Careers in criminal psychology have become increasingly popular in the last few years, thanks to TV series such as Criminal Minds and CSI. These series have sparked interest in how criminals think, which has resulted in a significant increase in the number of scholars who want to undertake criminal psychology as a career. Pursuing a career as a criminal psychologist is exciting and can lead you to a rewarding professional path. Here are four common steps to becoming a certified criminal psychologist.
1. Obtain a bachelor’s degree
The initial step in becoming a criminal psychologist is to acquire a bachelor’s degree in psychology or criminal justice. This four-year program will give you a solid foundation in criminal justice theory, social and abnormal psychology, and social science research. Some universities offer criminal psychology degrees at the baccalaureate level, but most related degrees will be all right to get admission into a graduate program. Since criminal psychology deals with a lot of psychological clinical elements, you may choose to pursue a bachelor of science (BS) degree.
2. Earn an advanced degree
Obtaining a bachelor’s degree in psychology only prepares graduates to apply for various entry-level positions in the field, such as a social service worker or career counselor. However, if you wish to become a practicing clinical criminal psychologist, you must complete a master’s or doctoral (Ph.D., PsyD) degree program. These programs usually take two more years to complete, and students are required to complete at least one-year full-time internship within a related agency or company under the supervision of a practicing psychologist.
Candidates must meet grade point average (GPA) and quality point average (QPA) requirements to enroll in a master’s program. In some cases, you may be required to submit graduate record examinations (GRE) or graduate management admission test (GMAT) scores as part of your admission packages. Ph.D. candidate coursework puts more emphasis on research, while the PsyD program emphasizes clinical work.
3. Acquire training and practical experience
While it’s not essential for criminal psychologists, it’s highly recommended that those aspiring to get into the field also complete a post-doctoral fellowship training opportunity to boost their practical experience. Since it’s less likely for fresh graduates to immediately land a job in this competitive field, most decide to get their foot in the door by working as interns or volunteers at the criminal justice department or law enforcement agency. Acquiring practical experience can also help candidates decide on their area of specialization.
4. Acquire state licensure
Since this is a health-regulated field, it’s essential that candidates get licensed through their state’s licensing board. The licensure requirements vary by state, but most states require candidates to complete a doctoral degree, obtain supervised clinical hours and pass a state licensing exam. Becoming a licensed criminal psychologist is essential for ensuring quality, upholding the standards of professional conduct, and observing the state’s legislation, regulations, and laws.
Endnote
A criminal psychologist studies criminals, their motives, thought patterns, reactions, emotions, and feelings and then draws a complete picture of why a certain crime was committed. They also help make a judgment regarding incarceration by speaking to people serving jail terms and determining whether they have reformed or should be set free. If you are ready to become a criminal psychologist, research for accredited online degrees in criminal psychology today.
