what should you major in to become a forensic psychologist?

Question

I'm currently a psychology major and I want to know what type of master degree should i get or is there a special program. Or how can you become a psychologist that works with criminals?

Answer 1

You do not *have* to have both a law degree and a degree in psychology. Having both might help you gain credibility in the field, but only the doctoral degree in psychology is required. You'll first have to complete your major in psychology and then you'll have to get a doctoral degree in psych (a person with a masters degree is *not* a psychologist). You could do either clinical, social, or forensic psychology and specialize in criminal behavior. It might be helpful to go to a school that also has a graduate program in criminology or criminal justice so that you could take classes in both fields.

Answer 2

You have to Major in Psychology.

I'd suggest you call someone at a local Police Station and ask if they have a forensic psychologist they consult with. Ask if you give them your name and number, could this person contact you. They'll know exactly what it will take and may, depending on your age, agree to allow you to shadow them on the job so you can see what the job is actually like.

Also, any University that teaches Psychology would be a good place to call, ask to speak with the Psychology Departments, Department Head. Tell them you are interested in finding out what it takes to become a Forensic Psychologist, most would be happy to talk with you about what it takes.

GOOD LUCK

Answer 3

Psychology could be a sturdy undergraduate substantial, in line with risk with a criminal justice minor. sure, there are forensic psychiatrists. in case you want to be a psychiatrist interior the u . s ., you will would desire to take pre-scientific coursework as an undergraduate, take the MCAT, get oftentimes happening to scientific college, attend scientific college, bypass the USMLEs, do a 4 3 hundred and sixty 5 days (paid) psychiatry residency and bypass the psychiatry boards. At that factor you will desire to start a a number of of three hundred and sixty 5 days forensic psychiatry fellowship (paid). To replace right into a forensic psychologist after college, you may bypass to graduate college in forensic psychology or scientific forensic psychology or scientific psychology to earn a minimum of a grasp's degree, extra probably a Ph.D. or a Psy.D..

Answer 4

I had a forensic psychologist as a professor once. She said she had to get a law degree AND psychology degree. Ouch!

Answer 5

You might want to possibly double major in Anthropology during your bachelors (easier than a masters)?

If you know what college you plan to attend for your masters, contact the department that handles forensics and see what they say. They will have profs from diff educational backgrounds who will have a lot of good advice to give too.

Answer 6

sounds like criminal justice might be what you are looking for if you can't find a masters program in forensic psychology where you are

Answer 7

Become a Forensic Proctologist.