Can I get a job working for the FBI or some other government agency as a criminal psychologist if I have a petty theft misdemeanor on my record from when I was 19? I am about to start school, I am 33 now, and don't want to waste my time or money if I can't use my degree.

Thanks

Probably not - there will be other candidates who do NOT have criminal records.

Even if you get your record expunged the Government can still access it.

Maybe you could become Governor of Illinois. Most of our recent Govs are felons. FBI does not want anyone who has any background that could compromise them. Maybe you would have a betterchance at the local or state level.

Hello J:

In addition to the other great answes you received, it's my view that to seek a degree on the HOPES that some government will hire you, isn't a worthwhile endeavor. In your situation, although I don't know it to be the case, I'd bet there are many more private sector jobs available for someone with that particular degree, than there are government jobs.

So, if THAT'S what you want to be, then go BE it.

excon

Talked to a friend who is a fed out of their Chicago office and he tells me a disqualifier is a felony conviction so that puts you in better shape than our Governor George Ryan or Blago Federal Bureau of Investigation

You can go to work for them with a misdemeanor, not a felony conviction. There are some issues to remember there will be most likely 1000 applications for any one opening so any blemish can harm your chances of actually getting hired. If you have connections to a US Senator who may help in an appointment.
In most jobs, the best three people are picked for a final interview and from there they pick the one they want.

Also if this position is a law enforcement rating, I think the age cut off will be 35. If it is not a law enforcement rating, then there age agreement will not be a issue either