Steps to Become a Forensic Psychologist in Arkansas
Higher education is a point of emphasis in the forensic psychology career field. Having a Bachelor’s degree is a start, but you will also have to find programs that will be able to take you on to your Master’s degree or a doctorate. A Bachelor’s degree will limit the amount and type of jobs that you will be able to find, and those will be in support and research roles only. To become a forensic psychologist in Arkansas, or any type of psychologist for that matter, you will need to have more education. Volunteering at organizations and institutions during this time can be helpful as well. When you are choosing a college for your Master’s degree or doctorate, you will be able to narrow your focus and find programs that are perfect for following the path of the forensic psychologist. Once you finish with the other degrees and coursework requirements for becoming a licensed forensic psychologist in Arkansas, you will need to complete an internship for at least two years. The internship needs approval by the APA, American Psychological Association. You can fulfill one of the years of the internship while you are getting your degree. The other year is post-doctoral experience that should be fulltime for a year. It is also possible to reach the 2,000 needed hours over the course of four years.
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
Once you complete this, you will be able to apply for your license. Once you fill out the application and the Arkansas Psychology Board accepts it, you will be able to take the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology, or the EPPP. Passing the test will qualify you for a formal interview and oral exam with the psychology board.
Steps to Become a Forensic Psychologist in Arkansas: 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, approved by the APA, of at least two years or 2000 hours.
- Apply for a license through the Arkansas Psychology Board.
- Pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) in order to qualify for a formal interview and oral examination.
Employment Trends and Career Areas for Forensic Psychologists in Arkansas
Arkansas is going to be a good place to find various types of jobs in the field of forensic psychology in the coming years. The larger cities are going to be in need of specialists who will be able to consult with law enforcement, as well as those who are able to work for corrections and rehabilitation programs to make sure criminals are ready to reenter the populace. Another option for someone who becomes a forensic psychologist is to go into teaching and training at colleges. Many different options and career types are available to those forensic psychologists.
Salary and Employment Facts for Arkansas Forensic Psychologists
Arkansas has a number of forensic psychologists working in many different capacities throughout the state. Currently, the average forensic psychologist salary in Arkansas is $92,880 per year. This is good wage, and psychologists are able to live quite comfortably in the state.
The Latest in Arkansas Forensic Psychology
You have many options available when it comes to working as a forensic psychologist in Arkansas, and you never know what type of case in which you may be involved. In addition to working cases where you are trying to help the police catch a suspect, you may also work cases even after a suspect is deceased. Forensic psychologists are likely going to be looking into the motives and thoughts behind the recent case of the death of Sandy Huckabee, and the kidnapping and subsequent murder of his wife at the hands of her former husband.