Learning Criminal Psychology

A criminal psychologist is someone who studies the thoughts and actions of people who commit crimes, and tries to determine what makes an individual, or group, participate in criminal behavior. Criminal psychologists often play roles in helping law enforcement officials solve crimes or at least analyze why they happened--and even how future crimes can be avoided. If you're interested in learning more about the field, there are plenty of options.

Forensic Psychology

• To become a criminal psychologist, you need to understand the law as well as psychology. One form of this is forensic psychology. Forensic psychologists often find themselves interacting with lawyers and judges--and sometimes, juries in the court room -- and must possess an ability to explain their psychological findings in legal terms. Forensic psychologists are also often used by the defense team to help determine whether a client is fit to stand trial.

Undergraduate Programs

• Nearly every college in the U.S. offers general psychology as an undergraduate program, and that is where you will need to begin. At the lowest levels, most psychology courses offer research methods, behavior analysis of both individuals and societies, the study of personality and psychology as it applies to the medical and legal fields. At the very least, you will need a bachelor's degree in psychology.

Other Courses

• Anyone who wants to be a criminal psychologist should also take courses in forensics and science. Education in anatomy, biology and law will prove to be helpful if you plan to get a master's or doctorate in the field.

Top Programs

• Some schools and universities are well-known for their criminal and forensic psychology programs. The City University of New York (CUNY) is considered among the best, as its John Jay College of Criminal Justice offers a master's degree in criminal psych. Also, the Michigan State School of Criminal Justice is the oldest in the U.S. and is considered another leader in the field, as is Farleigh Dickinson in New Jersey--which boasts nationally recognized psychology programs. All three universities offer students hands-on training at some point during their coursework.

Gaining Experience/Certification

• Just like any other field, if you want to get a job as a criminal psychologist you will need to gain some experience. This can be accomplished by assisting a criminal psychologist, or by doing field work--usually available to students who are pursuing a doctorate. Finally, once you have completed your education and gained a little experience, you will need to become certified by the American Board of Forensic Psychology. Requirements vary by state, but you unless you become a certified member, you cannot practice criminal psychology.