In the world of film and television entertainment, some occupational fields are more represented than others. When it comes to forensic psychologists, Hollywood producers and scriptwriters will often portray them as “criminal profilers” in hit television series such as “Criminal Minds” and “Mindhunter.”
The reality of forensic psychology in the 21st century is different than what Hollywood portrays. While they are certainly busy, their job descriptions are not limited to tracking down serial killers who leave puzzling clues behind.
As the name of the occupation implies, forensic psychologists are behavioral and mental health professionals whose findings are often used to make judicial determinations. These professionals may handle cases, conduct research, provide therapeutic services, or give advice.
What Is Forensic Psychology?
Forensic psychology brings behavioral research into the courtroom, but it also plays a larger and crucial role in the world of criminal justice. In the movies, forensic psychology professionals are always working with investigators; in real life, their expertise is often required by judges, attorneys, police officers, city planners, school administrators, mental health facilities, correctional institutions, military units, and the private sector.
Forensic psychology plays a role in punishing and preventing crimes. The word forensic is defined as “the scientific method for investigation of crime”. Therefore, forensic psychology is often described as the merger of law and psychology.
This field of psychology is often focused on the criminals themselves. Professionals in this field are often tasked with the challenging responsibility of understanding why certain individuals commit crimes, identifying the characteristics of those who commit crimes, and developing strategies to prevent such behavior.
Forensic Psychologist Job Description and Core Responsibilities
The responsibilities and duties of forensic psychologists place them in various settings ranging from the court system to law enforcement agencies and from correctional institutions to medical treatment facilities.
A Forensic Psychologist, sometimes referred to as a Criminal Profiler, works with law enforcement agencies to develop a brief profile of criminals based on common psychological traits. In their line of work, they study the behavior of criminals and address anything from psychological theories to legal issues. Other than forensics, a Forensic Psychologist will study clinical psychology and criminal justice.
As you might expect, a Forensic Psychologist works very closely with the justice system. Some of their responsibilities include conducting screenings or assessments of prisoners, investigating psychological disorders among criminal and civil court defendants, and examining the mental state of criminals to determine their ability to stand trial. Forensic Psychologists work with law enforcement agencies and are often called to testify in court on behalf of the defendant to support a theory that the police or prosecutors have about the criminal defendant’s intent.
Forensic Psychologists also develop a relationship with their clients by providing one-on-one therapy sessions, such as when the police have been involved or there is a court order. These sessions serve not only research and study purposes but also therapeutic reasons for the patient. It may require the psychologists to perform activities that are occasionally unpleasant. Prison life is stressful for people who are incarcerated, and they could experience mental health issues while in the care of the prison psychologist. In some cases, the Forensic Psychologist may recommend group sessions. One primary objective that a Forensic Psychologist has is to protect the rights of each client they see.
Where Forensic Psychologists Work in the Criminal Justice System
According to the American Psychological Association, the job prospects for forensic psychologists look good for various reasons. First of all, this is a relatively young field of practice; the APA itself did not recognize it as a specialty until the year 2001, despite the existence of quite a few landmark cases that have involved the valuable input of behavioral observations.
As a private practice, the APA estimates that forensic psychologists can earn median salaries of $200,000 per year, but this is mainly in the purview of professionals who have pursued doctoral degrees. It is more reasonable to look at the figures compiled by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics for psychologists, who are estimated to experience a growth in demand in excess of 14% over the next 10 years.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for psychologists is projected to grow 7% from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth represents approximately 207,500 new job openings expected over the decade.
As of May 2023, the BLS reported that clinical and counseling psychologists earned a median annual salary of $96,100 (BLS OES). More recent data from Salary.com (July 2025) estimates that psychologists across all specialties earn an average of $101,526 per year, with salaries ranging from $87,649 to $115,980.
Forensic psychologists, in particular, can expect the following salary ranges:
While professionals with doctoral degrees often qualify for the highest-paying roles, those with a master’s degree in forensic psychology, like the one offered at Florida National University, can still secure well-compensated positions within court systems, law enforcement agencies, and government organizations.
How to Become a Forensic Psychologist
Educational Requirements
The American Psychological Association recognizes forensic psychology as a professional field requiring completion of a graduate research program plus an accredited internship. A master’s degree would be the prelude to a doctorate program, and the best stepping stone in this regard would be a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
Florida National University offers a Bachelor of Science program in Criminal Justice, which can be completed online. This degree provides a solid foundation for employment in law enforcement, legal, or clinical settings, serving as a valuable base of experience while pursuing graduate courses. FNU is an accredited degree-granting institution that offers financial aid and flexible schedules for working adults; for more information about our criminal justice program, contact one of our admissions counselors.
Florida National University’s Criminal Justice Program
As American society continues to grow and become more diverse, so will criminal activity. Thankfully, violent crimes of opportunity have decreased in terms of incidence, but crime tends to increase in parallel with population growth. A criminal justice career can be a smart move for individuals looking for job security; in addition to forensic psychology, a criminal justice degree can lead to careers in law enforcement, corrections, at criminal defense law firms, or in the court system.
Study Forensic Psychology at FNU
What is important to remember is that a Master of Science degree in Forensic Psychology presents a higher career potential than a bachelor’s degree in psychology or criminal justice. At Florida National University, prospective students who wish to pursue this expanding career field now have the chance to complete a 36-credit program that features a flexible and comprehensive curriculum.
As a private university serving the needs of the South Florida community, FNU is duly accredited to grant degrees by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges; we offer scholarships and financial assistance to qualified students, and many of our courses can be completed online or at our campus locations in Miami and Hialeah. Learn more about FNU by getting in touch with our admissions counselors today.
FAQs About Forensic Psychologist Job Descriptions
1. What is the job description of a forensic psychologist?
A forensic psychologist applies principles of psychology within the legal and criminal justice system. Their work often involves evaluating defendants’ mental health, conducting assessments for court cases, providing expert testimony, and offering therapy in correctional settings.
2. What are the roles of a forensic psychologist in criminal justice?
Forensic psychologists may work in courts, prisons, law enforcement, or private practice. Their roles include conducting psychological evaluations, profiling offenders, advising judges or attorneys, and helping determine whether individuals are fit to stand trial.
3. Where do forensic psychologists typically work?
They are employed in a variety of settings, such as correctional institutions, law enforcement agencies, courtrooms, mental health facilities, and private consulting practices. Some researchers also investigate ways to improve the intersection of law and psychology.
4. What is the job outlook for forensic psychologists?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 7% growth in employment for psychologists from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. Salaries for forensic psychologists typically range from $68,900 to $92,800 annually, with experienced professionals earning over $125,000 in specialized roles.
5. How can I become a forensic psychologist?
To enter this field, students usually start with a bachelor’s degree in psychology or criminal justice, followed by graduate study in forensic psychology. At Florida National University, students can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice as a foundation and continue to an M.S. in Forensic Psychology for advanced career opportunities.
