Jobs in forensic psychology are plentiful for master’s graduates who have solid written communication and interpersonal skills. Intelligence analysts and survey researchers collect data and report their findings in writing and presentations, while police detectives, nonprofit managers, and counselors in various settings must communicate effectively with clients and community members.
A professional with a master’s in forensic psychology may specialize in correctional, substance abuse, or mental health services, helping individuals and families to recover from trauma, cope with addiction, and attain a better quality of life. Read on to learn more about graduate degrees and jobs in forensic psychology.
Figuring out where to apply? These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online degrees. Consider one of these accredited programs, and discover their value today.
Forensic psychology careers are interesting and diverse, with options for master’s graduates in areas like police, government, nonprofit administration, and various types of counseling.
| Description | Police detectives gather and analyze evidence to solve crimes, typically specializing in a particular area such as homicide, narcotics, or fraud. A master’s degree in forensic psychology can help police detectives examine motives and build personality profiles for suspects to determine possible connections to a crime. |
|---|---|
| Salary | $63,380 |
| Growth Outlook | 7% from 2016-2026 |
| Description | Licensed corrections counselors work with inmates, parolees, and probationers to develop release strategies and minimize the likelihood of repeat offenses. Strategies may include education and training, counseling, job placement, substance abuse treatment, and mental health treatment. A licensed corrections counselor must hold a master’s degree. |
|---|---|
| Salary | $53,020 |
| Growth Outlook | 6% from 2016-2026 |
| Description | Senior intelligence analysts examine security threats, often for government or military operations. They lead intelligence operations by seeking out data sources, coordinating projects, and analyzing reports to recommend tighter security measures. Most senior intelligence analysts have master’s degrees in their areas of expertise, which may often include forensic psychology. |
|---|---|
| Salary | $92,878 |
| Growth Outlook | 5-9% from 2016-2026 |
| Description | Survey researchers use surveys to collect data and public opinions for corporations, government agencies, nonprofits, and polling organizations. These researchers design survey methods, coordinate data collection, and analyze results, summarizing their findings for their employer or client. Many survey researcher positions typically require an individual to obtain a master’s degree in a related field. |
|---|---|
| Salary | $57,700 |
| Growth Outlook | 2% from 2016-2026 |
| Description | Substance abuse counselors work with clients and families to recommend addiction treatment plans and guide patients toward recovery. They may run outreach programs, lead support groups, and refer clients to services as necessary. A substance abuse counselor must hold a master’s degree to practice. |
|---|---|
| Salary | $44,630 |
| Growth Outlook | 23% from 2016-2026 |
| Description | Mental health counselors treat clients for depression, anxiety, stress, suicidal impulses, grief, and other conditions. They may work with individuals, couples, or families to manage emotional issues. Some mental health counselors work with particular age groups. A mental health counselor must hold a master’s degree to practice. |
|---|---|
| Salary | $44,630 |
| Growth Outlook | 23% from 2016-2026 |
| Description | Nonprofit, social, and community service program managers develop programming for their organization, analyze effectiveness, and often present results to governing boards or executives. They may take on a variety of tasks depending on the size of the organization, potentially securing funding, overseeing programming, completing administrative tasks, and managing budgets. Most nonprofit program managers hold a master’s degree in a related field. |
|---|---|
| Salary | $65,320 |
| Growth Outlook | 18% from 2016-2026 |
This guide helps you choose the best online Ph.D. program in psychology. Learn about career prospects, admission requirements, and what to expect from a doctoral program.
Potential doctoral students in psychology who gravitate more toward clinical practice than academia should consider the accredited online Psy.D. programs ranked here.
An online doctoral in psychology prepares you for a psychology career, giving you the flexibility and convenience of distance learning. Here are the best online Ph.D. programs in psychology.
Find the psychology program that best fits your career plans and budget.