Become a Forensic Psychologist in South Dakota
You need to make sure that you are choosing colleges that have programs to help prepare you for a career in forensic psychology. First, get your Bachelor’s degree from a good, accredited school. You can then pursue advanced degrees through quality schools for your Master’s degree and your PhD in forensic psychology. You will have to go through quite a bit of schooling and training to become a forensic psychologist in South Dakota, but the end of that path is very rewarding.
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
In addition to the degrees, you are also going to need to have a supervised internship of 1,800 hours, which must be completed within two years. You can do your internship while you are getting your doctorate. After you graduate, you are going to need to have an additional year of professional work experience before you will be able to get your full license.
When you have your degrees and all of the work experience that you need, you will then be able to apply to the South Dakota Board of Examiners of Psychologists for your license. The application will be reviewed in order to ensure that you meet all of the requirements. When the application is approved, you will be notified when you are going to be able to take the EPPP – the Examination of the Professional Practice of Psychology. Passing the exam means that you will be able to get your license for South Dakota.
Steps to Becoming a Forensic Psychologist in South Dakota: Quick Reference Guide
- Start your forensic psychology education by earning your bachelor’s degree.
- Pursue a master’s degree. Some doctoral programs do not require this step.
- Attend a doctoral program and earn a PhD in forensic psychology.
- Complete an internship of 1800 hours within two years.Another year of professional work must be completed after graduation.
- Apply for a license through the South Dakota Board of Examiners of Psychologists.
- Pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).
Employment Trends and Career Areas for Forensic Psychologists in South Dakota
Choosing a career in forensic psychology now is great timing. It is expected that the demand for forensic psychologists is going to grow by 10% by 2024. With such an in demand profession, if you have not yet started attending a forensic psychology degree program, you may want to do so immediately.
When you have your license, you will be able to find quite a bit of work in different areas. Some forensic psychologists choose to work within the court system. They are able to help victims of crimes that might be apprehensive or scared to testify. They can also evaluate defendants to see if they are mentally competent enough to stand trial. Specialists will be able to work within the corrections systems and in mental health institutions as well.
One of the career areas that interests most people with this profession is working as a consultant for the police. It’s possible to provide profiles, behavior analysis, and more to help the police with their cases.
Salary and Employment Facts for South Dakota Forensic Psychologists
The current average annual salary for a forensic psychologist in South Dakota is $95,710. You will likely find the most available jobs located close to the city centers rather than the more rural areas of the state.
South Dakota Forensics of All Types
Forensics is an important part of every police investigation and trial today. From forensic psychologists to forensic pathologists there is a discipline that will be able to cover any type of crime scene in South Dakota, whether the crime takes place in the center of a city or the wilderness. Getting into the field can provide you with an exciting and stable career.