subject: Why Are Forensic Psychology Programs So Popular? [print this page] Quite a few people are starting to take forensic psychology programs in school, often hoping to pursue a career as a forensic psychologist. Its a great career path, but you might be wondering what it is that has made careers in forensics so popular over the past few years. The truth is that many different factors are contributing to this popularity, and we will look at the biggest of the factors here.
The Hollywood Factor
Perhaps the biggest reason that the buzz around forensics of all sorts is so high is because of the Hollywood factor. On any given night of the week if you flip through the channels on television, you are going to come across several forensic psychology programs and programs related to the other forensic sciences on television. You should try this sometime to see just how many shows that include some type of forensics are on television. On Showtime, you have Dexter. Bones, CSI, The Mentalist, Castle, and a veritable host of other shows are on the television as well. Think about reruns as well. Then you have to consider all of the documentary shows and even reality shows now that use forensics in some capacity.
Of course, new movies are coming out all the time, and plenty of old movies that use forensics of some type. Everyone remembers Silence of the Lambs, but thats just a single example amongst hundreds. In addition, Silence of the Lambs (and Red Dragon) were novels by Thomas Harris long before they were on the silver screen. Countless novels and short stories that use forensics as the thrust of their tales. Its no wonder that so many people are interested in the subject now.
Growing Job Opportunities
Popularity on the television isnt the only reason that forensic psychology programs in college are seeing so many students take an interest. You will also find that there are a number of job opportunities out there, and smart students looking for a great career know that they are going to need to take advantage of a growing job market. Since the career is interesting, it can make a natural choice for anyone who already has an affinity for psychology.
Great Wages
Of course, you will also find that becoming a forensic scientist is going to be able to provide you with a great salary no matter where you happen to live in the country. So start looking into forensic psychology programs today!
