Forensic Psychology: A High-Growth Field
According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, U.S. Department of Justice, at the end of 2007 more than 5.1 million adults were supervised in their communities, either on probation or on parole.* At the same time, more than 2.3 million prisoners were held in federal and state prisons or jails.**The American Psychology-Law Society expects steady growth in the forensics field over the next decade. Demand will continue for forensic psychology professionals who can conduct assessments, apply research, and develop programs for incarcerated and recently released offenders, including juveniles.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the growth rate for forensic psychologists will outpace most other occupations—by between 14 percent and 20 percent—through 2016.† The M.S. in Forensic Psychology can help prepare you to find work in a variety of positions, including
- Case manager
- Clinical and program director
- Correctional officer
- Court liaison
- Expert witness
- Forensic treatment specialist
- Jury consultant
- Law enforcement advocate
- Researcher
- Victims’ advocate
*Bureau of Justice Statistics, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice, Prison Statistics, Summary Findings, on the Internet at http://ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/prisons.htm (visited March 12, 2009).
**Bureau of Justice Statistics, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice, Probation and Parole Statistics, Summary Findings, on the Internet at http://ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/pandp.htm (visited March 12, 2009).
†Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco (visited March 12, 2009).
For students interested in forensic counseling, Walden offers a Forensic Counseling specialization in its M.S. in Mental Health Counseling program. To learn more about this specialization and view the course descriptions, visit.
Other Recommended Programs
Note on licensure:
The M.S. in Forensic Psychology is not a licensure program and does not prepare an individual to become a licensed psychology professional.
