Forensic psychology is where psychology and the legal system intersect. Professionals in this field use psychological expertise to understand, evaluate, and sometimes treat individuals involved in the criminal or civil justice system. From evaluating a defendant’s mental competency to working with victims of crime, forensic psychology careers span clinical, legal, correctional, and academic settings.
Because the field is so broad, students often ask: What can I do with a forensic psychology degree? The answer depends on your education level and career goals. Some roles—like licensed forensic psychologist or expert witness—require a doctorate and state licensure. Others, such as victim advocate or case manager, may be open to those with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in psychology, criminal justice, or a related field.
In this guide, we’ll explore 15 career paths in forensic psychology, explain the education needed for each, and help you understand how to align your training with your professional goals.
Career Paths in Forensic Psychology
1. Forensic Psychologist
What they do: Evaluate individuals involved in legal cases—such as assessing mental competency, risk of violence, or criminal responsibility. May also serve as expert witnesses in court.
Where they work: Courts, correctional facilities, private practice, psychiatric hospitals.
Education required: Doctorate in psychology (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) + state licensure as a psychologist.
2. Correctional Psychologist
What they do: Provide therapy and mental health evaluations for incarcerated individuals. May address issues like trauma, anger management, and suicide risk.
Where they work: Prisons, jails, juvenile detention centers.
Education required: Doctorate preferred, though some roles accept a master’s in counseling or psychology with appropriate licensure.
3. Police / Public Safety Psychologist
What they do: Support law enforcement agencies with officer wellness programs, critical incident response, and candidate evaluations for hiring.
Where they work: Police departments, federal agencies, consulting practices.
Education required: Doctorate in psychology, often with specialized training in police or public safety settings.
4. Forensic Mental Health Counselor
What they do: Provide counseling to justice-involved individuals, including those on probation or parole. Address substance use, trauma, and reintegration.
Where they work: Community mental health agencies, courts, diversion programs.
Education required: Master’s in counseling or clinical psychology from a CACREP-accredited program + state licensure (LPC, LMHC, etc.).
5. Expert Witness
What they do: Testify in court regarding mental health issues, psychological evaluations, or treatment outcomes. Often clarify complex psychological concepts for judges and juries.
Where they work: Court systems, private forensic practices, academic institutions.
Education required: Doctorate in psychology + extensive forensic experience; must be qualified as an expert by the court.
6. Competency Evaluator / Risk Assessor
What they do: Conduct forensic assessments to determine whether individuals are mentally fit to stand trial, pose a risk to others, or meet legal criteria for hospitalization.
Where they work: Court clinics, forensic hospitals, private practice.
Education required: Doctorate in psychology is typical; licensure as a psychologist and forensic assessment training required in most jurisdictions.
7. Juvenile Justice Specialist
What they do: Work with youth involved in the justice system, focusing on rehabilitation, psychological support, and case coordination.
Where they work: Juvenile detention centers, family courts, diversion programs.
Education required: Bachelor’s or master’s in psychology, criminal justice, or social work; some roles may require counseling licensure or advanced training in adolescent development.
8. Victim Advocate
What they do: Provide emotional support, resources, and legal information to crime victims. May accompany victims to court or help them access services.
Where they work: Police departments, nonprofits, district attorney offices, shelters.
Education required: Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, or criminal justice; master’s preferred for clinical or supervisory roles.
9. Court Liaison
What they do: Serve as a bridge between courts, mental health providers, and justice-involved individuals. Help coordinate treatment plans, court appearances, and service compliance.
Where they work: Courts, community mental health agencies, diversion programs.
Education required: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in psychology, criminal justice, or social work; some roles require clinical licensure.
10. Criminal Profiler
What they do: Analyze crime scenes and offender behavior to help law enforcement identify potential suspects. Work may involve pattern recognition, motive analysis, and behavioral predictions.
Where they work: Federal agencies (e.g., FBI), state law enforcement, consulting roles.
Education required: No formal “profiler” degree, but most hold a master’s or doctorate in forensic or clinical psychology, criminal justice, or behavioral science. Law enforcement experience is often required.
11. Forensic Psychology Researcher
What they do: Conduct studies on criminal behavior, eyewitness testimony, jury decision-making, and mental health in legal contexts. May work on policy development or program evaluation.
Where they work: Universities, research institutes, government agencies, nonprofit organizations.
Education required: Master’s or Ph.D. in psychology, criminology, or a related field; research methods training is essential.
12. Jury Consultant / Trial Consultant
What they do: Assist legal teams with jury selection, witness preparation, and trial strategy. Use psychological insights to analyze jury behavior and communication styles.
Where they work: Legal consulting firms, private practice, high-stakes civil and criminal trials.
Education required: Master’s or doctorate in psychology, sociology, or communications; background in social or legal psychology is often preferred.
13. Probation or Parole Officer (with psychology background)
What they do: Supervise individuals on probation or parole, ensuring compliance with court orders. Those with forensic psychology training may also assist with rehabilitation plans or mental health referrals.
Where they work: Local, state, or federal probation and parole departments.
Education required: Bachelor’s degree is typically sufficient; forensic psychology coursework or experience can strengthen applications.
14. Case Manager (Forensic Setting)
What they do: Coordinate services for justice-involved clients, such as housing, therapy, and substance use treatment. Focus is often on reducing recidivism and supporting reentry.
Where they work: Community agencies, forensic hospitals, correctional reentry programs.
Education required: Bachelor’s or master’s in psychology, criminal justice, or social work; licensure may be required in clinical roles.
15. Academic or Professor of Forensic Psychology
What they do: Teach forensic psychology at the undergraduate or graduate level, conduct research, publish scholarly work, and mentor students entering the field.
Where they work: Colleges, universities, and online academic institutions.
Education required: Ph.D. in psychology or forensic psychology; teaching and research experience are essential for tenure-track roles.
Choosing the Right Career Path
With so many possibilities in forensic psychology, the best path depends on your strengths, interests, and how much education you’re willing to pursue. Do you see yourself providing therapy to individuals in the justice system? Assisting attorneys in court? Conducting research on criminal behavior? Each of these paths requires a different type of training—and a different degree of clinical or legal involvement.
If you’re drawn to clinical work, such as therapy or psychological assessment, you’ll likely need a master’s or doctoral degree—along with licensure. Those interested in courtroom roles may lean toward legal consulting, competency evaluations, or even training to become a forensic psychologist, which generally requires a doctorate and extensive supervised experience.
Prefer policy, case coordination, or law enforcement support? You might consider roles in case management, victim advocacy, or corrections, where a bachelor’s or master’s degree can open doors—especially for students seeking government jobs with a psychology bachelor’s degree.
Ultimately, the best path is one that aligns with your goals, interests, and the populations or systems you’re most passionate about helping.
Education Requirements by Role
Forensic psychology careers span a wide range of education and licensure levels. Some positions require a doctorate and formal psychological training, while others are open to those with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in psychology, criminal justice, or related fields. Below is a breakdown to help you match your career goals with the appropriate academic path.
Roles You Can Pursue with a Bachelor’s Degree
- Victim Advocate
- Court Liaison
- Case Manager (non-clinical roles)
- Probation or Parole Officer
- Research Assistant
Note: These are often entry-level roles. Advancement may require graduate education or certifications.
Roles That Typically Require a Master’s Degree (and Often Licensure)
- Forensic Mental Health Counselor (LPC, LMHC)
- Juvenile Justice Specialist (clinical roles)
- Jury or Trial Consultant
- Forensic Psychology Researcher (in applied or policy settings)
Programs in counseling or psychology should ideally be CACREP-accredited (for counseling) or regionally accredited.
Roles That Require a Doctorate (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) and Licensure as a Psychologist
- Forensic Psychologist
- Correctional Psychologist
- Police / Public Safety Psychologist
- Competency Evaluator / Risk Assessor
- Expert Witness
- Professor of Forensic Psychology
- Advanced Research Leadership Roles
Look for APA-accredited doctoral programs if your goal is psychologist licensure.
FAQ: Forensic Psychology Careers
What degree do I need to become a forensic psychologist?
To become a forensic psychologist, you typically need a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in psychology with a forensic emphasis. You’ll also need to complete supervised clinical hours and pass your state’s licensure exam. Master’s-level degrees in forensic psychology do exist but generally do not qualify you for psychologist licensure.
Can I work in forensic psychology with a bachelor’s degree?
Yes—but your options will be more limited. With a bachelor’s degree in psychology or criminal justice, you may qualify for entry-level roles such as victim advocate, probation officer, court liaison, or case manager.
Is criminal profiling a real job?
Criminal profiling exists but is not a common entry-level job for forensic psychology graduates. Profiling is typically performed by senior law enforcement officers or federal agents with specialized training, often in conjunction with psychology or behavioral science expertise. It’s a fascinating area—but not as widely available as TV might suggest.
How do I get started in this field?
Start by earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology, criminal justice, or a related area. From there:
- Gain experience through internships or volunteer work
- Explore graduate programs aligned with your goals (clinical, research, or court-related)
- Learn about licensure requirements in your state
- Talk to professionals to better understand day-to-day work in different roles
Understanding what you can do with a forensic psychology degree is the first step to building a career that matches your skills and interests.
Exploring Your Next Steps
If you’re drawn to the intersection of psychology and the legal system, forensic psychology offers a wide range of rewarding—and highly specialized—career paths. Whether you’re just starting college or considering graduate school, now is the time to reflect on your interests and begin shaping your path.
Here are a few next steps to consider:
- Explore accredited options, including some of the best forensic psychology master’s programs, to find a curriculum that matches your interests and career goals.
- Understand your state’s licensure requirements for counselors or psychologists if you plan to enter clinical practice.
- Look for volunteer or internship opportunities in correctional facilities, court systems, or victim services.
- Connect with professionals, professors, or advisors to get firsthand insights about different career paths.
With the right preparation, your interest in forensic psychology can grow into a career that supports justice, mental health, and meaningful social impact.
