What degree does the FBI look for?

Asked by: Ralph Armstrong  |  Last update: August 20, 2023
Score: 4.7/5 (11 votes)

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 degree would be best for FBI?

In this guide, you will learn about the top 10 best degrees for a career at the FBI:
  • Criminal Justice.
  • Computer Science.
  • Cyber Security.
  • Finance.
  • Forensic Accounting.
  • International Studies.
  • Public Safety Administration.
  • Psychology.

What qualifications does the FBI look for?

FBI agent eligibility requirements
  • Be a U.S. citizen.
  • Be between 23 and 36 years old, with some exceptions for veterans and former federal law enforcement employees.
  • Maintain peak physical fitness and be in excellent health.
  • Meet educational and work experience requirements.
  • Meet specific physical fitness requirements.

What GPA does the FBI look for?

Have and maintain a 2.95 cumulative GPA or better on a 4.0 scale at the time of application and through graduation. Not be a current, permanent FBI employee. Pass all of the FBI employment background investigation requirements and be able to receive a Top Secret Clearance.

What is the average GPA of CIA?

Average GPA: 3.1

The average GPA at Culinary Institute of America is 3.1. (Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA. With a GPA of 3.1, Culinary Institute of America accepts below-average students. It's OK to be a B-average student, with some A's mixed in.

Want to Become an FBI Agent? Here’s How

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How hard is it to get hired by the FBI?

The FBI accepts fewer than 20% of applicants, making jobs within the bureau highly competitive. Applicants typically begin their candidacy through one of the FBI's various entry programs, all of which are tailored to specific FBI career tracks.

What skills is the FBI looking to hire?

Skills. FBI agents need critical thinking skills and the ability to keep calm and make decisions under intense pressure. They also need good communication skills and physical stamina, especially when it comes to speaking to witnesses and tracking down alleged criminals.

How long is FBI training?

All special agents begin their career at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, for 20 weeks of intensive training at one of the world's finest law enforcement training facilities. During their time there, trainees live on campus and participate in a variety of training activities.

How do you get recruited to the FBI?

Hiring Process
  1. Application Submission. Explore careers and apply to a position.
  2. Eligibility and Qualifications Review. An HR specialist reviews your application to determine your eligibility.
  3. Interview and Testing. ...
  4. Conditional Job Offer. ...
  5. Background Investigation (BI) ...
  6. Final Job Offer. ...
  7. Entrance on Duty (EOD) Date Scheduled.

What degree do you need for CIA?

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.

What position in the FBI makes the most money?

11 high-paying FBI jobs
  1. Special agent. National average salary : $74,983 per year. ...
  2. Forensic accountant. National average salary: $78,030 per year. ...
  3. Mechanical engineer. National average salary: $80,245 per year. ...
  4. Business analyst. ...
  5. Attorney. ...
  6. Software engineer. ...
  7. Electronics engineer. ...
  8. Mathematician.

Can you go straight to the FBI from college?

The Collegiate Hiring Initiative is the FBI's full-time, entry-level hiring program. You are eligible to participate in this program if you are a graduating senior or have received an undergraduate, graduate or PhD degree.

Is getting into the FBI competitive?

The FBI receives thousands of applications per year and only employs a fraction of applicants. To be considered for this competitive job, you must meet the following basic eligibility requirements. Be a U.S. citizen. Be at least 23 years old but younger than 36 at the time of applying.

Do FBI recruits get paid?

Applicants with no prior government service will earn a salary at the GL-10, Step 1 pay level. Applicants with prior government service (including FBI professional staff) may be eligible to receive higher steps that are commensurate with their highest previous pay, but they will not enter at higher grades.

How long is a shift in the FBI?

Work a minimum of 50 hours per week, which may include irregular hours, and be on-call 24/7, including holidays and weekends. Maintain a level of fitness necessary to effectively respond to life-threatening situations on the job. Carry a firearm and be willing to use deadly force, if necessary.

Where do FBI agents go to college?

What is the training for an FBI agent? New agents complete a rigorous basic field training course at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Lasting 20 weeks, the training features more than 800 hours of instruction in four key areas: academics, operational skills, firearms, and case exercises.

Does the FBI allow tattoos?

The FBI does have strict rules on physical appearance, especially during training, but they don't specifically ban all tattoos.

What are the perks of working at FBI?

As a federal employee, you are eligible for federal retirement benefits as well as Health and Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), and Thrift Savings Plan programs. For comprehensive information about these offerings, please visit the Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) Federal Benefits page.

What looks good on a resume for the FBI?

How to Write an FBI Agent Resume
  • Write a clear profile summarizing your qualifications. ...
  • Add an eye-catching experience section. ...
  • Include pertinent education and certifications. ...
  • List relevant key skills and proficiencies. ...
  • Include extra details for a federal application.

What is the best personality for an FBI agent?

The top personality traits of special agents are conscientiousness and extraversion. Special agents score highly on conscientiousness, which means that they are methodical, reliable, and generally plan out things in advance.

What disqualifies you from becoming an FBI agent?

Automatic Disqualifiers From Becoming an FBI Agent

Committed knowing or willful acts or activities intended to overthrow the United States government by force. Defaulted on a United States government-backed student loan. Violated the FBI's drug policy. Failed a urinalysis drug test administered by the FBI.

What is the maximum age to join FBI?

Eligibility Requirements

Be at least 23 years old. Apply before your 36th birthday unless you have veteran's preference or federal law enforcement experience.* Possess a valid driver's license.

What is the average age of an FBI recruit?

And then when you're 29, you're thinking, 'Yeah, not so much go work for the government. '” (The average age of an FBI recruit is 29.) And although the FBI says its hiring issues began well before Donald Trump was elected, the constant attacks from the White House can't be good for the bureau's reputation.

What are the pros and cons of joining the FBI?

The pros of being an FBI agent include the opportunity to contribute to national security and fight crime, diverse career options, and job security, and the cons include demanding workloads, a very competitive selection process, potential risks, and poor work-life balance.

Is FBI Academy hard?

The 21-week training program is mentally and physically tough. The academic requirements are stringent, and failure to pass tests and proficiencies will render a person out of a job.