What should I study to become a profiler?

Psychology is crucial as it delves into the understanding of human behavior and mental processes. Profilers need to understand why offenders act the way they do, as well as their motivations and patterns of behavior. Hence, studying psychology equips you with knowledge of personality disorders, mental illnesses, and behavioral patterns which are critical in criminal profiling.

Criminology is another essential field of study. It is the scientific study of crime as a social phenomenon, including the causes of crime, the social impact of crime, and the criminals involved in the crime. It provides a deeper understanding of criminal behavior from a societal perspective.

Sociology is also important because it provides an understanding of group behavior. This can be useful when trying to understand gang dynamics or the influence of societal factors on individual behavior.

Finally, a background in law enforcement or forensic science can be beneficial. This provides practical knowledge about crime scenes, evidence collection and analysis, and legal procedures. Some profilers start their careers in law enforcement before specializing in profiling.

In addition to these academic studies, gaining practical experience through internships or relevant job roles can also be invaluable to develop your skills as a profiler.