How to Become a Forensic Psychologist and Help Serve Justice

By Monique M. Chouraeshkenazi, Ph.D., PsyD, MSCP  |  10/01/2024

Forensic psychology is a specialized clinical psychology field that integrates the ideals of psychology into the legal system. It involves the application of psychological principles, theories, and practices to forensic science to address legal concerns.  

Forensic psychology requires specific competencies and advanced knowledge. Professionals in this field focus on the intersection of legal theory, practices, and methods with clinical practices and ethics.

There is a special relationship between clinical and forensic practice. In fact, forensic psychologists can make decisions in both clinical practice and forensic practice to discuss the psychological implications, such as mental disorders, and how it affects the legal or criminal justice system.

What Does a Forensic Psychologist Do?

Forensic psychologists routinely contribute to criminal investigations. Nonetheless, these professionals have numerous distinct responsibilities.

Assessments and Evaluations

Neuropsychological and psychological evaluations can have significant implications in legal cases. A forensic psychologist might evaluate an individual’s competency to stand trial or assess a defendant’s eligibility for the insanity defense.  

There are also risk assessments a forensic psychologist may perform to protect public safety. In fact, forensic psychologists may lend their expertise to address different legal concerns:

• Child custody
• Death notification methods
• Defendants’ propensity to re-offend
• Recidivism rates
• Screening procedures for law enforcement officers
• Threat assessments

Consultations

A forensic psychologist may provide consultation services to attorneys, law enforcement agencies, and other public servants within the U.S. justice system. As consultants, forensic psychologists may advise on interrogation techniques or assist with jury selections.

Criminal Profiling

Forensic psychologists apply psychological science to help investigators identify suspects in active cases. This work involves using one's forensic psychology expertise to analyze behavioral patterns, crime scenes, and evidence and to establish profiles of alleged or known perpetrators.

Expert Testimonies

Forensic psychologists can serve as expert witnesses in court. In this capacity, they may provide testimonies on various psychological issues during criminal trials.

For example, a forensic psychologist may analyze eyewitness testimony to offer insight into the details of a case. Alternatively, forensic psychologists may testify about the relationship between mental disorders, violent acts, and crimes.

Research

Research is a significant component of forensic psychologists’ work. They continually research the relationship between psychology and the law.

Treatment Planning and Interventions

Forensic psychologists provide treatment of various modalities to individuals involved in the legal system. For example, they may provide mental health counseling or psychotherapy services to victims of crimes.

What Are the Educational Requirements to Become a Forensic Psychologist?

Forensic psychologists have a broad scope of professional duties and responsibilities. Consequently, they must demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of psychological principles and theories, as well as legal standards. Though licensing and education requirements vary by state, a forensic psychologist usually needs an advanced degree and specialized training.

The first step that students take to become a forensic psychologist is to earn an undergraduate degree. A bachelor’s degree in either criminal justice, psychology, or a related discipline is generally ideal.

Some schools also offer bachelor’s degrees in forensic psychology. In these undergraduate programs, students learn the fundamentals of clinical forensic psychology:

• Abnormal behavior or psychopathology
• Criminal investigation
• Criminal justice
• Correctional psychology
• Criminal law
• Criminal psychology
• Gender, race, and crime
• Legal psychology
• Police psychology
• Legal standards and ethics
• Research
• Statistics
• Victimology

NOTE: This list is not exhaustive; forensic psychology and psychology programs vary by academic institution.  

After obtaining a bachelor’s degree and gaining a firm understanding of forensic psychology topics, the next step is to attend graduate school. Generally, becoming a forensic psychologist involves completing two graduate programs.

First, students will need a master’s degree in forensic psychology or a related discipline. Then, they must complete a doctoral program to pursue licensure and practice independently.

Two types of doctoral programs can be used to become a forensic psychologist. The first type of doctoral program is called a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). The other doctoral degree is a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.).

Many forensic psychologists hold a doctoral degree in either psychology or clinical psychology. There tends to be confusion about the difference between a Ph.D. and a Psy.D. in clinical psychology.

A Ph.D. in clinical psychology focuses on research and scientific study. Conversely, a Psy.D. focuses on applying clinical practices through training. Each type of doctoral degree helps to prepare clinicians for licensure.

It is also worth noting that some schools offer Ph.D. programs in forensic psychology and other specialty areas within the field. These doctoral programs may also help learners prepare for licensure.

How to Become a Licensed Psychologist  

Licensure requirements for forensic psychologists vary by state. Learners must generally comply with the requirements set forth by the states where they intend to practice.

All states require candidates seeking licensure to have an advanced degree. Some states, however, specify that candidates must complete doctoral programs accredited by the American Psychological Association. Ideally, students should always research their states’ requirements before enrolling in graduate programs.

In addition, there are typically additional requirements beyond education that learners must meet to qualify for licensure. For example, prospects must usually complete clinical hours under the supervision of licensed psychologists (preferably in forensic psychology). Clinical hours include pre-doctoral (e.g., externships and internships) and postdoctoral training.

The Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology

Prospective forensic psychologists must pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). The EPPP is a state licensing exam that the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) developed. All states and territories within the United States – as well as all Canadian provinces – require this step.

The EPPP aims to protect the public by ensuring clinicians know how to practice psychology compentently. The examination consists of two parts. The first part is based on eight critical areas of psychology:

• Biological bases of behavior
• Cognitive-affective bases of behavior
• Social and cultural bases of behavior
• Growth and lifespan development
• Assessment and diagnosis (abnormal psychology or psychopathology)
• Treatment, intervention, prevention, and supervision
• Research methods and statistics
• Ethical, legal, and professional issues

The second part of the exam is a skills-based assessment.

License Renewals and Reciprocity

Clinical psychologists must periodically renew their licensure. They must also complete continuing education (CE) credits to remain in good standing with their respective states. CE and renewal requirements vary by state.

Interestingly, many states work together to provide forensic psychologists with opportunities for mobility. In fact, according to the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP), 25 states have reciprocity agreements. These agreements permit licensed psychologists to move between jurisdictions without obtaining new credentials.

Nevertheless, it is possible to become a forensic psychologist and relocate to a state that does not recognize your license. Under those circumstances, you must obtain licensure in the new state to continue practicing. Doing so may require additional coursework, supervised clinical hours, and/or training.

Additional Requirements for Forensic Psychologists

In certain states, becoming a forensic psychologist involves extra steps beyond completing one or more degrees and obtaining licensure. For example, some states require prospective forensic psychologists to pass a jurisprudence or state ethics examination. Therefore, it is important to consult the respective state's requirements where you plan to practice.

Pursuing Board Certification as a Forensic Psychologist

Board certification is awarded through the American Board of Forensic Psychology (ABFP) and the ABPP. Becoming a board-certified, licensed forensic psychologist requires relevant experience in the field. Therefore, candidates must complete postdoctoral training in forensic psychology through a supervised clinical experience.

This training may occur in courts, mental health facilities or clinics, hospitals, or private practices. The ABPP requires this training to ensure candidates have sufficient experience with forensic assessments, expert testimony, and other areas within the U.S. justice system.

There are additional steps a forensic psychologist must complete to pursue board certification:

• Satisfy educational, licensure, experience, and training requirements set forth by the ABFP
• Provide practice samples of forensic work (e.g., redacted forensic assessments)
• Pass an oral examination to demonstrate forensic psychology knowledge and communication skills
• Pass a written examination to demonstrate forensic psychology knowledge and skills

Where Can Forensic Psychologists Work?

Becoming a forensic psychologist makes it possible to seek employment opportunities in a wide range of settings:

• Academic institutions
• Civil and criminal court systems
• Government agencies
• Hospitals
• Independent/private forensic psychology practices
• Insurance companies
• Jails/prisons
• Laboratories
• Law enforcement agencies
• Law offices (civil and criminal)
• Mental health clinics
• Research institutions  

Most forensic psychologists have a challenging and fulfilling profession. Most forensic psychologists find their work satisfying because they can apply their clinical psychology and scientific knowledge to legal settings.

The work of experienced professionals in the forensic psychology field is crucial for improving the criminal justice system and solving crimes. In fact, forensic psychologists play a vital role in advancing our society’s overall understanding of the relationship between mental disorders and crime.

Interestingly, forensic psychology is a fascinating field with many specialty areas, according to Kendra Cherry of Very Well Mind. Undoubtedly, forensic psychology will continue to grow, especially as the need for mental health professionals within the justice system demands it.

Psychology Degrees at American Military University

For students who want to become a forensic psychologist, American Military University (AMU) offers two psychology degree programs with flexible online courses. Students can learn at their own pace while balancing job and family responsibilities.

AMU’s online bachelor’s degree in psychology combines coursework in fundamental general psychology topics. Students discuss everything from human development to personality theories, mental illness, and social psychology. Assignments will help students to strengthen their analytical and critical thinking skills.

AMU also offers an online master's degree in psychology. Courses in this program cover topics such as professional ethics, research methods, and multicultural issues in human behavior. Additionally, our graduate degree program allows adult learners with the opportunity to select a concentration area and focus their studies.

For more information, visit our program page.

Note: The bachelor’s degree in psychology does not provide licensure, preparation for licensure, or professional certification as a mental health counselor, psychologist, or practitioner. The master's degree in psychology does not provide licensure for clinical practice, preparation for licensure, or professional certification.