Study Criminal Psychology: Criminal Psychologist Degrees
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Are you fascinated by the criminal mind? Criminal psychologists, also called forensic psychologists, are experts in understanding the psychological motivations behind crime. After evaluating crime scenes, evidence and witnesses, criminal psychologists, also known as profilers, integrate all the material connected with the suspect.
Criminal psychologists use this information to develop a psychological profile of the perpetrator, which helps police to identify and understand the nature, patterns and motives of the perpetrator, and may ultimately help them catch the criminal. Some criminal psychologists also provide "geographic profiles" to help police identify the area where an offender lives and works.
Criminal Psychologist: Education & Training
Criminal psychologists must earn a doctorate in clinical, counseling or criminal psychology, which takes around 5-7 years to complete. To specialize in criminal psychology, graduates take a post-doctoral fellowship training in that area.
Criminal Psychologist: Certification & Licensure
All states require licensure for practicing psychologists. Requirements vary from state-to-state, but at minimum you'll need to:
- Pass a state certification examination
- Hold a doctorate or master's degree from an accredited institution
- Complete one year of fieldwork
The American Psychological Association (APA) accredits doctoral training programs in clinical, counseling and school psychology.
Criminal Psychologist: Salary
Criminal psychologists are categorized as forensic psychologists, earning a median annual salary of $56,906, according to recent Payscale.com statistics.
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- Criminalistics
- Criminology vs. Criminalistics
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