Why does someone commit a crime? Are some crimes the result of mental illness? Was a person that committed a crime temporarily or chronically insane? These are just some of the questions that criminal psychologists strive to answer through clinical practice and research. The American Psychological Association refers to the field of Criminal Psychology as Forensic Psychology, which seeks to apply psychological theory and principles to the judicial system.
A criminal psychologist may evaluate the mental state of a defendant for a pending court case or help determine mental competence for purposes of commitment hearings. Criminal psychologists also treat people with mental illnesses that lead to criminal behaviors, such as sex offenders. One of the more exciting roles of a criminal psychologist and one that has been sensationalized in the popular media is that of criminal profiler. These experts in criminal behavior use the psychological traits and tendencies of known criminals to develop profiles that likely describe the features of unknown perpetrators. In reality, the number of practicing criminal profilers is very low—the job makes up a small percentage of criminal psychologist jobs.
The steps involved in becoming a criminal psychologist are:
- Find out if you are truly interested in becoming a criminal psychologist. Fortunately most people are sheltered from various types of crime, thus it is important to determine if you are truly ready for a career that will expose you to people that commit serious crimes. Criminal psychologists must remain objective when evaluating cases, which can be difficult. In practical terms, future criminal psychologists must have an open mind that balances a fine line between personal freedoms and the protection of society.
- Obtain a bachelor’s degree in psychology from an accredited college or university. A bachelor’s degree in psychology is the first step in becoming a criminal psychologist. You should take the required core classes with as much focus in abnormal and criminal psychology as possible. A bachelor’s degree in psychology takes four years to complete on average.
- Obtain a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in Forensic Psychology. Perhaps due to the broad popularity of fictional accounts of criminal psychologists, the competition for available jobs is quite high. A terminal degree is usually required for sustainable work in this field (though some can have full careers with a master’s degree in forensic psychology). The doctoral training will cover various courses in psychology as well as select training in criminal and family law. Successful completion of the degree requirements includes a clinical dissertation involving field work.
- Obtain a license. It is essential for a practicing criminal psychologist to have an active, non-restricted license. Licensure requires some work under the supervision of a licensed psychologist and a passing grade on the Examination for Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP). Most states (a notable exception is California) require passage on an oral examination.
- Develop and maintain an impeccable professional record. Since most criminal psychologists will testify in court, it is essential to have a strong professional record. Remember that you will be asked to provide expert testimony based on your training and experience. This carried considerable weight with the court (judge) and jury. The opposing attorney may attempt to discredit your expertise and credentials as part of her client’s defense. Any black mark on your record can have negative consequences in future court cases and limit career opportunities.
- Salary expectations. The median annual income for criminal psychologists is approximately $70,000. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for psychologists over the next ten years is 22%, which is faster than average, though the prospects for forensic psychologists are slightly less robust at 14%.
Becoming a criminal psychologist can be an exciting and rewarding career, especially for those that have an interest in the motivations and pathology associated with criminal behavior. It is important to assess what type of work you would like to do—teaching, treating patients, evaluations and court proceedings—and structure your education and experiences with those goals in mind.