Class attendance is necessary.
According to the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Forensic Psychology is a rapidly growing field that combines clinical psychology and criminal justice. Forensic psychologists work with law enforcement agencies, judges and attorneys or in the community with victims of abuse, the mentally ill or other at-risk individuals.
Associate of Arts in Psychology
The basics are building blocks.
An Associate of Arts in Psychology is the first step toward a Forensic Psychology degree. General education classes are required that are the basics of post-secondary training. English composition, math and natural science such as astronomy, biology or chemistry are required, along with humanities such as anthropology, human development or foreign language. Further specialty classes are mandatory and include general psychology, statistics, physiological psychology and introduction to counseling practices. This typically takes about 2 years to complete.
Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology
Intense reading is required.
A Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology is the second step and supplies the student with an interdisciplinary curriculum involving psychological theory, research methodology and application relative to the legal system. Students are trained in subjects such as abnormal, correctional and experimental psychology, upper division statistics, law, criminology, social deviance, and crime and punishment. Typically this takes about 2 years to complete.
Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology
Forensic psychologists work in the justice system.
The Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology is the third step geared toward training students to provide services to the criminal justice system. The student is required to complete coursework that explores the primary role psychology plays inside the legal arena, criminal behavior in society, addiction issues and terrorism. The student receives advanced training in psychopathology, assessing personalities, profiling, therapeutic technique and research. Approximately 300 hours of on-site internship time, in a psychological setting under the direction of a fully licensed psychologist, is also required. Some colleges accept a Master's thesis in lieu of the internship while others require both. This education segment takes approximately 2 to 3 years.
Doctoral Programs in Forensic Psychology
Inner city youth are at risk of becoming criminals
A Doctorate in Forensic Psychology requires focused commitment. The student must complete practical work experience in the field (a practicum), which is often 300 or more hours of work at a correctional facility, courthouse or inner-city outreach program. A dissertation consisting of a thesis, evidence to support or negate the thesis, and extensive research written in a formal and organized manner along with an internship of 12 to 18 months are required. Once completed and approved by the psychology department, the student receives his Doctorate and is eligible to take state licensing exams. Upon passing the exam, the forensic psychologist is now legally able to provide professional services. A doctoral program typically takes 2 to 3 years to complete.
Tips
Crime is everywhere.
When considering an education in the field of forensic psychology, research the admissions policies and tuition costs. Be sure the school is fully accredited, thereby being recognized as legitimate by the academic and professional communities. Lastly, investigate the schools ranking in the academic world.
Tags: Forensic Psychology, Arts Forensic, Arts Forensic Psychology, years complete, about years