In Pakistan, development of Forensic Psychology has a long route to exceed and many hurdles to overcome. Because the field is very new even in USA and many other European countries.
Future of Forensic Psychology
Forensic psychology has experienced steady growth in the past two decades. It is predicted that research work, consultation, and clinical practice in psychology and the law will continue to grow over the next ten years. The highest demand is predicted to be working with the courts, attorneys, and lawmakers. Jobs will also continue to grow in colleges and universities where most of the research is conducted. Laws are constantly changing, which can be good news for a forensic psychologist. Exploring different ways of dealing with juvenile offenders is also becoming a popular subject; decisions related to dealing with these offenders often require the expert advice of a forensic psychologist. Those who hold doctorate degrees will have many more career opportunities than those with only a master's degree. It is almost impossible to specialize in this field with only a bachelor’s degree.
How to become a Forensic Psychologist
The preferred route to become a forensic psychologist is through the clinical route; means become a clinical psychologist first and then specialize in forensic psychology.
Individuals interested in pursuing a Forensic Psychology career would have take psychology and criminal justice courses at the core of their academic studies. There are very limited numbers of academic institutions that specifically offer a Forensic Psychology degree. Two institutes in Pakistan are offering diplomas in forensic psychology. Clinical, social, cognitive, criminal investigative, and developmental psychology also help to prepare one for this specialty.
A forensic psychologist may chose to solely focus his/her career on research, ranging anywhere from examination of eyewitness testimony to learning how to improve interrogation methods. Another form of Forensic Psychology work is public policy, in which researchers can help in the design of correctional facilities and prisons. More generally, Forensic Psychology covers territory between the traditional options of criminal justice (i.e., academic training, law enforcement, and corrections).
Text and Reference Material The primary text book for this course is Wrights man, L. S. (2001). Forensic psychology. Belmont, CA:
Future Of Forensic Psychology
