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

Abstract

ABSTRACT Since the inception of the first doctoral program in psychology and law in 1974, master's-level training in forensic psychology has been virtually ignored by the field of psychology and law training. Given the changes in the workplace over the past few decades, master's-level clinicians are providing more psychological services, often under the supervision of doctoral-level providers. Master's training programs are emerging in forensic psychology to fill the need for forensically-trained clinicians at the master's level. This article proposes a Bifurcated Educational Model (BEM) in advocating for forensic psychology training at the master's level. Citing the Villanova Conference on Training in Law and Psychology, the authors argue for a similar approach to evaluating and improving the effectiveness in master's-level programs.