Criminal Psychology Schools in Texas

Criminal psychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on criminals. Criminal psychologists participate in a number of activities related to criminal investigations, and this may include creating profiles of offenders or victims based on available information. They also conduct psychological testing of people who are on trial for different crimes. The researchers in criminal psychology are interested in finding out what makes people commit crimes. They study aspects such as childhood environments of serial killers, and psychological pressures that lead to criminal behavior. Criminal psychologists are also interested in the aftermath of a crime, and how criminals act after committing a crime.

Criminal Psychology vs. Criminal Psychiatry
Criminal psychology is not the same as criminal psychiatry. Although both deal with mental health issues, psychiatry is majorly focused on the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. Psychiatry may involve a variety of therapies and treatment approaches. Conversely, psychologists are concerned with the criminal behavior and the motivations behind it. They may also study mental illnesses, their underlying causes, and treatment with the help of therapy.

Criminal Psychology Schools in Texas

Degrees
A number of schools offer criminal psychology degrees in Texas. Students interested in the field may select a degree level according to their educational requirements and career aspirations. Some of the major degrees offered in the field of criminal psychology include:

• Associate's degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree
• Doctorate degree

Coursework
Besides general criminal psychology degrees, there are also specialized degrees, such as forensic psychology degree, police counseling degree, and forensics mental health degree. All these specializations study the pathology of a criminal mind. There are a number of diverse courses that are a part of criminal psychology degree program. Some topics covered in these programs are:

• Human development
• Personality development
• Abnormal behavior
• Social Influences on behavior
• Mental disorders
• Forensic psychology
• Case studies on criminals

Students are also required to take many criminal justice courses such as criminal law, criminal investigation, judicial process, and crimes against children. Students learn various useful skills and knowledge while taking these courses. They learn how to profile criminals, how to recognize criminal patterns and motives, how psychology impacts the memory and testimonies of a witness, and how to distinguish between different types of legal insanity.

Careers in Criminal Psychology
A career in criminal psychology gives individuals an opportunity to help others and contribute positively to the society. They may select diverse career paths such as consulting, government jobs, criminal courts, or the field of education. However, a career in forensic psychology requires substantial time and commitment, as five to seven years of graduate study is required for this higher level position. One aspect they may be worrisome is that criminal psychologists may face stress and burnout due to the nature of their job. The following are some different types of jobs that graduates may pursue.

Undergraduate careers

• Social Service Managers
• Social Workers
• Substance Abuse and Behavioral Counselors

Master's degree careers

• Mental Health Counselors
• Rehabilitation Counselors
• School and Career Counselors

Doctoral Degree careers

• Forensic psychologists
• Industrial and organizational psychologists
• Psychology Professors