Steps to Become a Forensic Psychologist in Delaware
Getting high-quality education is the first thing that you need to do when you are on your way to becoming a forensic psychologist. You have to choose great schools that have the programs you need, and you have to put all your effort into doing well in those schools. Once you have your Bachelor’s degree, you are only part way to becoming a full-fledged forensic psychologist. You will also need to find colleges where you will be able to get your Master’s degree and ultimately your doctorate. When you enter these programs, you will be able to narrow your choice of specialty and start to learn more about forensic psychology. When you receive your doctorate, you aren’t quite ready to head out and start looking for work as a forensic psychologist. You still have to go through the state of Delaware for your license as a psychologist. This will include at least 1,500 hours of supervised work experience over the course of a year. The supervisor to whom you are assigned must be a licensed psychologist with experience in the field that you want to pursue, which in this case is forensics.
Featured Programs:
Grand Canyon University - BS in Psychology: Forensic Psychology
Southern New Hampshire University - BA & MS in Forensic Psychology
Walden University - Online Forensic Psychology Programs
After accumulating the necessary hours of work experience, you will be able to apply for your license through the Delaware Board of Examiners of Psychologists. When they receive and evaluate the application, they will let you know when you can take the EPPP, or the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology. When you pass the test, you will be able to receive your license.
Steps to Becoming a Forensic Psychologist in Delaware: Quick Reference Guide
- Receive a bachelor’s degree through a forensic psychology program.
- Earn a master’s degree and a PhD. A master’s degree is not necessary through certain doctoral programs.
- Complete 1500 hours of work experience under the supervision of a licensed psychologist.
- Contact the Delaware Board of Examiners of Psychologists and apply for licensure.
- Take the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).
Employment Trends and Career Areas for Forensic Psychologists in Delaware
As is the case with many other states in the country, the need for quality forensics specialists is growing. Forensic psychologists are no different. You will be able to find quite a few interesting career paths that you can follow when you become a forensic psychologist in Delaware.
Working in the court system is one such option. You can evaluate defendants when they are getting ready to stand trial to make sure that they are competent. You can work with victims for counseling. It’s also possible to work in the prison systems and provide care for inmates that are getting ready to be released. As a forensic psychologist, it will be possible to determine if they are ready, and what steps you might need to take with them. You could also work directly with law enforcement to catch criminals with your skills.
Salary and Employment Facts for Delaware Forensic Psychologists
Forensic psychologists in Delaware are well compensated for their work. The average annual salary for this type of work is $95,710. Though most psychologists aren’t in it only for the money, this is a great annual income no matter where you live.
Forensics in Delaware and Beyond
The country is full of armchair experts when it comes to forensics thanks to the portrayal of forensics in the media. Those who are actually in the field and working on criminal cases know that things aren’t as cut and dried as they are on television or in novels. However, many of the techniques that they show on television are based on actual forensics techniques, including tire tread analysis, blood spatter analysis, and forensic psychology.