Choosing a Forensic Psychology Graduate School


I often get emails from psychology undergraduates, extremely confused undergraduates in completely non-social science related fields (i.e., biology, math), and obsessively over planning high school students trying to figure out what in 'my opinion' or in some sort of group opinion on which clinical psychology (or forensic psychology) program is best for forensic psychology.

I never give them an answer. And they never write me again. A lot of people are looking to be led in the appropriate direction. This is a mistake. I have tried several times, sometimes successful other times not, to explain to them that the selection of a quality graduate school is a personal one. A lot of books are out there rating different colleagues and university. However, these are based on group opinions and others thoughts. Is it not really more important to pick a school that fits you? Each individuals expectations and standards are different and the trick is to find something that best fits your interests.

I think the first thing you have to do is decide what area of the discipline you are interested in. Does the school provide the adequate training for you to be competent and trained in this area? If the foundation is not 100% exactly there do not worry to much. You are expected to do continuing education once you are a professional. You will have a chance to catch up on the few things that may be missing. None the less you have to make sure that the foundation is at least somewhat sufficient to provide you the training you want.

Contrary to what many may like to think graduate school is very much a business. They are trying to attract students to their program. One way to do this is to offer the type of classes that the majority is looking for. So when you look at a lot of schools you are certain to find the majority offers the courses you are looking for. That's great, right? Not really. This can be very misleading.

I would recommend that once you have found the schools that offer the courses you are interested in that you next email them and ask them which staff members typically, and which are expected to, teach these classes. Next I would go to the schools web site and cross reference the information. What you are looking for is what the professors areas of experience and

The copyright of the article Choosing a Forensic Psychology Graduate School in Forensic Psychology is owned by Michael Decaire. Permission to republish Choosing a Forensic Psychology Graduate School in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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