The Time Is Now: The Emerging Need for Master's-Level Training in Forensic Psychology

A historical review and resource guide to the scholarship of teaching and training in psychology and law and forensic psychology.

“…Some suggest that the doctorate should be the entry-level degree for practitioners in this field (Clements & Wakeman, 2007), but others call for more Master’s-level training models (DeMatteo et al, 2009; Zaitchik, Berman, Whitworth, & Platania, 2007). The literature discusses two types of Master’s programs: Those aimed at preparing students for doctoral level-study (e.g., John Jay College of Criminal Justice) and those focused on training practitioners for jobs (e.g., Roger Williams University).…”

Navigating the Expanding Field of Law and Psychology: A Comprehensive Guide to Graduate Education

“…Master's-level training programs have been suggested to fill the need for forensically trained clinicians at the master's level (Zaitchik et al, 2007). Packer (2008a) has issued a call for systematic training of forensic psychologists at all levels and has led an initiative to develop education and training guidelines in forensic psychology (Forensic Specialty Council, 2007).…”

“…This growth is closely tied to interest and expansion in the field of psychology and law over the last 35 years (Berman, Hall, Cook, Birmingham & Williamson, 2008). The results of various training models on undergraduate and graduate students interested in studying psychology and law have been mixed (Zatichik, Berman, Whitworth, & Platania, 2007;Clements & Wakeman, 2007;Ogloff, 2002). The number of graduate programs and publications related to training and development in psychology and law have grown exponentially (Bersoff et al, 1997;Fulero et al 1999;Ogloff 2002;Packer, 2008b).…”