Forensic Psychology Online Degree Programs

If you are considering a forensic psychology online degree, there are few questions you might be asking.

The first is what you should know when considering a degree in forensic psychology. Another is what exactly a forensic psychologist does. Psychology is a very broad field, and forensic psychology is just one of the areas of specialization. It is defined as the intersection of psychology and the law. The field therefore deals with the psychological aspects of a crime and civil action, and is concerned with collecting, examining, and presenting evidence as a means of facilitate legal decisions. The field essentially entails applying psychological principles in order to understand perspectives and motivations involved in a crime. Forensic psychologists must also be good clinical psychologists. While clinical psychologists assess and treat patients with mental illnesses and disorders, forensic psychologists also interact with individuals who may have mental health disorders within the legal context.

Forensic Psychology Degree Online Programs

• 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

• BS in Criminal Justice - Forensic Psychology

University of Liverpool

• MSc in Forensic Psychology and Criminal Investigation

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

• Certificate in Applied Forensic Psychology
• MA in Applied Forensic Psychology Services

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Forensic Psychology Education and Training

What are the requirements for an forensic psychology online degree? In most cases, an advanced degree such as masters in forensic psychology or a forensic psychology doctorate is required to work in the field. As with other psychology specializations, to become a licensed psychologist, a doctorate is required.

A common path is to earn a doctorate of psychology, specializing in forensics or criminal justice. Another path is to earn a bachelor degree in psychology and then apply to a program in law enforcement or criminal justice or graduate program in psychology specializing in forensic psychology.

Forensic psychology courses that you may be required to take fall into two categories. The first is psychology-based courses in clinical psychology, developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, social psychology, victimology, and human sexuality and personality.

Courses in drug use and treatment, counseling, and therapy techniques for working with criminals may also be offered. The second is courses in include law, crime scene investigation, law enforcement techniques, juvenile delinquency, probation and parole procedures, and the judicial process.

Forensic Psychology Careers

Forensic psychology is often erroneously confused with forensic science. The two fields are similar but the key differences are the fact that forensic psychology is used to analyze the psychological perspectives, rather than physical evidence which is what forensic science focuses on.

Forensic psychologists deals with legal issues that are essential to understanding criminal behavior. Upon completing a forensic psychology online degree, most forensic psychologists work in the criminal justice system including the correctional system. Forensic psychology courses may include:

• Victimology
• Social Psychology
• Psychology of Violence and Aggression
• Abnormal Psychology
• Psychology and Law
• Psychometrics
• Counseling Psychology

They assess the mental state of defendants, they consult and advise lawyers of their diagnosis and treatment proposals and treat offenders who have been determined to be mentally ill. Other forensic psychologists focus mainly on research at universities, correctional facilities, private mental institutions or non-profit organizations.

Estimated Income and Projected Career Growth

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the forensic psychologist salary is $59,440. The middle 50% earn $45,300 and $77,750 while the top 10% earn over $102,730. It is projected that by 2014, there will be over 20% increase in forensic psychologists working in the criminal justice field. Forensic psychology online degree programs can therefore prepare you to work in this field.