Where Can I Use My Psychology Degree in the Legal System?

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While it may seem surprising to some, earning a degree in psychology provides a solid foundation for many jobs in the legal system. Some universities offer programs and degrees in psychology and law. However, for many jobs in the legal system, a psychology degree is more than enough. Your classes have prepared you for careers in:

law
education
medical settings
science and more

Let’s take a look at some of the places that you can use your psychology degree in the legal system. See our ranking of the 30 Best Bachelor’s in Psychology Degrees Online: Small Colleges.

Forensic Psychology

Forensic psychologists work towards associating human behavior with criminal or legal matters. This can assist with solving a crime, prosecuting someone, leading law enforcement to an arrest and so on. This is a profession that also requires:

court appearances
working on research projects
disputing resolutions

It can be very fast paced and it keeps you moving to different locations. You will likely have an office that you report back to, but many times you will visit a crime scene or something similar.

Behavioral Analyst

You can pair up with law enforcement in your area or you can choose to train and educate on this topic. You analyze human behavior in relation to terrorism, assault, sexual assault, violent crimes and child abduction. You can locate criminals and solve crimes based on your knowledge of the human brain and how it works. You will work closely with law enforcement and other governmental agencies like the FBI and the CIA in order to provide services.

Lawyer

Once you have completed your psychology degree program, you may want to choose to continue your education and practice law. This versatile background allows you to relate better to the different clients that you encounter. You will also have an edge over other lawyers in your field because you understand how people think. Improved negotiation and problem solving is key in this field. You will be required to attend more classes and eventually pass the bar exam in order to practice law in your area.

Education

Now that you have your own educational background in psychology, you can further your education and choose to educate others. This can be done at a high school level, a college level or through a training program at a company. There are even jobs within the prison system that will allow you to train and educate criminals before they are released back into their normal lives. Many people believe that receiving an education in the field of psychology limits you to working strictly with patients, counseling them on a variety of conditions. Rather, psychology degree jobs in the legal system can be very different and lucrative. It is a great stepping stone for other opportunities as well.

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