placements in their community. Being well-versed in forensic psychology can help probation officers to provide guidance and advice to people who are assigned to them through the legal system. 

A parole officer with a forensic psychology background, for example, may have a unique perspective on rehabilitation and could be better equipped to work with people who may be experiencing mental health concerns. 

Master’s degree-level work

A master’s degree in psychology or criminology can provide you with several career options, such as: 

Juvenile offender counselor

Young people who have committed crimes may be living with various mental health or life challenges that a forensic psychologist can help address. A juvenile offender counselor can do this by helping young people take steps to recognize and work through underlying concerns that can be related to crime. 

Additionally, many young people in the legal system might have been abused or neglected, which could have contributed to their behavior. A juvenile offender counselor can help them to find healthier ways of coping, possibly encouraging them to take steps toward a productive future.

If you or someone you know is or may be experiencing abuse, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline, available 24/7, at 1.800.799.SAFE (7233)—or text "START" to 88788. Live chat is also available at the National Domestic Violence Hotline website.

Research assistant

Those who’d like to take a more academic or clinical approach to forensic psychology can conduct master's-level research. Researchers can be assistants to clinical psychologists and can bring a forensic psychology angle to the examination of a wide variety of psychology-related subjects. 

Research can be a rewarding field for many, and is generally where interesting discoveries that expand our understanding of forensic psychology can happen.

Doctoral degree-level work

A doctoral degree in psychology (either a PsyD or a Ph.D.) is generally considered to be the highest level of education that can be made available for psychologists. Within the field of forensic psychology, there are many careers that psychologists with a doctoral degree can pursue:

Forensic psychologist

This is the profession that many people who go into forensic psychology might aspire to.  Individuals who pursue this field will generally be asked to analyze the minds of those in the criminal justice system—whether they are offenders, suspects or others who may be involved in a legal proceeding. 

Forensic psychologists can work for law enforcement at a local or state level, or they may pursue federal-level careers with the FBI, DEA or other agencies. Because they’ve been trained to get inside the minds of those who commit crimes, they might often collaborate with detectives and other police officers to profile criminals. 

Professor

Doctorate-level forensic psychologists can teach forensic psychology principles to students who may be interested in the field. They may have a passion for conducting research and can inspire their undergraduate students to be passionate about forensic psychology in return. If you'd prefer to work in academia, this can possibly be a strong option for you as it can allow you to continue learning while teaching others about the intersection of psychology and the legal system. 

Lawyer

Many people who have a background in forensic psychology might choose to go on to pursue a JD degree and become lawyers. Having a degree in psychology can be advantageous as an attorney, as it can give you a unique perspective on the minds of the people you’re representing—and those you might be arguing against. 

The career path

The specific degree you receive may vary depending on the school you attend and the field you’d like to work in. For example: You could get a bachelor’s degree in criminology with a minor in psychology, and then go to graduate school for psychology. (Additionally, some schools now offer bachelor’s and master’s programs that are specifically designed for careers in forensic psychology—which may be something to consider if it suits your specific needs.)

After you graduate, you may have to obtain a certain number of supervised hours before you can be certified. Certain forensic psychology careers might also require you to be licensed by your state board to use your degree. 

Some roles require certification—meaning that you may have to be certified by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) before you can practice. Although this certification isn't always required, it can be advantageous to your career and indicate to others a high level of knowledge and professionalism.

The time commitment can be worth it, though, when you get to contribute to the safety of your community and explore the human mind at the same time. 

How can online therapy support those who wish to change or start a career? 

Changing or starting a career can come with a range of feelings and insecurities. Online therapy can make it simple for many to connect with a therapist as is convenient for them—removing possible barriers to support such as cost or logistical challenges. 

Exploring your psyche in online therapy: Is online therapy effective? 

Research suggests that online therapy can help individuals who may be experiencing complicated emotions related to choosing or embarking upon a career. 

In a study of nearly 250 students, researchers examined the efficacy of online therapy when treating individuals experiencing concerns with self-esteem related to their abilities in a potential career. The results of the study found information that suggests that insecurity regarding career prospects generally decreased after online therapy, and that improvements in self-efficacy were sustained for up to six months after treatment. 

Online therapy can help you address complex feelings that may arise out of a career change or similar life challenges. When you participate in online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp, you can get matched with one of thousands of mental health professionals, who generally have a range of specialties and areas of expertise, including psychology.