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What would be the best major for someone planning on applying for the FBI?
I’m getting ready to apply to colleges and this entire time my plan has been to major in criminology (or homeland security if offered) and minor in sociology. But, before that I plan on going to the marine corps but doing reserves so I can go to college while enlisted. I would like to switch to active duty after graduating college, and after finishing my contract I’d like to apply for the FBI. This has been my plan for quite a while but now I keep seeing things saying criminology and sociology are useless majors for the FBI and that “they’re not competitive enough”. Should I switch my majors (if so, what would suit me better), or should I stick with my original majors?
Thank you in advance for the help!
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4 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
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Paul’s Answer
When I was a police officer I worked with several FBI agents on various cases.
One thing they all had in common is that they seemed to have majors in Business, in particular concentrations in Accounting.
They explained that they work with financial records and having accounting experience helped them to follow financial trails and develop probable cause for warrants and eventual prosecutions.
One thing they all had in common is that they seemed to have majors in Business, in particular concentrations in Accounting.
They explained that they work with financial records and having accounting experience helped them to follow financial trails and develop probable cause for warrants and eventual prosecutions.
Updated
D.J.’s Answer
Drawing from my experience in federal law enforcement and the current recruitment trends of the FBI, I'm here to offer some guidance on picking a major that could pave the way for an exciting career with the FBI:
While criminology and sociology offer a fascinating look into criminal behavior and societal dynamics, the FBI is currently leaning towards candidates who bring more specialized skills to the table. The Bureau is particularly keen on applicants with expertise in:
1. Accounting/Finance: This is a powerful tool for investigating white-collar crimes and financial fraud.
2. Computer Science/Cybersecurity: This is indispensable for tackling cyber threats and digital forensics.
3. Law: This equips you with a robust understanding of legal principles and procedures.
4. Foreign Languages: Particularly crucial languages such as Arabic, Chinese, or Russian.
5. STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics): These fields hone analytical and problem-solving skills that are highly valued in many FBI roles.
Your decision to join the Marine Corps Reserve is commendable, as the FBI holds military experience in high esteem. However, to make your application stand out, consider aligning your major with one of the fields mentioned above.
If your heart is set on criminology, think about double majoring or minoring in a more technical field, such as computer science or accounting. Alternatively, you could major in one of these technical fields and minor in criminology.
Keep in mind, the FBI values a diverse range of skills and experiences. Regardless of the major you choose, prioritize the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
For a deeper dive into FBI careers and the skills they require, check out the Bureau of Labor Statistics website:
1. Visit https://www.bls.gov/ooh/ (Occupational Outlook Handbook)
2. Search for "Police and Detectives" and look for details about federal agents
This resource offers a wealth of information about the career path, including education requirements and job prospects.
In the end, choose a major that sparks your interest and in which you can shine, while also keeping in mind how it aligns with the FBI's needs. Your military service, academic achievements, and any relevant work experience after college will all play a significant role in making you a strong candidate.
While criminology and sociology offer a fascinating look into criminal behavior and societal dynamics, the FBI is currently leaning towards candidates who bring more specialized skills to the table. The Bureau is particularly keen on applicants with expertise in:
1. Accounting/Finance: This is a powerful tool for investigating white-collar crimes and financial fraud.
2. Computer Science/Cybersecurity: This is indispensable for tackling cyber threats and digital forensics.
3. Law: This equips you with a robust understanding of legal principles and procedures.
4. Foreign Languages: Particularly crucial languages such as Arabic, Chinese, or Russian.
5. STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics): These fields hone analytical and problem-solving skills that are highly valued in many FBI roles.
Your decision to join the Marine Corps Reserve is commendable, as the FBI holds military experience in high esteem. However, to make your application stand out, consider aligning your major with one of the fields mentioned above.
If your heart is set on criminology, think about double majoring or minoring in a more technical field, such as computer science or accounting. Alternatively, you could major in one of these technical fields and minor in criminology.
Keep in mind, the FBI values a diverse range of skills and experiences. Regardless of the major you choose, prioritize the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
For a deeper dive into FBI careers and the skills they require, check out the Bureau of Labor Statistics website:
1. Visit https://www.bls.gov/ooh/ (Occupational Outlook Handbook)
2. Search for "Police and Detectives" and look for details about federal agents
This resource offers a wealth of information about the career path, including education requirements and job prospects.
In the end, choose a major that sparks your interest and in which you can shine, while also keeping in mind how it aligns with the FBI's needs. Your military service, academic achievements, and any relevant work experience after college will all play a significant role in making you a strong candidate.
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Alyna,
As a Sociology Major, Retired Peace Officer, and Retired Career Counselor, I would highly recommend you spend some time on the FBI website. Also look at the difference between FBI Special Agent, and FBI Intelligence Analyst.
I copied the information below from the Agent information. DJ Benion appears to be right on target. If you want the best chance of being selected, you have to make yourself stand-out. Sociology and Criminal Justice unfortunately are perceived by many people to not be degrees that leave graduates with a well-honed skillset.
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.
Specifically, we look for expertise in physical
science, computer science, engineering, architecture,
law, accounting, and other disciplines that require
logical analysis and critical thinking.
We’re also actively seeking special agents who are
fluent in critical foreign languages, as well as those
with experience in intelligence and counterterrorism
work. Study a field you enjoy and, after that, obtain
experiences that will demonstrate your ability
to master the special agent core competencies,
specifically:
• Collaboration
• Communication
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Initiative
• Interpersonal ability
• Leadership
• Organizing and planning
• Problem solving and judgment
You may want to consider getting an Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice, then getting a job with a police department. While in the PD, work on a Bachelor's Degree in the FBI's preferred areas of expertise. The whole time, keep up with your physical fitness training you learned in the Corps. Once you acquire your Bachelor's, you may need to take a job aligned with that degree to gain true expertise prior to being considered a viable candidate by the FBI. It's very competitive, but, if you read and heed the wealth of information on the website, it will help you tremendously.
Best of luck!
https://fbijobs.gov/
As a Sociology Major, Retired Peace Officer, and Retired Career Counselor, I would highly recommend you spend some time on the FBI website. Also look at the difference between FBI Special Agent, and FBI Intelligence Analyst.
I copied the information below from the Agent information. DJ Benion appears to be right on target. If you want the best chance of being selected, you have to make yourself stand-out. Sociology and Criminal Justice unfortunately are perceived by many people to not be degrees that leave graduates with a well-honed skillset.
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.
Specifically, we look for expertise in physical
science, computer science, engineering, architecture,
law, accounting, and other disciplines that require
logical analysis and critical thinking.
We’re also actively seeking special agents who are
fluent in critical foreign languages, as well as those
with experience in intelligence and counterterrorism
work. Study a field you enjoy and, after that, obtain
experiences that will demonstrate your ability
to master the special agent core competencies,
specifically:
• Collaboration
• Communication
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Initiative
• Interpersonal ability
• Leadership
• Organizing and planning
• Problem solving and judgment
You may want to consider getting an Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice, then getting a job with a police department. While in the PD, work on a Bachelor's Degree in the FBI's preferred areas of expertise. The whole time, keep up with your physical fitness training you learned in the Corps. Once you acquire your Bachelor's, you may need to take a job aligned with that degree to gain true expertise prior to being considered a viable candidate by the FBI. It's very competitive, but, if you read and heed the wealth of information on the website, it will help you tremendously.
Best of luck!
https://fbijobs.gov/
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Alyna !
Your chosen Major and minor for college are fine, but I would suggest minoring in government or some subject connected to law as it will help you much more than the sociology minor. When you work in the FBI, you are in the government and dealing with law and government. Through the psychology department and general ed courses in college you can take a psychology course but sociology is more informational than anything technical which you'll need to prepare for a career in law enforcement. Sociology usually fulfills a general education requirement. There are many ethnic studies and sociology books that you can read which will be helpful in that subject. If you really want to minor in something, psychology would be more useful for your future career.
To be considered for the FBI, before applying, one of the things you'll need is military or law enforcement experience for five years or more. That is just one of the many requirements. Have you spoken to your local Marine recruiter ? I would advise speaking directly to the recruiter because they are authorized to provide information to the people who want to enlist.
Keep in mind that you don't have to minor, it's not required. You can fill your general ed requirements with social sciences. Everything that will be useful to you will be in the Criminology Major. Sociology is interesting but it is the study of groups and geared for a career in research or teaching. Keep in mind that in order to be a Police Officer you'd have to go through the Police Academy and that is a duration of 6 months in New York City. You can attend the Police Academy while you are in the reserves. For specific details about New York City's guidelines, visit a police precinct and ask specific questions.
I hope this helpful to start you on your way and I wish you the best in all you do !
Your chosen Major and minor for college are fine, but I would suggest minoring in government or some subject connected to law as it will help you much more than the sociology minor. When you work in the FBI, you are in the government and dealing with law and government. Through the psychology department and general ed courses in college you can take a psychology course but sociology is more informational than anything technical which you'll need to prepare for a career in law enforcement. Sociology usually fulfills a general education requirement. There are many ethnic studies and sociology books that you can read which will be helpful in that subject. If you really want to minor in something, psychology would be more useful for your future career.
To be considered for the FBI, before applying, one of the things you'll need is military or law enforcement experience for five years or more. That is just one of the many requirements. Have you spoken to your local Marine recruiter ? I would advise speaking directly to the recruiter because they are authorized to provide information to the people who want to enlist.
Keep in mind that you don't have to minor, it's not required. You can fill your general ed requirements with social sciences. Everything that will be useful to you will be in the Criminology Major. Sociology is interesting but it is the study of groups and geared for a career in research or teaching. Keep in mind that in order to be a Police Officer you'd have to go through the Police Academy and that is a duration of 6 months in New York City. You can attend the Police Academy while you are in the reserves. For specific details about New York City's guidelines, visit a police precinct and ask specific questions.
I hope this helpful to start you on your way and I wish you the best in all you do !
Thank you so much!
So do you think political science would be a better minor than sociology?
And yes, I’ve been talking to my local marine corps recruiter and he’s been very helpful.
Again, thank you so much for the advice and tips
Alyna
Yes. Political Science as a major will familiarize you with things that you will find very useful while serving in the military and later working in government. Sociology is always interesting, but that's just it. We learn about the different cultures in many different ways other than majoring and minoring in it. But Criminology will set a good foundation for you for both law enforcement and what you want to do in government, so I would actually say between Political Science and Criminology, Criminology would be best for your future aspirations. Sorry you heard different, but Criminology would be best.
Michelle M.