Become a Psychologist

Criminal psychology graduate studies explore human behavior and the motivation behind criminal activity. Learn about degree program requirements, online study options and practical training. Explore the coursework in master's and doctoral programs in criminal psychology. Schools offering .

How Do I Become a Criminal Psychologist?

Although you may be able to earn an undergraduate degree in psychology that has an emphasis on criminal or forensic psychology, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), states that you'll be required to earn a master's degree or doctorate in order to practice as a psychologist of any type (www.bls.gov).

Criminal psychology is a specialization of the broader area of forensic psychology. The American Heritage Medical Dictionary makes the following distinction between the two. Forensic psychology deals with applying psychology to legal matters in a court of law. Criminal psychology is focused specifically on criminal behavior.

Graduate courses dealing with criminal psychology are often found in programs leading to a master's degree in forensic psychology or a master's degree in counseling, with a concentration in forensic psychology. Depending on the school, master's programs are available on campus, entirely online or in a hybrid program. Hybrid programs are delivered partially online and partially on campus.

You can obtain postgraduate training in criminal psychology through programs leading to a Doctor of Philosophy in Forensic Psychology (Ph.D.) or a Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in Forensic Psychology (Psy.D.). The Society for Police and Criminal Psychology offers a database of a large number of schools that provide programs and courses dealing with criminal psychology at all postsecondary educational levels.