How to Become a Criminal Profiler
Published on: July 18, 2024 | 7 minutes read
By: Diana M. Concannon
Hit TV shows like “Criminal Minds” and “Law & Order” put criminal profilers on the cultural map and sparked widespread interest in one of the most intriguing professions in criminal justice.
But the act of analyzing criminal behavior began long before David Rossi made his debut on national television. Informal criminal profiling dates as far back as ancient Rome and officially started taking hold in 1888 after two London physicians evaluated autopsy reports and crime scene evidence to construct a profile on Jack the Ripper.[1] Since then, criminal profilers have become key players in the fight against crime.
But what does a criminal profiler do, exactly? And what does it take for aspiring criminal profilers to become one?
Key Takeaways
- Criminal profiling has deep historical roots and remains a vital tool in solving serious crimes.
- There is no single path to the profession, but advanced education in psychology or forensic behavioral science strengthens your foundation.
- The MS in Forensic Behavioral Science program at ĢƵ offers a practical, faculty-led curriculum designed to prepare working professionals for this complex field.
What Is a Criminal Profiler?
Criminal profilers are highly trained specialists who use a blend of forensic psychology and in-depth analysis to help investigators identify, apprehend, and prosecute criminals. Forensic science and criminal psychology are essential fields to study for the profiler role, which demands a deep understanding of criminal behavior.
In practice, a criminal profiler can perform a handful of vital tasks, such as:
- Evaluating physical evidence at crime scenes.
- Searching for behavioral patterns in serial crimes, like a “signature” left behind.[2]
- Compiling and comparing information from similar crimes to support crime analysis.
- Predicting the lifestyle characteristics, habits, and routines of unidentified persons through offender profiling.
- Creating a profile of a criminal based on their behavioral, biological, and personality traits, drawing on established criminal profiling techniques.
- Building interview techniques to prompt suspects to cooperate or confess during a criminal investigation.
- Consulting on the “probable cause” in a search warrant or affidavit.
- Determining where to find the criminal, anticipating how they may react, and conducting a threat assessment.
- Acting as an expert in court to describe the crime scene and evidence.
These methods are most common in cases of serious crimes, such as serial murders, serial arson, kidnappings, cybercrimes, extortion, and terrorism. They are incredibly effective, too: Jeffrey Dahmer, the Unabomber, and Ted Bundy are just three dangerous offenders who were found and convicted through criminal profiling.[3]
Criminal Profiler Education Requirements
If you have been asking, “How to become a profiler,” keep in mind that few law enforcement agencies advertise positions as “criminal profilers.” For example, criminal profiling in the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is conducted by Supervisory Special Agents who are employed at the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) at the National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime.[4]
Criminal profilers typically start as rookie FBI profiler agents or officers in a law enforcement agency before receiving training in criminal profiling and psychology.
That said, there is no single, direct path to becoming a criminal profiler, and how this journey unfolds will depend on you, your experience, and your employer. However, individuals may:
- Obtain a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field, such as forensics or behavioral science, psychology, or criminal justice (the FBI, for one, requires an undergraduate degree)
- Pursue an advanced degree, such as a Master’s in Forensic Behavioral Science or a doctorate in psychiatry, psychology, counseling, or a similar discipline
Essential Skills for Criminal Profiling
A combination of hard and soft skills is the secret behind successful criminal profilers. These skills include social awareness, diligence, and determination, as well as:
- Strong analytical thinking
- Effective communication skills
- Refined active listening skills
- Excellent attention to detail
- High levels of fitness and physical stamina
Additionally, criminal profilers may have to deal with crimes that are extremely upsetting. For this reason, objectivity (the capacity to assess a situation fairly and without getting emotionally involved) and emotional detachment are critical during a crime scene analysis.
Steps to Becoming a Criminal Profiler
Some law enforcement agencies (perhaps your local police academy) may only require a high school diploma or GED. Yet, the knowledge you will gain by pursuing a higher degree might prove to be invaluable. If you choose this route, your journey to becoming a criminal profiler after obtaining your undergraduate degree may look like this:
- Complete initial training at a law enforcement academy
- Gain practical experience in the investigative field and/or law enforcement, supported by on-the-job training
- Earn an advanced degree (either before or while becoming a criminal profiler)
How Hard Is It To Get Into the BAU?
For many aspiring profilers, the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) represents the most recognizable career path for a criminal investigator or forensic psychologist alike. It is also one of the most competitive.
The process typically begins by becoming an FBI special agent. Candidates must first meet FBI eligibility requirements, complete the FBI Academy at Quantico, and gain substantial investigative experience in the field. Agents often spend years working cases involving violent crime, terrorism, organized crime, or crimes against children before becoming eligible for BAU consideration.[5]
In practice, most BAU members bring approximately 7 to 15 years of investigative experience before joining the unit. By that point, they have developed the interviewing, analytical, and case-management skills needed to support complex investigations.
Additional specialized advanced training can also strengthen a candidate’s expertise, such as the growing application of AI and crime analysis to support investigative work, alongside:
- The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) 13-week National Center for Explosives Training and Research profiling program
- Professional development opportunities, such as the International Criminal Investigative Analysis Fellowship[6]
Day-to-Day Responsibilities of a Criminal Profiler
The life of a criminal profiler might not be as glamorous as TV shows and movies suggest, but their day-to-day responsibilities may have their fair share of excitement. In addition to the general obligations outlined above, a criminal profiler’s job description may include:
- Reconstructing the events of a crime
- Geographically tracking crimes
- Interviewing witnesses and suspects
- Studying the background of victims and identifying potential motives
- Analyzing data
- Writing reports
- Consulting with law enforcement
All of this, and more, is done to construct comprehensive profiles of criminals and bring them to justice.
Criminal Profiler FAQs
Is criminal profiling a real job?
Yes. Criminal profiling is a real specialty within behavioral analysis and law enforcement, although it is far less common than television often suggests.
How long does it take to become a profiler?
Most professionals spend many years building investigative or behavioral science experience before specializing in profiling. Reaching advanced profiling roles often takes a decade or more.
Can you become a profiler without joining the FBI?
Yes. While the FBI’s BAU is the most well-known example, professionals in state and local law enforcement agencies, consulting organizations, academia, and other federal agencies may also perform behavioral analysis and profiling-related work.
Preparing for a Career in Criminal Profiling With ĢƵ
Criminal profilers play a critical role in creating a safer world by bridging mental health and criminal justice. Not only do they assist with identifying potential suspects, but they can also help keep crimes from happening.
If this profession calls to you, your journey starts with learning the complexities of why people commit crimes and the intricacies of the human mind. At ĢƵ, students have the opportunity to explore these questions in greater depth.
The MS in Forensic Behavioral Science at ĢƵ provides a strong foundation in mental health, human behavior, and the psychological factors that influence the criminal justice system. Led by an experienced faculty, the program is designed for working professionals who want to take their knowledge to a new level.
Explore what might await in the field of forensic behavioral science with ĢƵ today.
Sources:
[1] Journal, Ijllr. “From Whitechapel to Behavioural Evidence: What Forensic Profiling Can—And Cannot— Infer about Jack the Ripper.” IJLLR Journal. February 17, 2026. https://www.ijllr.com/post/from-whitechapel-to-behavioural-evidence-what-forensic-profiling-can-and-cannot-infer-about-jack-t. Accessed June 30, 2026.
[2] Vella, Robert, and Julia Farrugia. “Criminal Profiling and its Use in Crime Solving. Applicable for Malta?” European Journal of Theoretical and Applied Sciences. April 16, 2024. https://doi.org/10.59324/ejtas.2024.2(2).58. Accessed June 30, 2026.
[3] Cassick, Callie. “Criminal profiling: The techniques used by in police to catch dangerous offenders.” Fox News. March 28, 2024. https://www.foxnews.com/us/true-crime-criminal-profiling. Accessed June 30, 2026.
[4] McAfee, Joshua P. “The Mind Hunters: Behavioral Analysis in Modern Policing.” McAfee Institute. May 22, 2026. https://www.mcafeeinstitute.com/blog/the-mind-hunters-behavioral-analysis-in-modern-policing. Accessed June 30, 2026.
[5] FBI. “Becoming an agent: the first week.” Federal Bureau of Investigation. June 11, 2021. https://www.fbi.gov/video-repository/becoming-an-agent-series-the-first-week.mp4/view. Accessed June 30, 2026.
[6] FBI. “Behavioral analysis.” Federal Bureau of Investigation. June 9, 2026. https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-investigate/behavioral-analysis. Accessed June 30, 2026.