Define the following terms as they pertain to forensic psychology: joint degree, state certification, board certification, and diplomate.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

A joint degree is a dual degree obtained at the same, or an associated, institution. Students who are equally interested in law and psychology may earn both a PhD and a Juris Doctor degree in law (JD) or a PhD and a master’s degree in legal studies (MLS).
State certification is offered in approximately 17 states and permits the psychologist to engage in forensic practice, such as conducting competency evaluations for the courts or assessing sexually violent offenders who may be subjected to civil commitment proceedings. Board certification can add stature to an individual’s credentials if he or she is called to testify in court. On a national level, the predominant organization that provides board certification in forensic psychology is the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP), the American Board of Forensic Psychology (ABFP), and the American Board of Psychological Specialties (ABPS), which is affiliated with the American College of Forensic Examiners (ACFE). Criteria used by the various boards and organizations to grant credentials or titles vary widely. A diplomate is a professional designation signifying that a person has been certified as having advanced knowledge, skills, and competence in a particular specialty. Diplomate certification in forensic psychology attests to the fact that an established organization of peers has examined and accepted the psychologist as being at the highest level of excellence in his or her field of forensic practice. The psychologist must be licensed to qualify for diplomate status.