Hi everyone,

Right now I'm in high school but I'll be finishing soon. My dream job is a 1811 position, preferably FBI, DEA, or USSS, but other agencies would be great too.

My main questions though are on what to do on the road to getting a 1811 position. I'm planning on majoring in criminal justice because I think I could achieve a really high GPA in it, even though I know a CJ degree isn't the most unique thing. Would it be wise to stick with a CJ degree or would it make sense to go for a more "competitive" degree like accounting or political science?

Also, I know that most 1811's are not hired straight out of college. Before I (hopefully) get hired as a 1811 I'd like to do law enforcement work though, preferably still at the federal level. My question is, do federal police departments hire straight out of college? By federal police departments I mean ones like USCP, FPS, USPP, USSS UD, pentagon police, CBP, ect. Also would an ICE IEA position be achievable right after college? And finally if none of the law enforcement positions I mentioned are "easy" to get on after college what are some that would be?

I know its a ton of questions but I'd be very grateful for your answers. Thanks .

J3H3 wrote on Apr 26^th, 2006 at 11:12pm:


I don't recommend a CJ degree for anyone, because its usefullness is limited. Not that a CJ degree is any less "academic" than other degrees, but those who want to really get into the nuts and bolts of criminiolgy should study the subject at the graduate level, in my opinion. I would recommend someone to get a more versatile degree, in the liberal arts tradition, that will strengthen their writing, reading, analytical, and thinking skills.  However, quality CJ degrees from schools known for CJ---like Northeastern or John Jay---can be used to get an FBI position. I know of several people who have become SA's with degrees from those schools. They also are known to provide the solid liberal arts foundation mentioned above.  Those skills, and not courses on criminal justice, will serve you best throughout your career. 

I'll live  

Yes, there are liberal arts degrees that will land you in the FBI or any other 1811 position.  For example, International Studies coupled with a foreign language degree will make you quite competitive for any agency.  In fact it will earn you a hiring bonus with the Secret Service right now.

The bottom line is you should go to the web pages for the agencies you are interested in.  You'll see the same skills being repeated over and over.

J3H3 wrote on May 11^th, 2006 at 12:46am:


There are many 3.7 CJ majors out thier wanting 1811 slots.

Check your private messages.

8675309 wrote on May 11^th, 2006 at 3:04am:


And besides with a finance degree you can laugh all the way to the bank with a nice civilian job if you get wiped out on the polygraph!

I have a CJ degree, but I also have an M.S.Ed, I am also backing that up with 20 years of Military service. I am retiring in a few months, and what I am finding is that my experience is leading the way. It's nice I have a Masters degree, but I am getting calls because of my experience and proven ability to lead and manage. Get the degree you are interested in. My masters is in Counseling and I have learned that the average person makes seven to eight career changes in a life time. Good luck. 

Thanks guys!

Maybe while I'm in college I'll become an local auxiliary officer or a local reserve officer so I can get some LE under my belt as I get the degree.