Become a Forensic Psychologist in Kansas
After you receive your Bachelor’s degree, you will still need to pursue your Master’s degree and your doctorate. It might be possible to have a Bachelor’s degree in psychology and then find work in a smaller capacity in forensics, but if you want to become an actual forensic psychologist, you are going to need to have your doctorate. Make sure that you choose the best forensic psychology schools and colleges for these 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
In order to become a licensed psychologist in Kansas, you will need to have at least two years of supervised experience. While you are earning your doctoral degree, you will be able to complete one of your years of experience, but you have to have a supervisor that meets the requirements of the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board. Once you have the work experience that you need, you will be able to apply for your license. The Board reviews the applications it receives and when they approve it, they will provide you with a temporary license when you take the EPPP or Examination of Professional Practice in Psychology.
You can also earn your Master’s Level Psychologist license. You will need to have your Master’s degree, at least 100 hours of group supervision, and 50 hours of one-on-one supervision with a qualified supervisor. You can then apply for the Kansas Master’s Level Psychologist license. At that point, you will be able to take the EPPP.
Steps to Becoming a Forensic Psychologist in Kansas: Quick Reference Guide
- Find a college that offers programs in psychology or forensic psychology and earn a bachelor’s degree.
- Get a master’s degree.
- Earn a doctoral degree. Some doctoral programs do not require a master’s.
- Complete a minimum of two years of work experience. One of these years can be completed prior to graduation from post-graduate school.
- Apply for a license to practice in Kansas through the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board.
- Once approved by the Board, you may take the EPP.
Employment Trends and Career Areas for Forensic Psychologists in Kansas
Kansas has a need for qualified forensic psychologists, and you will find that you can work in many capacities in the state, just as you can in other states. It’s possible to work for law enforcement, the courts, and in the corrections system. Forensic psychologists will be able to find many different and interesting employment opportunities in Kansas.
Salary and Employment Facts for Kansas Forensic Psychologists
The salary for a forensic psychologist in Kansas is quite competitive. The current average salary for a forensic psychologist is $90,180 per year. Specialists will find that the majority of the best employment opportunities are going to be in the larger cities and municipalities in the state. The need for forensic specialists is going to rise in coming years, even in states such as Kansas. In fact, a 13% increase in the field is expected by 2024 in the state of Kansas.
Kansas Forensic Sciences
In Kansas, forensic science is an important part of the criminal justice system, from forensic psychology to ballistics. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation includes a number of specialty departments and sections that can handle many different areas of forensics. Some of the things that the KBI is able to cover include analyzing controlled substances, examining evidence for body fluids, DNA analysis, handwriting samples, toxicology, latent prints, and firearm and tool mark examinations. With all of the forensics tools at their disposal, they are more capable in terms of making headway in cases than a smaller organization.