Steps to Become a Forensic Psychologist in New York
Becoming a forensic psychologist is going to take quite a bit of time and education, including high level degrees. When you have your Bachelor’s degree in psychology, you are still going to need to pursue advanced degrees if you want to become a licensed forensic psychologist in the state.
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
You will need to have two years, or 3,500 hours, of work experience with a qualified supervisor. You will be able to complete one of these years while you are earning your degree, through either an internship or a practicum. When you finish with your doctorate, you will still have another year’s worth of work experience to complete before you will be able to get your license.
Once you have those hours completed, you will be able to apply for your license in New York by sending the application to the New York State Board for Psychology. They will take and review the application, and after they approve it, they will let you know that you are eligible to take the EPPP, or the Examination of Professional Practice in Psychology. When you pass the exam, you will be able to receive your license.
Steps to Becoming a Forensic Psychologist in New York: Quick Reference Guide
- Attend a forensic psychology school and receive a bachelor’s degree.
- Earn your master’s degree in psychology or forensic psychology (optional, may skip and go to step #3).
- Pursue a PhD.
- Complete two years (3500 hours) of supervised work experience, one year during a doctoral program.
- Apply for your license through the New York Board of Psychology.
- Take the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).
Employment Trends and Career Areas for Forensic Psychologists in New York
Forensics is an area that is set to get even larger when it comes to job opportunities. Forensic psychologists will be able to find the work that they need in NYC and throughout the state, and they will be able to work in many different capacities. Working within the court system or the corrections system can be good options. Other options include working with the police as a consultant that can help to develop a suspect pool. It is also possible to get a position teaching or researching.
Salary and Employment Facts for New York Forensic Psychologists
The average annual salary for a forensic psychologist working in New York is $104,380. This number will obviously vary based on the type of work the forensic psychologist does as well as the location in the state. Those living in New York City will likely have higher wages due to the cost of living.
New York Forensics in the News
In 2012, Governor Andrew Cuomo proposed to expand the DNA databank in New York. The databank collects samples of DNA from offenders in certain types of crimes, and increased the number of crimes that require a DNA sample. This is a bold step, but it’s definitely in the right direction. Many offenders commit crimes again, and many who commit smaller crimes will move on to larger offense. Having the DNA of these criminals on file is a way to increase the efficiency of the police. When they have DNA evidence at a scene that can provide them with the name and the last known address of the offender, it can vastly improve the effectiveness of law enforcement.