Education for Criminal Profilers

People are fascinated by the workings of the criminal mind. Criminal profiling is a popular subject of novels, movies and TV police dramas, and a popular consideration for those pursuing a criminal justice career. But exactly what does it take to become a criminal profiler?

Definition

A criminal profiler studies crime scene evidence and, using his knowledge of forensics and psychology, builds a profile of a suspect that helps point law enforcement agents in the right direction.

Applications

Criminal profilers work on all types of cases, including serial murders, kidnappings, terrorist acts, bombings, serial rapes and cases that have gone cold.

Misconceptions

The FBI does not have a "Criminal Profiler" position, specifically. However, its National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime (NCAVC) has special agents who do criminal profiling.

Education

A career in criminal profiling requires an advanced degree in psychology and compliance with state licensing and certification requirements.

Other Requirements

An additional degree in criminal justice and/or forensics will most likely be required, as well as field experience in criminal investigation.

Job Potential

There are very few positions available for criminal profilers, either in local law enforcement or in the FBI. A NCAVC position requires years of experience as an FBI special agent.

References

• So You Want To Be an FBI Profiler?
• How to Be a Criminal Profiler

Resources

• Criminal Profiler Career Description