For those individuals who possess a knack for problem solving and a keen interest in the areas of science, the human mind, and criminal justice, a forensic psychology degree can provide excellent occupational opportunities, earning potentials, and personal satisfaction in an expanding field. Typically, careers in forensic psychology are offered to people who acquire a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, and/or a doctorate-level degree. It is through those degrees that individuals master the skills in criminal investigation, human behavior and development, evidence analysis, effective communication, and leadership, which are vital components of any quality forensic psychologist, criminal investigator, forensic scientist, medical evaluator, or criminal psychologist that entails this area of expertise. Fortunate for individuals who desire to enhance their educations in forensic psychology, there are many exceptional educational facilities that offer forensic psychology degree programs to qualified, motivated applicants.
How to Find the Top Forensic Psychology Degree Programs
From East to West, there is a great variety of colleges and universities that offer forensic psychology degree programs in the United States. Those quality institutions acknowledge both the need and the desire for quality degree programs, and thus provide their students with fully accredited, reputable, skill-enhancing, hands-on learning experiences through their academic offerings in this field. Three schools that offer some of the best forensic psychology degree programs are reviewed below.
1. Castleton State College: This college is ranked among the best schools for forensic psychology according to Education Portal, and it offers its students a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology-Forensic Psychology Degree program. Castleton State College is fully accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
2. University of Denver: The University of Denver offers its students one of the best forensic psychology programs in the nation, and it is ranked as the best school for forensic psychology degree programs by Education Portal. This university is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, and it offers a Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology Degree program to qualified applicants who possess at least a bachelor’s degree.
3. Walden University: Walden University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, and it offers some of the best online forensic psychology degree programs. Those degree programs include the following: a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Psychology Degree program, a Master of Science in Forensic Psychology-Forensic Psychology in the Community Degree program, and a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision-Forensic Mental Health Degree program.
Careers and Salaries for Individuals with a Forensic Psychology Degree
One of the greatest advantages of any forensic psychology career is that it comprises one of the fastest growing components of the field of psychology. Salaries for forensic psychology degree holders generally range between $53,500 and $86,000 or more per year, and this range reflects skill levels, geographic location, experience levels, and length of employment. The most satisfying, rewarding, and stable forensic psychology careers are held by the following professionals: forensic psychologists, who earn the highest forensic psychology salaries of between $55,000 and $130,000 per year; criminal court psychologists, who make between $33,000 and $103,000 per year; family court psychologists, who enjoy annual earnings of between $57,000 and $92,000; civil court psychologists, who possess annual salaries of about $69,000; psychotherapists, who earn around $56,400 per year; jury consultants, who earn roughly $54,000 annually; and criminal profilers, who enjoy annual earnings of $60,000 per year. Despite varying salary potentials, professionals in this field all possess a forensic psychology degree through an accredited bachelor’s or master’s degree program.
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