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Inspired by television, books and movies that highlight different aspects of forensic sciences, more and more students are getting degrees in subjects like computer forensics, forensic pathology, and forensic anthropology. Those that choose to study forensic psychology may be drawn to the field by thoughts of becoming a criminal profiler or working in law enforcement , but there are actually a number of other careers available to them.

Many forensic psychologists do work with law enforcement. They may serve as profilers and analysts to aid in the capture and prosecution of criminals. They are also called upon to evaluate officers and support staff. Other individuals are employed as consultants to judges and courts. These psychologists will serve as expert witnesses in court and conduct court ordered evaluations of people involved in domestic cases and civil litigation as well as criminal cases. Again, they may also evaluate employees of the court, such as bailiffs, court reporters, and even judges and lawyers.

The prison and parole system also offers a number positions for forensic psychologists. They counsel and evaluate both parolees and prisoners, assess personnel, and even run rehabilitation programs. Outside the system, they may counsel crime victims or run programs to serve at risk populations.

A number of these psychologists enter school knowing that they want to pursue forensics. Others come to the field after working for years in law enforcement or other parts of the criminal justice system. They begin taking forensic psychology courses after encountering a need for those skills in their work.