A Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology can open doors to a wide variety of careers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for mental health counselors are expected to grow by about 19% (much faster than average) by 2033. This includes jobs in specialized fields such as forensic psychology. Those seeking to enter or advance in this field may want to consider pursuing a master’s degree in forensic psychology, which integrates psychology with the processes and procedures of the legal system.
The field of forensic psychology offers a variety of career options including consulting on public policy and working within the criminal justice system. While these are popular paths, they’re not your only choice.
What does a forensic psychologist do?
In general, forensic psychology covers areas where psychology and the legal system connect. While shows such as “Criminal Minds” portray forensic psychologists as action heroes, actual forensic psychologist jobs often involve treating and evaluating people charged with a crime, working with police officers, consulting with lawyers, and testifying in court.
For example, they may work in the court system to help lawyers, judges, and juries understand the motivations behind criminal behavior. In fact, many choose a forensic psychology career path to advocate on behalf of underserved populations, including African Americans, Latina/Latinos, communities with lower economic status, children, or those with mental health issues.
8 Forensic psychology job paths following a master’s degree
1. Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
Forensic psychology is a versatile field that prepares graduates to work as counselors in a wide variety of settings. These include addiction treatment facilities, domestic violence shelters, and private practice.
Of course, many counseling careers do require licensure. These include Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), or Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). If you’re interested in these fields, be sure to look for a Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology program with a licensure track. This ensures that you’ll be well-equipped to take the necessary exams and apply for licensure.
How much does a professional clinical counselor make?
The median annual salary for a professional clinical counselor is $56,230, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data was collected at the time this article was updated.
2. Correctional Counselor
Those with a master’s degree in forensic psychology can seek employment in a correctional facility. Graduates can leverage their understanding of crime and punishment and the legal and psychological ramifications of both to perform a variety of meaningful roles in the correctional system. This can include offering treatment and counseling for inmates and ex-convicts.
Additionally, correctional counselors may assist in developing programs to reduce recidivism rates. Correctional counselors provide mental health counseling and support to prison inmates and often conduct both individual and group sessions with inmates.
Correctional counselor work might include:
- Offering counseling sessions
- Collaborating with caseworkers, lawyers, and other employees at the correctional facility
Correctional counselors can provide deeper insight into the state and well-being of inmates and give recommendations for parole hearings.
How much does a correctional counselor make?
The national average salary for a correctional counselor is $60,599, according to ZipRecruiter. This data was collected at the time this article was updated.
3. Jail Supervisor
Jail supervisors, also known as corrections supervisors, work in correctional facilities such as juvenile jails, state penitentiaries, and detention centers. Their work centers on keeping inmates and staff members safe. Responsibilities can include overseeing daily activities, alleviating conflict, and ensuring the prison is clear of contraband.
A successful jail supervisor has strong communication and conflict-resolution skills. Since the job is to keep the peace, it’s important to understand each situation and deal with it patiently. That’s why a forensic psychology degree can be so beneficial.
How much does a correctional supervisor make?
The median annual salary for a correctional counselor is $70,190, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data was collected at the time this article was updated.
4. Victim Advocate
A victim advocate works directly with victims of crimes and survivors of traumatic events such as sexual assault or domestic violence. Advocates often help victims understand their case and legal rights, provide support throughout the legal process, and attend hearings with the victim.
It’s important to keep in mind that advocates are there to provide information, resources, and support to victims—but they do not tell victims what to do. Victim advocates can work for government organizations, such as police departments or courts, and for private organizations, nonprofits, or crisis centers.
How much does a victim advocate make?
The median annual salary for a victim advocate is $60,627, according to ZipRecruiter. This data was collected at the time this article was updated.
Request info5. Jury Consultant
Skills learned while earning a forensic psychology degree are useful in a variety of applications in court systems, including evaluating witness testimony, selecting juries, providing consultations, and more. For example, a jury consultant would work with lawyers to guide jury selection. As consultants, they research potential jurors and are heavily involved in voir dire, the phase of a trial when prospective jurors are questioned and selected by both the prosecuting and defense attorneys.
Additionally, jury consultants take notes during the trial on the body language and behavior of jurors. This information helps lawyers prepare their strategies and coach witnesses.
Because forensic psychology combines psychological insight with knowledge of the court system, a master’s degree in forensic psychology is a great step toward a career as a jury consultant.
How much does a jury consultant make?
The national average salary for a jury consultant is $88,652, according to ZipRecruiter. This data was collected at the time this article was updated.
6. Federal Government Employee
Individuals with a Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology can be well-equipped and attractive candidates for jobs with the federal government. This can include working at the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the CIA, Veteran Affairs hospitals, or other state and local government agencies.
A Masters Degree in Forensic Psychology prepares people to think critically, combine interdisciplinary perspectives, and apply psychological perspectives to real-world situations. This degree sets graduates up for success in jobs that include FBI special agents or VA hospital workers.
These positions do not require licensure, but it often helps to pursue a postgraduate-level degree to further your career in these organizations.
How much does a federal government employee make?
The salary for a federal government employee varies widely depending on the agency, the location of the agency, and your job title.
7. Police Consultant
Police consultants help educate police officers on how to best approach their communities to promote community policing strategies and how to best address interpersonal struggles or challenges within the department. Responsibilities can include:
- Providing suicide prevention training
- Offering anger management courses
- Facilitating critical Incident Stress Debriefing training
- Educating police officers on how to better handle situations involving persons who are disabled or mentally ill
How much does a police consultant make?
The national average salary for a police consultant is $62,485, according to ZipRecruiter. This data was collected at the time this article was updated.
8. Probation Officer
Another career path in forensic psychology within the justice system is to become a probation officer. Probation officers are appointed to investigate, report on, and supervise the conduct of convicted offenders who are sentenced to probation.
A master’s degree in forensic psychology, with its focus on psychological wellness, can help probation officers in their role to ensure that criminal offenders follow the terms of their probation and are safely rehabilitated back into society.
How much does a probation officer make?
The median annual salary for a probation officer is $60,250, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data was collected at the time this article was updated.
How to become a forensic psychologist
There is no single way to become a forensic psychologist. Forensic psychology is a broad field that applies psychology to the legal system, so forensic psychology careers are diverse and ever-growing.
First, you can obtain a master’s degree or doctorate in forensic psychology. There are licensure and non-licensure forensic psychology tracks at the master’s level. If you’re interested in conducting clinical work that focuses on dealing with criminal defendants, sex offenders, victims, and other legal arenas, you must become a licensed professional counselor.
If you’re interested in becoming a forensic psychologist or a professor, you should pursue a doctorate. As for licensure, the American Board of Professional Psychology has a Specialty Board Certification in Forensic Psychology. This is not a required credential to practice forensic psychology, but it proves that you have a high level of competency in the field.
Read more information about how to become a forensic psychologist.
Degrees in Forensic Psychology
Whether you’re looking to become a victim advocate or a jury consultant, a forensic psychology degree is a great place to start. The Chicago School offers Forensic Psychology degree programs online and at campuses nationwide.
- B.A. Criminology, Forensic Psychology Specialization
- M.A. Forensic Psychology, Professional Counselor Licensure
- M.A. Applied Forensic Psychology, Non-Licensure Track
- M.A. Applied Psychology, Forensic Psychology Concentration
- Psy.D. Clinical Forensic Psychology
Learn more about forensic psychology careers and degree programs
If you would like more information about pursuing a master’s degree in forensic psychology at The Chicago School, visit the Forensic Psychology program page or fill out the form below to request more information.
FAQs About Forensic Psychology
Q: What can you do with a degree in forensic psychology?
A: There are many different career paths you could choose with a degree in forensic psychology. Among them are the 12 careers for forensic psychologists highlighted in this article: correctional counselor, jail supervisor, victim advocate, jury consultant, federal government employee, police consultant, licensed professional clinical counselor, probation officer, crime analyst, forensic research psychologist, investigative journalist, and forensic social worker.
Q: What do you do as a forensic psychologist?
A: Depending on the specific field of forensic psychology you choose, you may work with victims of crimes and survivors of traumatic events. You can also work with law enforcement to assess criminals.
Q: Where can you work as a forensic psychologist?
A: You can find work as a forensic psychologist in major cities and around the world. Most forensic psychologists work in prisons, government and law enforcement agencies, rehabilitation centers, courts, or private practice.
Q: What is the forensic psychologist’s job outlook?
A: The forensic psychologist’s job outlook is promising. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for mental health counselors are expected to grow by about 19% (much faster than average) by 2033. The integration of psychology in legal and criminal justice systems continues to expand, creating more opportunities for those with specialized training in forensic psychology.