Ph.D. in Forensic Psychology: Courses, Requirements, and Careers
A Ph.D. in forensic psychology can lead to a career in the criminal justice system. Learn about the requirements for earning a Ph.D. in forensic psychology.
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Key Takeaways
- Forensic psychologists provide clinical expertise to the criminal justice system, providing psychological assessment and treatment to defendants, offenders, and witnesses in criminal court cases.
- A Ph.D. in forensic psychology will prepare you to conduct research and teach at the university level.
- There are many potential career pathways in forensic psychology, including crime scene consultant, criminal profiler, forensic psychologist, professor, researcher, and FBI special agent, all of which make a median annual salary above $64,000.
What Is a Ph.D. in Forensic Psychology?
A forensic psychology Ph.D. combines clinical psychology training with criminology and law courses. This graduate program prepares you for a career working alongside lawyers, judges, parole officers, incarcerated individuals, and crime survivors.
Most forensic psychologists earn a Ph.D. in clinical psychology or a Psy.D. and complete postdoctoral training in forensic psychology.
Ph.D. programs typically require 6-8 years of full-time study. Program completion may take longer for part-time students and shorter for those who qualify for accelerated programs.
What Can You Do With a Ph.D. in Forensic Psychology?
With a Ph.D. in forensic psychology, you can work in various settings, bringing your expertise in psychology to the criminal justice system. Graduates can provide therapy services to incarcerated people, testify in court, and conduct research. However, you’ll need to obtain licensure to become a psychologist and provide assessment and therapeutic services in a clinical setting.
Here are a few examples of what you can do with a Ph.D. in forensic psychology:
Forensic Psychologist
Forensic psychologists conduct psychological evaluations, offer expert testimony in legal cases, and provide court-involved therapy services.
Median Annual Salary: $117,750 (BLS, 2023)
Professor
A professor of forensic psychology teaches courses in this specialty area at a college or university.
Median Annual Salary: $82,140 (BLS, 2023)
Researcher
Conducting research to advance the field of forensic psychology is another career pathway achievable with a Ph.D. in forensic psychology.
Median Annual Salary: $95,890 (BLS, 2023)
Crime Scene Consultant
Forensic psychologists can specialize in assisting law enforcement with crime scene analysis by interpreting psychological cues to accurately determine criminal responsibility in the case.
Median Annual Salary: $64,940 (BLS, 2023)
Criminal Profiler
A criminal profiler will work with law enforcement to develop a narrative or profile of individuals accused of crimes based on psychological assessment.
Median Annual Salary: $91,100 (BLS, 2023)
FBI Special Agent
The FBI often seeks professionals with a background in forensic psychology to serve as special agents, conducting criminal investigative analyses to solve complex crimes.
Median Annual Salary: $74,910 (BLS, 2023)
Continuing Your Education in Forensic Psychology
Clinical psychologists interested in working in the criminal justice system can earn a postdoctoral certificate in forensic psychology to continue their education and pursue specialization in forensics.
After earning a Ph.D. in forensic psychology or a doctorate in clinical psychology with a postdoctoral certificate in forensic psychology, you can continue developing your skills through professional development opportunities offered by several organizations.
- The Society for Police and Criminal Psychology hosts conferences and workshops where psychologists can continue their education in forensic work.
- The American College of Forensic Psychology is an organization focused solely on providing evidence-based professional development in forensic psychology.
- The American Academy of Forensic Psychology also offers a variety of webinars and educational resources and facilitates the forensic board certification process.
- UMass Chan Medical School offers a forensic psychology residency program, providing residents with a year of seminars and supervised clinical and research experiences in forensic psychology.
How Much Does a Ph.D. in Forensic Psychology Cost?
The cost of a Ph.D. in forensic psychology varies depending on several factors, but public school tuition is typically more affordable than private school tuition. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), average private school tuition was about $28,000 for the 2021-21 academic year, more than double the average public school tuition of around $12,600.
Online programs may offer lower tuition rates but might not offer as many scholarships or research and teaching fellowship opportunities as in-person programs. Applying for student aid and scholarships can make attendance possible for those unable to pay tuition out of pocket.
Admission Requirements for a Ph.D. in Forensic Psychology
Review each university’s unique admission requirements after deciding which programs to apply for. Applications can be submitted online along with the required fee.
In addition to the online application, the following components may also be required:
- Official transcripts (bachelor’s and master’s, if applicable)
- GRE scores, if required
- Letters of recommendation
- Written statement of purpose or personal essay
How Long Does It Take to Get a Ph.D. in Forensic Psychology?
It takes about 6-8 years to complete a Ph.D. program in forensic psychology, though it may take more or less time depending on the program’s requirements and your availability. Part-time students will take longer to complete their degrees, while other students might be eligible for accelerated programs that allow them to complete their doctorates in less time.
Because most forensic psychologists first earn a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and then go on to obtain certification in forensic psychology, this particular career pathway takes longer to achieve than most. It can take six years to earn a Ph.D. in clinical psychology, then another year to complete the required postdoctoral clinical internship before applying for licensure. It takes an additional year or more to specialize in forensic psychology.
Ph.D. in Forensic Psychology Accreditation
Accreditation is important in ensuring the program you choose meets academic and industry standards. Ph.D. in forensic psychology programs are accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). Most states require that you hold a doctorate from an APA-accredited program or equivalent in order to apply for licensure.
In addition to programmatic accreditation, institutional accreditation ensures the school meets education standards. When looking for a Ph.D. program in forensic psychology, remember that the university should be accredited, and the psychology doctoral program accredited by the APA.
Ph.D. in Forensic Psychology Curriculum
Common Coursework
Forensic psychology typically includes five major areas of study: police psychology, investigative psychology, criminal psychology, correctional psychology, and legal psychology. Some common courses include:
- Forensic Assessment: This course prepares students to conduct a mental health assessment of the defendant, witness, or offender involved in a case, focusing on factors such as competency to stand trial, criminal responsibility, and risk assessment.
- Mental Health Law: A course in mental health law prepares forensic psychologists to understand the laws pertaining to mental health service delivery and protections under the law for people living with mental illness.
- Children, Families, and the Law: This course covers issues related to juvenile court, child abuse and neglect cases, mandated reporting, and child custody proceedings, preparing psychologists to conduct trauma-informed forensic interview protocols.
- Adult Forensic Psychology: A course in adult forensic psychology might cover a variety of topics, including psychological assessments, consulting with attorneys, risk assessment, and special considerations when practicing within a court system.
- Psychopathology: Psychopathology is a core course required by all clinical psychology programs. It offers students an overview of the mental health and brain conditions listed in the DSM-V and how to treat them.
Specializations
After graduation, forensic psychologists might specialize in working with a certain population. Some work in juvenile justice or child welfare, while others provide psychological assessment and treatment to incarcerated individuals.
Clinical Components or Internships
A Ph.D. in clinical psychology with a concentration in forensic psychology will require a forensic clinical practicum, in which students have the opportunity to practice in the field under the supervision of a fully licensed forensic psychologist. You must complete a postdoctoral clinical internship to become licensed. Review your state’s licensing requirements to learn more.
Is a Ph.D. in Forensic Psychology Worth It?
If you’re interested in a career in forensic psychology, there are several educational paths to consider to help you achieve your goals. If you’re interested in working as a researcher or professor in forensic psychology, a Ph.D. in forensic psychology may be the right degree for you.
For those who aspire to work as a forensic psychologist in the criminal justice system, a Ph.D. in clinical psychology with a concentration in forensic psychology or a postdoctoral certificate in forensic psychology will best prepare you to get licensed and practice as a forensic psychologist in your state. Consider your unique career goals, personal timeline, and financial resources.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ph.D. in Forensic Psychology Programs
A Ph.D. in forensic psychology will prepare you to work as a researcher or professor in forensic psychology. To practice as a licensed forensic psychologist, you must earn a Ph.D. in clinical psychology with a concentration in forensic psychology or a postdoctoral certificate in forensic psychology.
