Forensic Psychology in Oklahoma

A career in forensic psychology promises to be interesting, and with the number of jobs in this field set to rise in the coming years, starting your schooling now is a great idea. The job of a forensic psychologist can entail many different things, including working with the police and working directly with criminals for evaluation and rehabilitation. Those who have a strong interest in psychology and who want to be able to give back to the community by helping the criminal justice system should take some time to consider this career path. It will take the right education in great colleges, and a number of years of study to reach this goal. However, it is well worth it.

Steps to Become a Forensic Psychologist in Oklahoma

Your first step is in getting your Bachelor’s degree in psychology from one of the top schools. You can find a number of different schools and programs available, but you will want to make sure that you are going to an accredited institution for your forensic psychology degrees. Once you finish your Bachelor’s degree, you will then want to go on to finish your Master’s degree and then your doctorate.

You will also need to have two years of supervised work experience in addition to your doctorate. The first year of your work experience is achievable when you are still earning your doctorate. You can find an internship, and it might be helpful to find an internship with a qualified supervisor that is in the forensic psychology field. The last year requires 2,000 hours of work experience, which follows the completion of your degree. All of the work experience needs to be done with a supervisor approved by the Oklahoma State Board of Examiners of Psychologists.

With your degree and work experience complete, you can then apply for your license with the Board. They will review the application and then let you know when you are able to take the Examination of Professional Practice in Psychology, or the EPPP. In addition, you will have to take a jurisprudence exam of ethics, and an oral exam with the Board. Once this is complete, you will be able to get your license.

Steps to Becoming a Forensic Psychologist in Oklahoma: Quick Reference Guide

1. Find an accredited college that offers psychology or forensic psychology programs and earn a bachelor’s degree.
2. Earn a master’s degree and doctoral degree. Some PhD programs do not require a master’s degree.
3. Complete an approved internship that starts during the final year of your PhD program. Two years total of work experience is required.
4. Gain 2000 hours of supervised experience in the last year.
5. Apply for licensure through the Oklahoma Board of Examiners of Psychologists.
6. Take and pass the EPPP, a jurisprudence exam of ethics, and an oral exam.

Employment Trends and Career Areas for Forensic Psychologists in Oklahoma

Choosing forensic psychology as a career path now is a great idea. The need for forensic psychologists is on the rise, and this means that there are going to be more jobs in the future. With your doctorate and license, you will be able to find many great career options to follow.

It is possible to work within the court system, where you can evaluate those who are going to trial to make sure they are mentally sound. You could work as an expert witness, or you could work in the correction system with prisoners. Another option is to work as a consultant for the police and other law enforcement agencies, providing them with behavior analysis and profiles for their cases. It is also possible to find research and teaching positions when you have your doctorate.

Salary and Employment Facts for Oklahoma Forensic Psychologists

The current salary for a forensic psychologist in Oklahoma is $90,620 per year. This is a great salary that can provide a comfortable lifestyle. You may find that the majority of the jobs in the field are near the higher population areas.

Oklahoma Forensic Psychology

Forensic psychology can take many different paths. In Oklahoma, many believe that the state doesn’t offer enough in terms of victim’s counseling, especially when it comes to children who’ve witnessed murders and other crimes. Children who don’t have proper counseling may one day commit those same acts of violence. Forensic interviews and therapy are some of the methods by which this can change.