How to Become a Forensic Psychologist in North Carolina
Your first goal in pursuing a career as a forensic psychologist in North Carolina is going to be getting your Bachelor’s degree. The degree is not your final step though. While you might be able to find some research or support role positions with a Bachelor’s in psychology, you are not going to be a forensic psychiatrist. To do that, you need to continue with your forensic psychology education and make sure that you choose a great, accredited school for your Master’s degree and doctorate.
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 of supervised work experience, which is roughly 3,000 hours. It is possible to complete one of the years of work experience through an internship that you can do while you are in your doctoral program. When you finish with your doctorate and have no other requirements that you need to meet except the work experience, you will be able to get a temporary license. Once you have all of the work experience and education completed, you will then be able to apply for your North Carolina license.
Send the application to the North Carolina Psychology Board, and they will review it. When they approve the application, they will let you know that you are then eligible to take the Examination of Professional Practice in Psychology as well as a state test. Passing those exams will mean that you can receive your license.
Steps to Becoming a Forensic Psychologist in North Carolina: 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 two years, or 3000 hours, of supervised work experience. An internship of one year can be started prior to graduation.
- Apply for a license through the North Carolina 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 North Carolina
The field of forensic psychology is growing, and the job market is getting larger. The need for these specialists is rising, and now is a perfect time to begin your education if you want a career in the field.
You have many great paths that you can take once you have your doctorate and license. You will be able to work as a forensic psychologist with the police and help them to solve crimes through your expert analysis of crime scenes and getting into the minds of the perpetrators, whether it’s an arsonist or a serial killer. You can also work in the court system, the prison system, and as a researcher.
Salary and Employment Facts for North Carolina Forensic Psychologists
Forensic psychologists working in North Carolina have an average annual salary of around $95,810 per year. As is the case with many states, this number can vary based on the type of work that you are doing as well as your location.
North Carolina Forensics
Forensics has to do with more than just psychology. While forensic psychologists are often able to get into the mindset of a killer, other specialists are best at determining what happened to the victims. At the North Carolina State University Osteology Lab, a number of forensic specialists are working to help solve some of the most complex cases in the state. They have forensic anthropologists, entomologists, and more working onsite. The specialists are able to determine the cause of death, DNA, and much more at the lab. They are a great asset for the state medical examiner.