CREATED BY: TENISHA FRANKLIN

What is a Forensic Psychologist Psychologists analyze and study mental and emotional disorders, offer psychotherapy services, perform child custody evaluations, investigate reports of child abuse, and conduct visitation risk assessments

Salaries The median annual wage for psychologists was $69,280 per year (in May 2012) In 2012 the median pay per hour was $33.31 per hour

Salary by Percentile

Responsibilities Psychologists must study emotional and social processes and human behavior by observing, solving, and recording how people relate to one another and their environments

Job Benefits High Earnings Flexible Hours: you can set your own work times because you can schedule patients' appointments according to your own desired work hours Rewarding Work: the reward that comes from the ability to help others improve their lives Health Insurance Vacation pay 401k

Qualifications for Employment Although psychologists typically need a doctoral degree or specialist degree in psychology, a master’s degree is acceptable for some positions Psychologists will also need a license or certification

Job Outlook Employment of psychologists is projected to grow 12 percent from 2012 to 2022 This field will also grow 15% through 2016

Work Environment Some psychologists work independent, conducting research or working with patients Some work as part of a healthcare team, examining with physicians and social workers or in school settings, working with students, teachers, parents, and other educators Those in private practice often work evenings and weekends to take in clients

Places to Work The Hospital Rehabilitation Center Personal Office Jail/ Prison Courthouse (participate on civil and criminal cases with law enforcement and legal terms)

Top Collages That Offer Forensic Psychology Degrees Walden University Argosy University (online) University of Phoenix University of Southern California (online) Kaplan University (online) John Jay College of Criminal Justice University of Alabama at Birmingham Keiser University Graduate School (online)

Forensic Psychology Facts 1. The study of fingerprints is called ‘Dactylography’ 2. X-rays were discovered in 1895 by a scientist named Conrad Rõntgen 3. Fingerprints are identified using three patterns: whorls, loops and arches. There is a forth pattern which combines all three patterns 4. Drop of blood the size of a pinhead, there are 5 million red blood cells 5. Female serial killers account for only 8% of all American serial killers, but American females account for 76% of all female serial killers worldwide

Famous Case Dealing with Forensic Psychology 1) O.J. Simpson: Although acquitted of criminal charges, the prosecution presented Mr. Simpson as an egotist who saw himself above the law. According to Dr. Stephen Diamond, sociopaths tend to be narcissists who lack remorse for their behavior. Perhaps this explains why Simpson’s legal team filed a motion to bar psychological testimony from his civil trial.Mr. SimpsonDr. Stephen Diamondbar psychological testimony