Becoming a Forensic Psychologist in Oregon
Those who want to become a forensic psychologist will need to start by getting a Bachelor’s degree from a good school. Choose accredited schools that have the programs that you are going to need to further your education. After you have your Bachelor’s degree, you are going to need to start your Master’s degree and your 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
In addition to having your doctorate, you are going to need to have two years of supervised work experience under the guidance of a qualified supervisor. You will be able to do one of the years while you are getting your doctorate, and you will be able to do the second year after you have your degrees. During your doctorate studies, you will want to find an internship where you will be able to complete your work hours.
After completing your degree, and all of the necessary work experience, you will then be able to apply for your Oregon license to practice psychology. You will submit the application to the Oregon Board of Psychologist Examiners, and they will verify that you meet the requirements. You will then be able to take the Examination of Professional Practice in Psychology. You have to submit a written request to the Board in order to be eligible to take the exam. You are also going to need to take the state administered Jurisprudence exam.
Steps to Becoming a Forensic Psychologist in Oregon: Quick Reference Guide
- Obtain a bachelor’s degree in forensic psychology or psychology.
- Earn your master’s degree. This step is optional for some PhD programs.
- Get your doctorate degree.
- Complete two years of work experience under the supervision of a qualified psychologist. One year can be completed while earning your PhD.
- Apply for a license from the Oregon Board of Psychologist Examiners.
- Once approved, you may take the EPPP and a jurisprudence exam.
Employment Trends and Career Areas for Forensic Psychologists in Oregon
Choosing to become a forensic psychologist can lead to a long and fruitful career. Starting your schooling in the field now is a good idea, as the jobs for these types of forensic specialists are growing.
You will find many different areas that you can pursue when you have your doctorate and your license to practice in the state. Working with the police to help identify suspects and come up with behavioral patterns and profiles is an option that many people enjoy. It helps the police catch the right criminals. Of course, it is also possible to find work in the court systems, the prison system, and even in research.
Salary and Employment Facts for Oregon Forensic Psychologists
Forensic psychologists working in Oregon have an average salary of around $95,070 per year. The amount that a forensic psychologist is going to make will depend on the type of work that he or she is doing, as well as their location in the state. Also, it is a good time to become a forensic psychologist in Oregon if job stability is a concern. The Department of Labor reported that the field will grow 10% by 2024.
Oregon Forensics in the News
Forensics takes many forms, from forensic psychology to on scene evidence collection and analysis. In Ashland, forensic experts are currently working on a murder case. David Grubb, found nearly decapitated on a bike path in Ashland, is a case that the investigators are striving to solve, and they are using experts at the Oregon State Police crime lab to help rule out possible suspects. They’ve collected and tested bladed weapons from suspects, as well as clothing samples.