A criminal profiler, in what is also known as investigative psychology and crime action profiling, develops a psychological profile that is used to help apprehend a suspect. Although one cannot simply apply for a position as a criminal profiler -- there is no such position in the FBI-- one can apply to the FBI first as a special agent. Once the applicant has three years' experience as an FBI special agent, he can apply to the National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime (NCAVC) at Quantico, Virginia. NCAVC agents do, in fact, profile criminals. Anyone interested in becoming an NCAVC agent must first meet specific educational requirements for working as an FBI special agent. Agents enter under one of these categories: accounting, computer science/information technology, language, law programming and diversified.
Accounting
An accountant keeps record of a business or company's expenses and income. To qualify under the accounting entry program in the FBI, special agent candidates must possess a CPA or, at minimum, a bachelor's degree in accounting with three years of professional work in an accounting firm or similar public setting. Courses you need to obtain a CPA or a bachelor's degree in accounting include auditing, taxation, management accounting, internal auditing and corporate taxation.
Computer Science/Information Technology
Candidates should have a degree in electrical engineering, Cisco Certified Network Professional certification, Cisco Certified Inter-networking Expert certification or a computer or information technology-related degree to qualify under this entry program. College classes needed in order to earn a bachelor's degree in computer science or a certification in information technology include calculus, discrete math, fundamentals of programming and microcomputer software design.
Language
To qualify under the language program in the FBI, candidates may possess a bachelor's degree in any discipline, in which college courses needed will depend on the chosen major. Additionally, candidates must be proficient in a second language that meets the needs of the FBI; some include Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Russian and Spanish.
Law
To qualify under the law program, candidates must possess a Juris Doctor from an accredited law school. To enroll in law school, students must have a bachelor's degree in any discipline. Classes for the Juris Doctor might include constitutional law, criminal law, civil procedure and legal writing.
Diversified
Candidates must have a bachelor's degree in any discipline, with three years' full-time work experience, or an advanced degree with two years' full-time work experience.
Further Requirements
Anyone applying to a special agent position must meet the following qualifications: be a citizen of the United States; be at least 23 but younger than 37; possess a four-year degree from an accredited college or university; have at least three years of professional work experience; possess a valid driver's license. Qualified candidates also need to meet physical requirements for special agents and pass an FBI background investigation.
