Becoming a Forensic Psychologist

The paths to becoming a forensic psychologist are numerous and varied. Becoming a Forensic Psychologist provides insight into the process of pursuing a career in forensic psychology, from an introduction to the field itself to graduate school and beyond. This comprehensive guide extends beyond mere definitions and overviews to discuss tips, strategies, and questions to ask at every step of the way to becoming a forensic psychologist. Told from the perspectives of individuals at different stages in their career, this book provides up-to-date information about existing forensic psychology programs and resources to assist aspiring forensic psychologists in career decision-making. Additional sidebars define key terms, highlight important court decisions that shaped the field of forensic psychology, and provide interesting facts about the field. This book will help any individual pursuing a career as a forensic psychologist, including those about to start college who are narrowing their career interests, graduate students, and those already in the field of psychology who are considering a career shift.

Preface PART I Career Crossroads 1 Forensic Psychologists: What Exactly Do They Do? 2 Forensic Psychology: A Brief History and Current Status 3 Laying the Groundwork: Things to Know in Advance of Graduate School PART II Graduate Training 4 The Paradox of Choice: Picking the Right Program 5 Applications and Interviews: Helpful Hints for Maximizing Your Chances of Graduate Admission 6 Hallowed Halls: Surviving and Thriving in Graduate School 7 Internship Indigestion PART III Professional Puzzles 8 Postdoc Pandemonium 9 Practice Qualifications 10 The World Is Your Oyster: Jobs and Professional Development Index 200

David DeMatteo, JD, PhD, ABPP (Forensic), is an Associate Professor of Psychology & Law at Drexel University, and Director of Drexel’s JD/PhD Program in Law and Psychology. He is board certified in forensic psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology. Jaymes Fairfax-Columbo, JD, PhD, is a graduate of the Thomas R. Kline School of Law and Drexel University’s College of Arts and Sciences. Alisha Desai, MS, is a doctoral candidate in the PhD Program in Clinical Psychology (forensic concentration) at Drexel University.