Admissions, accreditation, faculty, and reputation or ranking are the four factors to consider when choosing forensic psychology schools. Because forensics is a specialty within the psychology program, this type of school is organized within the Faculty of Medicine. A forensic psychologist studies the psychological makeup, forces, and factors that influenced criminal defendants’ behavior.
A forensic psychologist combines law and psychology knowledge to provide an expert opinion in court on the mental state of another person at the time of the crime. This is a significant shift from a traditional psychologist’s role. The psychologist is usually an independent consultant tasked with meeting with the accused at the court’s request. All interviews and sessions are taped and may be used as evidence in court if necessary.
A doctoral degree in psychology with a minor specialty in forensic sciences is required to work as a forensic psychologist. Typically, seven to eight years of post-secondary education are required to complete bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. Admission to the best programs is determined by a combination of undergraduate and graduate grades. A psychological evaluation is typically included in the admissions process to ensure that the candidate is qualified for this position.
When applying to forensic psychology schools, make sure to check the accreditation status. An accredited school has undergone an independent third-party review. Courses taken at an accredited school can be transferred to other post-secondary institutions, which is crucial for graduate students.
All forensic psychology courses must be taken at a recognized university. When a candidate applies to take the psychologist licensing exam, the courses are evaluated. The exam may be postponed until the courses are taken again from an accredited school if the courses are not suitable.
Carefully examine the qualifications of the faculty or course instructors. Biographies of course instructors can usually be found on the websites of most schools. Examine this information for academic credentials as well as work experience. Look through the list of recent publications and research papers to see what’s new. Because this is a specialty within a much broader field of study, it is critical that the instructors have the necessary qualifications.
When it comes to choosing forensic psychology schools, the school’s reputation is crucial. Inquire with the admissions counselor about speaking with former forensic psychology school graduates about their experiences. At least three former graduates should be contacted. Inquire about the quality of their education at the school, its relevance, and any other information they are willing to share.