The Career Path of a Forensic Psychologist

The Career Path of a Forensic Psychologist - The road leading to a career in forensic criminal psychology is long, and paved with many years of education, entry-level employment, and hard work. Even so, the career path of a forensic psychologist has a wide berth, with many avenues for career choices along the way. Criminal investigative psychology, also known as profiling, is one direction a forensic psychologist can take. Obviously, the methods law enforcement employs to track modern day criminals must be one-step ahead of criminals, as it is clear that perpetrators use worldwide advancements in technology to their advantage just as the rest of the world does. As a result, although the system may still rely upon traditional investigative procedures, they are not always comprehensive enough to bring a perpetrator of this day and age to justice; as a result, these agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), are beginning to lean on other methods, including psychologist trained in the field of criminal justice and law. Diviny & Hemple (2000). Although extremely controversial in some professional circles, criminal profiling has proven to be an innovative way of keeping up with crime, tracking suspects, pinpointing personality traits; as well as, predicting a suspects movement, living conditions, and even the work environment that the suspect is likely to occupy. Additionally, forensic psychologists work within the courtroom during trials as expert witnesses and advisors to the lawyers during jury selection. Diviny & Hemple, (2000).

Forensic psychology is growing more popular, as these professionals are able to give law enforcement professionals a peak into the twisted mind of a perpetrator, which assists in the process of tracking and apprehending a suspect. From the prospective of the human psyche, there are new discoveries relating to the psychology of the criminal mind that help the courts and law enforcement agencies choose the appropriate course of action when tracking, interviewing, or trying a criminal. Currently, Forensic psychology is an investigative technique used not only to track criminals throughout an investigation, but also to give police a profile of the suspect before an investigation begins. Furthermore, these specialists are relied upon to decipher whether a criminal is sane or not, and testifying as an expert witness during court proceedings.

Specific educational classes are paramount to open doors for internships within the field of forensic psychology. The importance of a well-rounded combination of psychology and criminal law classes cannot be understated. Although there are additional classes not listed here, these are some recommendations to bolster the psychology degree of a student's portfolio. Personality Assessment, Intellectual Assessment, Neuropsychology, Psychological-Evaluation Report, Psycho-therapies, Trauma (PTSD, CISD), Employment Psychology, Medical Psychology (meds & conditions), and Ethics. To weight the criminal-law side of the playing field these are important classes to consider adding to a student's repertoire. Forensic Psychology (overview), Theories of Criminal Justice, Personality Theories, Diagnostics (DSM) Psychopathology, and Adjustment (2008 Swenson & Johnson (¶1).

As outlined in the academic web cite created by Diviny & Hemple (2008), this sub-culture of forensic criminal psychology is growing at a steady pace. According to the article, the success and rising popularity of forensic criminal psychology in the courtroom and law agencies has created the need for a specialized education, and as a result, many universities are offering programs to attain a specialized degree. Still, the writers clearly articulate that regardless of how a student pursues a career as a criminal investigative psychologist, the paramount criteria for employability is education and experience. They goes on to emphasize that only after several years of school, starting with attaining a BA in Psychology, (weighted with a minor in criminal and social justice); plus, an additional eighteen month Masters Degree program in applied forensics and/or Forensic clinical psychology could a student begin an internship in forensic criminal psychology. That is why, even while continuing towards a Masters, it is wise to work in the field of psychology as a social worker, counselor or as an intern in the field of law or psychology. Upon successful completion of the Masters program, the forensic psychologist is able to apply for a license and work in a larger capacity within the judicial system, and/or there are several options for employment as a clinical forensic psychologist. Upon achieving a Doctorate degree, the forensic criminal psychologist becomes qualified to work in the subfield of criminal profiling, or criminal investigative psychology. As one might expect, the education that is necessary to keep up with the changing laws in our judicial system, and new discoveries in the world of psychology, is lifelong. Even at the Masters or Doctorate level, a forensic psychologist must expect to continue educating indefinitely. These classes are ongoing seminars, workshops, and courses that update professionals about new laws, discoveries, and methodology invaluable to keep up the professional skill level and knowledge required of a forensic psychologist (2008 Diviny & Hemple).

Obviously, the path to becoming a criminal psychologist is long and broad; fortunately, there are many professional opportunities along the way. A graduate with a BA in psychology/minor criminal justice (entry level) or a Major in the field (many more opportunities available, which include a higher salary), can find opportunities for employment that will fulfill practical experience requirements. These are some positions that will help prepare students. Interestingly, many find a suitable position they enjoy and decide to remain. In any event, here are some job placement opportunities that may not pay well, but are good experience and very advantageous to the career goals of a forensic criminal psychology student. Some examples are; community mental health, probation, parole, immigration officer, case manager, victim advocate, as well as counselor positions in public and private schools. For those students that enjoy media, avenues for career opportunity in public relations and advertising firms are available. Several job placement opportunities are available for those pursuing a BA in psychology with a forensic criminal law major. Some jobs are available in federal, State and local Government (intro-level positions) with opportunity for advancement. In addition, job placement is possible in justice and human services departments, as well as private and non-profit social work (2006-2008 Dominican College Catalog).

Once education and experience are under the graduate's belt, work in the field as a forensic criminal psychologist, can be as interesting and diverse as the professional wants to make it. For instance, looking at a schedule of an expert in the field, each day might consist of twelve hours of meetings, research, and classes. Within a week, the specialist may have an ongoing manuscript in the works, a web site that needs constant updating, classes to conduct within a federal prison for sex offenders, on going work on a criminal case for a law enforcement agency, and standing appointments to teach classes at the local police academy (2008 Swenson & Johnson (¶ 1).

Clearly, the work of a forensic criminal psychologist is diverse and demanding. There is not enough of any one crime or avenue of criminal law to specialize solely in a given area; therefore, someone considering the field must possess essential personality traits like patience, versatility, understanding, a strong sense of self, diligence, self motivation and acceptance of hard work. Another consideration is the moderate pay scales of these professionals. Any income is clearly not enough compensation for the risk involved in working with a dangerous criminal; or, the intense pressure experienced when a child is involved in a case, dealing with abuse, criminal insanity, and treatment or incarceration of a criminal; also dealing with the memory of these events can be challenging (2008 Swenson & Johnson).

Indeed, there is much to consider before choosing a career in forensic criminal psychology. It is a field with many opportunities, and much risk. The idea of educating dangerous criminals within the federal prisons, advising lawyers, and testifying against a criminal might seem exciting, but the reality of such a profession could be dismal for the wrong person. For instance, if a forensic criminal psychologist testified against a dangerous criminal, and there was a conviction, the aftermath could be life threatening for the forensic psychologist and loved ones. In addition, teaching and interviewing within the federal prison, and working with the inmates, is a dangerous endeavor that the specialist must never take lightly. Another difficulty, is dealing with family custody issues and child neglect and abuse cases. The deep emotional issues around such cases are difficult to comprehend, and undeniably present with every professional involved. Although most can choose to limit the cases they find unsettling, interns will need the experience (Clinical-Forensic Psychology (n.d.).

In conclusion, the road leading to a career in this field is long, and paved with many years of education, entry-level employment, and hard work. Even so, as each human life ebbs away, it becomes apparent that every life consists of a journey; clearly, the goal is simply the driving force.

References

Clinical-Forensic Psychology (n.d.). Retrieved from

http://www.wcupa.edu/_ACADEMICS/sch_cas.psy/Career_Paths/Forensic/Subfield1.htm

Diviny L. & Hemple K. (2008). Careers in Forensic Psychology, (pp.1-9). From http://www.wcupa.edu/_ACADEWhat Do I Do With This Major? (2007, June 7). Dominican College Catalog 2006-08

[Electronic version] (pp. 27, 54-55). College Majors and Careers. Retrieved November 22, 2008 from, http://www.career.utk.edu

Swenson, D. X. (PhD LP DABPS) & Johnson G. H. (PSYD) (2008) Swenson's

Forensic Psychology Website: Retrieved December 3, 2008 from http://faculty.css.edu/dswenson/web/forensic.htm