What is the difference between criminology and criminal psychology

Criminal psychologists, also known as forensic psychologists, interact directly with a variety of criminals, both alleged and convicted. Criminologists view crime from a different vantage point, creating an understanding of criminality from statistics within social systems.

Both occupations work to reduce the impact of crime in society. Criminologists and criminal psychologists attend post-secondary institutions to obtain a master's degree or a Ph.

Criminologists usually need a master's degree or Ph. Criminal psychologists focus on individual patients while criminologists delve into systemic issues involving criminal behavior. Criminal psychologists often come from a law enforcement background, bringing skills learned in the field to graduate programs, where they refine their psychological profiling abilities. There are many other positions in this field, however, and many who study criminal psychology go on to work in social service or in a field related to law enforcement, often as corrections and probation officers, or as police, fire, emergency, and ambulance dispatchers.

Although the U. Opportunities in the field and the average rate of pay vary across the country and in conjunction with individual experience.

Forensic psychology is a broad field that applies the principles of psychology to the criminal justice system and law. Forensic psychologists consult with law enforcement to integrate psychology into both criminal and civil legal matters. Their duties can include selecting juries, evaluating witnesses, and conducting mental health evaluations. During undergraduate study, many forensic psychologists major in psychology or forensic psychology and go on to complete internships and postgraduate training in law enforcement.

Becoming a forensic psychologist requires a PhD or a Doctor of Psychology PsyD , though there are many entry-level opportunities in the field, including as a victim advocate, corrections specialist, or probation officer. In these professional paths, individuals can gain a thorough understanding of the philosophy, standards, and processes of the judicial system.

There are multiple possible jobs available for those wishing to work in this field, including forensic psychologist and forensic psychiatrist. While each of these roles requires a doctorate, with an online Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology , graduates can pursue entry-level work in corrections, law enforcement, social work, or psychiatry. Criminal psychology and forensic psychology are both strongly connected to law enforcement.

Each profession supports investigations, whether criminal or civil. Professionals in each of these fields benefit from academic study and practical experience in criminal justice. When comparing criminal psychology vs. From the education required to what their daily work looks like, there are some points of divergence between these two paths.

Although both criminal and forensic psychologist roles require advanced education, there are many opportunities for those who do not want to earn a PhD or PsyD. In contrast, the criminal psychology field focuses more specifically on understanding the mind of a criminal. Criminal psychology courses often include abnormal behavior, substance abuse patterns, behavioral statistics, and adolescent psychology.

While criminal psychology focuses on criminal behavior, forensic psychology includes criminal and civil law, work in prisons, at-risk youth counseling, and academic research. The different types of psychologies include criminal, cognitive, forensic, developmental, and social psychology. The major difference between criminal psychology and forensic psychology is that Criminal psychology deals with all matters concerning criminal behaviour. In contrast, forensic psychology applies the knowledge and principles of psychology to the criminal and justice system.

Both criminal psychology and forensic psychology work closely with the law enforcement system. Criminal psychology usually deals with examining the individual criminal behaviours and diagnosing any mental health conditions in an individual. Forensic psychology is a field that mixes the practice of psychology and law. There are specific differences between criminal psychology and forensic psychology, which are explained in detail further in this article.

Forensic psychology deals with the applications of psychology to legal matters to provide expert testimony in a court of law. It is applicable in both civil and criminal cases. After passing a national licensing exam and a ethics test, you can ask the board of psychology to allow you to practice. Criminologists with an undergraduate degree usually work as probation officers, prison guards and criminal investigators. Many of those with a postgraduate degree become authors, lecturers, researchers, college professors and consultants.

Criminal psychologists who want to see patients typically get a clinically-focused Doctor of Psychology Degree, or Psy.

They might work in a number of different settings, including private practice, corrections offices and law enforcement agencies.

They conduct court-ordered psychological assessments and court-ordered psychotherapy on criminals. Non-clinical criminal psychologists tend to work as researchers in universities and for the government, or as consultants for law enforcement agencies.