Now that the field of psychology has split into more specialties than could have been imagined fifty years ago, few people outside the field understand what many of the terms actually mean. Industrial psychology, forensic psychology, and organizational psychology are only a few of the specialties offered.

The number of people interested in a forensic psychology degree has exploded over the past few years. While this is partly a result of the popularity of crime shows on television giving people a glimpse into the complex world of criminal justice, it’s also due to the fact that more schools have recognized the need to prepare students to work with law enforcement and the courts.

Forensic psychologists have a variety of occupational options available to them. They can become trial consultants, working with existing firms, directly for the courts, or setting up their own practice. They can consult with law enforcement at all levels, including being employed by the FBI or CIA to help with profiling suspects. They may work with people in prisons, on probation or released on parole. Others will do research on at risk populations or develop programs to assist them. Anywhere that human behavior meets up with the criminal justice system is a good place to look for a forensic psychologist.