Criminal Psychology vs Forensic Psychology: What's the Difference?

The field of psychology is quite expansive in that there is a broad range of subfields and specializations to choose from. In fact, if you’re also interested in another academic discipline, there may be a psychology subfield that intersects with it. For example, criminal psychology and forensic psychology can both be good options for students who are interested in both psychology and the criminal justice system.

What's the difference between criminal psychology vs. forensic psychology and what sort of career options are available in these subfields? Explore your options here and consider whether becoming a psychologist who works with criminals is in your future.

In This Article:

• Examining the Modern Criminal Justice System
• Criminal Psychology Degree Overview
• Forensic Psychology Degree Overview
• Difference Between Criminology and Forensic Psychology
• Consider Related Minors To Pair With Your Degree
• Criminal Psychology vs. Forensic Psychology: Which Is Right for You?
• Salary Expectations and Job Growth
• Prepare To Pursue Your Career in Psychology at GCU

Examining the Modern Criminal Justice System

Regardless of whether you choose a career in criminal or forensic psychology, both degrees touch upon the criminal justice system. For that reason, it can be helpful to have a basic understanding of how the system works in the U.S.

The criminal justice system consists of various federal, state and local government agencies and institutions. It has three branches: law enforcement, the court system and corrections.

Law enforcement officers are charged with arresting suspected offenders. The court system then tries the defendants and may find them either guilty or not guilty. If they are found guilty, the offenders may be transferred to the corrections system to serve a period of incarceration or probation.

Criminal Psychology Degree Overview

The field of psychology as a whole focuses on studying the motivations for criminal behavior. Criminal psychologists study criminals’ intentions, patterns of behavior, upbringing and social factors that may influence criminal behavior. They may interview suspects, defendants and convicted criminals to learn more about their motivations, upbringing and family life.¹

The work that criminal psychologists do can assist law enforcement officers with narrowing down a list of suspects and apprehending criminals, informing jurors during a trial and adding to the body of knowledge in the field of criminology.¹

If you think you might want to pursue a career in criminal psychology, you might either look for a bachelor’s degree in criminal psychology or earn a general Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree and then pursue a master’s degree in criminal psychology. 

Forensic Psychology Degree Overview

Although forensic psychologists also work within law enforcement, the court system or corrections, their role is distinctive. Forensic psychology programs typically focus not on laws and their enforcement but rather on criminal behavior, victimology and trauma.

Like the criminal psychology specialization, those who choose the forensic psychology subfield may decide to become an advanced practitioner with a graduate degree. However, there are also career options available to those with a bachelor’s degree.

Difference Between Criminology and Forensic Psychology

There is some overlap between criminal psychology and forensic psychology. For example, like criminal psychologists, forensic psychologists analyze crimes and criminal behaviors, advise law enforcement officials and testify in court. Unlike criminal psychologists, forensic psychologists also focus on the impact of the crime on the victim. Another difference is that forensic psychologists may work on civil law matters, such as cases appearing in family court.¹

Terms like criminology, forensic psychology, criminal psychology and criminalistics are often used interchangeably. If you’re thinking of entering this field, it can be helpful to have a clear understanding of how these specializations are different and how they overlap in some areas.

Here’s a breakdown of the differences between criminology and forensic psychology, as well as criminal psychology:²

• Criminology: A criminologist focuses on crime and criminal behavior. They explore trends, causes and sociological factors that influence criminal behavior. They may also study whether anti-crime policies or programs are effective and reflect on society's reaction to criminals. Criminologists do not need a clinical license and many work in academia.
• Forensic psychology: Forensic psychologists often work in both criminal and civil law matters. This is a broad subfield, as these professionals may work in academia, corrections facilities, police departments, private practice and the court system. Many forensic psychologists hold clinical licensure, though not all careers within this specialization require it.
• Criminal psychology: Criminal psychologists tend to focus on studying the reasons for criminal behavior, both to understand it and to predict whether it may recur. Unlike forensic psychologists, criminal psychologists do not generally work with victims, and they also do not handle civil law matters. A criminal psychologist might have work experience in law enforcement, but this isn’t always required. Some criminal psychologists might be licensed clinicians.

Consider Related Minors To Pair With Your Degree

Since forensic and criminal psychology are both interdisciplinary fields, you may find it helpful to broaden your academic background by earning a minor. 

Some examples of minors that may be a good fit for an aspiring forensic or criminal psychology professional could include:

• Criminal justice
• Pre-law
• Child and family social services
• Spanish
• Communication

Criminal Psychology vs. Forensic Psychology: Which Is Right for You?

It isn't always easy to determine which branch of psychology could be the right choice for you. If you feel drawn to both specializations, consider looking into job shadowing opportunities and internships. These experiences can both give you an inside look into the daily lives of various professionals, and you'll be able to solicit their insights and guidance.

One way to choose between criminal psychology vs. forensic psychology is to consider the various career options available within those subfields.

Is Forensic Psychology a Good Career? Explore Your Options 

There is a wide range of career options within the forensic psychology subfield. Note that some career options may require additional education or credentials, such as clinical licensure. These requirements can vary by state, so be sure to research the requirements for the state in which you plan to work.

Forensic psych career options include:³

• Correctional counseling: This specialization involves working with inmates and ex-convicts to support their rehabilitation and reduce the risk of recidivism, encouraging them to become productive, law-abiding members of society.
• Jury consulting: This area focuses on evaluating potential jurors for a law firm’s trial strategy.
• Forensic psychology: This specialization requires advanced study in criminal behavior, involving collaboration with law enforcement to identify suspects and providing expert testimony in court.

Considering Career Choices in Criminal Psychology

If you think you might prefer a career in criminal psychology, there are also multiple options to choose from. 

Consider the following career pathways:⁴

• Crime analysis: This specialization involves gathering and analyzing information about criminal behavior to identify trends and develop effective crime prevention strategies. It may include interviewing stakeholders and creating reports to decision-makers.
• Criminal profiling: This area focuses on studying criminal behavior and motivations by evaluating crime scenes, analyzing evidence and conducting interviews with victims and witnesses to provide insights to investigators.
• Criminal psychology: This specialization explores the criminal experience, seeing to understand motives and predict future behavior. It typically requires licensure and supervised experience to practice clinically within the law enforcement context.²

Salary Expectations and Job Growth

Is forensic psychology a good career? And what about criminal psychology? Only you can determine if either is the right choice for you, but you may wish to consider salary and job growth data to help you decide.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not offer employment data specifically for criminal psychology or forensic psychology. However, according to the BLS, all types of psychologists made a median annual wage of $92,740 as of May 2023.⁵ The estimated job growth for all types of psychologists is 7%, faster than average, from 2023 to 2033, accounting for an estimated increase of 14,000 new jobs in the field.⁶

Prepare To Pursue Your Degree in Psychology at GCU

No matter where your future in psychology takes you, you can develop a solid foundation at Grand Canyon University. Choose from a broad range of psychology, behavioral health and counseling degrees, including the Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree and the Bachelor of Science in Psychology with an Emphasis in Forensic Psychology program. Here, you’ll take classes infused with the Christian perspective.