Forensic Psychology Discussion

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Also, if you are really interested in professional publications regarding Forensic Psychology (and what it is or isn't), do a search for Dr. Kirk Heilbrun's articles in some academic journals. Good reading...

I second that. Also, I would check out David DeMatteo's article about best practices (he is also from Drexel).
 
I received my masters degree in 2007 (forensic psych) from John Jay College as well. While there, I interned at Riker's Island, which was fascinating work. I haven't worked in the field since I graduated though, due to personal circumstances at the time.

I've since re-located to NJ and am hoping to get back into the field/prison system. I've started looking into what is available for master's level work and if there is available licensing here.

Nice to see there are lots of us out there.
 
I received my masters degree in 2007 (forensic psych) from John Jay College as well. While there, I interned at Riker's Island, which was fascinating work. I haven't worked in the field since I graduated though, due to personal circumstances at the time.

I've since re-located to NJ and am hoping to get back into the field/prison system. I've started looking into what is available for master's level work and if there is available licensing here.

Nice to see there are lots of us out there.

If you'd be willing to travel to NYC again, JJ started up a new program-Licensed Forensic Mental Health Counselor. I also graduated from JJ in 07. It's tough competition EC for forensic psych jobs at the MA level.

Good luck!
 
I've done some searching, but nothing really serious, so forgive me if this has already been posted elsewhere. Anyway, I am wondering what all is entailed in the pre-employment personnel screening for prison internships. Anyone know?
 
It's funny, because most of what I have learned about forensic psychology in this thread is what the definition is (or that there is lack of one) :laugh:. I applied to a bunch of forensic psych places (Drexel, JJay, Fordham...) and they are all super competitive. I might consider what you guys did and get my MA in forensic psych before i try and get into PhD programs at these places.

Another interesting thought is the JD/PhD programs that are out there. I think Arizona has one and Nebraska definitely does. Did anyone consider that? I would take the LSAT and apply next year if I thought applying to a MORE competitive program was the answer to my troubles!
 
Hi all! I applied to Clin Psych PhD and Psych PhD programs this year (all with emphases in forensic psych and/or with POI's working in that field) and it looks like I'm going to get rejected from all of them (woo!). I'm starting to think about ways to improve my application for future cycles and was looking for some advice. For some background, I have a BA in psych and a BA in political science. I currently work in the research arena, but my research is not psych related. I don't have publications and don't see that happening any time in the near future, unfortunately.

For those of you with MA's in Forensic Psych or something similar, did you find that it helped you with getting interviews/acceptances to PhD programs? Was it worth the time and cost, in your opinion? Also, if anyone knows of any MA programs still accepting applications for the fall that would be great!🙂

Also, would an MA in Criminal Justice be at all useful for pursuing a psych PhD or would I just be wasting my time?

Any general advice in becoming a more competitive applicant is also appreciated!

Thanks guys!
 
Hi all! I applied to Clin Psych PhD and Psych PhD programs this year (all with emphases in forensic psych and/or with POI's working in that field) and it looks like I'm going to get rejected from all of them (woo!). I'm starting to think about ways to improve my application for future cycles and was looking for some advice. For some background, I have a BA in psych and a BA in political science. I currently work in the research arena, but my research is not psych related. I don't have publications and don't see that happening any time in the near future, unfortunately.

For those of you with MA's in Forensic Psych or something similar, did you find that it helped you with getting interviews/acceptances to PhD programs? Was it worth the time and cost, in your opinion? Also, if anyone knows of any MA programs still accepting applications for the fall that would be great!🙂

Also, would an MA in Criminal Justice be at all useful for pursuing a psych PhD or would I just be wasting my time?

Any general advice in becoming a more competitive applicant is also appreciated!

Thanks guys!

<<<<has no training in Forensic or Forensic related fields... either research or practice... I did spend the last two years doing basic science research, getting pubs etc... and apparently that was golden? I think the research experience is far more important than a masters, unless the masters affords you the chance to DO mass amounts of research, otherwise why spend that much? You can find research positions where you can make money

Just my thoughts
 
<<<<has no training in Forensic or Forensic related fields... either research or practice... I did spend the last two years doing basic science research, getting pubs etc... and apparently that was golden? I think the research experience is far more important than a masters, unless the masters affords you the chance to DO mass amounts of research, otherwise why spend that much? You can find research positions where you can make money

Just my thoughts
I have 2 years of science research as well, yet here I am with lots of rejections 🙁 I don't have any pubs, however, so that might be what my application is lacking.
Thanks for the reply!
 
I have 2 years of science research as well, yet here I am with lots of rejections 🙁 I don't have any pubs, however, so that might be what my application is lacking.
Thanks for the reply!

2 years of post-graduate science research? or just 2 years of science research at the undergraduate level, because I also spent all 6 years (4 degree, 2 more med school requirements) of my UG doing research that never really produced much was just kind of "experience"

I think the quality of research also matters, when you do post-grad research in a post-bacc type program, you are 40-80 hours a week doing research, not just a couple hours a couple days a week like I did in UG...
 
2 years of post-graduate science research? or just 2 years of science research at the undergraduate level, because I also spent all 6 years (4 degree, 2 more med school requirements) of my UG doing research that never really produced much was just kind of "experience"

I think the quality of research also matters, when you do post-grad research in a post-bacc type program, you are 40-80 hours a week doing research, not just a couple hours a couple days a week like I did in UG...
Yes, 2 years of post-grad research. I work full-time developing clinical cancer trials. I also had various undergrad research experience doing the usual stuff like summer jobs and data entry in labs. Only some of my undergrad research experience was forensic-related (all of it was psych related), so I figured maybe I was lacking forensic-related research. But clearly that wasn't the case for you, although it sounds like your job is more research intensive than mine. I just wish I could find out what exactly it was that got my applications thrown out!
 
For those of you with MA's in Forensic Psych or something similar, did you find that it helped you with getting interviews/acceptances to PhD programs? Was it worth the time and cost, in your opinion? Also, if anyone knows of any MA programs still accepting applications for the fall that would be great!🙂

Also, would an MA in Criminal Justice be at all useful for pursuing a psych PhD or would I just be wasting my time?

I just finished my MA in Forensic Psych, and I was pretty burned out. Of course, as soon as I graduated, I thought that maybe I should go further because there is just so much to learn. I only applied to one Doc program (PsyD), and I was the only one during orientation with a MA. Most people were right out of undergrad and a few didn't even have a psych BA - I think the expertise coming into a Doc program is really varied. Some schools lop off a year from your Doc if you have a Masters; my program just transfers in the duplicated classes but still requires 5 years. So I guess if you really want to go Doc and know it from the beginning, the MA might be a waste of time.

As far as Crim Justice (I did my undergrad in CJ/Criminology and took several CJ classes as electives in my MA program), there is very little overlap with Forensic Psych - which could be good or bad. You will be more well rounded in the Macro study of crime, but you will not shorten your path to the Doc at all.
 
If you'd be willing to travel to NYC again, JJ started up a new program-Licensed Forensic Mental Health Counselor. I also graduated from JJ in 07. It's tough competition EC for forensic psych jobs at the MA level.

Good luck!

Thanks so much for this info! I looked into it and they'll transfer all the credits from my MA in Forensic Psych degree to the counseling program. So I'd only have to take 21 credits or so to finish it. That would allow me to get licensed in NJ.

Thanks again!
 
Quick question - does anyone teach as an adjunt? This was something I was thinking about as well, but have no idea how to go about applying for this.
 
Quick question - does anyone teach as an adjunt? This was something I was thinking about as well, but have no idea how to go about applying for this.

I teach as an adjunct. You can teach with an MA at any community or junior college. You can also try online programs. Try and research colleges in your area and see what credentials they require. The pay is not great, but it's great experience.
 
You can teach Psych 101 and maybe some other non-research related courses at a four-year university with a master's in psych, too. Maybe not top tier schools, but I know some at good schools. 🙂
 
I have a JD and am completing my PhD in clinical psych. I am not in a forensic program per se, but my advisor is a forensic psychologist and has maintained a lab and program in forensic psych for almost 30 years, so it's actually a great place for me. Our lab focuses on adolescent offenders, specfically adolescent sex offenders. In this state, many of those offenders are statutory offenders (i.e., consensual sex but age difference between offender and partner was the issue). I also do some work with the another program managed by the state supreme court that focuses on child offenders and victims.

Would love to hear from and connect with those of you that are interested in forensic psych.

I am looking into internships with the prisons, but I do not want to end up working there after graduation.....
 
I have a JD and am completing my PhD in clinical psych. I am not in a forensic program per se, but my advisor is a forensic psychologist and has maintained a lab and program in forensic psych for almost 30 years, so it's actually a great place for me. Our lab focuses on adolescent offenders, specfically adolescent sex offenders. In this state, many of those offenders are statutory offenders (i.e., consensual sex but age difference between offender and partner was the issue). I also do some work with the another program managed by the state supreme court that focuses on child offenders and victims.

Would love to hear from and connect with those of you that are interested in forensic psych.

I am looking into internships with the prisons, but I do not want to end up working there after graduation.....

hm what program? Being juvenile sex offender, I can only think of a few schools that have such populations, but maybe Im missing one. i would be interested to know which
 
Hi,
I'm asking for my friend but she wanted to know where you can get research experience in forensic psychology. She is applying for her phd next year and has research experience but nothing specific to forensics. Do you know what kind of places offer this kind of experience? Thank You
 
Calling all forensic psych and law and psych people...

I was thinking that it would be useful to list programs (PhD/PsyD/PhD,JD) that offer a forensic or law concentration or that have faculty that have forensic or psych and law labs. I know that the APLS website has a list, but oftentimes it does not include programs that have forensic faculty with no concentration. If you know of a specific faculty, please share.

I'll start

John Jay College -PhD in Clinical Forensic Psychology
Fordham-PhD in Clinical Psychology-forensic concentration
Drexel-PhD in Clinical Psychology-forensic concentration
 
Here's the APLS list for those who haven't seen it:



Alliant International University (Ph.D. in Forensic Psychology or Psy.D. in Forensic Psychology).
Arizona State University (Law and Psychology J.D./Ph.D. Program).
California State University, Fresno and the University of California, Davis (Joint Ph.D. in Forensic and Behavioral Sciences)
Carlos Albizu University in Miami (Psy.D in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in Forensic Psychology)
Chicago School of Professional Psychology (Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in Forensic Psychology)
Drexel University (J.D./Ph.D. or Ph.D. with a concentration in Forensic Psychology)
Forest Institute of Professional Psychology (Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology)
Fordham University (Clinical PhD with concentration in Forensic Psychology)
Illinois School of Professional Psychology (Clinical Psy.D. with concentration in Forensic Psychology)
John Jay College of Criminal Justice-CUNY (M.A. or Ph.D.).
Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology (Psy.D. with Forensic Psychology Concentration)
Nova Southeastern University (Psy.D. with a concentration in Clinical Forensic Psychology).
Pacific Graduate School of Psychology (joint Ph.D./J.D. [with Golden Gate University School of Law]).
Pacific University (Psy.D. with an emphasis in Forensic Psychology)
Sam Houston State University (Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in forensics).
Simon Fraser University (Ph.D. in Clinical-Forensic Psychology).
University of Alabama (clinical Ph.D. with a psychology-law concentration).
University of Arizona (Clinical Psychology with a Forensic Interest).
University of Illinois at Chicago (Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with Minor in Psychology and Law)
University of Nebraska (joint J.D. and Ph.D. or joint J.D. and M.A. in Psychology).
West Virginia University (Ph.D. in Clinical with emphasis in forensics)
Widener University (J.D./Psy.D. joint degree)




In Canada, University of Saskatchewan also has a number of forensic faculty.
 
AJustin and I came up with a list a few months ago. There are either forensic/ psych-law concentrations, or a professor doing research in a forensic-related field. Here is our list:

U Arkansas
U North Dakota
U Maine
Eastern Michigan U
Western Michigan U
SUNY Albany
U Cincinnati
Texas A&M
U North Texas
U Houston
Drexel U
U Alabama
Sam Houston State U
Florida State U
U South Florida
NOVA Southeastern U
U Florida
U Nebraska-Lincoln
U Wyoming
West Va U
U Vermont
U Minnesota
U Montana
U Arizona
U Missouri - St. Louis
U Illinois - Chicago
George Mason U
Kent State
U Virginia - Curry
U Utah
U Mississippi
U Oregon

Some of these may be a bit more neuropsych or forensic psych with a prof doing civil compentency work...and because of my secondary interests in trauma/domestic violence, some could be in that, too.

Hope this is helpful!

And I didn't take out the repeats, include non-APA accredited ones (John Jay), ones in Canada (Simon Frasier), or inlcue Psy.D.s...
 
This is great! Is there a discussion link that led to this list? I would love to gather some more specifics on POI with forensic interests.

Thanks!
 
In my state, and where I received my master's-they offer a LFMH program. However, they started this program 3 years after I graduated. So does it go by degree or state?

Thanks!

I just graduated with my MA in FMHC from JJC. I believe if you graduated w/ a MA in Forensic Psych from that school you can reenter to take the remainder of the credits in order to graduate with a degree that is licensable.I know a few people in my program did that. Some had graduated a year or two before and came back for I think it comes out to less than a year to take the last few classes so they could get a license in NY state.

Good Luck!
 
This is great! Is there a discussion link that led to this list? I would love to gather some more specifics on POI with forensic interests.

Thanks!

Are you referring to my and AJustin's list? We actually made the list on the phone/internet, I believe. I would just visit the websites of the schools on our list, the post above mine, and the ones mentioned in the Insider's Guide, and then weed out the ones you don't fit well with, then contact the profs (I'd do this in the summer, or early fall, but definitely after April 15!) to see if they're taking students, and then apply to as many as you can afford.
 
If you'd be willing to travel to NYC again, JJ started up a new program-Licensed Forensic Mental Health Counselor. I also graduated from JJ in 07. It's tough competition EC for forensic psych jobs at the MA level.

Good luck!

The only problem is with that program right now is that it is not APA accredited yet. They are still working on that. So if you want to get licensed in a state outside of NY state you need to make sure you meet the requirements for each state you are looking to get licensed in.
 
I just graduated with my MA in FMHC from JJC. I believe if you graduated w/ a MA in Forensic Psych from that school you can reenter to take the remainder of the credits in order to graduate with a degree that is licensable.I know a few people in my program did that. Some had graduated a year or two before and came back for I think it comes out to less than a year to take the last few classes so they could get a license in NY state.

Good Luck!



How did you like it??
 
So for all you lucky forensic and psych/law peps that were accepted this year-where are ya going?

Congrats!!!
 
Azusa Pacific offers a clinical PsyD with a forensic track...

I'm thinking of choosing that since I'm already accepted into the program
 
Bumping this thread because I have a question...

I have been offered a spot at Sam Houston, which is a Clinical Psychology PhD program. Although it is Clinical, it is highly forensic. This is my main area of interest by far, however I'm worried that attending a program like SHSU which is soooo forensic could pidgeon-hole me in to only that area and not allow to me get enough of a general education - which I know is a plus for many internships/post-docs.

Have any current SHSU students or students in other mainly forensic programs found this to be true?
 
This is a great thread! I wanted to also add that people differentiate between a forensic and correctional psychologist. Forensic psychologist mainly do evaluations (competency, risk, etc.) and correctional psychologist provide treatment (individuals, groups, assessments, etc.) within a correctional system. I think the best approach to becoming a well-respected forensic psychologist is to learn how to be an excellent clinical psychologist!
 
Bumping this thread because I have a question...

I have been offered a spot at Sam Houston, which is a Clinical Psychology PhD program. Although it is Clinical, it is highly forensic. This is my main area of interest by far, however I'm worried that attending a program like SHSU which is soooo forensic could pidgeon-hole me in to only that area and not allow to me get enough of a general education - which I know is a plus for many internships/post-docs.

Have any current SHSU students or students in other mainly forensic programs found this to be true?

It is definitely worth talking to them about in more depth. Most clinical programs will provide a good generalist basis during your first year or two before getting into the more specific work.
 
Just wanted to add, I am interested in forensics too, but am going about it completely backwards. After working in a forensic private practice for 2 years and speaking with the forensic psychologist, I decided to get a general phD and find my own emphasis/focus based on professor match with a forensic research interest and forensic outplacement opportunities.... in counseling phD programs. So therefore, I personally believe forensics does not equal clinical, as it can be done in many ways.

On a sidenote, I have a general MA in Mental Health Counseling and haven't had any problem working in the forensic population without any forensics courses or background. In my opinion, its just a choice of population to work with, just have to do more independent studies and research.
 
Bumping this thread because I have a question...

I have been offered a spot at Sam Houston, which is a Clinical Psychology PhD program. Although it is Clinical, it is highly forensic. This is my main area of interest by far, however I'm worried that attending a program like SHSU which is soooo forensic could pidgeon-hole me in to only that area and not allow to me get enough of a general education - which I know is a plus for many internships/post-docs.

Have any current SHSU students or students in other mainly forensic programs found this to be true?

Went through this too. Look, I would NEVER say anything bad about that program, they have some of the better forensic faculty. But I chose not to go there A) I dont like Huntsville, and B) you won't get a particularly great clinical training and do run the risk of being pidgin holed... the same problem arises at John Jay. They clearly attract phenomenal faculty, for forensic, but have trouble attracting other specialties.

I pose this question to you... what if you find out you don't like forensic? If you don't have access to other fields of work you couldn't ever learn something that you do like. Makes it hard to find your way...

I guess we all don't have a sense of where else you got in so only you can make this decision... but anecdotally speaking, I chose a solid clinical program that had two quality forensic faculty.

AJ
 
It is definitely worth talking to them about in more depth. Most clinical programs will provide a good generalist basis during your first year or two before getting into the more specific work.

This would be a good point, assuming that programs told the perfect truth. Of course any program will say they have quality general training... its their job to say that, APA wouldnt accredit if they didnt... but how good is that general training?? well...
 
I felt the same way when looking at SHSU. It's a great program, but I felt it was too specific and wouldn't give me the broad training that I think will make me a better psychologist.
 
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This would be a good point, assuming that programs told the perfect truth. Of course any program will say they have quality general training... its their job to say that, APA wouldnt accredit if they didnt... but how good is that general training?? well...

This would be a good point, assuming that programs told the perfect truth. Of course any program will say they have quality general training... its their job to say that, APA wouldnt accredit if they didnt... but how good is that general training?? well...

And this has been my issue. When I asked about this in the interview they said it would be absolutely no problem, but of course they're going to say that. I also asked what kind of settings they conduct their practicum in, there were no non-forensic sites. The reason this really concerns me is that I feel not having a varied experience will not only make me less desirable upon internship, but also not allow me to be fully formed as a general clinician.

I know that forensic psych is what I want to do, I've been working in the area for the last few years at a masters level, so part of me feels like it wouldn't be a big deal. However, I just can't shake the feeling that I'm going to be limiting myself by attending a program that is so specific in its general focus - if that makes any sense.
 
🙂
 
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AJustin and I came up with a list a few months ago. There are either forensic/ psych-law concentrations, or a professor doing research in a forensic-related field. Here is our list:

U Arkansas
U North Dakota
U Maine
Eastern Michigan U
Western Michigan U
SUNY Albany
U Cincinnati
Texas A&M
U North Texas
U Houston
Drexel U
U Alabama
Sam Houston State U
Florida State U
U South Florida
NOVA Southeastern U
U Florida
U Nebraska-Lincoln
U Wyoming
West Va U
U Vermont
U Minnesota
U Montana
U Arizona
U Missouri - St. Louis
U Illinois - Chicago
George Mason U
Kent State
U Virginia - Curry
U Utah
U Mississippi
U Oregon

Some of these may be a bit more neuropsych or forensic psych with a prof doing civil compentency work...and because of my secondary interests in trauma/domestic violence, some could be in that, too.

Hope this is helpful!

And I didn't take out the repeats, include non-APA accredited ones (John Jay), ones in Canada (Simon Frasier), or inlcue Psy.D.s...

You can also consider applying to funded generalist Clin PhD Programs with part-time law school programs and create your own JD/PhD degree path, with approval of your adviser/department....
 
University of North Dakota's Clinical PhD program has a lot of faculty with forensic research interests (plus a Masters Forensic program)
 
Has anyone had any experience with UND's online forensic masters? Or even their M.S. on campus option? Thank you! 😀
 
Has anyone had any experience with UND's online forensic masters? Or even their M.S. on campus option? Thank you! 😀

I'd strongly advise against any online program, as they are not well received by the vast majority of people in the field. As for "Forensic" MA/MS degress...I'd want to talk to people in the field who graduated from the program. "Forensic psychology" is meant to be a sub-set of Clinical Psychology, so I'd really wonder what makes up the training.
 
Hey Everyone,

I'm just recently looking into the field of forensic psych stuff.... and i know i could always do a clinical or counseling program and just focus on forensics later on as others have mentioned.... but i was wondering if some of my areas of research would be considered forensic psych? i don't really know how things get put into the categories so just looking for input.....

i'm interested in ....psychological affects of mass imprisonment , family affects of incarceration on children, programs that prepare offenders for re-entry finding jobs, programs for juveniles to prevent them from re-offending, prisoners rights/empowerment to better themselves while they are there and find a purpose

another area i am interested in that i have no idea where it would fall prob more clinical/counseling is prevention/intervention programs for juveniles to help them cope with stress and anger management, looking at hopelessness about their future and trying to change their thinking to be more hopeful about the future --- this would be kind of like preventing teens from getting into the prison system at all, but i guess also with juvenile delinquents possibly
 
Hi, i'd like to ask if anyone here have attended UND or Roger Williams Masters in Forensic Psy & what are your views about these 2 Universities and their courses.

Thank You!😀
 
I guess this really isnt a question, I just need some clarification.

I went to this Forensic Psychology Workshop at my school last week; the presenters were Alliant University. The main guy speaking is a former clinical psychologists, a current full time professor, a part time forensic psychologist, and he still does counseling on the weekend at his own practice...allegedly. I'm not syaing he was lying, I just quit believing him after he said some suspect stuff.

Basically he said that Forensic Psychologists can start off making 80K working in a prison. Then after a few years make up to 100K. He said he didn't know any clinical psychologists who made 100K, which I know is true. He said the job of a Forensic psychologist is recession proof and that he doesnt know any forensic psy whove been affected, but know many clinical who have. He made Forensic psy sound so good and even better when he mentioned those figures. I went to psychology club the next day and told everybody and they laughed and said Clinical makes more than Forensic. I went and tried to google information, but didn't find much.


Im really interested in Forensic, but leaning more towards Clinical. I just want to know if there is any truth to his claims. I would think they make about as much as clinical; yes or no? Are there more jobs available in Forensics? Etc. Sorry for the long post.

Alliant will cost you about 150-200K and many of their programs don't have good reputations in the field. Forensic and clincial psychologists don't make enough money to pay off 200K in loans. We are not earning MD salaries. I think forensic psychologists probably make as much as clinical psychologists overall. Most people practicing forensic psychology are clinical psychologists. You don't need a specialized degree for it.

The median income for clincial psychologists (this includes those doing forensic work) is anywhere from 65K-80K according to salary surveys. Nobody in our field starts at 80K. This is extremely rare for a first job.
 
The median income for clincial psychologists (this includes those doing forensic work) is anywhere from 65K-80K according to salary surveys. Nobody in our field starts at 80K. This is extremely rare for a first job.

I wouldn't say $80k is extremely rare, though it also isn't common. Forensics is one area where it is possible, particularly if you do a bit of work on the side. The competition is stiff, so securing an offer for $80k will require you to be better than average. If you work for the BOP, you'll start anywhere from GS-11 ($60k), GS-12 ($70k-ish), to GS-13 ($84k), depending on locality adjustment. To be a GS-13, you'd need to be at least 1 year post-license.
 
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