Running head: CAREER PROFILE ON FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY 1
Career Profile on Forensic Psychology
Student#0176615
Christi White
Burlington County College
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Abstract
The career path based in Psychology that I am choosing for research is Forensic Psychologist. After researching the different types of fields in Psychology, this is the one that has inspired me the most. In my report I will be discussing the requirements that are needed to establish a position as a Forensic Psychologist and the types of problems/diagnosis/illnesses that are associated with the population that this type of psychology focuses on. I will also include the different areas that this particular psychology is used in and how often it is used. I will also discuss the different pay scales based on the level of education and experience you have in this particular field. This paper will be based on information that has been researched from the internet from psychology websites and actual career listings.
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Career Profile on Forensic Psychology
In my research of different career paths in the psychology field, I came across forensic psychology, which has been around since the 1900’s and focuses specifically with law and psychology and applies to the criminal and civil justice systems. Forensic Psychology is used in various forms, such as in assisting with criminal cases, which they would assist in treating mentally ill offenders, consulting with attorneys (e.g. on picking a jury), analyzing a criminal’s mind and intent, and practicing within the civil area. If they are working with the civil side of psychology they would assist judges on decision of children’s future, such as custody, abuse and adoption along with various other family court issues. The may also choose to work within the public, where they can help design correctional facilities and prisons.
If a student chooses to study forensic psychology, they are limited with undergraduate academic institutions that offer a specialization in Forensic Psychology. If you are pursuing this particular career there are suggested undergraduate courses that can be useful for preparation in a career and/or graduate school. There are two different majors that would help you obtain a degree in forensic psychology; which consists of Criminal Justice and Psychology. The courses that are suggested are as follows: Clinical & Counseling Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Social Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Research and Statistics in Psychology and Criminal Investigation and Sociology of Violence, Juvenile Delinquency, Deviancy and Crime.
In the Forensic Psychology field there are different career opportunities that are available to a student, which are called subfields, here is a list of the subfields: Clinical-Forensic Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Social Psychology, Cognitive Psychology and Criminal
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Investigative Psychology. Depending on the field you decide to study in will determine how many years of education you will need.
Based on research the average student that graduates with a Bachelor’s Degree salary could range anywhere from $24,000 to $30,000, however, there are not many opportunities for someone with only a bachelor’s degree. To begin getting some experience and work before graduate school, one could begin working as a residential youth counselor, a case worker or a probation/parole officer. The average salary for students with a Master’s Degree starts in around $35,000, depending on the subfield you are engaged in. Students with M.A. degrees can have opportunities to work in several areas such as, institutions, correctional facilities, research settings, for the government, and/or non-profit organizations. Finally, if you graduate with a doctoral degree your average salary can range from $48,000 to $82,000. Doctoral degrees open a wide range of opportunities for students such as, going into an independent practice. PhD’s can also work in colleges and universities. Along with this, they can now supervise those who only have their Master’s Degree.
Here is a Statistics Report from the Bureau of Labor in 2008-2009 that reports what the average forensic psychologist salary is based on the years experience and the type of workplace that they are at:
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual forensic psychologist salary is $59,440. The middle 50 percent earned between$45,300 and $77,750 while the highest 10 percent earned more than $102,730.
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Median salaries by years of experience:
| Years Experience |Median Salary |
| Less than 1 year |$53,500 |
| 1 – 4 years |$57,224 |
| 5 – 9 years |$60,000 |
| 10 – 19 years |$72,958 |
| 20+ years |$80,000 |
Median salaries by workplace type:
| Workplace Type | Median Salary |
| Government – State and Local | $63,968 |
| Private Practice or Firm | $62,571 |
| Company | $61,042 |
| Hospital | $62,647 |
| Federal Government | $52,654 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2008 – 2009 Edition
The job outlook for those with a forensic psychology degree is promising and is expected to increase over the next eight years. There is some competition for jobs, especially at the Bachelor’s and Master’s degree levels of experience. The need for assistance in the criminal justice and mental health systems persists, though, as there continues to be criminal investigations, court cases and family issues that all need counsel and support. Forensic psychologists of all education levels can continue to find employment in various settings that are both rewarding and challenging.
If there is a desire to work in the Forensic Psychology field you will also need to have certain skills, abilities and knowledge. These skills consist of being patient, adaptable, comfortable working with others, and enjoy doing research. Often, one must be a good speaker because many people
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who do work in this field work as expert witnesses at some point during their career. An expertise in and social psychology is also key to being successful in this field. Additionally, working in this field requires continuing education throughout one’s career, even after 5-7 years of graduate school.
Upon my research on this field, I have come to understand the background of Forensic Psychology and feel that this would be a field that I would be interested in studying more on.