FBI Agent Job Description & Careers
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is a branch of the Department of Justice, and is the main U.S. crime investigators. The function of the FBI is to enforce U.S. laws, defend the country against any threat – foreign or domestic – and to provide support for other law enforcement agencies. Because the FBI may investigate crimes related to over 200 categories federal law, FBI agents tend to specialize in a particular area.
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FBI agents often conduct surveillance activities, such as monitoring wire-tapping or working undercover. They may be involved in the investigation of large-scale criminal activities such as organized crime, drug trafficking, terrorism, and cybercrime. Additionally, the FBI is involved in investigating incidents such as airplane hijackings and terrorist threats.
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Undoubtedly, the job of FBI agent is very stressful; although the scheduled workweek might be 40 hours, many work more than that. Further, agents may be often placed in atypical situations, including dealing with people in traumatic situations and crime scenes that are grisly and involve death.
Become an FBI Agent: Education and Other Requirements
To become an FBI Agent, a candidate must possess the right education, background, mental and physical constitution. The minimum education requirement for someone interested in becoming an FBI agent is a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Many agents have studied criminal justice, political science, or business, and some of them have completed a law degree. Prospective FBI agents must have an bachelor’s degree and three years of related work experience, or an advanced degree (master’s degree or higher) and two years of related work experience. The FBI considers applicants’ fluency in a foreign language as a particular strength. In addition to education and work experience, people who are interested in becoming an FBI agent should be physically fit, have a strong mental attitude, be willing to be placed in dangerous situations, and be committed to the enforcement of laws and protecting people. Often, the FBI requires its agents to either relocate to another city or to travel extensively.
Applicants who desire to be an FBI agent are required to consent to a thorough background check and to polygraph tests. As with any job, applicants participate in interviews and have their references checked. FBI jobs require a security clearance, and there may be additional requirements for that.
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Source: HowStuffWorks
FBI Salary & Benefits
The pay range for FBI agents starts at around $50,000 for an agent who is in training. After they finish their training program and are assigned their first case, their pay jumps to between $60,000 and $70,000, depending on what area of the country they are serving. For agents who stay with the FBI a long time, they reach the status of “senior agent”, and may earn as much as $120,000 per year. In addition to their salary, FBI agents receive benefits including health insurance, retirement benefits, and paid vacations and holidays.
FBI Training at FBI Academy
Once you are accepted as a new agent, you attend a 21-week training course at the FBI Academy in Virginia.
FBI & Law Enforcement Related Degrees from Accredited Schools
Upper Iowa University
Popular Degree Programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
- Master of Public Administration - Justice and Homeland Security emphasis
- Master of Public Administration - Government Administration emphasis
Southern New Hampshire University
Popular Degree Programs:
- Bachelor of Science - Justice Studies/Terrorism & Homeland Security
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Popular Degrees:
- Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice
- Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
- Associate of Arts in Homeland Security
- Bachelor of Arts in Homeland Security
- Master of Arts in Criminal Justice
- Bachelor of Science in Public Safety
Grantham University
Popular Degrees:
- Associate of Arts - Criminal Justice
- Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
- Bachelor of Arts Criminal Justice - Homeland Security
- Certificate of Learning Computer Forensic Investigations
- Certificate of Learning Criminal Investigation
- Certificate of Learning Juvenile Justice
Strayer University
Popular Degrees:
- Bachelor of Science in Information Systems - Homeland Security and Information Systems
- Associate in Arts in Criminal Justice
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice - Computer Security and Forensics
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice - Criminal Justice Administration
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security and Emergency Management
- Bachelor of Business Administration - Legal Studies
Herzing University
Popular Degrees:
- Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Public Safety (BSHSPS)
- Associate of Science in Legal Assisting/Paralegal (ASLAP)
- Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies (BSLS)
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BSCJNM)
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security (BSCJHS)
- Associate of Science in Criminal Justice (ASCJ)
Colorado Technical University Online
Popular Degrees:
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
- Master of Science in Management - Criminal Justice
- Master of Science in Management - Homeland Security
Ashford University
Popular Degrees:
- BA/Social and Criminal Justice
- BA/Social Science - Psychology
- BA/Organizational Management - Homeland Security
- BA/Homeland Security and Emergency Management
- BA/Environmental Studies
Walden University
Popular Degrees:
- Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration - Homeland Security Policy and Coordination
- Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) - Homeland Security Policy
- M.S. in Psychology - Terrorism and Security
- B.S. in Criminal Justice - Computer Information Systems and Security
- M.S. in Forensic Psychology - Psychology & Legal Systems
- Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration - Homeland Security Policy and Administration
- B.S. in Psychology - Criminal Justice
- PhD in Public Policy/Admin - Terrorism/Mediation/Peace
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