Which Federal Law Enforcement Jobs Require A College Degree (and which do not).

One question frequently asked is whether one needs a college degree to enter federal law enforcement. The answer is that it depends on the position .This video will provide a synopsis of which agencies require a degree, which do not, and the value of various types of degrees in seeking a federal law enforcement position.

[@peterpease5119]

You are 100% spot on regarding colleges today. I graduated with my bachelor’s degree this past Spring (2021) in criminal justice, and it was nothing more than a political indoctrination fest. If you don’t believe that a criminal justice professor would teach anti-police rhetoric….believe it.

[@jakemuir5925]

Please say your joking

[@blackjack3355]

@@jakemuir5925 I can back up his claim. I'm graduating with Bachelor's in CRJ and one of my teachers was a CONVICTED FELON who was teaching a CRJ class with no law enforcement experience. He was a far leftist who's class was all about how terrible our CRJ system and how bad our cops are.

[@toberszn7112]

@@blackjack3355 so basically criminal justice degree is useless now ?

[@blackjack3355]

@@toberszn7112 Depends on what you trying to do tbh, I’m trying to go into federal law enforcement so it’s useful for that. Even some local departments also require 4 year degree. That being said, I’ve learned and enjoyed CRJ classes much more at a community college compared to University

[@m1ssingn074]

@@toberszn7112 i've heard criminal justice was always kinda useless. way too broad (plus along court system side of things). need to choose a more specific degree in law enforcement

[@thomasli5321]

First I want to say that your videos are great and very informative. I am a Customs and Border Protection officer currently in San Diego and just wanted to let you know that you can get hired on with CBP as a GS-5 with just a high school desploma and 2 years in security or LE experience. Currently I am in the process with our 1811 agency as a Special agent with HSI.

[@federallawenforcementcaree9900]

Thanks.

[@troyvincent8933]

2 years security experience? Do you know What type of security experience would that be? Armed security? Hospital security? Executive protection?

[@MTPxSuperstar]

@@federallawenforcementcaree9900, I am interested in pursuing a federal law enforcement job and would like to know if I did not have a gpa of 2.9 or higher but were very close to it, will I be able to meet the requirements and still be considered with education alone?

[@damiandeluna4580]

@@troyvincent8933 If you have security experience, Federal law enforcement agencies have their own security police programs. Secret Service Uniformed Division, Federal Protective Service, Border Patrol, US Supreme Court Police, US Capitol Police, DOD Police, and FBI police are good options for those who have experience in Armed Security.

[@jz804]

What about age? Because I’m 41 with 2 year of LE from Puerto Rico.

[@leonalfaro082974]

Again, great video full of good information. Semper Fi!

[@federallawenforcementcaree9900]

Thanks

[@dr.foxysocks2459]

I would say from experience if you go for a degree in history learn a language with it and if you want something more useful consider a degree in public administration. Teaches you how to lead, how to think like a leader, and one of the few humanities degrees that are useful.

[@karlstrauss2330]

Army CID Special Agents requires only a two year Associates Degree for soldiers already enlisted in the military.

[@SwampPuppy_]

Good day to you too! Another great video. Currently have a Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice and finishing up my first contract in the military. Looking forward to joining the USMS.

[@headhuncho4837]

I hope you have something that stands out other than your criminal justice degree. Best of luck to you. HUA.

[@SwampPuppy_]

@@headhuncho4837 Definitely looking into it more. Thanks.

[@federallawenforcementcaree9900]

Thanks

[@chief5981]

Have you looked at your branches Investigative division? I didn’t truly know what Army CID was until right after I got out. Probably would have applied had I known more about it

[@toberszn7112]

I need hit u up and talk abt sum stuff wats yo ig?

[@Spiederia]

You are essentially correct about 4 years of college however I know several successful 1811's who were hired with Associate Degrees coupled with investigative experience. But yes, 99% require at minimum 4 years of college. In 2002, I attended CITP - minimum in my class was a Bachelor's Degree. Several were lawyers, MBA's, MPA's, etc. And that was in 2002!

[@madhatter9861]

Big help on this one. Thank you very much.

[@richfrazier8756]

I worked as a special agent (series 1810) for what is now the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency, DOD. Most hires off the street like myself were college geaduates. Most in my entry class had masters degrees in criminal justice.

[@the1reclaimer6969]

Great video, lots of fantastic insight. I recently graduated from college. I’m working an ok entry job, it’s been challenging finding a way to climb up the latter with job competition. It’s basically impossible to even submit your CBP application, officer programs for the military are limited (airforce is doing no boards this year as of just 2 months ago i was told). My question is, what should you do in the meantime? You mentioned most officers have a masters degree, should that be something i should be considered while i continue to work at this job, such as attending part time student? Maybe getting certifications in my field of study? Learning MMA? Learning Chinese or even russian? You know what qualities in an individual stand out most when applying for police officer, Customs, FBI, Secret service?

[@federallawenforcementcaree9900]

All of the things you mentioned are great....so my advice is to choose one or two and commit to them.

[@Bsb0830]

The 1reclaimer@ Don’t over think it. Just apply to every federal agency. The USSS and FBI have a job announcement that’s open all year.

[@RobLeeBea]

I’m on a 4 year contract with the USCG at a unit where we do Law Enforcement, Ports Waterways and Coastal Security, Navy Escorts, Recreation Boating Safety, Marine Environmental Protection, and Search and Rescue. I wonder with getting the quals and experience at my second unit as a Boarding Team Member, Boat Crew Member, Tactical Crewman, Coxswain, and Tactical Coxswain would benefit me for a federal Law Enforcement career? I have no college yet. Just prerequisites for college about 9 credits.

[@chief5981]

Of course it will look favorable, but as dumb as it may be college is just a wise move, especially with tuition assistance or GI bill

[@dustinbray9094]

Do agencies tend to recruit LEOs from larger departments opposed to smaller ones? And by small I mean less than 50 officers. Love the info from all of your videos. Thanks.

[@federallawenforcementcaree9900]

Not necessarily. Some such as the FBI, dont really recruit LE all that much except for SWAT, etc.

[@dustinbray9094]

@@federallawenforcementcaree9900 Thank you. Are duty locations assigned pre or post academy? Such as the DEA. I’m sure each agency may do it differently.

[@OmarOsman98]

I am getting my law degree now. I have a bachelor's in political science.

[@JM-dk4ec]

Another great video sir 👏🏽

[@federallawenforcementcaree9900]

Thanks

[@daystxr2026]

Your videos are very informative and straight to the point. Just had a question regarding the USMS, What kind of hours do they work? Are they always on call? Is it a set schedule? Etc

[@sfctoufeeq2689]

Well this was a great video but like i say i m quite good in urdu and if a person is good in firearm and combat and he is in a police branch or in any army sector can he join the federal unit with out bachelors degree

[@nellycandelas4875]

For those that haven’t started school yet, don’t go to a trade school! It’s a waste of money and time all I got was my guard card I got the job myself

[@brandon9689]

As someone who has slid in and out of around 30 manufacturing and warehouse jobs in the last 18 years, Criminal Justice is by far the most unused degree I have encountered. Held by dozens of people who did nothing with it, and are paying it back on an Amazon caliber wage. I am not giving advice, I'm just reporting my personal experience while admitting my susceptibility to confirmation bias.

[@chief5981]

I like your style. I would hire you if I owned a business.

[@chris-dd6uq]

Even though I'm looking at doing law enforcement after the military, I'm still going to get a degree in either Computer Science/math or something else STEM related.

[@chief5981]

Good choice. College should make you more marketable. Being an FBI agent will teach you criminal justice the way they want you to know, so going to them with a CJ degree doesn’t benefit them much. I’ve been rethinking my homeland security degree, but if it gets you in, then Hey!

[@dr.foxysocks2459]

If you want FBI 100% go computer science they even have programs to help those majors get in faster

[@TristateDispatch-x6o]

For some of these positions you can get in with 2 years military experience and some college.

[@gabrielmerck-diblasi5987]

It’s ironic, that I’m studying right now, watching you, in the military, and I also work in El Paso.

[@thelifeofmike9270]

A video on bounty hunting would be nice 👍

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

Facts

[@saderrick15]

You about need to be a us Marshall then bro . Or a fbi swat. But just as long as you got an masters you about pretty good . But you still wanna aim for your bachelors

[@nataliachavira7389]

This helped me a lot thank you!

[@rothefoe11]

Hey man would you be open to chatting? I had some questions about the military for you

[@PERF3CTBISCUIT7]

If you have 4 years of military experience does that cancel out college? Also is learning Spanish useless or should I learn a different language

[@janbeckman4589]

How useful would a major in Psych Minor in CS be in applying for FBI SA or Secret service SA.

[@Bsb0830]

Jan Beckman@ It wouldn’t matter for the secret service. I’m sure the same can be said about the FBI too.

[@Nathan_G.C.]

What are your thoughts on a homeland security/emergency management degree?

[@federallawenforcementcaree9900]

That would be a good degree if that is your interest.

[@cashbryan2652]

Thank you sir. Great video.

[@federallawenforcementcaree9900]

Thanks

[@CesarSanchez-nu3eo]

how about deputy sheriff? would you recommend psychology, criminal justice ? or what other degrees would be useful for that field ?

[@pauledwards2795]

What professional careers in the criminal justice system are willing to take a look at a person who has became a new and been redeemed literally and changed with the felony being 20 years old now I don't want to ask the question so broad so yes your family probably has to be expunged correct but what could I be could I be anything or is it possible at all to be a detective or anything below a detective like in his work area helping on the team

[@dman3494]

Thank you im currently a police officer in Arizona.

[@dman3494]

All i have is a GED, and a A. A. Degree, currently working on my bachlors and will be obtaining my masters degree

[@txterbug]

How does your masters from 1994-1997 match up with a masters from 2018-2022

[@chriscurtis5883]

Will any LE be interested in a political science and history degree? it’s a little too late to change since I graduate in a year but I should finish with around a 3.9 GPA… would appreciate any advice thank you!

[@thomasgilmartin4441]

Do you think a geography degree would be sought after in any of these agencies?

[@federallawenforcementcaree9900]

Geology would certainly be useful. Hard sciences have a special listing with the FBI for instance. Geography would be just as useful as any other degree.

[@Ian-uc9jl]

thanks for the information sir.

[@smitty1891]

Any tips for getting a fish and game job?

[@_Ephy1]

Can one use a 2year college degree to get in the marine corps or FBI and CIA?

[@pennewell96]

You dont need much to join the marines 😂

[@lilrog0909]

If you want to get past GS10 level you going to need a degree.

[@justinkurttoboso2957]

1:13 All Federal Law Enforcement Agencies

[@bl7636]

I am a finance student at Baruch, am I in the right path?

[@kingjohn3480]

Finance is a great choice

[@jhey007]

so you know guys "it depends" lol

[@OmarOsman98]

I am getting my law degree now. I have a bachelor's in political science.