• Bachelor's Degree Criminal Justice
• Master's Degree Criminal Justice

How to Become a United States Border Patrol Agent

1) Your first step is to earn a Bachelor's or Master's Degree (required) to be hired at the GS-5 pay level. The most common degree for Border Patrol Agents is a Criminal Justice Bachelor Degree.
2)Review the US Border Patrol Requirements below and make sure you qualify (the US Border Patrol is very strict with their requirements, be sure you don't waste your time or theirs)
3) View open positions and Apply online at USAJOBS.opm.gov or at the CBP.gov website.

US Border Patrol Job Information

The United States Border Patrol is a federal agency that works closely with the US Customs and Border Protection agency.  The US Border Patrol falls under the umbrella of  the Department of Homeland Security. The primary duties for a Border Patrol Agent are to prevent the undocumented entrance of illegal aliens into the United States and apprehend those that have entered or are trying to enter the United States illegally. Also, with the increased presence of drug smuggling across US borders, the US Border Patrol has become the first line agency for detecting and preventing the illegal smuggling of drugs across any US Land border. With the arrival of terrorism on our country’s soil the newest and the most critical duty has presented itself, detecting and preventing terrorists and weapons of terror from entering the United States.  There is a need for US Border Patrol Agents now and continued job growth in this field is expected.

Request free info from University of Phoenix to learn how a degree in criminal justice can help you succeed as an Border Patrol Agent.

US Border Patrol Job Requirements

Two of the most common degrees for a US Border Patrol Agent to possess are a Criminal Justice Degree and Homeland Security Degree. The United States Border Patrol job requirements are stringent and one of the critical factors considered is education. If one does not have substantial relevant work experience a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree is required to apply and become a GS-5.  The best combination is a bachelor’s or master’s degree coupled with relevant work experience. Among other criteria the US Border Patrol requires applicants to be a US Citizen, have a driver's license, be under the age of 40 years, have no "class A" misdemeanor or felony, no "b class" misdemeanor in last 10 years and to pass an intense background investigation and physical testing. The schools affiliated with our site provide the educational criteria that a job with the US Border Patrol demands.  Our schools provide fully accredited degree programs in Criminal Justice and Homeland Security.  Many of the schools offer online and accelerated degree options so that working individuals can maintain their employment while completing the educational requirements for a US Border Patrol job.

Find criminal justice schools that will help prepare you for a Border Patrol career now

Border Patrol Agent Job and Salary Expectations

Once selected for the US Border Patrol one can anticipate a salary of  $34,966 to $39,797 based on their experience and education. (source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection website)  Accelerated promotional opportunities are available.

The Border Patrol is not an easy or safe career. Many Agents have been killed or wounded.  It takes a dedicated and disciplined individual with the passion to protect the United States and its people from the threats of terror our country faces and will continue to face. Are you up to the challenge? Request free information from the schools below and decide for yourself.

Online Criminal Justice Degrees - Border Patrol Agent Careers

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In a Hurry? Click Here to request free information from all of our fully accredited Criminal Justice Degree Programs.

Liberty University Online: Liberty University is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). The Online Education Database has ranked Liberty University among the top 10 online colleges in the nation for two years in a row.

Associate's in Criminal Justice
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice

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

Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice
BS in Criminal Justice
MS in Administration of Justice and Security
Information Systems Security Certificate

American InterContinental University:

Associates in Criminal Justice Administration
Bachelor's - Computer Forensics
BSCJ - Law Enforcement
BSCJ - Forensic Science
BSCJ - Special Populations

Capella University:

BS in Public Safety - Criminal Justice
BS in Public Safety - Emergency Management
BS in Public Safety - Homeland Security
BS in Public Safety - Security Management

Request free information from Capella University to learn more.

Colorado Technical University Online:

AS in Criminal Justice - Stonecliffe College Online
AS in Paralegal Studies
BS in Criminal Justice

Concord Law School: Concord Law School is the first institution to offer a Juris Doctor (JD) degree earned wholly online via state-of-the-art technology. With the latest Internet-adaptive technologies, the Concord program offers excellent course instruction combined with maximum flexibility, specifically designed to fit into today's busy lifestyles.

Juris Doctor Program
Executive JD Program

Drexel University Online: Drexel University is regionally accredited by Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. There is a strong focus on criminology as well as the many other facets of criminal justice including administration, policies and procedures, law, corrections and much more. Learn more by requesting information today.

BS in Criminal Justice Online

Everest University Online :

Associate's | Bachelor's - Criminal Investigations
Associate's | Bachelor's - Criminal Justice
Associate's | Bachelor's - Homeland Security
Associate's | Bachelor's - Paralegal

Florida Tech University Online:

Associate's CriminalJustice
Bachelor's - Criminal Justice

Request free information from Florida Tech University Online to learn more.

ITT Technical Institute: Online Criminal Justice and Information Technology Degree programs. ITT is accreditated by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS). ACICS is recognized as an independent accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education and Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

AA - Computer Forensics
AA - Criminal Justice
BS - Information Systems Security
BS - Cyber Security
BS - Criminal Justice

Kaplan University:

AAS in Criminal Justice
AAS - Fire Science
BS in Criminal Justice
BSCJ - Law Enforcement, Computer Crime, Corrections, Homeland Security

Keiser University: E-Campus

AA in Criminal Justice
Associate's in Homeland Security
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
Bachelor's in Homeland Security
Master's in Criminal Justice

Rasmussen College Online:

Associate's - Law Enforcement
Bachelor's - Investigation/Law Enforcement
Associate's - Criminal Justice
Associate's - Corrections
Associate's - Crime Scene Evidence
Bachelor's - Criminal Justice

Strayer University: Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, which is an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education.

B.S. in Criminal Justice: Criminal Justice Administration
B.S. in Criminal Justice: Homeland Security and Emergency Management
B.S. in Criminal Justice: Homeland Security Technology
B.S. in IS: Homeland Security and Information Systems

Upper Iowa University: The University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association. UIU offers open enrollment for their Independent Study Programs (distance learning), which means students can enroll and start taking classes anytime.

BS in Public Administration - Fire Science
BS in Public Administration - Law Enforcement
BS in Public Administration
BS in Criminal Justice

Utica College Online:

Bachelor's - Cybercrime Investigations and Security
Bachelor's - Cybersecurity- Information Assurance
Bachelor's - Economic Crime Investigation

Virginia College:

AA in Criminal Justice
Associate's in Paralegal Studies
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice

Request information to learn more about these as well as other 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.

B.S. in CJ - Homeland Security
B.S. in CJ - Management & Administration
B.S. in CJ - Crime and Criminals
B.S. in CJ - Information Systems Security
M.I.S.M. - Enterprise Information Security
M.P.A. - Homeland Security, Law and Public Policy, or Local Government Mgmt
M.S. in Psychology - Terrorism & Security or Crisis Mgmt and Response
Ph.D. in Human Services - CJ
Ph.D. in Public Policy & Admin - CJ, Homeland Security Policy, or Public Safety Mgmt

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