• Careers in Criminal Justice
• Foreign Service Officer Career
• Consular Officer Career

How to Become a Diplomatic Security Special Agent

To be considered for a Diplomatic Security Special Agent position an applicant must be a U.S. citizen, hold a bachelor's degree, be between 21 years of age and not yet 37 years of age by time of appointment. Listed below are colleges and universities that have been regionally or nationally accredited by accrediting agencies recognized by the US Department of Education. These colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in areas of study commonly held by current Diplomatic Security Special Agents. Without the bachelor's degree, applicants have no chance of being considered. A degree in Criminal Justice or related field is a popular choice. Contact the schools to learn more about their programs. Applicants will be considered as long as they receive their bachelor's degree within 9 months of the closing date for applications. These are the most general and critical qualifications to consider, to see all requirements and when applications will be accepted please, visit the U.S. Department of State website.(1)

What do Diplomatic Security Special Agents Do?

Upon completion of the 7 month training, Diplomatic Security Special Agents are considered federal law enforcement officers and carry a firearm. They are assigned to embassies or related facilities domestically or overseas. Most assignments do come overseas and many Diplomatic Security special agents spend their entire career working overseas. Duties performed by Diplomatic Security Special Agents include managing the security for the facility they are stationed at, protecting Foreign Service personnel, facilities and sensitive information stored at the facility. They also provide protection for the Secretary of State and foreign dignitaries visiting the US. Other law enforcement related duties include criminal investigations, counter intelligence, counterterrorism investigations, as well as developing and implementing security programs for their facility and coordinating with local security agencies.

Diplomatic Security Special Agent Salary

As of May, 2009, starting annual salaries range between $37,828 and $55,552 depending on education and experience.

Diplomatic Security Special Agent Related Education Programs

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University of Phoenix Online: University of Phoenix will help thoroughly prepare you for careers in the field of criminal justice. University of Phoenix is the largest private university in the country and is dedicated to their students.

BS in Psychology
BS in Business/Administration
BS in Criminal Justice Administration
BS in Organizational Security & Management
MS in Administration of Justice and Security

American InterContinental University:

Bachelor's - International Business
Bachelor's - Computer Forensics
BSCJ - Law Enforcement
BSCJ - Forensic Science
BSCJ - Special Populations

Request free information from AIU to learn more about these programs.

Virginia College:

Business Administration - BS
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
Master's in Criminal Justice
Master's in Cybersecurity

Request information to learn more about these as well as other Criminal Justice Programs at Virginia College.

Walden University Online: Regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, which is one of six accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Must be 24 years of age or older to enroll.

B.S. in Communication - Organizational Communications
B.S. in Criminal Justice - CJ Management and Administration
B.S. in Criminal Justice - Computer Info Systems & Security
Master of Public Admin - Homeland Security and Policy Coordination
Master of Public Admin - Law and Public Policy
Master of Public Admin - Local Government Management
M.S. in Psychology - Terrorism and Security

Florida Tech University Online:

BA in Criminal Justice
BA Business Admin Management

Capella University:

BS in Criminal Justice
BS in Public Safety - Emergency Management
BS in Business - Accounting
BS in Business - Business Administration
BS in Business - Finance
BS in Business - Management and Leadership
MS in Public Safety Leadership

Request free information from Capella University to learn more.

Lincoln College Online:

B.S. in Criminal Justice and the Criminal Mind
B.S. in Business Management
B.S. in Information Management and Security

Ashford University:

BA/Organizational Management - Political Science
BA/Organizational Management - Psychology
BA/Psychology
BA in Social Science - Criminal Justice

Kaplan University:

AAS in Criminal Justice
AASCJ - Corrections, Law Enforcement, Private Security
BS in Criminal Justice
BSCJ - Law Enforcement, Computer Crime, Corrections, Homeland Security...

Request information to learn more about these as well as other Criminal Justice Programs at Kaplan University.

Herzing University:

BS in Legal Studies
BS in Business Administration
BS in Criminal Justice
BS in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security
BS in Homeland Security
MBA in Business Management

Request free information from Herzing University Online to learn more.

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