Is a Career in Forensic Psychology Really a Good Idea?

While the field of forensic psychology is attractive to a large number of people, it may not be the right field for you if you don’t have the right personality or skills. Therefore, before choosing to pursue a career in this field, you definitely want to do your research into what careers can be pursued with an education in forensic psychology, as well as what the jobs within this field really entail. Because forensic psychology is such a vast field, the great thing is that getting an education in this field will allow you to pursue a variety of job opportunities. However, like all other fields of study, you want to think about what type of work you would want to pursue in the first place, in case you need to take any specialized courses or you need to pursue a more specific degree instead.

Read on to learn more about forensic psychology in order to determine if you would really like this line of work or if you should instead pursue a different type of career.

Forensic Psychologists Need Years of Education

 

In order to work as a forensic psychologist, you need to go through many years of difficult schooling. You’ll need a doctorate level degree in psychology, and you should specifically get a doctorate in counseling psychology or clinical psychology to really be qualified for this line of work. However, if you’re lucky, you can find a school that offers a degree in the field of forensic psychology instead, further narrowing down your career choice.

After spending anywhere from five to seven years in school to get your degree and appropriate level of training while you’re a student, you graduate and can go on to the next step, which is finding a job and getting the appropriate number of years of experience that will qualify you to become board certified. If you choose to, you can become certified as a Diplomat of Forensic Psychology, opening up new doors to many more clients and a more respectable reputation in the field.

The Great Things About Working in Forensic Psychology

 

Many people who pursue a degree in forensic psychology and are able to get a job working in field find plenty to love about it. One of the great things about this degree is the ability to pursue a variety of careers, including those in government, education, consulting and the court system. These jobs are challenging but also highly rewarding, so they’re certainly worth the time and effort. But the best thing about forensic psychology is the ability to help others who are truly in need of assistance.

The Cons of Working in Forensic Psychology

 

Like any other career path, forensic psychology also comes with its own set of drawbacks. Many people who work in the field complain of a high level of stress. The jobs within forensic psychology can be very nerve-wracking and they can eventually lead to burnout. If you don’t deal with frustration well and don’t like high-pressure environments, this career path isn’t right for you after all.


About the Author: Lisa is a writer who enjoys writing about career opportunities to help students find their best path in life. She knows how important it is to really analyze the pros and cons of every career before pursuing it.