Written By
GCE Editorial Team
There are many FBI career paths to consider, such as those that involve investigations, surveillance operations and intelligence analysis. Some opportunities for specialization include forensics, legal, linguistics and cybersecurity.
Speak with a University Counselor today.
Approved and verified accurate by the Assistant Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences on Oct. 13, 2025.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.
Although both the FBI and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) are members of the intelligence community, there are some notable differences. The FBI focuses on intelligence gathering and operations in the U.S., although the FBI may work internationally if a case involves a U.S. citizen who is located abroad or if the case otherwise requires crossing an international border. In contrast, the CIA has no authority domestically to conduct operations or enforce laws within the U.S.; it is supposed to only focus on gathering intelligence abroad.2
Similarly, while the FBI is a law enforcement agency that is also in the business of intelligence gathering, the CIA has no law enforcement powers and cannot make arrests. Instead, the CIA may put its intelligence to use conducting covert operations, including espionage, influence campaigns and acts of sabotage.2
What is the difference between the CIA and FBI in terms of transparency? While the FBI does conduct classified operations, and not all information may be released during an open investigation, the CIA largely works in strict secrecy. Its missions are classified, and it relies extensively on undercover operatives.2
While there are many differences between the CIA and the FBI, there is also some overlap. Both agencies are members of the intelligence community, for example. At both agencies, there is a strong emphasis on intelligence gathering and analysis, and to accomplish these tasks, both agencies rely on methods like surveillance, interviews and the use of advanced technology.2
Both the FBI and the CIA have the mission of working to protect the nation. Some of their responsibilities overlap, such as in the case of counterterrorism and cybercrime, which means there are opportunities for specialists within both agencies.2
Lastly, the FBI and the CIA may sometimes work together when their missions and interests overlap. For example, they may share intelligence or coordinate counterterrorism efforts.2
Grand Canyon University is a private Christian university that delivers career-focused education for students interested in making a positive impact on their communities. A few of our broad selection of degree programs include the Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies, Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement Advancement and the Master of Science in Criminal Justice with an Emphasis in Law Enforcement graduate degree. Fill out the form on this page to speak with a university counselor about your degree options at GCU.
Investigations and enforcement, intelligence analysis and surveillance operations are some of the common examples of the key functions and areas of responsibility that FBI professionals may work on. However, there are many opportunities to specialize for those who choose to pursue an FBI career path. Some of those specializations include cybersecurity, law and linguistics.
The cybersecurity specialization at the FBI focuses on protecting the nation and its infrastructure from cyberattacks. These professionals investigate crimes, such as malware attacks, data breaches, fraud and digital espionage. They collect and preserve digital evidence, respond quickly to incidents and collaborate with other intelligence and law enforcement partners to disrupt cyberattacks.
As a multicultural nation, the U.S. boasts a wide variety of languages. Professionals who specialize in linguistics and language interpretation may support operations that involve audio or written materials in languages other than English. These experts may translate and analyze written documents, assist professionals conducting interviews and making arrests with interpreting services.
Lawyers within the FBI provide counsel and guidance on a range of legal issues. These might include everything from national security to contract law. Lawyers also work to ensure that FBI operations are within legal bounds and comply with all applicable laws. They may additionally provide law training to other FBI professionals and handle administrative matters, such as personnel issues.
FBI employees specializing in forensics collect evidence at crime scenes and analyze it in laboratories. They may analyze DNA, fingerprints, hair, fibers, firearms and digital devices. They develop reports of their findings and may be called to testify in court.
Some of these professionals may specialize in a specific area of forensics, such as DNA analysis or digital device analysis. Forensic scientists may work on anything from missing persons cases to investigations involving acts of terrorism.
Financial professionals who specialize in forensic accounting support the FBI’s efforts to investigate financial crimes and other types of crimes with aspects of potential illicit finances.
Some of the financial crimes these professionals may work on can include:
Some of the key responsibilities of forensic accounting professionals include reviewing financial records, tracking money laundering and developing investigative reports that detail their findings. Forensic accounting specialists can also testify in court about their methods and findings.
A career in law enforcement offers many different directions to choose from. Some law enforcement professionals work at the local and county levels, while others work at the state level. Others are found at the federal level, including agencies like the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).1 FBI career paths are diverse, with plenty of opportunities to specialize in different types of FBI agent roles.
To determine which area might suit you best, it can be helpful to review the types of agents and their different job responsibilities. There are many areas of specialization within the FBI, some that keep you at a desk and some that put you out into the field.
Some professionals within the FBI focus on conducting criminal investigations and performing direct law enforcement responsibilities. The FBI often focuses on counterterrorism efforts. They investigate threats such as government corruption, human trafficking and domestic terrorism, among others.
Some of the typical job duties can include:
Some of the FBI’s professionals focus on intelligence analysis. Within the intelligence community, these professionals focus on gathering information from sources like field reports and external partners, and analyzing that information to identify trends and patterns. They may also look to identify gaps in intelligence, which can inform data collection efforts.
Intelligence analysis can support the strategies and programs developed by the FBI. It can also provide operational support, offering real-time insight to help their colleagues overcome operational challenges and identify potential threats.
Surveillance operations are a key job responsibility for many of those who work for the FBI. This position is essential for gathering information on cases. For example, a surveillance team may seek to gather information connected with a certain location believed to be linked to criminal activity, to specific people or both.
Surveillance operations involve the monitoring of locations and individuals using visual and audio technology and techniques. Once the data are collected, these professionals will analyze the data and deliver insights to others working on the case.
Some of the key tasks associated with surveillance operations at the FBI include the following:
Surveillance teams at the FBI typically do not make arrests, but rather provide the intelligence needed for other teams to execute search and arrest warrants.
Pursue Justice for All
Position yourself for a potential career with the FBI by earning your justice studies or criminal justice degree. Gain the skills you need to serve, protect and lead in federal law enforcement.