2 answers
Jenny
Student
Norwalk, California
1
Question
Asked
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What steps do I need to take to join the Behavioral Analysis Unit of the FBI?
I am currently a psychological science and criminology major at the University of California, Irvine. My dream career is a Special Agent who "profiles" a criminal and their behavior in order to understand the criminals. I am aware that in order to be considered for this job, one must first become a Special Agent under the FBI. However, I am still unclear of the direct steps necessary to achieve this goal. It would be amazing if anyone could even point me in the right direction! #criminal-justice #career #law #psychology #forensic-psychology #criminal-profiler #FBI
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2 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1348
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
The FBI requires all agents to hold at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college. Candidates with military or law enforcement experience are not exempt from this education requirement. Suggested degree programs include psychology, criminology, or sociology. Jenny you've got this covered.
ADDITIONAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES THAT CAN HELP YOU GET INTO THE FBI
INTERNSHIPS – Finding in an internship can help you expand your education outside of a classroom environment and gain hands-on training in the field. Specifically, apply for internships directly through the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU), where FBI profilers work.
GET PHYSICAL – Since a physical examination is part of the FBI application process, you should begin building their strength and endurance now.
MASTER PLAN – While a bachelor's is the required minimum for employment with the FBI, the FBI also reports that the Behavioral Analysis Unit consists of Supervisory Special Agents who possess advanced degrees. Earning an advanced degree could increase your chance of being hired into the unit later in your career.
GAIN EXPERIENCE – Candidates must work in a position related to their degree for a minimum of 3 years before applying to the FBI. The FBI recommends that candidates interested in working in profiling positions as Supervisory Special Agents have extensive knowledge and experience working with homicides, rapes, child abductions, and threats prior to applying to become a Special Agent. To that end, interested candidates might consider working for local law enforcement as homicide or missing persons investigators.
U.S. citizens ranging from 23-36 years old can apply to be FBI agents. Applicants must pass a hearing and vision test and a fitness test that consists of a 1.5 mile run, push-ups, sprinting, and sit ups. The application process also includes a medical evaluation, polygraph test, credit check, drug test, and employment check. Any applicants with felony convictions, student loans in default, and those not registered with the Selective Service System are immediately disqualified.
Selected applicants will attend a 20-week training program at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Agents receive classroom and Web-based instruction in subjects including law, investigative practices, forensics, behavioral science, and ethics. To prepare new agents for common scenarios Special Agents experience, trainees will conduct mock-investigations where they will interview suspects, find evidence, and provide testimony in court. New agents will also receive training in firearms, defensive techniques, tactical driving, working undercover, and surveillance.
In summary Jenny, Supervisory Special Agents must meet rigorous training, education, and experience requirements to make it to the National Center for Analysis of Violent Crime, where they'll most likely work with the Behavioral Analysis Unit.
Hope this was Helpful.
ADDITIONAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES THAT CAN HELP YOU GET INTO THE FBI
INTERNSHIPS – Finding in an internship can help you expand your education outside of a classroom environment and gain hands-on training in the field. Specifically, apply for internships directly through the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU), where FBI profilers work.
GET PHYSICAL – Since a physical examination is part of the FBI application process, you should begin building their strength and endurance now.
MASTER PLAN – While a bachelor's is the required minimum for employment with the FBI, the FBI also reports that the Behavioral Analysis Unit consists of Supervisory Special Agents who possess advanced degrees. Earning an advanced degree could increase your chance of being hired into the unit later in your career.
GAIN EXPERIENCE – Candidates must work in a position related to their degree for a minimum of 3 years before applying to the FBI. The FBI recommends that candidates interested in working in profiling positions as Supervisory Special Agents have extensive knowledge and experience working with homicides, rapes, child abductions, and threats prior to applying to become a Special Agent. To that end, interested candidates might consider working for local law enforcement as homicide or missing persons investigators.
U.S. citizens ranging from 23-36 years old can apply to be FBI agents. Applicants must pass a hearing and vision test and a fitness test that consists of a 1.5 mile run, push-ups, sprinting, and sit ups. The application process also includes a medical evaluation, polygraph test, credit check, drug test, and employment check. Any applicants with felony convictions, student loans in default, and those not registered with the Selective Service System are immediately disqualified.
Selected applicants will attend a 20-week training program at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Agents receive classroom and Web-based instruction in subjects including law, investigative practices, forensics, behavioral science, and ethics. To prepare new agents for common scenarios Special Agents experience, trainees will conduct mock-investigations where they will interview suspects, find evidence, and provide testimony in court. New agents will also receive training in firearms, defensive techniques, tactical driving, working undercover, and surveillance.
In summary Jenny, Supervisory Special Agents must meet rigorous training, education, and experience requirements to make it to the National Center for Analysis of Violent Crime, where they'll most likely work with the Behavioral Analysis Unit.
Hope this was Helpful.
DENNIS BREEN
Lawyer
133
Answers
Cary, North Carolina
Updated
DENNIS’s Answer
Hi Jenny: All the answers posted hit the mark. I am a lawyer. In the olden days (I'm olden!) the FBI use to only accept applicants with law degrees or CPA degrees. Over the years that has changed. Best thing for you to do is go to your local FBI office and speak directly to them. I am sure they will be glad to help. Also talk to the schools career counselor. They can help. FBI training is quite rigorous. Get in shape! You will also need to know how to use a firearm. So if possible get some trining there. However, for now, stay in school get good grades and enjoy.
One other thing. FBI Washington houses all the units. See if you can find out who runs the unit and try to get information there. Good luck!
One other thing. FBI Washington houses all the units. See if you can find out who runs the unit and try to get information there. Good luck!