Is a Forensic Psychologist & a Criminal Profiler the Same Thing?

December 2, 2017 – 06:03 pm

Criminal profiling is a specialized field of forensic psychology.Criminal profiling is a specialized field of forensic psychology.

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A criminal profiler is sometimes a forensic psychologist, but forensic psychology has many different sectors. Forensic psychologists apply education and training in psychology to the legal profession. These types of psychologists work in law firms, government agencies, private practice, academia, education and rehabilitation centers. Some use their expertise to help educate prison inmates and deter future criminal activity. Others may engage in criminal profiling to help law enforcement agencies track suspects.

Criminal Profiling

Forensic psychologists that become criminal profilers are often experienced in law enforcement investigations. Profilers may work full-time in law enforcement or as consultants on certain cases. They rely on criminal investigation expertise and psychological understanding of the criminal mind. The goal of profiling is to put together a mentality and perspective on a suspect to aid law enforcement in tracking him.

Source: work.chron.com

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  • avatar Do I need a bachelor's degree in forensic psychology to get a PhD in forensic psychology? | Yahoo Answers
    • You need a bachelor degree, then a masters degree before you can go for a PhD. The masters probably should be in your field of what your PhD is to be in. The bachelors degree could be in psychology and a minor in criminal justice like you said.
      Once you get started on your higher degrees, you may be able to get a "fellowship" at one of the more expensive universities and be an instructor part time there to help pay for your PhD, for instance.
      Good luck.

  • avatar Do I need a masters degree to get into a Forensic Psychology PhD program (perhaps at Simon Fraser)? | Yahoo Answers
    • You do not need a Masters to be admitted into a PhD program. However, it will be difficult to get accepted to a very competitive program without a Masters because other applicants will likely have more research experience than you.
      I forgot to add this when I responded earlier! Clinical Psychology programs are notoriously competitive, but other branches of Psychology are a little less difficult. I'm not sure about Forensic Psychology. I suggest applying to both PhD and Masters programs.