Do you need a law degree to be in the CIA?

Asked by: Lenny Wilkinson Jr.  |  Last update: November 16, 2023
Score: 4.6/5 (4 votes)

CIA officers must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree, and some roles require graduate degrees. Many different degrees can prepare you for a career at the CIA. Criminal justice and political science are the most common, but people with a wide variety of educational backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Do you need a law degree to be a CIA agent?

While specific steps can vary by role, some common steps for landing a job as a CIA agent include the following: Earn a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, law enforcement or a related field. Earn a master's degree that relates to foreign affairs, technology, security or a related field.

What degrees get you into the CIA?

Degree Requirements

To work for the CIA, you need at least a bachelor's degree. According to the CIA's website, students who are interested in become CIA agents typically study international affairs, criminal justice, political science, math, engineering, science and technology.

What is the best degree to get into the CIA?

What Are the 10 Best Degrees for the CIA?
  • Technology. ...
  • Business. ...
  • Political science and other social sciences. ...
  • International studies. ...
  • International relations. ...
  • Foreign language or foreign studies. ...
  • Criminal justice. ...
  • Physical sciences.

Does the CIA hire 18 year olds?

Minimum Requirements

For us to consider you for a job at CIA, you must be: Physically in the United States or one of its territories when you submit your resume via MyLINK. A U.S. citizen (dual U.S. citizens also eligible) At least 18 years of age.

7 things the CIA looks for when recruiting people

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Does CIA pay well?

The average Cia Agents in the US makes $82,363. Cia Agents make the most in San Francisco, CA at $124,425, averaging total compensation 51% greater than the US average.

What age is too late to join CIA?

There's no maximum age limit for any role at the CIA with the exception of operations officers, which for them is 35. However, even for operations officers, its a case by case basis, and they may take you in the clandestine service beyond that age if you have in demand skill sets.

Can CIA agents tell their family?

They can tell their spouse or loved ones that they work for the CIA, but further inquiries into their job details are prohibited, and the agents are not allowed to divulge what they did at work. Well, CIA agents tell their families a lot of things that they can't tell the general public.

Are CIA jobs hard to get?

It is extremely hard to get a job at the CIA.

The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is known for using a selective hiring process that is challenging and intense.

What do most CIA agents major in?

Many different degrees can prepare you for a career at the CIA. Criminal justice and political science are the most common, but people with a wide variety of educational backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Some roles require specific degrees, while others do not.

What degree does a spy need?

For a federal agency to consider you for an intelligence officer position, you will often need at least a bachelor's degree. The most common field to study is criminal justice, but other popular choices for aspiring federal agents include computer science, finance, law, psychology and international studies.

What college do most CIA agents attend?

The trend away from the Ivy League is supported by a recent C.I.A. internal study of what schools have provided the most recruits. Although Yale is still on the list, the top schools, in order, are Georgetown, George Washington University, the University of Maryland and American University.

How much money does a CIA spy make?

Salary Ranges for Cia Spies

The salaries of Cia Spies in the US range from $21,447 to $577,997 , with a median salary of $103,816 . The middle 57% of Cia Spies makes between $103,820 and $261,392, with the top 86% making $577,997.

Can you join CIA with no experience?

Individuals who want to become CIA agents through the Inspector General must: Be United States citizens. Possess a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Must possess at least three years of criminal investigative experience focused on complex matters.

What type of person does the CIA look for?

Generally, the CIA is about looking for those who can be professional. “The CIA still expects to train you, and that includes for the technical parts of the job,” said Morgan. “What they want is someone who is a professional and can do their job in a new environment.”

Does the FBI still require a law degree?

All FBI agents must hold a bachelor's degree at minimum, and many possess a master's degree or higher. FBI agents often earn degrees in fields such as criminal justice or political science, though the Bureau does not maintain any specific academic major requirements for applicants.

What is the average age of a CIA officer?

CIA Agent age breakdown

The average age of cia agents is 40+ years years old, representing 69% of the cia agent population.

Does the CIA recruit anyone?

"We are looking for high school students to come in certain occupations," Sheronda said. That's right. Some kids who have just graduated from high school can start working at the CIA. There's an even more extensive college internship program.

Can you say you work for the CIA?

Further, although many CIA employees may state their affiliation with the agency as long as they refrain from revealing classified information, individuals who covertly work for the CIA are forbidden from revealing their true identity to strangers while employed by the CIA.

Can you join the CIA with tattoos?

However, the Central Intelligence Agency's (CIA) website states, “tattoos will not disqualify you from gaining employment at the CIA, and all professionally-qualified persons are encouraged to apply.”

Does the CIA watch my phone?

The CIA can also watch you through your smartphone. In fact, law enforcement agencies use Stingrays to keep track of where people go and record their conversations, messages, names, and contact information.

Do CIA agents date each other?

Now retired, the Baers have written about their relationship and their years in the CIA in The Company We Keep: A Husband-and-Wife True-Life Spy Story. It's no secret, they say, that CIA employees often date each other. "You have someone you can talk to about what you do," Dayna says.

What disqualifies you from CIA?

Recent involvement in criminal or unethical behavior can disqualify you from getting a clearance. This includes pending criminal charges, felony convictions, and a dishonorable discharge. In addition, crimes like illegal downloading of copyrighted material can also be an issue.

What age do CIA agents retire?

a. Voluntary retirement at age 50 with 20 years of service and with the consent of the Secretary. 10. Mandatory retirement at age 60.

Is 31 too old for FBI?

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the special agent position, you must: Be a U.S. citizen. Be at least 23 years old. Apply before your 36th birthday unless you have veteran's preference or federal law enforcement experience.*