One of the most popular types of degrees to obtain today is a degree in forensic psychology. Online and offline, programs are available that will help you find the career path that you want to take. Studying psychology can provide you with more information about yourself and those who inhabit the world around you. When you add the forensic aspect into your studies, you will be able to learn how the law and psychology work together in an attempt ensure that the right people go to prison, and that people get the help they need. You will find a number of great reasons to start studying forensic psychology.
The Forensic Psychology Degree is a Great Start to a Wonderful Career
Getting your degree in forensic psychology online or in a traditional school is the first step in becoming an actual forensic psychologist. When you have your degree, you will then be able to start looking for graduate schools so you can get your master’s degree or doctorate. Having a background in psychology, as well as criminology or sociology can be quite beneficial.
A Wide Range of Career Choices
Once you have your degree, you will be able to start looking for work. However, when you have a four-year degree, you will likely only be able to find work in some type of support capacity since you don’t have the training and skill of an actual forensic psychologist. Most of the time, graduates will want to continue with their studies to become a full-fledged forensic psychologist. When you do, you will find that you have quite a few choices when it comes to your career.
You will be able to work within the court systems providing counseling for those in need, as well as determining whether someone is fit to stand trial. You could work in the prison and corrections system and provide counseling and your recommendations to parole hearings. It’s also possible to work in hospitals, police stations, and other locations when you have your master’s and doctorate. You could also work in a research capacity. The more education you have the more opportunities you will have.
The Job Outlook is Quite Good
When you look at what the Bureau of Labor Statistics has to say about forensic psychology, you can see that the job outlook is promising. More and more places are in need of those who have forensic psychology skills and training. The growth rate in psychology should be about 18% in the coming years, and you can be sure that the subfield of forensic psychology is growing as well.
Great Financial Compensation
Another one of the reasons that many people find forensic psychology to be a good career option is the compensation. The job can pay quite well. Of course, the exact salary for a forensic psychologist is going to vary based on a number of different things. For example, the type of work that you are doing, the organization for which you work, and your geographic location will all play a role. However, you will find that the compensation is usually going to be enough to live comfortably no matter where it is you are working.
You Will Enjoy the Challenge and the Reward
Those who enter the field of psychology don’t usually do it for the money though. They really want to help people and make a difference, and that’s likely the reason that you want to get your degree in the field as well. Forensic psychology can be very rewarding, and it can challenge what you know and what you think about humanity. It is a wonderful career.
Anita Schepers provides advice and information on how to get a forensic psychology degree online at ForensicPsychologyOnline.com.