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What are the steps/how long will it take to become a Forensic Psychologist?

I'm interested in law and psychology, and this seems like a career I would really be interested in, but the career path seems very long and tedious. #psychology #law #forensicpsychology #career-paths

psychology law career-paths forensicpsychology
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Thomas’s Answer

"Most forensic psychology positions require a doctoral degree. Most professionals in this field spend four years on their bachelor's degree, two years on their master's degree, and four years on their doctorate."
Thank you comment icon Thank you! This clearly shows me the steps I would need to take. Annika
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DENNIS’s Answer

Hi Annika: I am a lawyer but NOT a psychologist! So let me address this from a slightly odd direction. ... I note that you live in New Brunswick, NJ. You. therefore, are in the perfect position to get first hand knowledge yourself. First, take the bus over to the Rutgers campus and go to the psychology department. Go onto any of the psy professors and ask them. They would love to help you. They love having young people come in and ask questions about what they do. Generally you will need a medical degree and post grad internship in psychology. However, the professors can give you first hand information about the courses. Next, go over to the "Law Center" where the State Bar is located. Go in and ask them - they'd also love to help a young person with questions. Next, volunteer. Best way to learn about these fields is to get hands on experience. It is a VERY tough field. Emotions run high in the field. You need to see it for yourself. Volunteer.
Stay in school, get good grades and keep your nose clean and follow your dreams. Good luck.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for the response! I actually see Rutgers often! Annika
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Delaney’s Answer

I would recommend you start as a psychology major, possibly with a law or history minor. There are a ton of careers in psychology, and as a psychology major you would be exposed to many different types of psychology to see if there was something else that interested you more. If you changed your mind and wanted to go the law route, it would still be okay that you were a psychology major in undergraduate, because most law programs accept a wide variety of majors, and focus on students' performance on the entry exam. I hope this helps!
Thank you comment icon Yes, it did! Thanks! Annika
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Alexis’s Answer

The path to becoming a Forensic Psychologist include the following:

I. Bachelor's Degree - 4 years
II. Master's Degree - 2 years
III. Doctorate - 4 years

Skills that are needed include:
I. Communication and listening skills to build relationship and trust
II. Systematic approach to work
III. Teamworking and leadership skills
IV. Motivation and commitment
V. Problem - solving ability and decision - making skills
VI. Planning and research skills
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the response! It was helpful :) Annika
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