-By Timothy Lyons
The study of a Criminal psychologist, or forensic psychologists, can allow a person to understand the world in which they live through the eyes of a criminal. It is studied to help make communities safer. Criminal psychology degree programs can prepare individuals for advanced training in the areas of criminology, sociology, psychology, biology, or even human behavior. Someone who studies criminal psychology might learn to assess mental competency. They might counsel victims of crime or evaluate child custody cases. To be licensed as a psychologist in any state one must have a doctoral degree and be certified by the state. One could work in the field by possessing a bachelor’s degree.
What they do
The person who studies for a criminal psychology degree attempts to understand the psychological motivating factors that precede a criminal act. A criminal psychologist might help determine the criminal’s thinking behind committing a crime. They can interview criminals to learn about their childhood. In addition, criminal psychologists might evaluate crime scenes, look at evidence or speak to witnesses and victims. They may give an assessment of the suspect or suspects in a given crime. Perhaps they might create psychological profiles to help law enforcement apprehend a criminal. Some of these individuals study criminal thinking and the criminal’s state of mind to assist jurors understand the criminal mindset in court.
Criminal Psychology Degree
Students who attend a school of criminal psychology will have classes in criminal justice and criminology. It would be a good idea to have at least a bachelor’s degree to practice in the field. Students can gain introductory knowledge of the criminal psychology field by earning a degree in forensic psychology or criminal justice. Subjects covered at the undergraduate level include psychopathology, personality assessment, and offender evaluations. Courses in social or abnormal psychology and early intervention strategies may be part of this curriculum.
Work in the field
Some criminal psychologists or even those who work in criminology can work in places ranging from mental institutions and local law enforcement offices to jails and prison. They can work for courts, the Federal US attorney, community corrections, parole or probation. Criminal psychologists are sometimes called upon to offer expert testimony in criminal cases. Below you will find a list of the top ten schools in criminology.