I know they look for Law BA's, but where I am, there is no college that offers Law as a Major or Minor. So would Criminal Justice work as well to become an FBI special agent? Also as a second part to the question, what would be a good minor to follow up with?
2007-03-14 16:56:26 · 6 answers · asked by Wsdm 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
Absolutely not. The FBI is looking for accountants, J.D. degree holders (which is a graduate degree), people who speak foreign languages, IT/computer specialists, and people with previous law enforcement, investigative, military, or intelligence experience. Also you need three years of full-time work experience. If you don't meet one or more of those qualifications, either get a Master's or Ph.D to have a chance. Yes, a bachelor's degree in anything is the absolute MINIMUM to get in the FBI, but when you have 1000 qualified applicants for every 1 job opening (probably all with criminal justice degrees!!!), the bare minimum doesn't get you hired.
My advice is that military experience wouldn't hurt. If you get into intelligence you meet 2 of the qualifications already (military & intelligence experience), on top of the fact that the military will help pay for your degree and if you attend DLI (Defense Language Institute), the military will PAY YOU to learn a critical foreign language and earn an Associate's degree in that language at the same time.
P.S. already having a top secret clearance from military intel means a very good chance of being employed with big 3-letter government agencies.
Or, work as a police officer for a few years before applying or as an investigator.
Just don't get a degree in CJ, do something that makes you stand out. The FBI has diverse needs from people with diverse backgrounds. Plus, you'll need something to fall back on in case the FBI passes on you.
EDIT:
===========================================
+1 to gradjimbo, he hit the target dead on.
Ryan, after reading your profile and seeing your military experience, that is good. See if you can re-class to the intelligence field like I was saying. Any intelligence MOS that requires a TS clearance would be perfect for the FBI, or work in CID would meet the investigative and law enforcement experience needed ;). CID requires 6 months MP experience but you get the picture... the FBI is looking for people who have skills/experience they need.
All applicants for the Special Agent position must first qualify under one of five Special Agent Entry Programs. These programs include:
* Accounting
* Computer Science/Information Technology
* Language
* Law
* Diversified
More details about Special Agent Entry Programs.
After qualifying for one of the five Entry Programs, applicants will be prioritized in the hiring process based upon certain Critical Skills for which the FBI is recruiting. The FBI is currently recruiting for Special Agent candidates with one or more of the following Critical Skills:
* Accounting
* Computer Science/Information Technology Expertise
* Engineering Expertise
* Foreign Language(s) Proficiency
* Intelligence Experience
* Law Experience
* Law Enforcement/Investigative Experience
* Military Experience
* Physical Sciences (e.g., physics, chemistry, biology, etc.) Expertise
* Diversified Experience
2007-03-14 17:09:50 · answer #1 · answered by Brandon 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Becoming an FBI Special Agent is a very competitive process. Visit the FBI's website. Below are some minimum requirements to become an FBI Special Agent.
You must be a U.S. citizen or a citizen of the Northern Mariana Islands. You must be at least 23 years of age, but younger than 37 upon your appointment as a Special Agent. Age waivers may be granted to preference eligible veterans who have surpassed their 37th birthday. You must possess a four-year degree from a college or university accredited by one of the regional or national institutional associations recognized by the United States Secretary of Education. You must have at least three years of professional work experience. You must also possess a valid driver's license and be completely available for assignment anywhere in the FBI's jurisdiction.
You must have at least a 4 year college degree to become an FBI Special Agent. Any degrees that develop research and analytical skills are desirable educational backgrounds for FBI Special Agent candidates. Consider choosing accounting, computer science, a foreign language, or law as your college major. Your chances would probably be better if you majored in a foreign language such as Spanish, computer science, or finance instead of criminal justice. Whatever school you choose and whatever major you choose, make the most of your time and money. Get the highest grade point average that you can, participate in a couple extracurricular activities, get a good internship, do some regular volunteer work, don't do anything illegal, and maintain a good reputation. Consider getting an advanced degree.
Getting law enforcement officer jobs is becoming more and more competitive. Do whatever you can to make yourself the best candidate that you can. For example, keep a good driving record, don't get bad credit, improve all of your communication skills as much as possible, practice to improve your observation and memory skills, and become as physically fit as you can. Becoming an FBI Special Agent is a great goal. However, many federal agencies have criminal investigators or special agents. Consider trying to become a criminal investigator or special agent with other agencies too.
2013-12-24 11:34:15 · answer #2 · answered by J.W. 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Criminal Justice Fbi
2016-11-07 07:57:18 · answer #3 · answered by Erika 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1
2016-06-12 02:01:08 · answer #4 · answered by Gilbert 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
CJ is not a good major to become an FBI Agent, although I am not saying that you cannot become one with it. CJ just isn't specialized enough and there are too many applicants with CJ degrees who want to work for the federal law enforcement. FBI has a list of areas they are looking for and you can see it from the link I have provided. But basically there are five entry programs: accounting, CS/IT, language, law, and diversified. CS/IT is a fairly new entry program and it is the easiest way to get in right now although it may change by the time you are done with school. But defending our nation is becoming more technically sophisticated and I don't think that will change anytime soon. Also it's hard to find a technical person who is fit enough to work as a field agent.
You have to go to a law school to get a law degree so they may offer pre-law or something similar to it at your school.
Also keep in mind that you have to have at least three years of professional working experience after you graduate so whatever you major in, make sure you can find a job.
2007-03-14 17:17:09 · answer #5 · answered by gradjimbo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
150
2016-11-01 01:43:22 · answer #6 · answered by Elvia 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The FBI really likes accountants.
2016-03-18 04:52:43 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋