Criminal Profiling Career Description

A criminal profiler is a person who uses looks at the nature of a crime committed and the method used to commit the crime to put together a psychological profile that helps identify the criminal. Other terms used to describe this include “offender profiling” and “criminal personality profiling.”

Those interested in criminal profiler careers will need to earn a doctorate in clinical, counseling, or criminal psychology. It takes approximately 5 to 7 years to obtain one of these degrees. In addition, a person wishing to specialize in criminal profiling will probably have to take a post-graduate fellowship.

Online colleges offering programs for Criminal Profiler

How to Become a Criminal Profiler

As a psychologist, one would have to comply with state licensing requirements, including passing a state certification exam.

In addition to a doctorate in psychology, a person interested in a criminal profile career will probably also need a degree in criminal justice. Investigative experience is also a plus.

If one wishes to obtain part of their education via online courses, there are several sites available. When considering an online course as a part of pursuing a criminal profiler career make sure that it is counted as college credit, since states require that psychologists hold a master’s or doctorate’s degree from an accredited university.

There are some things that will prevent a person from becoming a criminal profiler. Being convicted of a felony or drug use will disqualify one from taking a job in the criminal justice system.

Those pursuing criminal profiler careers need to understand that the number of jobs available in this area are limited. They also should do careful research on the subject, since the portrayal of criminal profilers on television shows is often inaccurate.

How Much Does a Criminal Profiler Make - Criminal Profiler Salaries

Salaries for a criminal profiler are generally in the $55,000 - $60,000* range. This of course depends on location, experience, and benefits offered.
Source:BLS.gov

Online Colleges Offering Criminal Justice Degrees

Accreditation  

University of Phoenix is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association. .

Accreditation  

Colorado Technical University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Accreditation  

Lincoln College Online is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS).

Accreditation  

Kaplan University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Accreditation  

Rasmussen College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges & Schools (NCA).

AZ Campus Colleges Offering Criminal Profiler Programs

Accreditation  

University of Phoenix is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association. .

HI Campus Colleges Offering Criminal Profiler Programs

Programs Offered  
  • Associate's
  • Bachelor's

CO Campus Colleges Offering Criminal Profiler Programs

Accreditation  

Westwood College is currently nationally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) or the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS). Westwood received Higher Learning Commission (HLC) candidacy status in October 2007. HLC is part of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools that accredits colleges and universities. Westwood’s candidacy was granted after a comprehensive review.

Accreditation  

Westwood College is currently nationally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) or the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS). Westwood received Higher Learning Commission (HLC) candidacy status in October 2007. HLC is part of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools that accredits colleges and universities. Westwood’s candidacy was granted after a comprehensive review.

AK Campus Colleges Offering Criminal Profiler Programs

Accreditation  

Kaplan University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

AL Campus Colleges Offering Criminal Profiler Programs

Accreditation  

Remington College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).

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Criminal Justice Salaries
Police Officer
$37,459 - $64,076
Highway Patrol
$35,500 - $53,636
BATF Agent
$54,098 - $94,333
Crime Prevention Specialist
$34,534 - $72,292
Criminal Investigator
$58,000
Customs Officer
$32,000 - $56,000
Drug Enforcement Agent
$65,000
Forensic Science/Crime Scene Investigation
$35,000 - $42,446
Homeland Security
$32,000 - $77,500
Deputy U.S. Marshal
$30,000 - $56,000
Deputy Sheriff
$47,000 - $85,000
Criminal Profiler
$55,000 - $60,000
 * Based on 5 years experience