I am interested in working in the FBI. What should I major in?

Hi Diana,

Thanks for the question. The FBI does not currently have any specific major(s) for applicants; however, they do list several specific skillsets they are looking for:

Obtained from: https://www.fbijobs.gov/career-paths/special-agents (Click "Eligibility").

"Education & Skills

While the FBI encourages applicants from all backgrounds to become Special Agents, we are currently looking for Special Agent applicants with skills in the following areas:

Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)
Foreign Languages
Law
Emergency Medicine
Certified Public Accountants (CPAs)
Attorneys
Engineers
Detectives
Military (specifically Special Forces, Explosives, WMD and Intelligence Experts)
Scientists (lab experience)
Foreign Language(s) speakers
Pilots (helicopter, fixed-wing)"

As you can see, it's a pretty good mix of high-level qualifications. From what I know, the foreign language skills they are looking for include Chinese, Arabic, and Russian.

I hope this helps and best of luck!

Hi Diana H-

As a hiring manager/senior executive in a federal law enforcement position I recommend that applicants have things that differentiate themselves from other candidates. Most federal agencies require a 4 year degree. The candidates that stand out have degrees in something unusual like: Farsi, Arabic, Chinese, Computer or Chemical Engineering. That is not to say that a degree in Criminal Justice (like I have) is no good, but that the other degrees make a candidate stand out even better.

Another area I recommend is that you list your volunteer work. Hiring managers will view this outside work very favorably. Have you completed a Bronze, Silver or Gold Award for the Girl Scouts? Do you volunteer walking dogs at an animal shelter or spending time with seniors at a community center? These types of activities show that you have empathy and a strong capacity to relate to other people, which is a key to any law enforcement job.

Don't forget most law enforcement positions have physical standards. Check the standards before you begin to apply. Most have a baseline distance run, agility test and basic strength test. They do this to insure you will pass their training academy. Almost all agencies will share these benchmarks with you ahead of time.

Spend some time researching the various agencies at the local, state and federal levels. You may find a job that matches your passion, for example working as criminal investigator for an agency that interdicts the smuggling of ivory would help protect endangered species or working as a state investigator with an agency that roots out program fraud could help save millions of tax dollars.

Finally, when you are in college I would encourage you to attend job fairs. Law enforcement recruiters attend college job fairs and actively recruit potential candidates.

Good luck.

Tom W.

Special Agent in Charge, DHS