What degree do you need to work for the FBI?

Question

Accepted Answer

To work for the FBI, you need at least a four-year degree from an accredited college or university. FBI agents often earn degrees in fields such as criminal justice or political science, though the Bureau does not maintain any specific academic major requirements for applicants. Additionally, a background in criminal justice, national security studies, computer science, mathematics, engineering, or a foreign language can be beneficial.

Some of the best degrees to get a job as an FBI agent include:

Computer science and IT
Hard sciences like chemistry or biology
Finance and accounting
International studies and foreign languages
Criminal justice and military intelligence

Overall requirements for joining the FBI:

Be a U.S. citizen or a citizen of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Have a valid driver's license.
Be between the ages of 23 and 37 (unless you are a veteran, in which case the age limit is waived).
Have a four-year degree from an accredited college or university.
3 years of professional work experience.
Pass a background check, including a polygraph examination.
Pass a physical fitness test.
Pass a medical examination.
Pass a drug test.
Pass a written exam.
Pass an oral interview.
Complete the required training program.

The FBI written exam is an aptitude test that measures a candidate's verbal, numerical, and spatial skills. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and is designed to assess a candidate's problem-solving and critical thinking abilities. The exam typically takes three hours to complete.

Overall, keep in mind that there are a number of factors that could disqualify you from working for the FBI, including a criminal record, financial problems, substance abuse, failure of an FBI-administered test, or a history of misconduct.