How to Become a Forensic Psychologist in Indiana
Those who want to become forensic psychologists are going to need to have a lot of schooling, starting with the completion of a Bachelor’s degree. Once you have the degree, you will want to continue your education with a Master’s degree and a doctorate. Make sure that you find quality forensic psychology colleges with accredited programs.
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
The doctoral program that you choose will need to have 1,500 hours of internship experience, as well. You will have to complete this within two years. After you complete the internship and all of the requirements for the degree, you will still need to complete an additional 1,600 hours of supervised experience with a qualified supervisor. After meeting the requirements, you will then be able to submit your application for a license to the Indiana State Psychology Board. The board reviews the application, and after they approve it, you will be able to take the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology of EPPP.
It might take years to get the degrees you need to become a forensic psychologist, but the career is an interesting one, and it is worth the time.
Steps to Becoming a Forensic Psychologist in Indiana: Quick Reference Guide
- Enroll in a psychology or forensic psychology program and get your bachelor’s degree.
- Complete a master’s degree and/or doctoral program in forensic psychology.
- Complete the internship and supervised work experience prior to graduation.
- Submit an application for licensure to the Indiana State Psychology Board.
- Take the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology, or EPPP.
Employment Trends and Career Areas for Forensic Psychologists in Indiana
As with other areas around the nation, there is a great need for qualified forensic psychologists. Those who have the qualifications will be able to find work in a number of different areas. It’s possible to offer counseling to victims and to inmates who are returning to the outside world. Working in the court system or with lawyers is another possibility. Many who choose to enter the field want to work with law enforcement in order to help catch criminals. With behavioral analysis techniques, as well as looking at and understanding crime scenes, it’s quite possible to have a great career as a consultant for law enforcement.
Salary and Employment Facts for Indiana Forensic Psychologists
The average annual salary for a forensic psychologist in Indiana is quite high at $93,350. Finding positions that pay that well will often require working in one of the larger, more heavily populated areas. The need for forensic psychologists is rising. In fact, Indiana’s demand for forensic psychologists is expect to rise 19% by 2024, so now is a perfect time to start your education and get your degrees.
Indiana Forensics in the News
Forensic science can do a lot when it comes to helping solve crimes, and all aspects of forensics can play a part, from psychology to serology. In 2011, an 84-year-old woman, Lois Hickey, was stabbed to death in Mishawaka, Indiana. Police officers found the her after a neighbor reported that the victim’s window was broken. Thanks to forensics investigators, they were able to find blood at the scene, analyzed it, and were able to identify William Karimu as the killer. Karimu pled guilty to one count of murder and was sentenced to 60 years in prison.