A degree in criminal justice is the most common degree associated with federal law enforcement. A criminal justice degree will prepare you for nearly any career in federal law enforcement, including the ATF, DEA, INS and DOJ. Criminal justice is considered a social science. Courses will cover subjects like sociology, psychology, political science, legal studies, forensics, urban studies, public administration and philosophy. Criminal justice program students can attain associate-, bachelor- and master-level degrees by attending traditional or online schools.
Accounting degrees are valued in federal law enforcement positions; IRS investigators and DEA, ATF and FBI agents must often deal with large amounts of cash while investigating cases such as fraud, embezzlement and black market operations. Accounting degrees are available at bachelor, master and doctorate levels. Bachelor programs require four to eight classes in accounting including financial accounting, managerial accounting, accounting information systems, auditing and taxation. Additional course requirements may include business law and management and finance. A master's degree will expand on the bachelor's coursework and allow you to choose a specialty in one area such as taxation, managerial accounting or information systems.
Science and Engineering degrees are valuable for those planning to work in forensics, crime scene evidence, computer technology, homicide investigations and many other fields. Almost all aspects of federal law enforcement today rely on modern scientific technologies and computer engineering programs to investigate crimes and apprehend suspects. Science and Engineering degree programs focus mainly on studies in science, technology, art and especially mathematics. The first two years of a bachelor's degree in this field will usually include a large number of math courses including geometry, trigonometry, algebra, calculus and physics in addition to courses in areas such as informational technology, anthropology and computer science. Master's degrees expand on the coursework completed in earning a bachelor's, and typically narrow the focus to a specific area of expertise such as civil, mechanical or computer software engineering.
The FBI requires a law degree in order for a person to qualify as an FBI agent. Other departments within the federal law enforcement system value law degrees as well, especially within the Department of Corrections and the U.S. Marshals Service, where a firm grasp of constitutional rights and U.S. law is necessary. A bachelor's or master's degree in law from an accredited school will provide you with extensive knowledge of all aspects of the legal system. The Juris Doctor degree is the most common law degree and requires a bachelor's degree in addition to about three years of additional study. The Master of Laws program allows graduates of the Juris Doctor program to specialize in one area of law. The Doctor of Juridical Science is the highest law degree offered and is completed after successful graduation from a Master of Laws program.
In addition to a college degree, several years of experience in a related field or a combination of both, all federal law enforcement agents are required to attend extensive training sessions at either the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia, or the U.S. Marine Corps Base in Quantico, Virginia.