Top Career Options For Forensic Psychology Degree Holders

psychology degree

If you’ve watched Criminal Minds or Mindhunter, we’re sure you’ve heard about forensic psychology. Forensic psychology is one of the most exciting psychology branches, and it applies psychological principles to the justice system. As a forensic psychologist, you get the opportunity to analyze patterns of behavior while working with criminal offenders. Furthermore, you assess which offenders have a greater chance of reoffending and help correctional design programs. However, much of a forensic psychologist’s career is devoted to understanding human behavior and finding out what makes a criminal. This research can help the police not only catch criminals but prevent crime before it even happens. So, if you’re interested in a career in this prestigious field, keep reading below. We have a list of the top career options for you if you have a forensic psychology degree.

TOP CAREER OPTIONS FOR FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY

CRIME ANALYST

Working as a crime analyst is one of the most popular options for forensic psychology degree holders. As a crime analyst, you combine sociology, human development, and psychology with criminal theory. Crime analysts conduct behavioral research to determine which individuals are likeliest to offend. A degree in forensic psychology gives you all the tools you need to prepare for this career and allows you to hone your critical thinking skills. Furthermore, an internship can give you the hands-on skills necessary to provide your work immense accuracy. 

Many schools offer online degrees for students to continue their education with ease with a pandemic raging on. With a forensic psychology degree online, you don’t have to put your plans for being a forensic psychologist on hold either. The degree can allow you to read and interpret various statistics and research papers to help law enforcement officials prevent crime.

JUVENILE OFFENDERS COUNSELLOR

A job as a juvenile offender’s counselor is one of the most critical routes you can take as a forensic psychologist. Most juveniles who enter the justice system are victims of abuse and neglect themselves, and placing them in correctional facilities only furthers this cycle of abuse. A juvenile counselor can help break this cycle by helping incarcerated juveniles cope with their trauma. While recidivism rates for juveniles are typically high, effective counseling can help prevent future crimes. Millions of youths detained each year are under 18, and without counseling, these children can commit more serious offenses. A juvenile counselor’s role is challenging, but it can help shape a better society.

VICTIM SPECIALIST

As a forensic psychology degree holder, you can find good job opportunities working with the federal government. One of the most crucial jobs for forensic psychologists is that of a victim specialist. The trauma that victims endure in the aftermath of a crime can haunt them for the rest of their lives. As a victim specialist, you help these people move on and make the most of their lives. As a victim specialist, you need to know how to navigate crime scenes and offer emergency assistance. Furthermore, you need to help law enforcement officials elicit information from victims who would otherwise be too traumatized to communicate correctly in the aftermath of a crime.

COURT LIAISON

As a court liaison, you have an administrative duty to assist district attorney’s on cases. Work centers ensuring that there is an uninterrupted flow of information. It can include keeping schedules on track to ensure that everyone, from the law enforcement officials to the victims and the attorneys, is on the same page. As a court liaison, you help witnesses prepare their testimonies. Furthermore, they help aid communication between the various stakeholders and handle all vital documentation. If you dream of working in a court setting, this is one of the best career options with a forensic psychology degree.

PROBATION OFFICER

Working as a probation officer allows you to interact personally with the law enforcement system. As a probation officer, your job is to monitor people just released from prison. However, that isn’t all that the job entails. With a psychological wellness background, you can offer these individuals guidance as they try to do better. You can help decide the release dates while also assessing the future likelihood of crime. Probation officers can play a vital role in reducing the crime rate, as they help people adjust back into society’s fabric. You can work with a variety of individuals as a probation officer, including juvenile offenders. By keeping a close eye on released prisoners, you can help keep your community safe.

Conclusion

A forensic psychology degree opens up vast new avenues for you. Forensic psychology degree holders know mental health practices, behavior, and the legal system, making them the ideal candidates to help lower crime rates. No matter which career option you choose, you will be a useful member of society, creating a safer space for everyone.