| Education | A bachelor's degree from a US-accredited college or university is required by the FBI |
| Other Requirements | At least 3 years of full-time professional work experience is required for FBI agents |
| Median Salary (2021)* | $83,640 (all detectives and criminal investigators) |
| Projected Job Growth (2021-2031)* | 3% (all detectives and criminal investigators) |
Source: *United States Bureau of Labor Statistics
What Does It Take to Be an FBI Agent?
The FBI accepts applicants between the ages of 23 and 37, but sometimes make special exceptions. You must have a bachelor's degree in order to be eligible for any position. In addition, you must have three years of professional work experience. New Agents in Training (NAT) will complete curriculum that lasts 21 weeks. During training, you will live on campus and study both investigative and academic subjects. Training locations can vary. You will also partake in intensive physical fitness exercises and tests, which can cover the use of firearms and defensive tactics. In addition to the coursework, you'll be assessed in the following areas:
- Emotional Maturity
- Teamwork
- Judgement
- Integrity
- Diligence
- Self-Motivation
What Degrees Will Make Me Competitive?
The FBI doesn't recommend one degree over another, although you can enter into the FBI under one of several specialties. Those areas are given priority based on the changing needs of the agency. A bachelor's degree in one of the following areas can make you more competitive:
- Accounting
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Physical Science
- Law
- Architecture
- Foreign Language
If you have a degree in language, you will have to pass a written and oral exam. You can also apply to the entry area of law with a Juris Doctor (J.D.).
What if I Have a Degree in Another Area?
The FBI offers a range of opportunities across multiple disciplines. You can apply if you have a degree or experience that focuses on a particular need of the agency. For example, if you have a degree in biology, aerospace, chemistry, network engineering, geology, or any other STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) discipline, there are opportunities to work for the FBI. STEM professionals work in the Information Technology branch, as well as in the Operational Technology, Laboratory, and Criminal Justice Information Services divisions of the FBI. There are also opportunities for those with degrees as diverse as art (photographer and visual information specialist positions) and counseling (mental health assessment specialist positions).
