• Online Criminal Justice Degrees
• CIA Official Website
• Online Law Degrees

How to Become a CIA Agent

1) Start by earning a Bachelor's Degree, a requirement, (Criminal Justice and Homeland Security are common options for CIA Agents)
2) Learn another language, middle-eastern languages are very desirable
3) Review the CIA Agent job information and further requirements below
4) Go to cia.gov/careers/viewall.html to view open positions. Once you have found a position you are interested in you will apply online through the CIA resume builder software.

Find Online Criminal Justice & Related Bachelor's Degrees

CIA Job Information

The job of a CIA Agent is glamorized on TV and in the movies, not to say that it is not a glamorous job, it is in many ways, but it is a dangerous career path and agents do die in the line of action.  If you are a very bright, energetic and dedicated individual you may be a perfect fit for a CIA Agent career.  Learn more below.

How to Become a CIA Agent

The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) recommends that you start by researching their five career paths: Science, Technical and Engineering, National Clandestine Service, Language Opportunities, Analytical Opportunities and Support Services. 

Once you have reviewed the different jobs each career path offers and chosen the one that interests you start researching four-year degrees that are applicable to your desired career  path.  The CIA requires a four-year bachelor’s degree for most every entry-level job and an advanced degree for non-clerical jobs such as overseas officers and intelligence analysts.  The type of degree is not as important as having a very good GPA, at least above a 3.0, and making sure the actions you take now are reflective of the behavior you will bring to the CIA.  Criminal Justice, Homeland Security, Engineering, Math, Sciences and Accounting are all excellent bachelor’s degree options to start your CIA career.

The CIA is looking for applicants that can speak one or more languages fluently.  Those applicants that do speak another language fluently, especially one of the Middle-Eastern languages, may get hired very quickly as the CIA is in need of individuals possessing these skills.

You must be a U.S. Citizen and no older than 35 years of age (the age limit may be waived in certain cases).  If married, your spouse must also be a U.S. Citizen.

CIA Salary

CIA Agent salaries are not disclosed to the public but one can anticipate making between $30,000 and $60,000 a year depending on prior experience and level of education attained.

If you would like to be considered for CIA Agent employment you should know that the hiring and screening process is competitive, lengthy and thorough.  You will be well compensated and offered a nice benefits package if you are selected to join the CIA. 

Start your CIA Agent Job application process by requesting free info about bachelor’s and master’s degree programs from the accredited schools below. Then contact cia.gov for application material and instructions.

Online Criminal Justice Programs

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University of Phoenix Online:

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

Walden University Online: Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association. The Higher Learning Commission is one of six regional accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

BS in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security
BS in Criminal Justice - Management & Administration
BS in Criminal Justice - Computer Info Syst & Security
BS in Criminal Justice - Crime & Criminals
BS in Criminal Justice - Human Services for CJ
MPA - Homeland Security and Policy Coordination, Law and Public Policy
M.S. in Psychology - Terrorism and Security, Crisis Management and Response
PhD in Public Policy & Admin - Homeland Security, Public Safety Mgmt, CJ

Florida Tech University Online:

AA in Criminal Justice
BA in Criminal Justice

Capella University:

BS in Criminal Justice
BS Public Safety - Emergency Management or Homeland Security
MS in Criminal Justice
MS in Public Safety - Emergency Management
MS in Public Safety Leadership
PhD Programs - Criminal Justice, Emergency Management, Public Safety Leadership

Virginia College Online:

AA in Criminal Justice
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
Master's in Criminal Justice
Master's in Cybersecurity

Lincoln College Online:

BS in Criminal Justice and The Study of the Criminal Mind
BS in Information Management and Security

American InterContinental University Online:

Associate's Criminal Justice Administration
BSCJ - Law Enforcement
BSCJ - Forensic Science
BSCJ - Special Populations

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

Many other programs are offered. Contact Strayer University to learn more.

Herzing University:

AS in Criminal Justice
BS in Criminal Justice
BS in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security
BS in Homeland Security

Kaplan University:

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

University of the Rockies:

Master of Arts in Psychology - Criminology and Justice Studies
Doctor of Psychology - Criminology and Justice Studies

Ashford University:

BA in Criminal Justice

National American University:

A.A.S. - Criminal Justice
B.S. - Criminal Justice

Everest University Online:

Criminal Investigations Associate's Degree
Homeland Security Associate's Degree
Homeland Security Bachelor's Degree
Criminal Justice Associate's Degree
Criminal Justice Bachelor's Degree

Keiser University Online :

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

Request information to learn more about these programs at Keiser University.

Rasmussen College Online:

Associate's in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security
Associate's in Criminal Justice
AACJ - Corrections
AACJ - Crime Scene Evidence
AACJ - Law Enforcement
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice

Westwood College:

Bachelor's Degree - Information Systems Security