Online Forensic Psychology Degree Programs

In the 1991 hit movie, Silence of the Lambs, Jodie Foster plays an FBI agent sent to get inside the mind of the brilliant but psychotic, Dr. Hannibal Lecter. But using psychology to solve crimes is not just for the movies. Forensic psychologists are being used by law enforcement agencies around the country to gain insight into cases. Forensic psychologists are appointed by courts to assess both a defendant's competency to stand trial and his/her sanity or insanity. Forensic psychologists recommend sentencing of and treatment options for a defendant. They also assess future risk and evaluate witness credibility.

As law enforcement agencies place more and more significance on gaining an insider's view of the crime, many are turning to forensic psychology. Forensic psychologists are sometimes hired to provide training for police and detectives, and some police officers and detectives are pursuing courses in forensic psychology on their own or with the encouragement (and sometimes the financial assistance) of their departments.

Forensic Psychology Career Training

If you would like to work in forensic psychology, there are a few paths you could follow. You could earn your bachelor's degree in psychology, followed by a program in law enforcement or a graduate program in forensic psychology. Or you could earn a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, with a focus on forensic psychology. If you are already a police officer or other criminal justice employee, taking courses in forensic psychology could gain you better insight in crime solving, and could possibly lead to advancement in your career.

Forensic psychology courses are available online, which means you do not have to quit your current job to earn your degree. An online degree in forensic psychology might include courses in law enforcement safety, criminal investigative psychology, personality assessment, deviant social groups, and behavioral science. In any program, your studies should include courses in psychology, law, and forensics. To become a licensed forensic psychologist, you will need to earn your master's or doctorate degree.

Forensic Psychology Job Possibilities

The National Honor Society in Psychology names forensic psychology as one of the fastest growing areas of psychology. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts jobs for psychologists to grow faster than the average profession between 2006 and 2016. The total number of psychologists is expected to increase by 15 percent during this time, or by 25,000 workers. The 2007 median salary for psychologists working for local governments (which includes forensic psychologists) was $77,900.

For police officers and detectives, including those who undergo training in forensic psychology, job growth is also anticipated. The BLS predicts an 11 percent increase in employment between 2006 and 2016, representing 97,000 additional workers. In 2007, police officers' and sheriffs' median salary was $49,630, while detectives and criminal investigators earned a median salary of $59,930.

• Law
• Crime Scene & Forensics