What do forensic psychologists do?
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What Is Forensic Psychology?
Interest in forensic psychology has grown significantly in recent years.
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Increasing numbers ofgraduate programsoffer dual degrees in psychology and law, while others provide specialization in forensic psychology.
Some psychologists hold a specialist degree in forensic psychology, but most are licensed psychologists with either a PhD.
These professionals may work in both criminal and civil law areas.
Forensic psychology is a relatively new specialty area.
In fact, forensic psychology was just officially recognized as a specialty area by theAmerican Psychological Associationin 2001.
Learn more about some of the major events and key figures in thehistory of forensic psychology.
That said, forensic psychologists do play an important role in the criminal justice system.
It can be an exciting career for students interested in applying psychological principles to the legal system.
What Do They Do?
In many cases, people working in forensic psychology are not necessarily “forensic psychologists.”
Another example is that of aschool psychologist.
Distinguishing Features
So what exactly makes forensic psychology different from another specialty area such as clinical psychology?
Typically, the duties of a forensic psychologist are fairly limited in terms of scope and duration.
There are a number of different job options within the field of forensic psychology.
A Word From Verywell
Forensic psychology can be an exciting and challenging career choice.
American Board of Forensic Psychology.About.
American Psychology Association.Speciality Guidelines for Forensic Psychology.
American Psychological Association.What is forensic psychology?
Fulero SM, Wrightsman LS.Forensic Psychology.
Belmont, CA: Wadsworth; 2009.
