How to Become a Forensic Psychologist
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Forensic psychologists work at the intersection of psychology and criminal justice to lend psychological expertise to the legal system. These professionals perform psychological evaluations in criminal cases to uncover potential motives, evaluate risk, and assess mental health.
If this career interests you, you may wonder: How do you become a forensic psychologist?
On this page, we’ll detail how to become a forensic psychologist, popular careers for forensic psychology degree holders, potential earnings you can expect to make once you enter the field, and frequently asked questions about the profession.
How to Become a Forensic Psychologist in 6 Steps
The section below outlines the steps to becoming a forensic psychologist. By following these key steps, you’ll gain the education and experience needed to qualify for and succeed in this role.
1. Earn a high school diploma or GED:
To start, you’ll need to complete high school or get your general education development (GED) diploma. Once you’ve earned one of these diplomas, you’ll be able to enroll in college.
You’ll be especially prepared if you’ve completed in psychology, statistics, biology, and related courses. High grades in these areas can increase your chances of being admitted into an undergraduate psychology or criminal justice program.
2. Earn a bachelor’s degree:
To continue your journey to becoming a forensic psychologist, you’ll then need to get a bachelor’s degree. Your degree should be in psychology, criminology, criminal justice, or a similar field.
If you choose to major in psychology, make sure you choose a concentration in criminal justice or criminology if available at your school. Alternatively, if you major in criminology or criminal justice, you should ensure you choose take courses in psychology as well to graduate school.
3. Earn a master’s degree:
In a master’s in forensic psychology program, you’ll gain specialized field knowledge to prepare for doctoral training. This program takes around two years to complete as a full-time student.
However, your time may vary based on your program’s credit requirements. Master’s credit requirements range from 30-42 credits.
4. Earn a doctoral degree:
You’ll need a doctoral degree in psychology to earn licensure and practice as a psychologist. The same is true for forensic psychologists. You can earn a Ph.D or Psy.D. in criminal psychology, law and psychology, or clinical psychology.
A doctoral program will give you comprehensive training for a forensic psychology career. You’ll gain an advanced knowledge of human minds and behavior, including mental health conditions. You’ll also gain real-world experience via internships and supervised clinical work in forensic environments.
5. Complete a postdoctoral internship:
After you earn your doctoral degree, you have two choices for postdoctoral training. According to the American Board of Professional Psychology, you can complete 1,000 hours of direct forensic psychology experience over the course of five years or you can complete a full-time, 2,000-hour postdoctoral forensic psychology training program.
Postdoctoral training is optional. However, doing so will make it easier to obtain a license and get those coveted specialized roles in forensic psychology.
6. Earn state licensure:
You need state-issued licensure to practice as a forensic psychologist. The exact prerequisites for state licensure are determined by each state. However, you’ll need a doctoral degree and you must also pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).
This standardized, two-part exam assesses your knowledge of psychology and related theories, and advanced knowledge of key research topics. The EPPP also tests your ability to apply your knowledge to real-world situations.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Forensic Psychologist?
With all the required education and training, you can expect to spend 10-12 years becoming a forensic psychologist. After you earn your bachelor’s degree, which takes four years, you’ll complete a master’s program. This takes around two years.
Then, after your master’s program, you’ll need to enroll in a doctoral program and spend 4-7 years earning either a Psy.D. or a Ph.D. in psychology. Following your doctoral program, you’ll complete 1-2 years of postdoctoral training and take the EPPP and state exams.
Related roles span from psychology and social service to criminal justice and law. Forensic psychologists need the most training, requiring a doctoral degree. However, you can pursue several related roles in less time.
| Job | Time to Become | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Private detectives and investigator | 1-4 years | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Detectors and criminal investigator | 1-4 years | Bachelor’s in criminal justice or psychology |
| Probation officer | 4 years | Bachelor’s in criminal justice or psychology |
| Social and human services manager | Less than 5 years | Bachelor’s in a social science field, such as psychology. |
| Criminal lawyer | 7 years | Juris doctor (JD) |
| Psychologist | 10-12 years | Doctoral degree in psychology |
What Does a Forensic Psychologist Do?
Forensic psychologists work at the intersection of psychology and law to apply psychological perspectives to legal issues. This work can include:
- Helping victims process and overcome stressful and traumatic memories
- Performing expert witness testimony in court proceedings
- Counseling children who’ve experienced abuse, neglect, or are in child custody
- Collaborating with courts and rehabilitation facilities to create treatment plans
- Performing criminal profiling from crime scene evidence to develop profiles of criminal offenders
- Assessing the trustworthiness of witness testimonies
- Determining whether defendants have the capacity or competency to participate in course cases
How Much Does a Forensic Psychologist Make?
Based on Payscale data, forensic psychologists make an average salary of $80,470 per year as of January 2025. The lowest 10% earn around $50,000, while the highest 90% earn around $127,000 per year.
Your exact salary will depend on your location, employer, and how many years of experience you have.
Is Becoming a Forensic Psychologist Right for You?
Pros of Becoming a Forensic Psychologist
- You’ll have the potential for high earnings as a forensic psychologist, with the highest salaries averaging at around $127,000 per year.
- Psychologists have an excellent job outlook, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projecting a 7% projected growth in jobs for these professionals by 2033.
- As a forensic psychologist, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to engage your interests in human minds and behavior and help solve and prevent crimes.
Cons of Becoming a Forensic Psychologist
- The road to becoming a forensic psychologist is long and rigorous; the journey requires 10-12 years of education and training, including a doctoral degree, practicums and internships, and licensure exams.
- Work environments for forensic psychologists can be stressful, involving challenging cases and potential court appearances.
- Forensic psychologists have to manage high volumes of documentation and other paperwork.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Forensic Psychologist
You may spend at least 10 years in education and training before you can become a forensic psychologist. The American Psychological Association (APA) says you’ll need a doctoral degree (either a Ph.D. or Psy.D.) to practice as a forensic psychologist.
Earning this degree can take 5-7 years. First, you’ll have earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree, which can take around six years. After you complete your education and training, you’ll apply for board certification by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP), which is required for most forensic psychology positions.
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