Getting a Ph.D. in Forensic Psychology – Everything You Need to Know

Overview

A forensic psychologist is a professional who applies the principles of psychology to the legal system. They work in a variety of settings, including courtrooms, correctional facilities, and law enforcement agencies.

A PhD in forensic psychology is an advanced degree that prepares individuals for careers in the field of forensic psychology.

The PhD program typically takes around 4-6 years to complete and requires extensive coursework in both psychology and law. In addition to coursework, students will be required to complete research projects and often clinical practicums.

Areas of study; forensic assessment and evaluation, criminal behavior and victimology, ethics and psychopathology.

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Why get a PhD in Forensic Psychology?

“A PhD in forensic psychology provides a unique opportunity to gain expertise in the intersection of psychology and the legal system. With a PhD in this field, you can work to improve the administration of justice, understand criminal behavior and victimization, and work to prevent and solve crimes. You will be able to conduct research, provide expert testimony, and work with individuals involved in the criminal justice system. If you are passionate about this field and have the commitment to pursue a PhD, it can be a highly rewarding and fulfilling career path.”

Dr. Eric Hickey, a criminologist and professor of criminal psychology at Walden University

There are a multitude of reasons why students pursue a PhD in forensic psychology, here are a few key reasons to consider it:

Higher earning potential

Individuals with a PhD in forensic psychology are typically able to earn higher salaries than those with only a master’s degree or bachelor’s degree. The American Psychological Association (APA)’s Graduate Study in Psychology found individuals with a doctoral degree in psychology earn a median annual salary of a little under $100,000 vs master’s degree in psychology holders earn a median annual salary of $70,000.

Additionally, specializing in forensic psychology will likely result in higher career lifetime earnings than other psychology subfields. According to the APA, the median annual salary for forensic psychologists is $97,200 in 2019, which is 18% higher than the median salary for psychologists overall.

Solid job prospects (and career flexibility)

A PhD in forensic psychology can prepare individuals for a variety of careers in both the public and private sectors, including academia, research, government agencies, and private practice.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of psychologists overall will grow by 3% from 2019 to 2029. However, employment in specialized areas such as forensic psychology may grow at a faster rate due to an increased demand for forensic services in the criminal justice system.

Advance your knowledge and your network

A PhD in forensic psychology provides individuals with an advanced understanding of both psychology and the legal system. This can lead to a deeper understanding of criminal behavior and the ability to conduct complex forensic evaluations and assessments.

PhD programs in general offer excellent networking opportunities with peers, faculty and partnerships with the industry that can set your network up for your entire career.

Entry requirements for a Forensic Psychology PhD program

  1. Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree: A bachelor’s or master’s degree in psychology, criminology, or a related field.
  2. Minimum GPA of 3.0
  3. Letters of Recommendation
  4. Personal Statement
  5. Research Experience: PhD programs may require applicants to have prior research experience, such as working as a research assistant, conducting independent research projects, or presenting research findings at conferences.
  6. Interview: Some PhD programs may require applicants to participate in an interview with faculty members to assess their fit for the program.

What’s covered in a Forensic Psychology PhD program?

“Graduate study in forensic psychology is intense and challenging, but it is also highly rewarding. Students in these programs learn to apply psychological theories and methods to real-world problems in the criminal justice system, and they gain the skills and knowledge necessary to make a positive impact in the lives of individuals involved in the system. The program can be demanding, but the experience of conducting research and providing clinical services in forensic settings is invaluable for anyone interested in this field.”

Dr. David DeMatteo, a professor of psychology and law at Drexel University

APhD in forensic psychology provides students with an in-depth understanding of psychology and the legal system, as well as the research and clinical skills necessary to conduct high-quality research and provide effective clinical services.

Here is an overview of the topics frequently covered:

  1. Psychology and the Legal System: the role of psychology in the legal system, and ethical considerations for forensic psychologists.
  2. Forensic Assessment: the assessment of individuals involved in the legal system, including competency to stand trial, criminal responsibility, and risk assessment.
  3. Criminal Behavior: theories and research on criminal behavior, including the psychological factors that contribute to criminal behavior.
  4. Research Methods: research design, data analysis, and statistics.
  5. Clinical Training: clinical training in forensic assessment, interviewing techniques, and report writing.
  6. Elective Courses: choose from a variety of elective courses that align with your research interests, such as victimology, forensic neuropsychology, or the psychology of terrorism.

Here is a sample curriculum for a forensic psychology PhD program:

First Year:

  • Psychology and the Legal System
  • Research Methods and Statistics
  • Cognitive and Affective Bases of Behavior
  • Social Psychology
  • Ethics and Professional Issues in Forensic Psychology

Second Year:

  • Forensic Assessment and Evaluation
  • Psychopathology and Personality Assessment
  • Criminal Behavior and Victimization
  • Advanced Research Methods
  • Elective Course 1

Third Year:

  • Advanced Forensic Assessment and Evaluation
  • Advanced Topics in Criminal Behavior
  • Legal and Professional Issues in Forensic Psychology
  • Elective Course 2
  • Practicum in Forensic Assessment and Evaluation

Fourth Year:

  • Advanced Research Seminar
  • Advanced Topics in Forensic Psychology
  • Elective Course 3
  • Practicum in Forensic Assessment and Evaluation
  • Dissertation Proposal Development

Fifth Year:

  • Dissertation Research and Writing
  • Clinical Supervision
  • Advanced Elective Course
  • Advanced Practicum in Forensic Assessment and Evaluation

How much does a PhD in Forensic Psychology cost?

According to the APA’s Graduate Study in Psychology report, the average tuition and fees for a PhD program in psychology for the 2020-2021 academic year were $11,248 for in-state students at public institutions and $38,686 for out-of-state students at public institutions. Private institutions had an average tuition and fees of $37,124.

It’s important to note that these figures are for all types of psychology PhD programs, not just forensic psychology.

Many PhD programs provide financial support to students in the form of scholarships, assistantships, and fellowships. These opportunities can help offset the cost of tuition and living expenses, although the availability and amount of financial support may vary by institution and program.

What to look for in a PhD program

It can be overwhelming with so many PhD programs out there and so many factors to consider. Here are a few key ways to compare programs/institutions:

  1. Cost and Financial Aid: The cost of tuition and fees for a PhD program in forensic psychology can vary widely depending on the institution and location. Consider the overall cost of the program, as cost of living varies considerably around the country. Consider also the availability of financial aid such as scholarships, grants, fellowships, and assistantships.
  2. Location and Career Opportunities: The location of the institution can impact the availability of career opportunities and resources, such as clinical training opportunities, research facilities, and networking events. Consider the potential career opportunities in the area, as well as the quality of life (and as discussed, the cost of living) in the location.
  3. Faculty Expertise: The expertise and research interests of the faculty members in the program can impact the quality of education and training that students receive. Review faculty members and their areas of expertise ahead of committing to a program.

What jobs can you do with a PhD in Forensic Psychology?

A PhD in forensic psychology can open up a wide range of career opportunities for individuals interested in the intersection of psychology and the legal system:

  1. Professor
  2. Expert Witness: provide expert testimony in court cases on matters such as criminal responsibility, risk assessment, and mental health.
  3. Forensic Evaluator: evaluate individuals involved in the legal system, such as defendants, witnesses, or victims, to assess their mental health and other factors.
  4. Consultant: Forensic consult with law enforcement agencies on matters such as criminal investigations, hostage negotiations, and crisis management.
  5. Correctional Psychologist: work in correctional facilities, providing counseling and treatment to inmates and conducting assessments to determine appropriate levels of security and supervision.

How much can you earn with a PhD in Forensic Psychology?

Specializing in forensic psychology will likely result in higher career lifetime earnings than other psychology subfields. According to the APA, the median annual salary for forensic psychologists is $97,200 in 2019, which is 18% higher than the median salary for psychologists overall.

  1. Professor – $85,050 annual salary
  2. Expert Witness – $102,000 annual salary
  3. Forensic Evaluator – $75,000 annual salary
  4. Forensic Psychology Consultant – $92,000 annual salary
  5. Correctional Psychologist – $82,000 annual salary

Best Forensic Psychology PhD Programs