Answers from the Experts

"Hi, I am a high school junior and would like to be an FBI field agent. I have read that you apply to the FBI after completing a college degree in any area. However, I would like to know what fields of study would better prepare me to achieve my goal." Responses were sent from: St. Lawrence University and University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa. Member Institution and Association Answers:

From St. Lawrence University: While I don't believe there is a specific degree that will help you towards the goal of becoming an FBI field agent, there are several directions that may help you to reach that goal. FBI field agents have degrees in a wide range of subject areas. I might suggest looking at liberal arts colleges and universities, where you can supplement your major with courses in any or all of the following areas valuable to an FBI worker: sociology, psychology, writing, government, and languages, to name a few. Fluency in another language would be a valuable asset, so you might want to choose a college that offers study abroad opportunities. Some liberal arts colleges offer you the chance to create your own major. Strategically combining an array of courses related to FBI work might make you especially marketable. Skip Staats Associate Director of Admissions St. Lawrence University 1-800-285-1856 sstaats@stlawu.edu

From University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa: My suggestion is to contact the FBI to determine the majors they draw from most often. I would definitely add a foreign language or two to my course of study. History, Political Science, Accounting, Business coursework, would all be excellent choices. Carolyn Rogers Director of Scholarships University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa Phone: 205-348-8194 Email: carolyn.rogers@ua.edu