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What does the schooling look like to become a FBI agent

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Kimberly’s Answer

Hi Clarissa, A common misconception is that the FBI only wants people with Criminal Justice backgrounds. The truth is, they seek individuals with varying backgrounds such as military, law, accounting, forensics, IT, etc. Think about where the world is headed...the internet! Criminals are using the internet to commit their crimes, recruit followers and finance their crimes. So, even though good interview and people skills are still a crucial part to the mission, staying ahead of crime and crime trends is just as important. So, to answer your question, a 4 year degree is necessary to be a special agent but there are numerous fields you could get that degree in. One of the most proactive things you could do while getting that degree is to obtain an internship with the FBI. This will help you get your foot in the door and find out if it's something you would really be interested in. But don't be fooled by TV shows, it's not non-stop excitement and kicking down doors, there's a large administrative aspect to the job as well, meaning, a lot of time spent behind a desk. Find a degree that interests you and work harder at developing relationships with people in the field you want to work towards (that's called networking). Hope this helps . Good luck

Kimberly recommends the following next steps:

Find a college that provides internships with the closest FBI Field Office
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Margaret’s Answer

To answer you question Clarissa, you need to have at minimum a 4-year college degree to become an FBI agent; however, your college degree can be in just about anything! In my class as a new FBI Agent there were teachers, former military personnel, bankers, police officers, lawyers, accountants, even a concert pianist! You may certainly choose to study Criminal Justice in college, but as you can see, this college major is not necessary to become an FBI Agent.

The FBI hires Special Agents through several programs - Accounting, Legal, Science & Engineering, Language, Military/Law Enforcement, Education, Cyber Security, Healthcare, Psychology, and “General”, which is everything else. An advance degree/master’s degree may help, and you need to have at least 2 years work experience in whatever field you go into after college. You also have to be a U.S. citizen, have a valid driver’s license, and be between the ages of 23 and 36. You should also be in good physical condition, as there are physical requirements (sit ups, push ups, pull ups, & running) required at the FBI Academy & throughout your career.

If you apply to be an FBI Agent after college & are accepted, you then have to go through New Agent’s training at Quantico, Virginia. This is 21 weeks (over 3 months) of training in firearms, physical training, and lots of classroom work pertaining to conducting federal criminal investigations. After that, you receive your orders to your first office (can be any where in the U.S.), so you have to be prepared to move anywhere, without having a choice in the matter. It could be Honolulu, or it could be (like for me), Belleville, Illinois.

My career was extremely rewarding, provided fascinating experiences, many challenges, and some frustrations - which will come with any job. I strongly encourage you to pursue being an FBI Agent if it is your dream, because your dream can come true! I hope this answers your question & I wish you the best of luck.
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