Is it due to inherent characteristics, or do circumstances play a bigger role?
Criminal psychology is a branch of psychology that studies the behaviors and thoughts of criminals.
The field of criminal psychology is related to forensic psychology, but there are important differences.
Criminal psychologists typically focus more directly on criminal behaviors.
The field is highly related toforensic psychology, and the two terms are sometimes used interchangeably.
Keep reading to learn more about what criminal psychology is and what criminal psychologists do.
What Does a Psychologist for Criminals Do?
A large part of what a criminal psychologist does is studyingwhypeople commit crimes.
Psychologists don’t typically accompany officers to interrogate apprehended suspects.
In addition to profiling, criminal psychologists may counsel people who have committed crimes and need psychological assessment.
Many psychologists work in computer-related fields, like studying internet predators or helping investigate online fraud.
Criminal psychologists are employed in a number of different institutions.
Some work for local, state, or federal government, while others are self-employed as independent consultants.
Still others opt to teach criminal psychology at the university level or specialized criminology training facilities.
In many cases, criminal psychologists start out by earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
After completing an undergraduate degree, some students opt to then enter amaster’s in psychologyprogram.
Enrolling in a doctorate program after earning your bachelor’s is another option.
Job openings in this specialty area are more plentiful for those with a PhD or PsyD degree in psychology.
In some cases, students opt to focus on a particular specialty area such as forensic or criminal psychology.
for become alicensed psychologist, you will also need to complete an internship and pass state examinations.
(The database doesn’t have data for forensic psychologists specifically.)
In 2023, annual incomes ranged from $47,450 to as high as $157,420.
Due to the nature of this profession, you may find yourself dealing with some truly disturbing situations.
You may need to look at crime scene photos or interview people suspected of horrifying crimes.
you oughta be prepared to deal with the emotional distress that this pop in of work may cause.
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U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Psychologists.Occupational Outlook Handbook.
American Psychological Association.A career in forensic and public service psychology.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Occupational employment and wages, May 2023: 19-3039 psychologists, all other.
American Psychological Association.What is forensic psychology?
