Where do FBI go to college?

Asked by: Prof. Oleta Heidenreich  |  Last update: August 7, 2023
Score: 4.8/5 (2 votes)

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.

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.

What college degree do most FBI agents have?

Criminal justice

Criminal justice is one of the most popular degree options for FBI agents. Focusing on the societal response to crime, this major teaches students how the law enforcement system operates. You learn about how the government implements laws, investigates crimes and prosecutes criminals.

Do FBI agents have to go to college?

Applicants must have at least a four-year degree from an accredited institution, but they may also have master's degrees or doctoral degrees in disciplines related to their intended career track within the FBI.

Does the FBI recruit college students?

To be eligible for the Collegiate Hiring Initiative, you must: Be a U.S. citizen. Attend/have attended a U.S.-accredited college or university as an undergraduate, graduate, or post-doctoral student. Recent graduates must have graduated within 24 months of the program date (within 72 months for veterans).

Want to Become an FBI Agent? Here’s How

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Does the FBI hire straight out of college?

Choose what you want to study. FBI agent education requirements: Special agent applicants must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree and two years of work experience. Some specialized positions will require a graduate degree.

How long is college for FBI?

To become an FBI agent, you must have a bachelor's degree and two years of working experience, and you must complete the SASS process, which takes about a year. This time totals about seven years.

What is the age limit for the FBI?

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.*

Is it hard to get in to the FBI?

Yes, it is very hard to get into the FBI.

It takes years of time, planning, and hard work to mold yourself into the kind of candidate the FBI is looking to hire, and the hiring process itself can take a year or longer. The FBI hires less than one of five (fewer than 20%) applicants for entry programs or career tracks.

What should I major in to become an FBI agent?

Some of the best degrees for becoming an FBI agent include:
  • Criminal justice and law.
  • Computer science and information technology (IT)
  • Finance science.
  • International studies and foreign languages.
  • Cybersecurity.

What is the hardest part of becoming an FBI agent?

For many applicants, the FBI special agent physical fitness test (PFT) is, without a doubt, the most challenging part of the process. Our PFT doesn't just test physical fitness. It tests qualities like self-discipline, self-motivation, and the ability to plan and adjust to challenges.

What is the best state to be an FBI agent in?

Best States For a Special Agent

In fact, our research shows that Montana is the best state for special agents in America. The best city in America for special agents with the highest pay is Washington, DC.

Does college GPA matter for FBI?

While there is no specific requirement for a 3.0 GPA, it is highly recommended for individuals to have a strong academic background to be considered for this highly competitive position. The selection process for an FBI special agent is rigorous, and a strong GPA is just one of many factors that are considered.

How hard is Quantico?

If a person makes it past all of the steps, they will be invited to attend a Special Agent class at the FBI Academy in Quantico, VA. 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.

What skills does the FBI look for?

Core Competencies
  • Collaboration. Liaise, demonstrate political savvy, show respect, share information.
  • Communication. Persuade, listen and interpret, speak clearly, write clearly.
  • Flexibility and adaptability. ...
  • Initiative. ...
  • Interpersonal ability. ...
  • Leadership. ...
  • Organizing and planning. ...
  • Problem solving and judgment.

How are you recruited by the FBI?

An HR specialist reviews your application to determine your eligibility. An applicant coordinator schedules your interview. Some specialized career paths may require additional assessments. After passing interviews and applicable assessments, receive a conditional offer for FBI employment.

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.

How old is too late to join the FBI?

You must be at least 23 years old at the time of your appointment. You must also be younger than 37, unless you qualify for an age waiver available to veterans. See our qualification requirements webpage for more information on what it takes to become a special agent.

How long is the FBI hiring process?

The Special Agent Selection System (SASS) is a multi-step process designed to hire individuals who can help to make a difference in this job. The SASS typically takes one year to complete, often longer.

How old is the youngest FBI agent?

(born July 18, 1969), known as "White Boy Rick", is an American former drug trafficker and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) informant. The youngest known informant in the history of the FBI, Wershe became a confidential informant when he was 14 to 16 years old.

Do you have to be a cop before an FBI agent?

A law enforcement or military background is not required. Because of the breadth and scope of the FBI's mission, it looks for candidates with a wide variety of backgrounds, not just law enforcement or military experience. The FBI seeks special agents with any occupation that requires a college degree.

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.

Do FBI trainees get paid?

Salary and Compensation: New Special Agents, called New Agent Trainees or NATs, are paid on the GL schedule for Federal Law Enforcement Officers (LEO), beginning as a GL-10, step 1, while in training at Quantico.

How many months is FBI training?

Over the span of five months, trainees will learn the fundamentals of the special agent tradecraft. They'll root out drug dealers and bank robbers in Hogan's Alley, the FBI's mock town and practical training facility. They'll expose terrorist cells and learn how to conduct challenging interviews.

How many FBI classes are there per year?

The FBI National Academy is held four times a year, when up to 250 candidates go through a 10-week course.