Since the introduction of prime-time television crime shows such as “Law & Order: SVU” and “Criminal Minds,” interest in the connection between psychology and crime has increased dramatically. But while “Law & Order” focuses on the field of forensic psychology, shows such as “Criminal Minds” actually focus on the slightly different, yet closely associated field of criminal psychology.
While similar, it is important to note there are distinct differences between these two fields.
Read on to learn more about how forensic psychology differs from the similar study of criminal psychology and why that matters if you plan to pursue a career in the field of forensic psychology.
What is forensic psychology and what do forensic psychologists do?
Forensic psychology is the application of psychology within the criminal and justice system. The American Psychology Association officially began recognizing it as a specialty field of psychology in 2001. Forensic psychologists use psychological concepts from cognitive psychology, social psychology, and other research to help inform and improve the criminal justice system.
A forensic psychologist helps to influence and better the decisions made within the legal system.
In practice, forensic psychologists can apply their knowledge to perform threat assessments, child custody evaluations, competency evaluations of defendants, help with jury selection, witness evaluations, and establish improvements to prisons and correctional systems.
Forensic psychologists use interviewing, evaluation, assessment, and research skills in their day-to-day work. They can influence public policy, how criminal defendants are treated, and sometimes deliver testimony in court.
Additionally, forensic psychologists can play a vital role in:
- Jury selection
- Family court
- Assessment of witnesses
- Criminal court
- Civil court
As a forensic psychologist, the integration of psychology and the legal system can include the studies of public policy, the public’s view of criminals, demographics, the competence of a suspect to stand trial, workplace discrimination, and much more.
Professionals in the field are required to integrate the forensic psychology skills they’ve learned with clear, comprehensible, communication skills. Oftentimes, forensic psychologists are asked to deliver courtroom testimonies on behalf of the prosecution and/or defense.
How is forensic psychology different from criminal psychology?
Forensic psychology can often be confused with criminal psychology.
Psychology School Guide describes criminal psychology as the study of thought processes, intentions, motivations, and reactions of criminals. On the other hand, forensic psychology is centered on the analytical ability of the psychologist and the interpretation of scientifically validated data.
Criminal psychology is more theoretical based, used to help predict the behavior of the individual, while forensic psychology revolves more around the application of this theory.
A criminal psychologist may play a role in:
- Assessing how likely a criminal is to re-offend
- Providing suggestions on interview process strategy
- Insight into the behavior of an individual after committing a crime
- Theoretical assessments of a suspect before the perpetrator has been identified
Similar to forensic psychologists, criminal psychologists are asked to deliver expert testimonies on behalf of the prosecution or defense. Many criminal psychologists are self-employed, private consultants, or utilized by local, state, or federal governments.
What are the requirements to become a forensic psychologist?
As popularity has risen within the psychology field, the need for a competitive edge has become more apparent. This has also resulted in an increase of degree offerings.
The Chicago School offers numerous M.A. in forensic psychology programs across the country, with courses in police psychology, sex offender, corrections, and more.
Due to forensic psychologists’ close relationship to the criminal justice system, many employers prefer to see candidates with an integrated law-psychology knowledge.
What should I look for in forensic psychology colleges and programs?
Because forensic psychology encompasses a lot of different areas, it’s important to find a program that suits your interests. You can take a more generalist approach to forensic psychology or choose a degree track with a specialization.
Forensic psychology degree concentrations can be in legal studies, police psychology, corrections, child protection, sex offenders, and more.
Be sure to do your research and ensure that the forensic psychology program you’re interested in meets your needs.
What kind of forensic psychology classes can I study?
For our M.A. Forensic Psychology program, these are a few courses that students will take on their path to pursue licensure as a professional counselor:
- Trauma and Crisis Intervention
- Mental Health Law
- Clinical and Diagnostic Interviewing
- Assessment of Substance Abuse and Addictive Disorders
- Evaluation and Treatment of the Adult or Juvenile Offender
- Social and Cultural Foundations in Counseling
- Forensic Documentation, Report Writing, and Testifying
What are the core competencies taught in Forensic Psychology programs?
For our Forensic Psychology master’s program, we follow the eight main content areas outlined by the National Board of Certified Counselors, which consists of professional counseling orientation and ethical practice, social and cultural diversity, human growth and development, career development, counseling and helping relationships, group counseling and group work, assessment and testing, research and program evaluation.
How do Forensic Psychology programs integrate real-world casework?
With our Forensic Psychology classes taught by psychologists and counselors who have real-world forensic psychology experience, that expertise is transferred into the lessons.
Learn more about The Chicago School
Interested in learning more about The Chicago School’s forensic psychology programs? Check out our forensic psychology programs page or fill out the form below to request more information.