I am a Forensic and Investigative Science Major and I want to go into the FBI one day. My overall plan is to become an FBI Special Agent and after several years apply to be in the Behavioral Analysis Unit. I have a few questions about my plan for the future.
Would having a double major in Forensic Science and Psychology help with my future goals? I really like Psychology so it wouldn’t be a problem to major in it but I didn’t know about the extra work load if it wouldn’t benefit me.
Also, after I receive my Bachelors, should I go on to get my Masters Degree or go into the work force (as a police officer) to gain real experience in the field? Which would the FBI find better? A candidate who went to get their Masters with a few more years in a classroom or a candidate who has a bachelors and 3-5 years work experience in law enforcement?
Thank you so much!!
Maybe a little. I got the sense that most of the criminal profilers for the FBI had advanced degrees in psychology, so you might have to get an advanced degree in psychology in order to do that, and having majored in psychology will help you do that. But I’d find out whether you need that advanced degree in psych first because if you don’t, then no, the double major won’t help you.
Both. In order to be competitive for the FBI - particularly with a major in forensic science, which is common for them - you will need an advanced degree AND some work experience. Which one you should do first is up to you. I’d recommend the law enforcement work experience first, because then you can see if your agency will pay for your master’s. Some experience with military police can also be valuable, and you know that the GI Bill will help you pay for the master’s down the line.