What is the projected cost of education for a person who wants to be a forensic psychologist?

Question

What benefits are expected for the position as a forensic psychologist?
What are some of the risks and hazards assiciated with the position?

Answer 1

It depends on the program you are interested in and what program accepts you.

There are two degrees you can get to be a practicing psychologist, a PhD and a PsyD. Most forensic psych programs are PsyD, oriented to practice.

For a doctorate, expect to spend 4-5 years at the university then 1 year on internship. Further, a post-doc would be best to get you the best start in the field.

Many psychology graduate programs offer stipends and tuition remission. I don't think it is as common in forensic psych though.

Keep in mind, grad school is a full time job; you will not have time to work. Expect to take out student loans and be ok with debt for a while.

Benefits: getting to do something you enjoy
Risks and hazards: time spent working, losing yourself in your job and forgetting to have a personal life

Good luck!

Answer 2

For graduate education, 15 to 20 thousand for tuition plus your room and board. You can do the handle the tution with student loans and work part time for your living expenses. Check out the tuition for a PsyD degree at various professional school websites (say Alliant International University).
For the risks and hazards, try to arrange an information interview with a forensic psychologist. A grad school can help you do that.