4 answers
Kalli
Student
Antwerp, Ohio
2
Questions
Asked
721 views
Did you major in forensic-psychology or general psychology?
High-school sophomore looking for college advice
Login to comment
4 answers
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
617
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Kalli,
Forensic psychology focuses on the intersection of psychology and the legal system, including criminal investigation, courtroom procedures, and assessment of individuals involved in legal cases. If you are passionate about understanding criminal behavior, working with law enforcement agencies or in the criminal justice field, then forensic psychology might be a good fit for you while general psychology on the other hand, covers various aspects of human behavior and mental processes without specific emphasis on forensic applications. It provides a broader foundation in psychological theories and research methods that can be applied to diverse fields such as counseling, education, organizational behavior or research.
To make an informed decision:
1. Research: Look into both majors' curriculum requirements and course offerings at different colleges/universities.
2. Talk to professionals: Reach out to professionals working in both fields (forensic psychologists/general psychologists) through informational interviews or job shadowing opportunities.
3. Explore internships/volunteer work: Engage in internships or volunteer positions related to forensics/psychology before making your decision.
4. Consider postgraduate plans: Think about whether graduate school is part of your future plans, since certain careers may require advanced degrees.
Lastly, seek guidance from high school counselors or academic advisors, who can provide more advice based on your individual interests and goals!
Forensic psychology focuses on the intersection of psychology and the legal system, including criminal investigation, courtroom procedures, and assessment of individuals involved in legal cases. If you are passionate about understanding criminal behavior, working with law enforcement agencies or in the criminal justice field, then forensic psychology might be a good fit for you while general psychology on the other hand, covers various aspects of human behavior and mental processes without specific emphasis on forensic applications. It provides a broader foundation in psychological theories and research methods that can be applied to diverse fields such as counseling, education, organizational behavior or research.
To make an informed decision:
1. Research: Look into both majors' curriculum requirements and course offerings at different colleges/universities.
2. Talk to professionals: Reach out to professionals working in both fields (forensic psychologists/general psychologists) through informational interviews or job shadowing opportunities.
3. Explore internships/volunteer work: Engage in internships or volunteer positions related to forensics/psychology before making your decision.
4. Consider postgraduate plans: Think about whether graduate school is part of your future plans, since certain careers may require advanced degrees.
Lastly, seek guidance from high school counselors or academic advisors, who can provide more advice based on your individual interests and goals!
Husnia H.
Intelligence Analyst
4
Answers
Springfield, Virginia
Updated
Husnia’s Answer
I earned my Master's degree in Forensic Psychology, and also hold an Undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice, with a Minor in Psychology. Your ultimate goal and your aspirations in the Psychology field will greatly influence your educational path. I had clear-cut reasons for pursuing my Master's degree in Forensic Psychology, a decision I made quite early in my journey. I trust this information will guide you in your decisions!
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1915
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Kalli !
My degree is not in psychology but I have been around many psychologists and clinical social workers in my long career as a social service intensive case manager. I have had numerous trainings in many facets of the mental health field as well as long term training in deaf culture and have worked with almost every population you can name. Although not a psychologist myself, I would like to contribute to your subject.
The first thing to think about when deciding between being a Psychologist or a Forensics Psychologist is this: what is my mission and purpose in being part of the human behavior field ? Once you have the answer to that, it can guide you on to the next steps in deciding. To be honest with you, in your undergraduate path, you will inevitably have courses in Abnormal Psychology as well as Criminal Psychology. My confident advice is to become a Psychologist and I will explain why.
In order to work with criminals or any other of the thousands of other populations, you have to be a Psychologist. The education prepares you fully to work with people, not just types of people or circumstances, rather all people. You will not be prevented from taking some criminal psychology specialized trainings or going to conferences or even choosing to do a residency in that, but the bottom line is that mental health employers want psychologists. They want to know that your range is that good that you can test, analyze and write reports on anyone. It's behavior oriented, not situation oriented. Even if you don't specialize or go for extra training in forensics (therapeutic and analytical), people always go for trainings and industry conferences to introduce them to new things or brush up on things they already know. You will not lose out. But you may limit yourself by billing yourself as one type of psychologist.
I could be wrong about this, but consider where you'd be working and how many of the places would have their own full time psychologist already on staff or a usual person they call in on occasions. Also consider whether or not the positions are full time and you'd have to have a general title as Psychologist to obtain work other places. The degree requirements vary among states. For instance, in CA you can be a psychologist with a Masters Degree but in New York you must have a Doctorate Degree. Ohio requires a Doctorate Degree. That's not to say that at some point you don't choose a specialty, you do. So you could then choose forensics. It's not impossible to find work with certain populations, but your regular course as a Psychology major would accurately prepare you to work with criminals. During the course of your career, you may even happen to work with criminal patients that are not under arrest or in prison or jail.
Learn exactly what you'd be doing in forensics and you will see that being a professional psychologist would equip you for the job. Your degree in Psychology will carry you far, whereas a degree in Forensic Psychology would pigeonhole you and it may mean missing out on some very important and worthwhile opportunities. Also remember that it's never how it seems on T.V. or films. As a matter of fact, when my uncle first graduated and became a Psychiatrist during his first professional years, he was called to sit in with a very well-known criminal who was just brought in to jail for holding. My uncle had to sit with him for four hours to make sure he didn't try to commit suicide - he was a very, very high profile murderer. If I told you the name, you may gasp and say how exciting . . but it wasn't. The guy never spoke but two or three words and sat in silence. So, you see, don't let the term forensics give you the wrong impression. Better yet, during your college path, try to obtain experiences that will show you the realty for all extremes.
The good thing is that you are free to choose which way to go with this and you should be well informed and hear all sides of the subject. Like I said, the main importance is what you want to achieve with being a psychologist and not what things look like or seem to be. I know that if you have a passion for this field of work, which also means that you have a passion for humanity, you will excel no matter what you choose. Best wishes in all you do !
My degree is not in psychology but I have been around many psychologists and clinical social workers in my long career as a social service intensive case manager. I have had numerous trainings in many facets of the mental health field as well as long term training in deaf culture and have worked with almost every population you can name. Although not a psychologist myself, I would like to contribute to your subject.
The first thing to think about when deciding between being a Psychologist or a Forensics Psychologist is this: what is my mission and purpose in being part of the human behavior field ? Once you have the answer to that, it can guide you on to the next steps in deciding. To be honest with you, in your undergraduate path, you will inevitably have courses in Abnormal Psychology as well as Criminal Psychology. My confident advice is to become a Psychologist and I will explain why.
In order to work with criminals or any other of the thousands of other populations, you have to be a Psychologist. The education prepares you fully to work with people, not just types of people or circumstances, rather all people. You will not be prevented from taking some criminal psychology specialized trainings or going to conferences or even choosing to do a residency in that, but the bottom line is that mental health employers want psychologists. They want to know that your range is that good that you can test, analyze and write reports on anyone. It's behavior oriented, not situation oriented. Even if you don't specialize or go for extra training in forensics (therapeutic and analytical), people always go for trainings and industry conferences to introduce them to new things or brush up on things they already know. You will not lose out. But you may limit yourself by billing yourself as one type of psychologist.
I could be wrong about this, but consider where you'd be working and how many of the places would have their own full time psychologist already on staff or a usual person they call in on occasions. Also consider whether or not the positions are full time and you'd have to have a general title as Psychologist to obtain work other places. The degree requirements vary among states. For instance, in CA you can be a psychologist with a Masters Degree but in New York you must have a Doctorate Degree. Ohio requires a Doctorate Degree. That's not to say that at some point you don't choose a specialty, you do. So you could then choose forensics. It's not impossible to find work with certain populations, but your regular course as a Psychology major would accurately prepare you to work with criminals. During the course of your career, you may even happen to work with criminal patients that are not under arrest or in prison or jail.
Learn exactly what you'd be doing in forensics and you will see that being a professional psychologist would equip you for the job. Your degree in Psychology will carry you far, whereas a degree in Forensic Psychology would pigeonhole you and it may mean missing out on some very important and worthwhile opportunities. Also remember that it's never how it seems on T.V. or films. As a matter of fact, when my uncle first graduated and became a Psychiatrist during his first professional years, he was called to sit in with a very well-known criminal who was just brought in to jail for holding. My uncle had to sit with him for four hours to make sure he didn't try to commit suicide - he was a very, very high profile murderer. If I told you the name, you may gasp and say how exciting . . but it wasn't. The guy never spoke but two or three words and sat in silence. So, you see, don't let the term forensics give you the wrong impression. Better yet, during your college path, try to obtain experiences that will show you the realty for all extremes.
The good thing is that you are free to choose which way to go with this and you should be well informed and hear all sides of the subject. Like I said, the main importance is what you want to achieve with being a psychologist and not what things look like or seem to be. I know that if you have a passion for this field of work, which also means that you have a passion for humanity, you will excel no matter what you choose. Best wishes in all you do !
Dr. Tulsi Patel
Dental assistant / internationally trained dentist
43
Answers
Gurnee, Illinois
Updated
Dr. Tulsi’s Answer
Hey there!
When weighing my options, I find that creating a pros and cons list helps me stay organized and make informed decisions. That's why I've started putting together my own list after looking into the matter – it's a great way to break things down and see the bigger picture!
Forensic Psychology:
Pros:
Fascinating Focus:
Forensic psychology offers an exciting and specialized focus if you're intrigued by criminal behavior, legal proceedings, and the intersection of psychology with law enforcement. It's like diving into the minds of criminals and understanding the complexities behind their actions.
Diverse Career Paths:
With a degree in forensic psychology, you open doors to a range of intriguing careers. From working as a forensic psychologist helping in criminal investigations to assisting victims of crime or even serving as a consultant for TV shows and movies, the options are diverse and thrilling.
Hands-on Experience:
Forensic psychology isn't just about textbooks and lectures; it's about real-world application. You'll have opportunities for internships, fieldwork, and case studies, immersing yourself in the fascinating world of crime and justice.
Making a Difference:
Imagine being part of the justice system, using your knowledge to help solve crimes, support victims, or even advocate for changes in the legal system. With forensic psychology, your work can have a direct impact on people's lives and the community.
Cons:
Narrower Scope:
While forensic psychology offers an exciting focus, it's a bit like zooming in on one specific area of psychology. You might miss out on exploring other fascinating aspects of human behavior and mental processes.
Competitive Field:
Breaking into the world of forensic psychology can be tough. It's a competitive field with limited positions, especially in specialized areas like criminal profiling or forensic assessment.
Emotional Challenges:
Dealing with crime scenes, victims, or offenders can take an emotional toll. It's not always easy to separate yourself from the distressing realities of the job, so emotional resilience is key.
Additional Training:
To pursue certain roles in forensic psychology, you might need extra certifications or even advanced degrees. It's a journey that requires ongoing learning and dedication.
|| General Psychology ||
Pros:
Wide Open Exploration:
General psychology is like a vast playground of the mind. You get to explore all sorts of topics—from social psychology to cognitive neuroscience—giving you a broad understanding of human behavior and mental processes.
Versatile Skills: With a degree in general psychology, you develop a whole toolbox of valuable skills. Think critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, empathy—all essential qualities that can serve you well in any career path.
Endless Career Possibilities:
Seriously, the sky's the limit with a general psychology degree. You could find yourself working in counseling, human resources, marketing, education, research, or even healthcare. The world is your oyster!
Flexibility to Specialize:
General psychology sets the stage for further specialization. Whether you're drawn to clinical psychology, industrial-organizational psychology, or something else entirely, you have the freedom to pursue your passions.
Cons:
Lack of Specific Focus:
With general psychology, you're casting a wide net. While that's great for exploration, it means you might not dive as deeply into certain areas, like forensic psychology, as you would with a specialized degree.
Decision Dilemmas:
So many choices, so little time! With such a broad field, you might find yourself grappling with decisions about which career path to pursue or which areas to specialize in. It's a good problem to have, but it can be overwhelming.
Needing More Credentials:
You might need additional training or certifications to pursue certain roles depending on your career goals. It's something to keep in mind as you navigate your career journey.
Missing Out on the Crime Drama: Let's face it—forensic psychology comes with a certain cool factor. If you're drawn to the excitement of criminal investigations and courtroom drama, you might feel like you're missing out with a general psychology degree.
Ultimately, the choice between forensic psychology and general psychology comes down to what excites you, what aligns with your career goals, and where you see yourself making the biggest impact. Follow your passions, trust your instincts, and remember there's no wrong decision—just different paths to explore.
Hope this helped and good luck :)
When weighing my options, I find that creating a pros and cons list helps me stay organized and make informed decisions. That's why I've started putting together my own list after looking into the matter – it's a great way to break things down and see the bigger picture!
Forensic Psychology:
Pros:
Fascinating Focus:
Forensic psychology offers an exciting and specialized focus if you're intrigued by criminal behavior, legal proceedings, and the intersection of psychology with law enforcement. It's like diving into the minds of criminals and understanding the complexities behind their actions.
Diverse Career Paths:
With a degree in forensic psychology, you open doors to a range of intriguing careers. From working as a forensic psychologist helping in criminal investigations to assisting victims of crime or even serving as a consultant for TV shows and movies, the options are diverse and thrilling.
Hands-on Experience:
Forensic psychology isn't just about textbooks and lectures; it's about real-world application. You'll have opportunities for internships, fieldwork, and case studies, immersing yourself in the fascinating world of crime and justice.
Making a Difference:
Imagine being part of the justice system, using your knowledge to help solve crimes, support victims, or even advocate for changes in the legal system. With forensic psychology, your work can have a direct impact on people's lives and the community.
Cons:
Narrower Scope:
While forensic psychology offers an exciting focus, it's a bit like zooming in on one specific area of psychology. You might miss out on exploring other fascinating aspects of human behavior and mental processes.
Competitive Field:
Breaking into the world of forensic psychology can be tough. It's a competitive field with limited positions, especially in specialized areas like criminal profiling or forensic assessment.
Emotional Challenges:
Dealing with crime scenes, victims, or offenders can take an emotional toll. It's not always easy to separate yourself from the distressing realities of the job, so emotional resilience is key.
Additional Training:
To pursue certain roles in forensic psychology, you might need extra certifications or even advanced degrees. It's a journey that requires ongoing learning and dedication.
|| General Psychology ||
Pros:
Wide Open Exploration:
General psychology is like a vast playground of the mind. You get to explore all sorts of topics—from social psychology to cognitive neuroscience—giving you a broad understanding of human behavior and mental processes.
Versatile Skills: With a degree in general psychology, you develop a whole toolbox of valuable skills. Think critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, empathy—all essential qualities that can serve you well in any career path.
Endless Career Possibilities:
Seriously, the sky's the limit with a general psychology degree. You could find yourself working in counseling, human resources, marketing, education, research, or even healthcare. The world is your oyster!
Flexibility to Specialize:
General psychology sets the stage for further specialization. Whether you're drawn to clinical psychology, industrial-organizational psychology, or something else entirely, you have the freedom to pursue your passions.
Cons:
Lack of Specific Focus:
With general psychology, you're casting a wide net. While that's great for exploration, it means you might not dive as deeply into certain areas, like forensic psychology, as you would with a specialized degree.
Decision Dilemmas:
So many choices, so little time! With such a broad field, you might find yourself grappling with decisions about which career path to pursue or which areas to specialize in. It's a good problem to have, but it can be overwhelming.
Needing More Credentials:
You might need additional training or certifications to pursue certain roles depending on your career goals. It's something to keep in mind as you navigate your career journey.
Missing Out on the Crime Drama: Let's face it—forensic psychology comes with a certain cool factor. If you're drawn to the excitement of criminal investigations and courtroom drama, you might feel like you're missing out with a general psychology degree.
Ultimately, the choice between forensic psychology and general psychology comes down to what excites you, what aligns with your career goals, and where you see yourself making the biggest impact. Follow your passions, trust your instincts, and remember there's no wrong decision—just different paths to explore.
Hope this helped and good luck :)