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Forensic psychologists, sometimes called forensic examiners, usually assist legal professionals with the psychological dynamics in legal cases. Forensic psychologists often examine individuals, situations, and clues to better understand criminal motivation and behavior. Daily tasks often involve conducting interviews, making observations, and performing research.

Working at the intersection of psychology and law, forensic psychologists typically specialize in criminal, civil, or family cases, and frequently provide expert witness testimony in court. These professionals may contribute their expertise to crime prevention or criminal rehabilitation efforts. Forensic psychologist jobs exist in government agencies, prisons, police departments, and private firms. Some forensic psychologists become consultants and/or open private practices.

According to 2018 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), psychologists make a median annual salary of $79,010 and enjoy a projected job growth rate of 14% from 2018-2028.

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Career Description, Duties, and Common Tasks

Forensic Psychologist

Forensic psychologists are usually licensed psychologists with a doctoral degree in forensic psychology or counseling. They may work in government agencies, prisons, police departments, or mental health facilities. They may also work in private practice. Some professionals pursue research careers, advancing their fields by conducting behavior and neurological studies. Academic forensic psychologists may spend considerable time writing papers, teaching, and sharing their work in academic settings.

Forensic psychologists often assist in criminal investigations by analyzing crime scenes, evidence, and suspects. They may also diagnose mental health issues and evaluate mental competency. Legal professionals, such as judges, often consult with forensic psychologists regarding sentencing recommendations, including whether criminals should be placed in mental health facilities rather than prisons.

To make these determinations, forensic psychologists interview criminals, mental health patients, witnesses, and victims, asking questions and gathering responses related to childhoods, behaviors, and criminal motivations.

Forensic psychologists often collaborate with other professionals from legal, medical, and mental health fields. Family court psychologists often assess children in child abuse and custody cases, while civil court psychologists sometimes provide therapy for traumatized victims and witnesses.

Steps to Become a Forensic Psychologist

Candidates for this position need a doctoral degree and licensure. Forensic psychologists typically obtain both general psychology and specialized forensic psychology certifications from the American Board of Professional Psychology. The following steps outline how to become a forensic psychologist.

Most forensic psychologists hold a Ph.D. or Psy.D. in psychology with a concentration in forensics.

This is generally achieved through an internship or other placement.

Licensure requirements vary by state but usually include a doctoral degree, a passing grade on the Examination for Professional Practice of Psychology, and supervised experience hours.

Many forensic psychologists pursue professional certification from the American Board of Forensic Psychology (ABFP). Recognized by the American Psychological Association, the ABFP's diploma in forensic psychology typically requires a doctoral degree, state licensure, 100 hours of education in forensic psychology, and at least 1,000 hours of postdoc experience in forensic psychology.

Note that not all positions require ABFP board certification, so this step could occur prior to step four.

Forensic Psychologist Job Training

Like bachelor's and master's degrees in psychology, doctoral programs in psychology typically feature substantial internships. These programs provide students with multiple supervised clinical experiences starting in the second year and continuing throughout the program. This experience usually counts toward the state board's minimum experience requirements for licensure.

Through psychology internships, students build clinical skills in working with clients under the supervision of experienced psychologists. Interns may provide assessments, diagnoses, and reports.

Professional certification requirements for forensic psychologists include at least 1,000 hours of training through supervised postdoctoral internships in a forensics-related context. Such contexts include jails, mental hospitals, and courts. Forensic psychologists must maintain licensure through 60 credits of continuing education every three years.

Other Helpful Skills and Experience

Like most psychologists, forensic psychologists benefit from advanced skills in observation, analysis, and problem-solving. Important tasks such as assessing recidivism risk and determining witness reliability require astute analyses of individuals and situations.

As forensic psychologists work with patients and conduct research, patience is vital. These professionals need strong research skills for conducting studies, gathering information, and assessing expert testimony. Frequently tasked with explaining psychological concepts in courtrooms and other contexts, forensic psychologists need to be excellent communicators.

Forensics work also requires scrupulous professional ethics to ensure patient privacy. Forensic psychologists must maintain professional integrity and confidentiality whenever possible. They also need compassion, maturity, and emotional stability to work with difficult patients.

A law degree can make forensic psychologists more attractive to employers. Some forensic psychologists obtain certifications or master's degrees in law-related subjects. Some schools offer dual doctoral degrees in psychology and law that prepare students for forensic psychology careers.

Salary and Career Outlook

The median annual salary for psychologists in 2018 was $79,010, according to the BLS.

PayScale data indicates that forensic psychologists make around $39,000-$101,000 per year, with salary variances based on factors like geographical location, credentials, position, and employer. Major metropolitan areas usually provide more job opportunities for forensic psychologists than rural areas. Top-paying cities include Denver, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., and top-paying states include Oregon, California, New York, and Louisiana, according to PayScale.

Experience also influences compensation. PayScale data shows that professionals new to the field make around $51,000 annually, mid-level professionals earn around $80,000, and experienced psychologists make $92,000 yearly. Forensic psychologists seeking salary advancement may pursue certifications offered by ABFP and other organizations.

The BLS projects above-average job growth of 14% for psychologists for the 2018-2028 period, perhaps partly due to the recognized need for psychologists in criminal justice and social service settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Get information on programs, schools, salary, career, job duties and education information you need to become a Forensic Psychology expert.

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Definition / Responsibilities:                                                               Forensic psychologists help in a variety of different ways during criminal investigations they interview suspects, analyze evidence and crime scenes, and conduct mental evaluations. They also work in the legal system by determining if criminals should be put in a mental treatment faculty over prison, and providing witness testimony’s.     

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Definition / Responsibilities:                                                               Forensic psychologists help in a variety of different ways during criminal investigations they interview suspects, analyze evidence and crime scenes, and conduct mental evaluations. They also work in the legal system by determining if criminals should be put in a mental treatment faculty over prison, and providing witness testimony’s.     

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Cons: Lots of School,  must be good at writing, good public speaking, and problem solving, Stressful, graphic details in cases, jobs opportunities might be scarce in some areas, Long Work Days, Ton of Paperwork, and Higher Pay Will Take Time.

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Cons: Lots of School,  must be good at writing, good public speaking, and problem solving, Stressful, graphic details in cases, jobs opportunities might be scarce in some areas, Long Work Days, Ton of Paperwork, and Higher Pay Will Take Time.

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Pros: Many Different Career Paths, You Don’t Need an Undergraduate Degree in Psychology, Opportunities for Growth, Exciting Work, It Can Be Challenging, You Don’t Have to Worry About Insurance, and Good Income Potential. 

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Pros: Many Different Career Paths, You Don’t Need an Undergraduate Degree in Psychology, Opportunities for Growth, Exciting Work, It Can Be Challenging, You Don’t Have to Worry About Insurance, and Good Income Potential. 

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Potential Jobs: Forensic Psychologist, Forensic Case Manager, Correctional Counselor, Jail Supervisor,  Victim Advocate, Jury Consultant,  Federal Government Employee, Police Consultant, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Forensic Psychology Professor, Probation Officer, Crime Analyst, Forensic Research Psychologists, Criminal Profiler,  Investigative Journalist, and Forensic Social Worker.

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Potential Jobs: Forensic Psychologist, Forensic Case Manager, Correctional Counselor, Jail Supervisor,  Victim Advocate, Jury Consultant,  Federal Government Employee, Police Consultant, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Forensic Psychology Professor, Probation Officer, Crime Analyst, Forensic Research Psychologists, Criminal Profiler,  Investigative Journalist, and Forensic Social Worker.

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Education: bachelors degree, masters degree, doctorate degree and passing the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology ( EPPP ), The American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) , and internship, fellowship, or supervised experience in forensic psychology for 1-2 years. 

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Education: bachelors degree, masters degree, doctorate degree and passing the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology ( EPPP ), The American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) , and internship, fellowship, or supervised experience in forensic psychology for 1-2 years. 

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Psychology.org | Psychology's Comprehensive Online Resource

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How To Become A Forensic Psychologist [Salary & Job Overview]

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Forensic psychologists use critical thinking skills at work within the legal system. Learn more about how to become a forensic psychologist.

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Average Annual Salary: $79,010 though the pay can range from $39,000 - 101,000 

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Average Annual Salary: $79,010 though the pay can range from $39,000 - 101,000 

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AMaster's Degree in Forensic Psychology can open doors to a wide variety of careers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for mental health counselors are expected to grow by about 22% (much faster than average) by 2031. This includes jobs in specialized fields such as forensic psychology. Those seeking to enter or advance in this field may want to consider pursuing a master's degree in forensic psychology, which integrates psychology with the processes and procedures of the legal system.

The field of forensic psychology offers a variety of career options including consulting on public policy and working within the criminal justice system. While these are popular paths, they're not your only choice.

What does a forensic psychologist do?

In general, forensic psychology covers areas where psychology and the legal system connect. While shows such as "Criminal Minds" portray forensic psychologists as action heroes, actual forensic psychologist jobs often involve treating and evaluating people charged with a crime, working with police officers, consulting with lawyers, and testifying in court.

For example, they may work in the court system to help lawyers, judges, and juries understand the motivations behind criminal behavior. In fact, many choose a forensic psychology career path to advocate on behalf of underserved populations, including African Americans, Latina/Latinos, communities with lower economic status, children, or those with mental health issues.
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8 Forensic psychology job paths following a master's degree

1. Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

Forensic psychology is a versatile field that prepares graduates to work as counselors in a wide variety of settings. These include addiction treatment facilities, domestic violence shelters, and private practice.

Of course, many counseling careers do require licensure. These include Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), or Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). If you're interested in these fields, be sure to look for a Master's Degree in Forensic Psychology program with a licensure track. This ensures that you'll be well-equipped to take the necessary exams and apply for licensure.
How much does a professional clinical counselor make?
The median annual salary for a professional clinical counselor is $56,230, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data was collected at the time this article was updated.

2. Correctional Counselor

Those with a master's degree in forensic psychology can seek employment in a correctional facility. Graduates can leverage their understanding of crime and punishment and the legal and psychological ramifications of both to perform a variety of meaningful roles in the correctional system. This can include offering treatment and counseling for inmates and ex-convicts.

Additionally, correctional counselors may assist in developing programs to reduce recidivism rates. Correctional counselors provide mental health counseling and support to prison inmates and often conduct both individual and group sessions with inmates.

Correctional counselor work might include:

Offering counseling sessions

Collaborating with caseworkers, lawyers, and other employees at the correctional facility

Correctional counselors can provide deeper insight into the state and well-being of inmates and give recommendations for parole hearings.
How much does a correctional counselor make?
The national average salary for a correctional counselor is $60,599, according to ZipRecruiter. This data was collected at the time this article was updated.

3. Jail Supervisor

Jail supervisors, also known as corrections supervisors, work in correctional facilities such as juvenile jails, state penitentiaries, and detention centers. Their work centers on keeping inmates and staff members safe. Responsibilities can include overseeing daily activities, alleviating conflict, and ensuring the prison is clear of contraband.

A successful jail supervisor has strong communication and conflict-resolution skills. Since the job is to keep the peace, it's important to understand each situation and deal with it patiently. That's why a forensic psychology degree can be so beneficial.
How much does a correctional supervisor make?
The median annual salary for a correctional counselor is $70,190, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data was collected at the time this article was updated.

4. Victim Advocate

A victim advocate works directly with victims of crimes and survivors of traumatic events such as sexual assault or domestic violence. Advocates often help victims understand their case and legal rights, provide support throughout the legal process, and attend hearings with the victim.

It's important to keep in mind that advocates are there to provide information, resources, and support to victims-but they do not tell victims what to do. Victim advocates can work for government organizations, such as police departments or courts, and for private organizations, nonprofits, or crisis centers.
How much does a victim advocate make?
The median annual salary for a victim advocate is$60,627, according to ZipRecruiter . This data was collected at the time this article was updated.
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5. Jury Consultant

Skills learned while earning a forensic psychology degree are useful in a variety of applications in court systems, including evaluating witness testimony, selecting juries, providing consultations, and more. For example, a jury consultant would work with lawyers to guide jury selection. As consultants, they research potential jurors and are heavily involved in voir dire, the phase of a trial when prospective jurors are questioned and selected by both the prosecuting and defense attorneys.

Additionally, jury consultants take notes during the trial on the body language and behavior of jurors. This information helps lawyers prepare their strategies and coach witnesses.

Because forensic psychology combines psychological insight with knowledge of the court system, a master's degree in forensic psychology is a great step toward a career as a jury consultant.
How much does a jury consultant make?
The national average salary for a jury consultant is $88,652, according to ZipRecruiter. This data was collected at the time this article was updated.

6. Federal Government Employee

Individuals with a Master's Degree in Forensic Psychology can be well-equipped and attractive candidates for jobs with the federal government. This can include working at the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the CIA, Veteran Affairs hospitals, or other state and local government agencies.

A Masters Degree in Forensic Psychology prepares people to think critically, combine interdisciplinary perspectives, and apply psychological perspectives to real-world situations. This degree sets graduates up for success in jobs that include FBI special agents or VA hospital workers.

These positions do not require licensure, but it often helps to pursue a postgraduate-level degree to further your career in these organizations.
How much does a federal government employee make?
The salary for a federal government employee varies widely depending on the agency, the location of the agency, and your job title.

7. Police Consultant

Police consultants help educate police officers on how to best approach their communities to promote community policing strategies and how to best address interpersonal struggles or challenges within the department. Responsibilities can include:

Providing suicide prevention training

Offering anger management courses

Facilitating critical Incident Stress Debriefing training

Educating police officers on how to better handle situations involving persons who are disabled or mentally ill

How much does a police consultant make?
The national average salary for a police consultant is $62,485, according to ZipRecruiter. This data was collected at the time this article was updated.

8. Probation Officer

Another career path in forensic psychology within the justice system is to become a probation officer. Probation officers are appointed to investigate, report on, and supervise the conduct of convicted offenders who are sentenced to probation.

A master's degree in forensic psychology, with its focus on psychological wellness, can help probation officers in their role to ensure that criminal offenders follow the terms of their probation and are safely rehabilitated back into society.
How much does a probation officer make?
The median annual salary for a probation officer is $60,250, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data was collected at the time this article was updated.

How to become a forensic psychologist

There is no single way to become a forensic psychologist. Forensic psychology is a broad field that applies psychology to the legal system, so forensic psychology careers are diverse and ever-growing.

First, you can obtain a master's degree or doctorate in forensic psychology. There are licensure and non-licensure forensic psychology tracks at the master's level. If you're interested in conducting clinical work that focuses on dealing with criminal defendants, sex offenders, victims, and other legal arenas, you must become a licensed professional counselor.

If you're interested in becoming a forensic psychologist or a professor, you should pursue a doctorate. As for licensure, the American Board of Professional Psychology has a Specialty Board Certification in Forensic Psychology. This is not a required credential to practice forensic psychology, but it proves that you have a high level of competency in the field.

Read more information about how to become a forensic psychologist.

Degrees in Forensic Psychology

Whether you're looking to become a victim advocate or a jury consultant, a forensic psychology degree is a great place to start. The Chicago School offers Forensic Psychology degree programs online and at campuses nationwide.

B.A. Criminology, Forensic Psychology Specialization (Online)

M.A. Forensic Psychology, Professional Counselor Licensure Track (Online, Chicago, Anaheim, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C.)

M.A. Forensic Psychology, Professional Counselor Licensure Track, Police Psychology Concentration (Anaheim, Los Angeles)

M.A. Forensic Psychology, Non-Licensure Track (Online)

M.A. Psychology, Forensic Psychology Concentration (Online)

Certificate in Forensic Psychology - M.A. Non-Licensure Track to Licensure Bridge (Online)

Learn more about forensic psychology careers and degree programs

If you would like more information about pursuing a master's degree in forensic psychology at The Chicago School, visit the Forensic Psychology program page or fill out the form below to request more information.

FAQs About Forensic Psychology

Q: What can you do with a degree in forensic psychology?

A: There are many different career paths you could choose with a degree in forensic psychology. Among them are the 12 careers for forensic psychologists highlighted in this article: correctional counselor, jail supervisor, victim advocate, jury consultant, federal government employee, police consultant, licensed professional clinical counselor, probation officer, crime analyst, forensic research psychologist, investigative journalist, and forensic social worker.

Q: What do you do as a forensic psychologist?

A: Depending on the specific field of forensic psychology you choose, you may work with victims of crimes and survivors of traumatic events. You can also work with law enforcement to assess criminals.

Q: Where can you work as a forensic psychologist?

A: You can find work as a forensic psychologist in major cities and around the world. Most forensic psychologists work in prisons, government and law enforcement agencies, rehabilitation centers, courts, or private practice.

Q: What is the forensic psychologist's job outlook?

A: The forensic psychologist's job outlook is promising. According to Zippia, jobs in specialized fields such as forensic psychology are expected to grow 6% by 2028. The integration of psychology in legal and criminal justice systems continues to expand, creating more opportunities for those with specialized training in forensic psychology.

Q: What is the difference between criminal psychology and forensic psychology?

A: The key difference between criminal psychology and forensic psychology lies in their focus and application areas. Criminal psychology primarily deals with understanding the thoughts, intentions, and behaviors of criminals, which is essential for criminal psychology jobs. Professionals working in criminal psychology jobs often engage in profiling, studying the psychological patterns of offenders, and they may work closely with law enforcement agencies. So what do criminal psychologists do? They analyze criminal behavior, assist in criminal investigations, and sometimes provide expert testimony in court cases.

Forensic psychology, on the other hand, encompasses a broader scope, interfacing more directly with the legal system. Forensic psychologists might evaluate the mental competency of defendants, provide counseling services to crime victims, and offer insights on jury selection or child custody cases. Their work is crucial in legal settings, providing a psychological perspective in understanding legal issues and aiding in the judicial process.

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Careers With a Forensic Psychology Master's Degree | Chicago School

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Interested in forensic psychology? Learn what a forensic psychologist does and careers you can pursue with a master's degree in forensic psychology.

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Why the are important : Forensic psychologists are important because their job is to evaluate criminals behavior to prevent further criminal activity. They 

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Why the are important : Forensic psychologists are important because their job is to evaluate criminals behavior to prevent further criminal activity. They 