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Forensic Psychology: Just the FAQ's

© Michael Decaire

1.0 I'm confused. Is this Masters/PhD in Forensic Psychology a clinical or experimental program or is it neither?

This really depends. I have seen both. You just have to read the brochure carefully. I have never seen a program that qualifies as "neither." Most programs are primarily a clinical or experimental program that includes a main focus on forensics. With these programs you will often be able to do anything that a clinical psychologist or experimental psychologist does. Its just that you have additional experience in the realm of forensics. If a program doesn't say its clinical it may say it follows the "scientist-practioner" model which is by definition a clinical program. A "scientist" model is an experimental program.

1.1 What the heck is a counseling psychology degree with a forensics focus?

This degree would lead one to a job of which they provide professional counseling for clients at forensic institutions.

1.2 Well what's a Forensic Psychiatrist then?

A Forensic Psychiatrist is a medical doctor who uses psychiatric (and often psychological knowledge) in a forensics context. They are primarily concerned with the treatment of incarcerated offenders with psychopathological disorders.

1.3 What education do I need to be a Forensic Psychologist?

First you must have a 4-year undergraduate degree. This degree is usually in psychology, but some institutions will accept degrees in behavioral science, sociology, etc. You should do a thesis, as most schools do require it for academic advancement. You must next get a masters degree. This is typically a 2-year program. Finally you must complete a 3-year Doctoral PhD (or PsyD). Some schools will have the 2-year Masters and 3-year PhD incorporated into a 5-year PhD program.

1.4 Will my masters degree give me work?

Many people work with just a masters degree. One major area of specialization is psychometric testing. However, a PhD will always find it easier to get employment. They will also be paid more.

1.5 I am in High School, which university/college should I go to for my undergraduate degree if I want to go into forensics?

It doesn't really matter at the undergraduate level. As long as your school is an accredited university (i.e., meaning its recognized as a post-secondary institution) by your country and the appropriate associations (i.e., APA or CPA) which school you go to shouldn't be an issue when you apply for graduate school. The key thing to look for is how the program is compared to other schools. Does it offer an equal number of courses as the top schools? Does it have a good sized faculty? The best way to figure this all out is to check and compare school calendars. One good rule is, if the school has a psychology graduate program (particularly a Ph.D. program) it probably has a good undergraduate program. Of course if the school has a forensics graduate program you will be provided with further forensics related opportunities as an undergraduate (i.e., the topic of your dissertation could be forensics related) but this is possible at most institutions regardless of forensics faculty. For example, I am doing a forensics-related thesis but I attached my interests onto one of the social psych faculty's area of interest.