How To Become an FBI Agent
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Overview

What Is an FBI Agent?

A Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agent is a federal law enforcement officer who investigates and enforces laws related to national security, criminal activity and civil rights violations. These agents often serve as the frontline defenders against threats ranging from cybercrime and terrorism to public corruption and organized crime.1

The FBI hires people for many different types of jobs, but special agents are usually the most well-known. If you're interested in this kind of high-impact career, earning a degree in criminal justice — or a related field — can be a valuable first step toward joining the Bureau.

38,000

Individuals employed by the FBI across various roles2

What Do FBI Agents Do?

A career as an FBI special agent offers varied responsibilities, with no typical day on the job. The role often involves irregular hours and frequent travel, requiring adaptability and a strong commitment to public service.3

Special agents may pursue specialized work in areas such as cybercrime, counterintelligence, forensic analysis and public affairs, depending on their skills, experience and the needs of the Bureau.

Here's a list of key responsibilities often performed by agents:3,4

Pursue criminal cases that violate federal law

FBI agents investigate criminal offenses that fall under federal jurisdiction, such as fraud, terrorism, organized crime and civil rights violations.

Conduct surveillance operations

These professionals monitor suspects, gather intelligence and document activities relevant to ongoing investigations.

Assist with drug-related and financial investigations

These agents trace transactions, identify key players and uncover links between narcotics trafficking and money laundering.

Investigate federal crimes

FBI agents handle violations of federal law by investigating crimes that cross state lines, threaten national security or involve federal programs and institutions.

Interview witnesses

They gather and analyze evidence to interpret digital traces, financial records or physical materials that support federal investigations.

Education

FBI Agent Education Requirements

Embarking on a career as an FBI special agent requires meeting key educational and professional criteria. Whether you hold a bachelor’s degree or an advanced graduate degree, your academic path can play a major role in determining the experience you’ll need to qualify.

Best Degrees for an FBI Agent

To become an FBI special agent, a bachelor’s degree is required, though no specific major is mandated.4,5 According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), fields like criminal justice, law, cybersecurity, computer science, accounting and foreign languages are especially relevant and may align with the FBI’s operational needs.5 These disciplines can help develop key skills in investigation, analysis and communication that are crucial for federal law enforcement work.

When applying, be prepared to showcase specific skills related to the role, such as problem-solving, communication and sound judgment. Though meeting these criteria doesn’t ensure selection, reflecting on how you’ve used these abilities can help you better understand the job.

The path to becoming a special agent covers a range of topics, such as:4,5

Criminal law and procedures

Problem-solving and data-driven decision making

Interpersonal skills: Rapport, conflict resolution and empathy

Firearms and self-defense training

Ethics and professional conduct

Physical fitness and defensive driving skills

Interview and interrogation techniques

GCU Recommends These Degree Programs for an FBI Agent

Degrees in fields like security and protective services or social sciences may support your path to becoming an FBI agent, though they do not guarantee selection.5

Bachelor’s Programs

If you are looking to pursue a career as a special agent, you may want to begin your education path by pursuing one of the following undergraduate degree programs:

Master's Programs

While a bachelor’s degree is required to become a special agent, earning a graduate degree can help strengthen specialized skills that may stand out in competitive applicant pools and support progression into federal law enforcement roles. Explore our graduate programs for more details.

Certificate Programs

If you're aiming to become an FBI special agent, consider starting with one of the certificate programs below. When combined with a relevant degree, these can help build federal and law enforcement skills.

Graduate Certificate of Completion
Forensic Psychology
Graduate Certificate of Completion
Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Two people stand behind yellow crime scene tape near a fenced outdoor area.
Skills

What Skills Does an FBI Agent Need?

Two people walk behind yellow 'POLICE LINE DO NOT CROSS' tape near a brick building.

FBI agents receive rigorous training to prepare for complex investigative work. This intensive program can help build critical skills in areas like analytical thinking, problem-solving, communication and writing skills. 

Agents also develop specialized skills in areas such as:4,5

Physical readiness

Firearm training

Law and investigative techniques

Adaptability and emotional intelligence

Intelligence gathering and behavioral analysis

Technical expertise in digital forensics or cybersecurity

Careers

Where Do FBI Agents Work?

While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) doesn’t provide specific data on FBI agents, it lists them as examples within the broader category of police and detectives.3 In 2023, police, detective and agent careers spanned a range of specialized roles, including police and sheriff’s patrol officers, detectives and criminal investigators, fish and game wardens and transit and railroad police.6

Work environments can vary widely depending on your assignment and specialization. Work locations may include:

Crime and accident scenes

FBI agents may work at crime and crash scenes to gather evidence, document findings, interview witnesses and support local and federal investigations.

Government agencies

Government agencies employed 96% of all police and detectives.6 Agents may use this workplace setting to carry out investigative tasks, collaborate with teams and manage case-related documentation.

Office work

An agent may use an office work setting to review case files, write reports, analyze data, coordinate with other agencies and conduct interviews or briefings. It supports the administrative and investigative aspects of their work.

Secure intelligence hubs

An FBI agent may use secure intelligence hubs to access, share and analyze sensitive information in a protected environment, supporting investigations and coordination with other agencies.

Diverse operational settings

These agents are often reassigned to different locations, requiring adaptability to new environments and mission needs. This mobility supports rapid response and effective interagency collaboration.

Two FBI special agent badges and ID cards.

Advancement Opportunities Within the FBI

To pursue advancement in roles with federal agencies like the FBI, gaining experience in investigative or specialized work may help strengthen your qualifications for more complex responsibilities.4 Additionally, knowledge of a foreign language may be seen as an asset in some federal agencies and geographical regions.4

Blog Articles

Explore More on FBI Agents

Stay informed with the latest insights and updates on FBI agents.

FBI seal mounted on a dark marble wall, featuring the agency's motto and emblem.
What Sort of Jobs are Available With the FBI?

The FBI hosts a wide range of careers, from special agents to legal professionals. Wherever your career leads, you can begin preparing for it at GCU.

Back of a police officer in tactical gear with 'POLICE COUNTERTERRORISM RDF' on the vest.
Types of Law Enforcement and Leadership Roles

What do FBI agents do? Discover different types of law enforcement roles and the importance of leadership skills. Earn your master’s in criminal justice at GCU.

Two individuals, one in a suit and one in a police uniform, speak at a press conference with microphones.
Detective vs. Investigator: Key Differences and Career Paths

Detectives and private investigators both uncover facts and solve cases, but they work in different authorities and settings. Learn more about their roles and career paths in our blog.

FBI agent in a dark jacket working on a laptop.
Start Your Journey Today

Explore what it takes to become an FBI agent and how you can start preparing for this career.

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  1. U.S. Department of Justice. (n.d.) Federal Bureau of Investigation. Retrieved July 28, 2025. 
  2. Korhonen, V. (2024, July 3). The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) - Statistics & Facts. Retrieved July 28, 2025. 
  3. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, April 18). What Police and Detectives Do. Retrieved July 28, 2025. 
  4. FBI Jobs. (2025, April). All You Need To Know To Apply: Special Agent Selection System. Retrieved July 28, 2025.
  5. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, April 18). How To Become a Police Officer or Detective. Retrieved July 28, 2025. 
  6. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, April 18). Police and Detectives: Work Environment. Retrieved July 28, 2025.

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