3 answers
Pria
Student
4
Questions
Updated
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What should I study for Criminal Psychology?
I am a sophomore in high school and I want to become a criminal behavior profiler. I want to learn about how criminals think & what leads them to do what they do. I know that it can take a huge toll on you, but what other challenges to people in this field, & what I should study in college or what high school courses would help.
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3 answers
Michael Torio
Consultant - Data Reporting & Analysis (HQ Finance)
343
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Pria,
While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare for a career in Criminal Psychology. Chemistry and biology will be the core science courses. For math, statistics and calculus will be needed. Other classes to take will be language arts, social sciences, foreign language and AP psychology. The combination of these concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills for research; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail; etc.
Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration amongst team members, partner departments and clients occur on a daily basis. A college course in public speaking, communications and English will help with one's communication and writing skills since analysis reports are generated and findings are presented to colleagues and other professionals who deal with Criminal Psychology. Another recommendation is to seek the advice from your high school guidance counselor and teachers. They can help guide your educational pathway for Criminal Psychology.
For Criminal Psychology, one can major in Criminal Justice, Clinical Psychology, Counseling, Forensics or Psychology. All can lead to a career pathway in dealing with criminal behavior. There are also colleges and universities that specially offer a college degree in Criminal Psychology.
According to Best Values Schools, here is a website link for the 25 Best Criminal Psychology Degree Programs.
The Top 10 Colleges/Universities are listed below:
- California State University
- University of Houston
- John Jay College of Criminal Justice
- Oklahoma State University
- University of Louisiana
- University of North Dakota
- Arizona State University
- Albizu University
- University of California
- Montclair State University
https://www.bestvalueschools.org/criminal-psychology-degree-programs/
According to CollegeVine.com, here is a website link for the best colleges and universities for Forensic Science:
- Penn State University
- St. Louis University
- George Mason University
- CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice
- University of Central Florida
- Hofstra University
- Loyola University - Chicago
- Syracuse University
- University of Texas - Austin
- Texas A&M University
https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/best-colleges-with-forensic-science-and-technology/
According to U.S. News & World Report, here are the Best Criminology Schools:
- University of Maryland - College Park
- Arizona State University
- University of California - Irvine
- University of Cincinnati
- Pennsylvania State Park - University Park
- University at Albany - SUNY
- Florida State University
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey - Newark
- Michigan State University
- George Mason University
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-humanities-schools/criminology-rankings
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
There are scholarships based on need, academic performance, school activities, sports involvement and community service. So, it will be to your advantage to seek out these types of scholarships. All of the academic staff at your high school that you interact with can write letters of recommendations for you based on what was just stated above. These recommendations can greatly help when filling out college and scholarship applications.
Scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. Scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
Hope this helps and best wishes for your education and career in Criminal Psychology!
While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare for a career in Criminal Psychology. Chemistry and biology will be the core science courses. For math, statistics and calculus will be needed. Other classes to take will be language arts, social sciences, foreign language and AP psychology. The combination of these concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills for research; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail; etc.
Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration amongst team members, partner departments and clients occur on a daily basis. A college course in public speaking, communications and English will help with one's communication and writing skills since analysis reports are generated and findings are presented to colleagues and other professionals who deal with Criminal Psychology. Another recommendation is to seek the advice from your high school guidance counselor and teachers. They can help guide your educational pathway for Criminal Psychology.
For Criminal Psychology, one can major in Criminal Justice, Clinical Psychology, Counseling, Forensics or Psychology. All can lead to a career pathway in dealing with criminal behavior. There are also colleges and universities that specially offer a college degree in Criminal Psychology.
According to Best Values Schools, here is a website link for the 25 Best Criminal Psychology Degree Programs.
The Top 10 Colleges/Universities are listed below:
- California State University
- University of Houston
- John Jay College of Criminal Justice
- Oklahoma State University
- University of Louisiana
- University of North Dakota
- Arizona State University
- Albizu University
- University of California
- Montclair State University
https://www.bestvalueschools.org/criminal-psychology-degree-programs/
According to CollegeVine.com, here is a website link for the best colleges and universities for Forensic Science:
- Penn State University
- St. Louis University
- George Mason University
- CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice
- University of Central Florida
- Hofstra University
- Loyola University - Chicago
- Syracuse University
- University of Texas - Austin
- Texas A&M University
https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/best-colleges-with-forensic-science-and-technology/
According to U.S. News & World Report, here are the Best Criminology Schools:
- University of Maryland - College Park
- Arizona State University
- University of California - Irvine
- University of Cincinnati
- Pennsylvania State Park - University Park
- University at Albany - SUNY
- Florida State University
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey - Newark
- Michigan State University
- George Mason University
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-humanities-schools/criminology-rankings
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
There are scholarships based on need, academic performance, school activities, sports involvement and community service. So, it will be to your advantage to seek out these types of scholarships. All of the academic staff at your high school that you interact with can write letters of recommendations for you based on what was just stated above. These recommendations can greatly help when filling out college and scholarship applications.
Scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. Scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
Hope this helps and best wishes for your education and career in Criminal Psychology!
jami adam
rph
22
Answers
Jupiter, Florida
Updated
jami’s Answer
Take the prerequisites for college.
Hey Jami, do you have any more information on which prereqs this student can take?
Gurpreet Lally, Admin
Reetika Budhiraja
2
Answers
Updated
Reetika’s Answer
Consider pursuing Legal Studies and Psychology. Additionally, you could take advantage of the free courses offered on Coursera.