Online Forensic Psychology Degree Programs

What is the basis for earning a forensic psychology degree? The name psychology can be confusing because there are many different areas in this field, each having its own requirements.

The name, itself, refers to the human mind and its logic. A degree in forensic psychology allows many different career possibilities such as forensics, social work, education and medicine among others. Forensic psychology involves both clinical and forensic events and it is possible to obtain a forensic psychology online degree. The opportunities to obtain a degree in this field abounds on the Internet. Numerous accredited universities offer online forensic psychology course options to fit anyone's needs. It is possible to undertake a scheduled series of courses, leading to a degree, over a set period of time, or to have forensic psychology courses which do not have a deadline. In either case, it is possible to work out any schedule desired with online courses.

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Selected Campus and Online Forensic Psychology Degree Programs

Walden University

• M.S. in Forensic Psychology
• M.S. in Forensic Psychology - Forensic Psychology in the Community
• M.S. in Forensic Psychology - Mental Health Applications
• M.S. in Forensic Psychology - Program Planning & Evaluation in Forensic Settings
• M.S. in Forensic Psychology - Psychology & Legal Systems

Kaplan University

• Advanced Start BSCJ - Forensic Psychology
• BS in Criminal Justice - Forensic Psychology

University of Liverpool

• MSc in Forensic Psychology and Criminal Investigation

Forensic Psychology Education and Training

In studying for a forensic psychology degree, the student will have instruction in sociology, basic psychology, forensic research, criminology, law and science. All courses are available online when enrolled with an accredited school. When studying online there may be incidents where the student will have to observe forensic testimony in a court and make a report or interview someone already in the business, depending on the course requirements.

This position requires a forensic psychology PhD degree or related area, is a five year course and requires sitting for a licensure examination. When completing the courses one will receive a diploma and then must be licensed and the laws vary from state to state regarding what is required.

It is always a good idea to determine these requirements before completing the degree in case there is a course or courses that must be taken that are not on the class schedule. One will find the professors in these classes experienced in the field and ever willing to answer any questions as well as assist in any way to help a person obtain a forensic psychology online degree.

Careers in Forensic Psychology

A person in this position has a grave responsibility regarding decisions that will be made affecting other people's lives. Their testimony and reports can determine such things as child custody, visitations, grandparents relationships, and many other things. These reports will be expected in civil and criminal courts depending on where the case is being tried. In treating a patient for a problem, such as a kidnapping trauma, it is clinical. However, when the psychologist must make a report to the court on this subject it is forensic.

In making this report he or she assesses the psychological damage that that may have occurred. Many times it is the testimony of the forensic psychologist that affects the decision of the court. This position requires being able to explain all of the psychological issues involved to those who are unacquainted with common psychological phrases. Everything must be presented clearly and factually in very simple language. This would be followed by conclusions and recommendations.

Expected Salary and Projected Career Growth

Current statistics show a salary range of $41,686-$78,550 for those with a forensic psychology degree or related area. When bonuses and profit sharing are added in, it raises to $42,559-$81,561, with a median range of $62,000. The current projected economic job outlook is excellent and, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, is expected to increase over the next few years. The most popular employers at this time are the FBI, State of California, US Department of Juvenile Justice, New York Office of Mental Health and Western State Hospital.