From Dahmer to the Unabomber: Dr. Eric Hickey’s Forensic Psychology Journey

Dr. Eric Hickey, a world-renowned forensic psychologist, has an uncanny ability to read people in ways that often defy explanation.

One afternoon, while browsing in a store in Fresno, California, he struck up a conversation with a man who seemed familiar. The man explained that he was from Chicago and had come to California to care for his mother, who had attempted suicide. As their conversation unfolded, Dr. Hickey’s instinct kicked in.

“I know who you are,” he said. “You’re Jeffrey Dahmer’s brother, aren’t you?” Visibly startled, the man asked how Hickey knew who he was. “I didn’t,” Hickey replied. “But I had a feeling.” Between 1978 and 1991, Jeffrey Dahmer murdered and dismembered 17 men and boys, many of whom were subjected to sexual assault, necrophilia, and cannibalism.

Hickey’s chance encounter with Dahmer’s brother led to a week-long interview and then a profound conversation with their mother, Joyce, who shared a chilling insight about Jeffrey: “My son never tried to hurt anybody. He killed them, but he never tried to hurt them,” she told him. “And I completely understood what she meant by that,” Hickey says. “That he wasn’t interested in their suffering. He just needed them, he needed to have their bodies.”

The mother’s revelation became a pivotal moment in Hickey’s career, shedding light on the complex psychological makeup of necrophiles and deepening his understanding of the criminal mind. A core faculty member in Walden University’s PhD in Forensic Psychology online degree program, Hickey shares these and other unique experiences and insights in “Understanding the Criminal Mind,” a free video presentation that’s part of Walden’s SocialChange Masters series.

Hickey consults and testifies as an expert in a wide range of criminal cases—including sex crimes, stalking, homicides, and domestic violence—and has assisted law enforcement in cold case reviews. His contributions to more than 50 television documentaries have solidified his reputation as one of the world’s top forensic experts.

“In my role as a criminal psychologist, it’s not my job to solve crimes. That’s law enforcement's job,” Hickey says. “My job is to be a different set of eyes to help them see differently, look in different directions, and think differently about offenders.”

Profiling the Unabomber

Hickey’s curiosity about Ted Kaczynski, the Unabomber, led to one of the most notable chapters in his career. Kaczynski’s mail bombs killed three people and injured 23 others between 1978 and 1995. Intrigued by the case, Hickey built a detailed profile of the Unabomber and sent it to investigators.

“Not only did I create a profile, but I also operationalized it, meaning that I said, this is the kind of person that you’d be looking for; this is what he’s thinking. This is what he probably is doing, and here’s where you probably should be looking for him,” he says.

The task force overseeing the investigation found Hickey’s profile so compelling that they went to visit him in Fresno. “They said, ‘All the experts we’ve talked to say this case is not solvable. What do you think?’ I spent two hours going through the entire case and I said, oh, no, no—this case is very solvable. The problem is you’re looking in the wrong places.” A week later, Hickey was sworn in as the task force’s outside consultant.

Kaczynski was arrested in 1996, after his brother recognized his writing in a manifesto published in The Washington Post. Kaczynski had promised he wouldn’t send another bomb if his writings were published. Some investigators believed this, but not Hickey.

“I said, yes, we should publish it. It will buy time, but he’ll bomb again. Because his bombs are his identity. Without his bombs, he doesn’t exist. So, he has to be heard. These bombs are really important to him.”

Hickey says Kaczynski was building another bomb when he was apprehended.

“I didn’t see him being a mass murderer,” Hickey says. “I saw him as a serial offender wanting attention. This was all about needing attention.”

Promoting Community Health and Safety

Hickey’s work and teachings also emphasize the importance of addressing social determinants of health and crime to keep communities safe and healthy.

“From my perspective, crime is a community health problem. Crime creates a lot of stress on people. It harms people physically, emotionally, spiritually. It can really pull down a community. And the fear itself, knowing that you can’t walk outside at night without probably getting mugged… They lock their doors, and they feel like they’re captives. Crime drains a community of its mental health.”

Improving mental and physical health, he says, is crucial for reducing crime, improving well-being, and creating social change.

“If you want a healthy community, you cannot ignore crime. Crime decreases the probability of good, healthy relationships and a good, healthy community.”

Pursuing a Forensic Psychology Career

If you’re interested in becoming a forensic psychologist, Hickey says you’ll find a diverse array of career options. These include consulting for law enforcement, providing expert testimony in court, conducting research, and teaching at the university level.

“When a student says, ‘I want to be you, Dr. Hickey,’ I remind them, you will become yourself and develop skill sets that I may not have.” He stresses that a well-rounded education and practical experience are key.

“When I’m working with potential students, I always encourage them to not only earn a bachelor's degree, but to get a master’s degree and a PhD. And they say, ‘Well, why a PhD?’ Well, a PhD can set the stage for you to become an expert. You can never really testify in a court case if you only have a master’s degree. You really have to have that advanced education. Does it take time? It does. It’s worth the time. If you are determined and persistent, you have no idea what you can accomplish. You can be so many things in this world if you just catch the vision of what you could become.”

Earn Your PhD Online From Walden University

Walden’s online PhD in Forensic Psychology equips you with advanced knowledge and skills you can apply to careers in criminal justice, law enforcement, academia, and more. The program offers a deep understanding of criminal behavior, risk assessment, forensic consultancy and more. The program’s focus on ethical decision-making, advanced research, and practical application help ensure you’ll have tools you can use to make a meaningful impact and drive positive social change.

One of the doctoral degree program’s standout features is the focus on original research, allowing you to use what you learn to become a thought leader in forensic psychology. The curriculum covers vital topics like victimology, police psychology, and risk assessment. You’ll also participate in four residencies designed to broaden your knowledge, connect you with peers and faculty, and refine your professional identity.

Walden’s PhD program offers two specializations to match your interests and career goals. The General Program provides a strong foundation in forensic psychology, covering key topics and skills that apply to a variety of career fields. The Self-Designed specialization lets you customize your coursework to focus on areas like police psychology, disaster and crisis management, and advanced forensic issues.

Are you ready to take the next step? Contact an Enrollment Specialist online or by calling (855) 646-5286 to learn more. If you are passionate about understanding the complexities of criminal behavior and making a difference in the field of forensic psychology, consider earning a PhD from Walden.

Walden University is an HLC-accredited institution offering an online PhD in Forensic Psychology degree program. Advance your education and earn your degree in a convenient, flexible format that fits your busy life.