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Autumn
Student
Charleston, West Virginia
4
Questions
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What should I major in if I want to go into the FBI?
What should I major in if I want to go into the FBI
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4 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1618
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Autumn the FBI offers a wide variety of career opportunities for individuals from all backgrounds and experiences. Including intelligence analysts, financial experts, scientists, security specialists, linguists, and more. You can lean more about these careers and how to become a Special Agent on the FBIs website.
STEPS TO BECOME A SPECIAL AGENT
• STEP 1) BACHELOR'S DEGREE
A bachelor's degree is required for all aspiring FBI agents. Although one in law enforcement or criminal justice is not required, many agents do have a background in these fields. However, agents come from all backgrounds, including engineering, computer science and teaching. At times, applicants with degrees in these alternative fields are even sought after for their knowledge in areas that aren't typically associated with law enforcement.
• STEP 2) WORK EXPERIENCE
Another requirement you must meet before applying to become an FBI agent is to have two years of professional work experience. The details of what this experience should look like are vague, so it is understood to mean full-time work at a high level in your area of expertise. This could be experience related to your degree, but it is also a good idea to work in a position where you can demonstrate the core competencies FBI agents need.
STEPS ON APPLYING AS A SPECIAL AGENT
•STEP 1) APPLICATION
Once you have completed the required education and work experience, you can apply to the FBI website. This will include a resume, which should follow the federal resume template. Applicants with current or former federal work experience should submit the SF-50 with their application, and current or prior members of the armed forces should include the DD-214 or submit a Statement of Service Letter with their application.
• STEP 2) PHASE I TEST
If your application passes the preliminary screening, you will be invited to take Phase I, a three-hour computerized exam. This exam assesses everything about you as a candidate and your abilities. It consists of five smaller assessments that measure your critical thinking and reasoning skills. These five assessments are logic-based reasoning, figural reasoning, personality assessment, preferences and interests and situational judgment.
• STEP 3) INTERVIEW
Those who pass Phase I are called in for an in-person interview. Applicants will be asked to expand on what they included in their applications as well as their past experiences.
• STEP 4) PHASE II TESTS
Those who have completed Phase I, passed the interview and have been deemed competitive are invited to participate in Phase II. This consists of two parts—a writing assessment and a more structured interview. The writing assessment must be passed first before the interview can take place. The interview lasts for an hour and is administered by three special agents who measure your ability for certain criteria based on the answers you give to questions.
If all goes well Autumn you'll be enrolled in the FBIs new agents academy where you'll participate in a 21-week training program that consists of 800 hours of additional training.
STEPS TO BECOME A SPECIAL AGENT
• STEP 1) BACHELOR'S DEGREE
A bachelor's degree is required for all aspiring FBI agents. Although one in law enforcement or criminal justice is not required, many agents do have a background in these fields. However, agents come from all backgrounds, including engineering, computer science and teaching. At times, applicants with degrees in these alternative fields are even sought after for their knowledge in areas that aren't typically associated with law enforcement.
• STEP 2) WORK EXPERIENCE
Another requirement you must meet before applying to become an FBI agent is to have two years of professional work experience. The details of what this experience should look like are vague, so it is understood to mean full-time work at a high level in your area of expertise. This could be experience related to your degree, but it is also a good idea to work in a position where you can demonstrate the core competencies FBI agents need.
STEPS ON APPLYING AS A SPECIAL AGENT
•STEP 1) APPLICATION
Once you have completed the required education and work experience, you can apply to the FBI website. This will include a resume, which should follow the federal resume template. Applicants with current or former federal work experience should submit the SF-50 with their application, and current or prior members of the armed forces should include the DD-214 or submit a Statement of Service Letter with their application.
• STEP 2) PHASE I TEST
If your application passes the preliminary screening, you will be invited to take Phase I, a three-hour computerized exam. This exam assesses everything about you as a candidate and your abilities. It consists of five smaller assessments that measure your critical thinking and reasoning skills. These five assessments are logic-based reasoning, figural reasoning, personality assessment, preferences and interests and situational judgment.
• STEP 3) INTERVIEW
Those who pass Phase I are called in for an in-person interview. Applicants will be asked to expand on what they included in their applications as well as their past experiences.
• STEP 4) PHASE II TESTS
Those who have completed Phase I, passed the interview and have been deemed competitive are invited to participate in Phase II. This consists of two parts—a writing assessment and a more structured interview. The writing assessment must be passed first before the interview can take place. The interview lasts for an hour and is administered by three special agents who measure your ability for certain criteria based on the answers you give to questions.
If all goes well Autumn you'll be enrolled in the FBIs new agents academy where you'll participate in a 21-week training program that consists of 800 hours of additional training.
Mark Paternostro
Senior Manager in Corporate Intelligence Services
4
Answers
Plainfield, Illinois
Updated
Mark’s Answer
Autumn,
There are lots of schools that also offer intelligence degrees. I studied and graduated from Mercyhurst University with a degree in their Intelligence Studies program. There are also lots of other schools and programs that also offer intelligence programs (some even with master's programs). Something else to consider and understand, is what about the FBI is drawing your passion? There are also very similar roles on the 'private' side v 'government' side of things that offer different benefits and professional opportunities. Good luck!
There are lots of schools that also offer intelligence degrees. I studied and graduated from Mercyhurst University with a degree in their Intelligence Studies program. There are also lots of other schools and programs that also offer intelligence programs (some even with master's programs). Something else to consider and understand, is what about the FBI is drawing your passion? There are also very similar roles on the 'private' side v 'government' side of things that offer different benefits and professional opportunities. Good luck!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6534
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Autumn,
If you're considering a career with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), it's advisable to choose a major in areas such as criminal justice, law enforcement, or criminology.
The FBI, America's premier domestic intelligence and security agency, has a mission to safeguard the United States from terrorist and foreign intelligence threats, and to uphold and enforce the nation's criminal laws. As such, a strong background in criminal justice, law enforcement, or criminology can equip you with the vital knowledge and skills needed to become a part of the FBI.
A criminal justice major primes students for roles in law enforcement, corrections, probation and parole, among other related fields. It delves into the various facets of crime, including its causes, prevention, investigation, and punishment. This major equips you with a robust foundation for a career with the FBI, whether as special agents or analysts.
A law enforcement major is designed to prepare students for roles as police officers or other law enforcement professionals. It encompasses patrol procedures, traffic control, emergency response techniques, criminal investigations, and community policing. This major is especially useful for those aspiring to work in the FBI's field offices or laboratories as evidence technicians or crime scene analysts.
A criminology major is a multidisciplinary field that merges sociology, psychology, anthropology, and other social sciences to study crime and its causes. It provides a scientific perspective on various aspects of criminal behavior. This major can equip you with valuable knowledge for roles such as behavioral analysis or intelligence analysis within the FBI.
In conclusion, choosing a major related to criminal justice, law enforcement, or criminology can equip you with the essential knowledge and skills for a career with the FBI. These fields delve into various aspects of crime investigation and prevention, which are crucial for roles within this agency. By obtaining a strong foundation in these areas from institutions accredited by reputable organizations like the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) or Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), you can enhance your prospects of being a successful applicant for FBI positions.
References:
Federal Bureau of Investigation - About Us (n.d.). Retrieved March 28, 2023, from https://www.fbi.gov/about-us/overview-and-history/fbi-history-and-mission
National Center for Education Statistics - Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement Programs (n.d.). Retrieved March 28, 2023, from https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/programsearch/program_details_by_classification_subjectarea_level_and_schoollevel?classification_subjectarea=16&level=Bachelor’s&schoollevel=All
American Society of Criminology - What is Criminology? (n.d.). Retrieved March 28, 2023, from https://www.asc411.org/what-is-criminology/.
May God bless you, Autumn!
James Constantine.
If you're considering a career with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), it's advisable to choose a major in areas such as criminal justice, law enforcement, or criminology.
The FBI, America's premier domestic intelligence and security agency, has a mission to safeguard the United States from terrorist and foreign intelligence threats, and to uphold and enforce the nation's criminal laws. As such, a strong background in criminal justice, law enforcement, or criminology can equip you with the vital knowledge and skills needed to become a part of the FBI.
A criminal justice major primes students for roles in law enforcement, corrections, probation and parole, among other related fields. It delves into the various facets of crime, including its causes, prevention, investigation, and punishment. This major equips you with a robust foundation for a career with the FBI, whether as special agents or analysts.
A law enforcement major is designed to prepare students for roles as police officers or other law enforcement professionals. It encompasses patrol procedures, traffic control, emergency response techniques, criminal investigations, and community policing. This major is especially useful for those aspiring to work in the FBI's field offices or laboratories as evidence technicians or crime scene analysts.
A criminology major is a multidisciplinary field that merges sociology, psychology, anthropology, and other social sciences to study crime and its causes. It provides a scientific perspective on various aspects of criminal behavior. This major can equip you with valuable knowledge for roles such as behavioral analysis or intelligence analysis within the FBI.
In conclusion, choosing a major related to criminal justice, law enforcement, or criminology can equip you with the essential knowledge and skills for a career with the FBI. These fields delve into various aspects of crime investigation and prevention, which are crucial for roles within this agency. By obtaining a strong foundation in these areas from institutions accredited by reputable organizations like the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) or Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), you can enhance your prospects of being a successful applicant for FBI positions.
References:
Federal Bureau of Investigation - About Us (n.d.). Retrieved March 28, 2023, from https://www.fbi.gov/about-us/overview-and-history/fbi-history-and-mission
National Center for Education Statistics - Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement Programs (n.d.). Retrieved March 28, 2023, from https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/programsearch/program_details_by_classification_subjectarea_level_and_schoollevel?classification_subjectarea=16&level=Bachelor’s&schoollevel=All
American Society of Criminology - What is Criminology? (n.d.). Retrieved March 28, 2023, from https://www.asc411.org/what-is-criminology/.
May God bless you, Autumn!
James Constantine.
Whitney McKeever
Forensic Psychology
1
Answer
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
Whitney’s Answer
Hi! From my experience as someone aspiring to go into the FBI, I know you have to get a bachelor's degree in a relevant field (criminology, psychology, forensic psychology, etc). It would be very beneficial for you to try to get a contact in the FBI field office closest to you, as it can lead to internship opportunities and connections within the agency (which is EXTREMELY important). You do not have to get a master's degree, but it will make you more likely to get a job with the FBI. For this, you would want to continue studying a similar field to what you did in undergrad. I am currently double majoring in psychology and criminology to go into criminal profiling with the FBI, so I hope this helps!