How to Become a Forensic Psychologist
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Key Takeaways
- Forensic psychologists need at least a decade of education and experience, while other criminal justice careers have shorter training periods.
- Forensic psychologist’s responsibilities include applying psychology to crime, supporting victims, and aiding investigations.
- Forensic psychologists earn an average annual salary of $80,474, according to January 2025 data from Payscale.
“Anywhere the legal system touches, there is room for a forensic psychologist,” says Melissa Harlow, PhD, a licensed clinical psychologist and forensic psychology specialist. “Forensic psychologists conduct assessments in and out of court, provide clinical and post-incarceration treatment to offenders, and work for law enforcement agencies.”
Our comprehensive guide covers education requirements, licensure, and salary expectations. Learn how you can pursue an exciting career path in forensic psychology.
Steps to Become a Forensic Psychologist
Becoming a licensed forensic psychologist could take up to a decade or more. While the APA notes there’s no single path to entering the profession, professionals almost always hold advanced forensic psychology degrees.
The following subsections describe the steps involved in greater detail.
- 1
Assess Your Suitability for the Forensic Psychology Field
“Forensic psychology is an incredibly unique field. To enter it, you have to be comfortable in a different world than some of your psychology peers,” says Harlow. “For example, I have worked with perpetrators of major violent crimes, including sexual assault and homicide. If you cannot sit in a room with a person who has committed these crimes and still treat them as human, then this career is not for you.”
- 2
Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
Begin by earning a four-year degree. Most aspiring forensic psychologists major in psychology, but you can also consider a criminal justice program with a psychology minor.
Some schools offer undergraduate and graduate forensic psychology programs. Others include it as a general psychology or criminal justice concentration in a psychology program.
“If you are trying to decide if this path is for you, I recommend getting a job at a residential treatment center first,” Harlow says. “You typically need a college degree for this kind of position. In this setting, you will quickly learn your tolerance for chaos and how well you can connect with people of different backgrounds and past traumas.”
- 3
Earn a Master’s Degree
Specialized forensic psychology degrees are readily available at the master’s level for those wanting to pursue a career. Some schools also offer intensive graduate programs that lead to combined master’s and doctoral degrees.
- 4
Earn a Doctoral Degree
A forensic psychology doctorate can be a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) or a doctor of psychology (Psy.D.). Ph.D. programs emphasize research, while Psy.D. programs focus more on professional practice.
APA-accredited programs give you an advantage if and when you seek licensure. Be sure to check for proper accreditation when applying for doctoral programs.
“From balancing classes, research, clinical experiences, and your dissertation, the doctoral process is incredibly challenging,” Harlow emphasizes. “I encourage you to take it one hill at a time. Know that it is hard for everyone and know that it gets better. I encourage all students to have a close group of peers to lean on for support. This, more than anything, is what will get you through.”
- 5
Consider Postdoctoral Training
Postdoctoral academic programs, fellowships, and residencies allow you to pursue advanced, highly specialized professional development. They typically consist of practice or research-focused opportunities to deepen your applied experience in the field.
In some cases, you may need a provisional state license to pursue postdoctoral training.
“I do encourage a formal post-doc as it will make licensing easier,” she says. “You can always take an associate-level position and fill out the extra paperwork when applying for licensure.”
- 6
Pursue State Licensure
In the U.S., you need a state-issued license to practice professionally under the “psychologist” title. This rule also applies to forensic psychologists.
Harlow emphasizes the value of communicating with licensing officials in person. “If you’re able, I recommend a trip to the physical location of the state licensing department,” she says. “Ask to speak to someone face-to-face. I did that when applying for licensure in Wisconsin, and I ended up getting much more information than I did on the website or over the phone.”
As an adjunct to licensure, you can also pursue board certification. The American Board of Professional Psychology issues this voluntary credential, which may enhance your career growth prospects.
Forensic Psychologist Licensure
Specific licensure requirements vary by state but always include an advanced degree. To qualify for a license, you must hold an APA-accredited doctoral degree in some jurisdictions. Research the standards in the state where you plan to work to ensure you choose a doctoral program that satisfies applicable guidelines.
You must also accrue the specified number of supervised clinical experience hours mandated by your state to obtain a license. Then, you must pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). Some states also include a jurisprudence exam among their licensing requirements.
Harlow has helpful advice for licensure candidates preparing for the EPPP. “Take it early after graduating while your brain is still in student mode,” she suggests. “Put your study skills to work while they are still sharp. Commit yourself to about two months of hard study time, take the test, and move on. Don’t push it off.”
How Long Will Becoming a Forensic Psychologist Take?
Becoming a forensic psychologist requires significant education, training, and experience. Similar to other licensed psychologists, you can expect to commit a decade working toward this career. In comparison, other criminal justice career paths, such as correctional officer, detective, or probation officer may require less than a year to four years of training.
| Job | Time to Become |
|---|---|
| Correctional Officer | Less than one year |
| Police Officer or Detective | Less than one year to four years |
| Probation Officer | Four years |
| Forensic Psychologist | 10-15 years |
Interested in Other Psychology Careers?
How Much Does a Forensic Psychologist Make?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) groups forensic psychologists in its “Psychologists, All Other” category. The average salary for these psychologists is $110,300, but their salaries range from about $47,500 to $139,000. According to Payscale data from January 2025, forensic psychologists earn an average salary of $80,474.
$80,474
Average Annual Forensic Psychologist Salary
$38.90
Average Hourly Forensic Psychologist Salary
Source: Payscale, Jan. 2025
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Forensic Psychologist
Forensic psychology professionals apply the principles of psychological science to crime and criminal investigations. Among other duties, they study psychological influences on criminal behavior, assist police investigations, serve as expert witnesses in criminal trials, and aid crime victims.
