There is a long list of qualifications and requirements to becoming a certified forensic psychologist. On average you are looking at about seven to ten years of school and supervised post-doctoral experience before becoming a licensed forensic psychologist.
Your first ultimate goal is to get your bachelor’s degree as an undergraduate. Core classes for a bachelor’s degree in forensic psychology most likely will include courses in Foundations in Psychology, Criminal Behavior, The Court System, Ethics in Criminal Justice, etc. As long as your college offers such courses, whether you attend a four year or transfer into a four year isn’t a big deal.
Community college is a great affordable and accessible option to begin your academic journey. You can get your associate’s degree and transfer to a four-year university to complete your bachelors degree. In Oregon, if you are a resident, you might qualify for the Oregon Promise Grant. The Oregon Promise Grant is a program that can pay for your community college if you meet the qualifications. A great local community college is Clackamas Community College. They offer common social sciences, human services, and criminal justice transfer majors such as Criminal Justice, History, Human Development, Psychology, and Sociology. You can transfer your credits to a four-year college like Portland State University, where you can finish your Bachelor’s degree. Internship as an undergraduate is strongly recommended. The more experience you have the better chances of receiving a job offer in the future.
Your second ultimate goal is to earn your doctorate degree in forensic psychology. You can earn your masters in forensic psychology followed by a doctoral program or attend a doctoral program that encompasses all of the master’s degree requirements. Once you have earned your bachelors degree in psychology, it is important to search for programs that are APA-Accredited. You will most likely be required to possess a exemplary bachelor’s/ masters GPA, competitive GRE scores, a well-rounded resume, professional references, and an admission essay to be accepted into a doctoral program. APA-accredited programs in Oregon can be found at the University of Oregon, Oregon, George Fox University, and Pacific University.
Your third goal is to complete a post-doctoral experience. After earning your doctoral degree, it is required that you complete a year of supervised work experience. The required hours are at least 1,500 hours over a period of time not less than 12 months. It is important to make sure that your post-doctoral residency program is APA recognized. In Oregon, APA recognized residency programs include Morrison Child and Family Services in Gresham, Child Development and Rehabilitation Center, Oregon Health and Science University in Portland. Finding a good program is important to improve your prospects of being hired right after. Once you have completed your residency program, all you have left to do is pass your licensure exam and find a job.
You can become a certified forensic psychologist with seven to ten years of school and residency. Earning a doctorate degree in forensic psychology rather than a bachelor’s increases prospects of an employer hiring you. After finishing school, you must join a residency program and then take the test to get licensed. It is important to have a great resume if you want to have a job in your career field. After all, there are a long list of qualifications and requirements to becoming a forensic psychologist.
Sources:
https://www.pdx.edu/academics/programs/undergraduate/psychology
https://apps.apa.org/accredsearch/?_ga=2.191363178.131469006.1676589624-959539023.1676589624
https://www.forensicpsychologyedu.org/oregon/#earn-bachelors-degree)
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