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Melissa
Student
Lake Forest, California
1
Question
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What bachelor's degree should an aspiring forensic psychologist aim for?
Hello!
I'm currently a freshman in college and am unsure as to what degree would best be suited for a future career as a forensic psychologist. I'm currently majoring in psychology and plan to obtain a B.A.. However, I wanted to receive expert advice on whether this route is the best option. I have received advice on going for a B.S. degree in another more science based type of psychology such as Cognitive Science or Psychobiology.
#Forensicpsychology #psychology #college #expertadvice #Psychology #College
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3 answers
Tanaz Arteaga
Faculty and Administrator
8
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Tanaz’s Answer
Hi Melissa!
Scanning through the answers so far, you have some good advice about possible bachelor-level degrees that relate to the field: psychology or anything related to psychology (for example, UCLA has a cognitive psychology option), sociology, criminal justice or something similar (criminology, administrative justice, etc.), social work, health and human services (including more specific options like addiction studies, for example), and other social behavioral science options. There are some really cool bachelor degree programs throughout the nation, and California is great for this field of study.
Generally, forensic psychology is connected to human behavior that relates to law or legal situations. So you can work in courts, with law enforcement, with social welfare programs and foster care, jails, government agencies and rehab centers, and so on. One of the differences with the types of people you work with as a forensic psychologist is that many are being assessed or observed because they have to for some reason, they aren't always there by choice. That doesn't mean it's all bad though- it is a very fulfilling career path. Many of the undergraduate students in the program I lead go into Forensic Psychology.
Although to practice as a clinical forensic psychologist, you will need a doctorate to get licensed in CA, there are graduate level programs at the master's level that also lead to licensing. For example, where I work, we have a forensic psychology master's program that includes working towards a license as a professional counselor. Many of these students do continue into the PsyD program.
I'd also research schools you are interested to see what options they have related to this field. For example, there are bridge programs that allow students to take courses at the end of their bachelor's programs at the graduate level to sort of try it out and see if they like it. If they do, and continue, those courses can count towards both degrees.
So do some school shopping and see what schools offer at the undergraduate and graduate levels to find the right fit for you.
Hope this helps!
Learn more about forensic psychology here: https://www.verywellmind.com/an-overview-of-forensic-psychology-2794901
Visit the websites of some colleges you might be interested in attending, and check out what undergraduate programs they have related to this field
Another great option to learn more about the field: https://www.apa.org/ed/precollege/psn/2013/09/forensic-psychology
Scanning through the answers so far, you have some good advice about possible bachelor-level degrees that relate to the field: psychology or anything related to psychology (for example, UCLA has a cognitive psychology option), sociology, criminal justice or something similar (criminology, administrative justice, etc.), social work, health and human services (including more specific options like addiction studies, for example), and other social behavioral science options. There are some really cool bachelor degree programs throughout the nation, and California is great for this field of study.
Generally, forensic psychology is connected to human behavior that relates to law or legal situations. So you can work in courts, with law enforcement, with social welfare programs and foster care, jails, government agencies and rehab centers, and so on. One of the differences with the types of people you work with as a forensic psychologist is that many are being assessed or observed because they have to for some reason, they aren't always there by choice. That doesn't mean it's all bad though- it is a very fulfilling career path. Many of the undergraduate students in the program I lead go into Forensic Psychology.
Although to practice as a clinical forensic psychologist, you will need a doctorate to get licensed in CA, there are graduate level programs at the master's level that also lead to licensing. For example, where I work, we have a forensic psychology master's program that includes working towards a license as a professional counselor. Many of these students do continue into the PsyD program.
I'd also research schools you are interested to see what options they have related to this field. For example, there are bridge programs that allow students to take courses at the end of their bachelor's programs at the graduate level to sort of try it out and see if they like it. If they do, and continue, those courses can count towards both degrees.
So do some school shopping and see what schools offer at the undergraduate and graduate levels to find the right fit for you.
Hope this helps!
Tanaz recommends the following next steps:
TWINOMUHWEZI BRIAN BRONNIE
11
Answers
Updated
TWINOMUHWEZI’s Answer
The education needed to become a forensic psychologist is significant, involving at the very least a master's degree in psychology, but most often requiring a Ph.D. in Psychology or a Doctorate
Hello!
I understand that to become a forensic psychologist you need more extensive education. However, in my question I am referring to what bachelor's degrees (B.A. or B.S.) would benefit my educational path the most on the road to a Doctorate degree.
Melissa
Deborah Hobson
Independent College Coach
2
Answers
Sarasota, Florida
Updated
Deborah’s Answer
Undergraduate degrees that are beneficial when applying for Doctorates of Forensic Psychologists are either BA or BS majors in psychology, criminal justice, some pre-law, & sociology. Majoring in one and having a minor in another is also helpful. Speaking more than one language will always have its advantages as well. Finally, If you have the drive to take science courses, there may be some concentrations within the above-mentioned majors that have those specializations. Due to its interdisciplinary areas, Forensic Psychology students need an array of coursework. I hope this helps.
Research Forensic Psychology Doctoral requirements for applicants at a university you may attend. Programs will usually require 3.0 GPA and certain coursework.
Deborah recommends the following next steps:
Thank you very much Deborah! I appreciate your response!
Melissa