Become a Forensic Psychologist in Washington D.C.
In order to become a forensic psychologist in Washington D.C., it is going to take plenty of schooling. You will need to make sure that you have your Bachelor’s degree first. Most of the time, people are going to begin their career with a Bachelor’s degree in psychology, and then move onto the advanced degrees. However, some people have a Bachelor’s degree in criminology or sociology, and then follow up with a degree in psychology. Once you have your Bachelor’s degree from a good, accredited school, you will be able to move on to your advanced degrees and get your Master’s or forensic psychology PhD.
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 order to get your license, you need to have a doctorate from an accredited school and relevant work experience. In the District of Columbia, you have to have a minimum of 4,000 hours of experience under the supervision of a psychologist or psychiatrist in a period of no less than two year and no more than three years. Of those hours of work experience, 200 hours need to be done under the direct supervision of a professional. You may be able to do some of your hours as an internship. In addition, you will have to take a national exam as well as a district exam and interview. You will also need to contact the American Board of Forensic Psychologists for psychology licensure.
Steps to Becoming a Forensic Psychologist in Washington D.C.: Quick Reference Guide
- Receive a psychology or forensic psychology bachelor’s degree.
- Earn a master’s degree and a PhD in forensic psychology. Some doctoral programs do not require a master’s degree.
- Pursue relevant work experience of at least 4000 hours under the supervision of a psychologist.
- Take both the district and national examination.
- Secure licensure through the American Board of Forensic Psychologists.
Employment Trends and Career Areas for Forensic Psychologists in Washington D.C.
Becoming a forensic psychologist is a great career choice, and you can find a number of excellent colleges out there with programs that can help you. Once you have your degree and your license, you will find that you have quite a few different job opportunities available.
It’s possible to work with law enforcement as a consultant, where you will be able to help with creating criminal profiles and interviewing suspects. Working within the court system or the corrections system is a possibility as well. Quite a few who have their degrees choose to work in the school system and teach psychology, while others delve into research roles. With all of the jobs that are becoming available in this field, it’s a great time to start looking for schools.
Salary and Employment Facts for Washington D.C. Forensic Psychologists
Forensic psychologists working in Washington D.C. can make a great salary, with the average being $98,290 per year. Depending on where you work, as well as your experience, you may find that you can make a bit more each year. It’s a great job, and one that’s going to be in demand for a number of years. It takes a certain type of person and a great education to become a forensic psychologist, and that’s why the pay is so great.
Fictional Forensics in Washington D.C.
One of the most popular forensic television shows is Bones which follows the exploits of a forensic anthropologist and his team of forensic scientists alongside the FBI. The show takes place in Washington D.C., and one of the main sets in the show is The Jeffersonian, which is a supposed to be a stand-in representation for the Smithsonian. One of the characters on the show, Dr. Sweets, is a forensic psychologist.