Best Online Bachelor’s in Forensic Psychology

Most psychologists working in non-clinical settings are counseling psychologists, helping patients overcome mental, social, and emotional concerns. Specializations within this field include rehabilitation, cognitive-behavioral psychology, and couples and family psychology. All psychologists must earn a doctoral degree and state licensure in order to work as psychologists, and ABPP certification can help them practice in a specific field.

Psychology careers appeal to people who get satisfaction from helping others overcome physical, mental, and social problems or who finds the workings of human behavior and thought fascinating.

Criminal investigators — also called detectives — gather facts and collect evidence to help solve possible crimes. Many of these professionals have at least an associate degree in a discipline like forensic psychology or criminal justice, though some only go through police academy training. Criminal investigators must also complete special training at a police academy and have two years of experience in law enforcement.

Criminal investigation work usually appeals to people with strong research and analysis skills. These professionals spend a fair amount of time cataloging evidence and completing paperwork in an office setting, though they must also conduct onsite visits to crime scenes in order to collect information and interview witnesses.

Clinical psychologists focus on serious pathologies in mental and behavioral health. They often work in hospitals or mental and behavioral health facilities, helping people suffering from serious emotional and mental disturbances. Forensic psychology is a subfield of clinical psychology; forensic psychologists often conduct individual and group therapy with incarcerated people and provide expert testimony about criminal psychology in court.

Clinical psychology requires fortitude and empathy to effectively help people cope with behavioral issues and successfully navigate society.