Education Required to Become a Criminal Profiler
Criminal profiling begins with an in-depth study of a crime. Profilers work crime cases by analyzing data and subsequently identifying a connecting link between what occurs at the scene and the possible characteristic of the perpetrator. Professionals who perform this type of work are mainly employed by government agencies. A number of criminal profilers work as independent consultants. Profilers typically need a college degree and specialized training.
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History
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The profession may have originated with a profile created by psychiatrist Dr. James A. Brussel. He was called in to consult on a case involving a series of events that took place in New York. In November of 1940 a pipe bomb was found at Consolidated Edison, which opened the case that spanned 16 years and involved more than 30 hidden bombs. When Brussel was asked to assist, he created a profile that eventually led to the arrest of the criminal. Advancement of the profession occurred in 1972 when the Federal Bureau of Investigation created the Behavioral Science Unit (BSU).
Education
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There is no mandatory educational requirement for a criminal profiler. Individuals interested in this career might begin with an undergraduate degree in criminology, criminal justice, forensics or psychology. The FBI has made it known that there is no direct career path and no profiling position per se. Agents who perform this type of work are assigned to the National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime (NCAVC). Their jobs involve creating profiles and providing case management consulting to other law enforcement agencies. Advanced degrees that fall in the preferred qualifications category for the type of work are considered to be in behavioral or forensic science.
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Graduate Studies
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Obtaining a master’s degree in forensic psychology is a viable strategy to become a profiler. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology offers a master’s degree in applied forensic psychology services designed to teach students investigative skills, how to provide trial consultation and partner with law enforcement agencies. Michigan State University created a forensic science masters program. Internship field work is available to students at the Michigan State Police Forensic Science Division located in Lansing, Michigan, close to the campus.
Certificate Program
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Excelsior College in Albany, New York, offers a criminal profiling and investigative analysis (CPIA) certificate program. Comprising seven courses, studies include investigative profiling, crime reconstruction, a research and writing segment and three elective classes. Also offered at the college is a bachelor of science degree for students who wish to major in criminal justice. Individuals interested in earning this degree can elect a program emphasis in CPIA.
Considerations
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According to Pat Brown, criminal profiler and owner of the Pat Brown Criminal Profiling Agency headquartered in Washington, D.C., there are very few jobs in this field. Brown states, “Unless the profiler is on the FBI or police payroll, he or she must make money either from consultant work, teaching, or writing.” The Bureau of Labor Statistics has not included this profession in the Occupational Handbook, 2010-11 Edition.
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References
Resources
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