How to Become a Forensic Psychologist in Maryland
If you are serious about becoming a forensic psychologist in Maryland, your first step is going to be getting your Bachelor’s degree. Having a Bachelor’s degree in psychology is only the first step though. You will also need to complete your Master’s degree and then proceed to get a doctorate in psychology. When you are going for your doctorate, you will be able to focus on the forensic aspect of psychology. It’s important to make sure that you receive your schooling from accredited colleges.
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
Upon finishing your PhD, you will have to have at least two years of supervised experience with a qualified supervisor. It’s possible to do one of the years when you are receiving your doctorate, but you will have to do one of the years after earning the degree if the first year is through an internship or training programs.
After completing the work experience, you will be able to apply for your application. You will have to pay a fee to the Maryland Board of Examiners of Psychologists as well. The Board then reviews the application and they will let you know when you are able to take the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology, the EPPP, as well as the Maryland Jurisprudence Examination. Once you complete and pass the exams, you will be able to get your license and then start working as a forensic psychologist.
Steps to Becoming a Forensic Psychologist in Maryland: Quick Reference Guide
- Attend an accredited college and earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology or forensic psychology.
- Get a master’s degree. Some doctoral programs may not require this step.
- Earn a PhD in forensic psychology.
- Complete supervised professional experience.
- Apply for licensure through the Maryland Board of Examiners of Psychologists. The required examination to receive licensure is the EPPP.
- Take the Maryland Jurisprudence Examination.
Employment Trends and Career Areas for Forensic Psychologists in Maryland
Those who have their doctorate in psychology and who go into forensics will find quite a few interesting paths to take. One of the most popular is to start consulting with law enforcement agencies. Helping the police with cases and providing behavioral analysis is just one of the things that a forensic psychologist is able to do. In addition, it is possible to find work in the court systems, in law firms, and in corrections facilities that need help with inmates who are going to be released. A forensic psychologist can examine an inmate and help determine if he or she is ready for release.
Salary and Employment Facts for Maryland Forensic Psychologists
Becoming a forensic psychologist is a great career choice. By 2024, the field in Maryland is expected to increase by about 26%, possibly more. That’s the kind of forecast you want to see for a field that has captured your interest. In addition, forensic psychologists working in Maryland have an average annual salary of $101,380. Clearly, if you become a forensic psychologist in Maryland, you will have both job security and a great paying job.
Maryland Forensic Psychology
Forensic psychologists in Maryland, as with many other states, will have no shortage of cases that will interest and intrigue them. Many psychologists have certain case types that might pique their interest. For example, one of the areas that many are trying to understand is the cases of patricide and matricide where a child kills a parent. While these instances are fortunately rare, they do happen. In Maryland, one of the cases that have been on the mind of many in the law enforcement field is that of Robert C. Richardson, a sixteen year old who confessed to killing his father. Crimes such as these are shocking, and forensic psychologists are often the ones that have the key to finding the answers as to why such a thing could happen.