Forensic Psychologist
What is forensic psychology
Forensic psychology is the combination of practice and study of psychology and law. It has combined all psychological areas from research to legal field . Forensic psychology includes all sub-fields as clinical , social , counseling , experimental , neuro-psychology . Its help in understanding behavior of people and preventing crime .
Forensic Psychologist
They practice psychology and are experts in figure out the human behavior and are often advocates , researchers in the civil courts and in criminal justice system. They are involve to understand, certain behavior of human nature and help to reduced and prevented such behaviors .
How to become a forensic psychologist
To apply for a degree you must have GED or a high school diploma ( in India you must passed 12th exams) . Your GPA must be 3.0 or higher . The degree taken as full time take four years to complete and its around 120 credits. Part time enrollment also available. Degree in forensic psychology available in Bachelor of arts or Bachelor of science. You can major in psychology with an emphasis / focus on criminology or criminal justice or you can do minor in forensic psychology or forensics .
OR
You can do major in criminal justice / criminology with emphasis in forensic psychology.
Some universities provide dual degree in psychology and law and some offer specialization in forensic psychology.
Aspiring student who select major in forensic psychology course contains subjects -
Deviant behavior
forensics
psychology of criminal behavior
abnormal psychology
mental health and social policies
psychology and law
methods and principles of statistics
research methods in psychology .
While who select criminal justice with forensic psychology , their subjects include -
Criminology
criminal law
statistics and research methods of criminal justice
criminal profiling
forensic psychology
abnormal psychology and
organisations of criminal justice.
However a Bachelor degree is not enough , you need a Master's degree and doctorate degree in forensic psychology to pursue a forensic psychologist career . You can do Master's degree in clinical psychology or in forensic psychology . You can do Master's followed by doctoral degree
OR
Some institutes provides a dual master's / doctoral degree.
Master's degree coursework contains -
Criminal behavior theories
psychopathology
psychology and legal system
ethics of forensic psychology
basic of psychology assessments
statistics and research.
You can also choose some electives as -
Correctional psychology
Police psychology
Child and adolescence in legal system
Treatment and evaluation of criminals.
Specialist degree in forensic psychology completed by some forensic psychologist but more licensed Psychologist hold either Ph.D. or Psy.D.
Students who like career in forensic psychology mostly pursue PhD program while who like psychology to be used in service delivery (clinical) pursue PsyD programs. The students can choose
PhD / PsyD in forensic psychology
PhD in clinical psychology with forensic specialization
Clinical PsyD with forensic psychology
Some institutes provide a JD / PhD , after this students eligible to sit for the bar .
Topics of doctoral level study have personality analysis , research methods , psychology and law , cognitive science , legal and ethical issues , assessment and treatment.
Online program also available for the psychologist courses.
To become forensic psychologist you also need a experience for your job. Some institutes as a part of doctoral program of professional psychology make one year of internship ( in some programs ) .
In India 12th exam must be passed (either by arts or science ) to take admission in criminology course. The undergraduate level in India is of 3 years . Students can do it in either BA / B.Sc course. Postgraduate program in criminology are also done in MA / M.Sc course.
State license procedure vary from state to state . Most of states want to pass the EPPP exam (Examination for the Professional of Psychology) or some states want to pass state specific exam .
Forensic Psychologist Jobs
A forensic psychologist find job in
police station / Government agencies
law firms
courthouses
in jails
in prisons
juvenile detention centers
hospitals
insurance companies etc.
He has the opportunity to be self employed also work as consultants .
They can conduct their own research or study or analyze research of others professionals.
They act as expert witnesses in criminal trials to receive compensation for testifying.
They work in family courts provide psychotherapy services.
Work in civil courts offer psychotherapy to victims.
Work in criminal courts help in juvenile and adult criminal assessments and work with child witnesses. They accompany law enforcement at crime scene to asses the evidence, discover patterns and clues. Forensic psychologist assessment evaluation and testimony help the judges and juries in decisions . Consult with attorney in Court room on mental health.
Employment also includes FBI , U.S secret service and in schools. Bachelor or master's degree jobs include court liaison , probation counselor or victim assistant worker. Bachelor entry level job is to be assistant for a forensic Psychologist.
Salary of forensic psychologist
Salary of a forensic psychologist based on the employment setting , experience and geographical location. Annually it range between $33000 to $103000 But the experienced Psychologist also make up to $124000 . In India a Psychologist on an average earn Rs 300000 to Rs 650000 annually.
In recent years students attracted to become a forensic psychologist . This field provides numerous opportunities to the students but to become a forensic psychologist there is a long road of study , training and experience . Its for those who are dedicated .
MR. DEEPAK PAWAR has been working as Finger Print Expert / Police Officer in Finger Print Bureau , Delhi Police at New Delhi since 2001 . He is the senior most Finger Print Expert , attending / visited several scene of crime and solved many crime cases .He has passed M.Sc (Chemistry) and he is the Member of International Association of Identification . He is the Member of Delhi Police welfare association . He is supervising the Forensic , New Delhi District , Mobile Crime Team . He is one of the Expert in the Special Investigation Team held for investigation of important cases . He has been giving fingerprint proficient training to Delhi Police personnel's . He has been Presented / giving lectures on topics related to forensic science . He is also making examination paper of Finger Print proficient course . He is awarded with Police Medal by MHA and Delhi Police.