Criminal psychology is the examination of the responses, thoughts, wills and intentions of criminals. This field is related to anthropology or study of human beings. Forensic psychology is a meeting point between criminal justice system and psychology. This is concerned with the understanding of criminal law that is applied in the appropriate jurisdictions in order to interact correctly with advocates, judges and other professionals of the legal system.

Criminal Psychology course and career opportunities

Candidates who aspire to join this course must have a pass in their graduation in either Arts or Science. After finishing this course, candidates can find employment in both the private as well as public sectors. Research organizations, private security as well as detective agencies employ criminology professionals. It is also possible for students of this field to work as lecturers in colleges. Students of criminal psychology can find jobs as counselors in rehabilitation centers too.

Forensic Psychology course and career opportunities

Candidates who wish to join the B.Sc course in Forensic psychology must have a pass in their 10 + 2 class. They must have a strong background in science subjects. Candidates who aspire to join the Masters course in the related subject should have studied biochemistry, Physics, microbiology, chemistry, botany or zoology. Students who have studied BDS, B.Pharm or applied science are also eligible to apply. Those who have finished their course in Forensic psychology can get employed in research institutes or with the central or state legal system.

Key differentiators

While criminal psychology deals with the profiling of criminals, forensic psychology deals with the connection between the legal system and the application of psychology in it. Another difference between the two is, whilst Criminal psychologists are often called by the courts as witnesses, Forensic psychologists aid the court with their findings. They rephrase these findings into the formal language of the court. This testimony of theirs will be recorded and used as evidence against criminals.