A Beginner's Guide to Forensic Psychology

What is Forensic Psychology?

If you have ever watched a crime television show or seen a reopened cold case in the news, you may have asked yourself the question: “What is forensic psychology?” 

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics defines forensic psychologists as professionals who “work with judges, attorneys and related specialists to understand the psychological aspects of a legal case.” 

Dr. Michele W. Gazica, an associate professor, chair and program coordinator for the Department of Behavioral & Social Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences, provided additional insight into what forensic psychology entails and how the program at Embry-Riddle opens doors for undergraduate students.  

Dr. Gazica explained that undergraduate students studying forensic psychology will explore “how people think, learn and make decisions and apply them to real-world issues like investigations, trials and corrections.” She noted that they will learn “to assess behavior, understand motives and evaluate forensic evidence to prepare them for careers that bridge psychology, law and public safety.” 

With expertise in occupational health psychology, legal analysis and more, Dr. Gazica helps us highlight how Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Bachelor of Science in Forensic Psychology at the Prescott Campus is the perfect place to kick off a strong career in the forensic psychology field.

Forensic Psychology at Embry-Riddle

So, what makes Forensic Psychology at Embry-Riddle unique? A few of the stand-out features include:

• The opportunity to study forensic psychology at the undergraduate level (available at very few universities) 
  Coursework taught in small classes led by experienced faculty 
  Small class sizes 
  Hands-on project and research options available to first-year students 
  Impactful opportunities such as the Cold Case Task Force (open to all Embry-Riddle students and available as a capstone course option for Forensic Psychology students) 

Join the Cold Case Task Force

Interested in exploring cold cases and diving into crime scene investigations? An undergraduate degree can take you far. 

Maylynn Burns founded the Cold Case Task Force in conjunction with her mentor, Kelly Crockett. 

The Cold Case Task Force offers students a chance to apply open-source intelligence to cold-case investigations. 

Learn more about how the Cold Case Task Force was founded and its impact beyond Embry-Riddle.

Resources Available to Embry-Riddle Students

Students may mentor juvenile offenders, partner with the local justice systems and develop leadership skills in research projects and on-campus psychology clubs and organizations.  

Comprehensive facilities, including BIOPACs (physiological technology equipment for classroom and research settings) and a forensics laboratory, provide niche learning opportunities. 

“We have graduate-level resources,” Dr. Gazica shared. “[Students] have professional development and research opportunities throughout their time here, which is unlike most undergraduate programs where faculty primarily focus on their graduate students.” 

Dr. Gazica emphasized that the program’s focus on student-faculty interaction is one of its most impressive qualities.  

Ambitious Embry-Riddle students will graduate with a comprehensive understanding of psychological and forensic sciences that will set them up to take the next step with ease.

Should You Pursue Forensic Psychology?

A crime television series may have sparked your interest in the forensic psychology field. You might know someone who has worked in the field, or perhaps you are interested in working with civil or criminal justice systems from a psychological perspective.  

When deciding if forensic psychology is a good fit for your future career, consider the following questions to start:

• Am I interested in both psychological and legal fields? 
• Am I interested in conducting, evaluating and/or applying research? 
• Do the complexities of human behavior interest me? 
• Am I passionate about helping people and upholding justice? 
• Am I interested in potentially pursuing further education after earning my undergraduate degree?

Dr. Gazica explained that students who go beyond learning the contents of the field are on the best track.  

“The field of psychology is about research and statistical methods... we focus very strongly on those cornerstones,” she said. “The curious, the motivated, the engaged will be able to take advantage of the opportunities [Embry-Riddle] presents.”

How to Become a Forensic Psychologist

Be mindful of planning and taking all the necessary steps to ensure a successful career.

• Earn the degrees: Pursuing a degree in Forensic Psychology or a related field is essential. In the U.S., a master’s degree may prepare you for certain forensic mental health roles and, in some jurisdictions, supervised psychology practice. To practice as a licensed psychologist in forensic settings, you typically need a doctoral degree, supervised training and state licensure. 
• Gain professional and research experience: Collect diverse research experiences that equip you for further education and bolster your résumé.  
• Prioritize networking: The psychology club, Psi Chi International Honor Society, and Delta Delta Epsilon Beta Eta chapter at Embry-Riddle are wonderful places to start. Stay connected with people you meet at conferences and develop strong professional relationships with the faculty you admire. 
• Hone your communication skills: Proficiency in oral, written and presentation skills is key to a successful career in forensic psychology. Presenting at scientific conferences is one way to sharpen this skillset. 
• Acquire necessary supervised experience and credentials: Requirements vary by jurisdiction, but practicing as a licensed psychologist typically involves completing doctoral or postdoctoral supervised training, passing the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) and meeting state licensure requirements. 
• Continue broadening your skill set: Remember to practice critical thinking and cross-cultural communication in work and research environments. Be sure to stay up to date on the requirements needed to keep your credentials active.

Careers in Forensic Psychology

Students who choose to pursue forensic psychology may enter their degree with specific career aspirations in mind. Embry-Riddle's vast undergraduate resources reward both open-minded and determined students who are interested in finding their best-fit career. 

Dr. Gazica noted that Embry-Riddle offers students in all the psychology programs a professional development course where they can assess career opportunities. 

As Dr. Gazica explained, there are “a plethora of avenues that you could choose to go down in this field.” A student may have an initial interest in being an investigator but discover “that they are really passionate about clinical psychology and go off to get their Ph.D., or they’re interested in the law and go get their J.D.” 

While some career pathways will require higher education beyond an undergraduate degree, the Forensic Psychology program can open doors to a fruitful career on its own.  

Upon completion of essential education and training for each position, common jobs in the forensic psychology field include:

• Background investigator 
• Behavioral health counselor 
• Child safety specialist 
• Crime analyst 
• Forensic neuropsychologist 
• Forensic psychologist 
• Investigative counsel 
• Investigator (for law enforcement) 
• Researcher 
• Threat analyst 
• Victim advocate

Where Will This Degree Take You?

The Forensic Psychology program was foundational to Chloe Nelson’s (’25) academic and professional growth at Embry-Riddle. 

Managing leadership roles in Psi Chi and Delta Delta Epsilon, carrying out three research projects and representing her university as an academic mentor were just the beginning.  

The class sizes, faculty and research opportunities drew Chloe to Embry-Riddle and motivated her in the pursuit of future professional goals and accomplishments. She was recently accepted into a Psy.D. program. 

Read more about Chloe’s journey with the Forensic Psychology program.

If forensic psychology sounds like the field for you, Embry-Riddle is the place for you. Learn more about our Prescott Campus and kick off your career here.