Forensic

[Lex82pa]

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http://thechicagoschoolonline.net/master-forensic-psychology.asp

I am finishing my B.A of Psych and am interested in pursuing a M.A in Forensics. Chicago has an online program for applied forensics. I am interested but unsure of job opportunity without the license and do to it being applied. Any help is appreciated. Thank you.

 

[erg923]

I assume you mean forensic psychology?

I dont really understand these programs, as, in order to practice clinical forensic psychology, you need to be a licensed doctoral level provider. Clinical psychologist first, forensic psychologists second. I really dont know where these people with a masters in "forensic psychology" work, or what they do exactly. I would speculate that these degrees are much more focused on working with police officers consulting with police departments than its is evaluating or treating criminals/suspects.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

I assume you mean forensic psychology?

I dont really understand these programs, as, in order to practice clinical forensic psychology, you need to be a licensed doctoral level provider. Clinical psychologist first, forensic psychologists second. I really dont know where these people with a masters in "forensic psychology" work, or what they do exactly. I would speculate that these degrees are much more focused on working with police officers consulting with police departments than its is evaluating or treating criminals/suspects.

That is my understanding too.

Forensic Psychology (at the doctoral level) is primarily assessment based: competency, intelligence, personality, etc. The other part is therapy, though it can vary greatly the kind of work you would do.

I believe the MA/MS degrees in Forensic Psychology are trading off on the popularity of the forensic setting (from TV shows, etc), when in fact you wouldn't be doing that kind of work. Before applying to any MA/MS in Forensic Psychology, I would want to ask a number of questions about the purpose of training, the types of jobs graduates receive, and if it is a terminating degree or if it is a stepping stone to a doctoral program. From a quick review of the above website, it seems to be steering people into law enforcement, juvenile justice, etc....and not down a path for psychology.

 

[tpink]

Hi,

I'm finishing up my MA in Forensic Psych at John Jay College of Criminal Justice and working as a Case Manager at an agency that provides transitional housing for individuals with psychiatric disabilities. Depending on what you what to do in the field will determine if the degree is the right choice for you. I am currently applying to PsyD programs right now and entered my MA program knowing that I would. However a lot of my classmates are currently employed in various positions providing some type of case management or service coordination for non-profit agencies that cater to the forensic population; and don't have plans to pursue their doctorate. If you are really interested in the jobs that are available I would contact some students at the schools that you are interested in or even their career center. One of the reasons I really love John Jay is because of their connections to the Criminal Justice/Forensic Psych field and the job opportunities available due to it. Hopefully this helps. 🙂