Criminal Psychology

• Interested in the mind of the criminal?

• Do you want to understand why someone chooses to commit a crime?

• Do you want to help juries understand the perpetrator they have to pass judgment on?

• Do you want to help prevent potential criminal activity?

If so, consider a career of
Criminal Psychologist.

Criminal psychologists usually have a bachelors degree in psychology, a specialized masters degree in criminal, forensic, or clinical psychology and often a doctorate degree in criminal, counseling or clinical psychology. Higher degree programs are necessary to obtain advance positions thus consider obtaining a master degree in psychology.

Doctorate degree programs usually take 5 to 7 years to complete and include the study of various areas within psychology as well as courses in legal, law and criminal issues. Additionally, as in any doctorate degree program, courses in research methods, statistics, written and oral communication are an essential component in the education of a criminal psychologist. Many also complete a post-doctoral fellowship with a concentration in criminal investigation. In this career you would work closely with Forensic Psychologists to better understand the filed of criminology or individual criminals.

As a Criminal Psychologist you will be able to work in different areas of criminology, in city, county, state and federal government organizations as well private consulting practices. With this degree you will be able to work as a:

• Consultant - helping law officials ascertain the psychological profile of a perpetrator in sexual or violent crimes.

• Advisor - predicting the potential violence of individuals at parole stage or in court prior to sentencing.

• Faculty member- training future criminal and forensic psychologist.


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