3 answers
kayla
Student
Tallahassee, Florida
5
Questions
Updated
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What degrees should I get for a criminal psychologist?
Im struggling with what I want to do but I know I want to do something with criminals and their behavior.
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3 answers
vibinwit. lex
unemployed
2
Answers
Vancouver, Washington
Updated
vibinwit.’s Answer
Hello Kayla,
Aspiring criminal psychologists often begin their educational journey with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, clinical psychology, counseling, or forensic psychology. Psychology and counseling programs frequently offer relevant concentrations in criminology or criminal justice.
Complete a Master's and Doctoral Degree Doctoral in Forensic Psychology. Many doctoral programs in clinical psychology allow you to enroll directly after completing an undergraduate program.
Aspiring criminal psychologists often begin their educational journey with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, clinical psychology, counseling, or forensic psychology. Psychology and counseling programs frequently offer relevant concentrations in criminology or criminal justice.
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Thank you!
kayla
Martha H Corvea
Clinical/Administrative/Training Services
1
Answer
Miami Springs, Florida
Updated
Martha H’s Answer
Kayla,
Criminal Psychology is not a separate career path, but a specialty area within Psychology.
In general, you choose this specialty area in different ways:
a) complete a certificate program (through a community college) to work as aide/technician in the field.
b) look for community college/university that offers bachelor's degree in psychology, with specialization in criminal justice and/or forensic training.
c) or consider post college-level education, like completing a master's degree in Forensic Psychology
Request an appointment with the psychologist within a police department; in general, this person's role is to interview prospective candidates, set up criminal profiles, and/or identify better ways to deal with inequities in dealing with minorities who are accused of committing crimes. That person will NOT only provide specific information on the role but also would be able to discuss future prospects within that or similar departments.
Your ultimate goal is to apply psychological principles in dealing with the mental and behavioral patterns of those people who have committed crimes. If you want to help those who are incarcerated, you will be working in a prison. if you want to help them before committing crimes, focus on juvenile programs.
Hope this information proves helpful in making your future training decisions.
Criminal Psychology is not a separate career path, but a specialty area within Psychology.
In general, you choose this specialty area in different ways:
a) complete a certificate program (through a community college) to work as aide/technician in the field.
b) look for community college/university that offers bachelor's degree in psychology, with specialization in criminal justice and/or forensic training.
c) or consider post college-level education, like completing a master's degree in Forensic Psychology
Request an appointment with the psychologist within a police department; in general, this person's role is to interview prospective candidates, set up criminal profiles, and/or identify better ways to deal with inequities in dealing with minorities who are accused of committing crimes. That person will NOT only provide specific information on the role but also would be able to discuss future prospects within that or similar departments.
Your ultimate goal is to apply psychological principles in dealing with the mental and behavioral patterns of those people who have committed crimes. If you want to help those who are incarcerated, you will be working in a prison. if you want to help them before committing crimes, focus on juvenile programs.
Hope this information proves helpful in making your future training decisions.
Natasha Peralta
1
Answer
Hamilton Township, New Jersey
Updated
Natasha’s Answer
Hey, Kayla! It can be frustrating at first trying to figure these things out. I'm currently pursing a career in Criminal Psychology. (Such a great career choice!) Currently, I'm pursing an associates in criminal justice. My school offers a great opportunity to pursue my associates degree and work on my bachelors degree at the same time. I'm doing my bachelors degree in Psychology. I like to get the aspects of criminal justice and psychology separately. You can also double major depending if you are going to school full-time. For a masters, try to find a school that specializes in Forensic Psychology. A side tip, I recommend taking a course in criminal law if the school offers the class. I loved the class and it gives you more insight on the law aspects and it can defiantly give you a better understanding the law. I hope these help you with becoming a Criminal Psychologist you got this!