Community colleges are educational institutions that offer a less-expensive alternative to four-year colleges for those who seek to expand their education beyond a high school diploma. They also provide a low-cost method for completing general education courses to students who do plan to continue on to a university. Community colleges are sometimes called junior colleges or technical colleges. Most of these institutes offer two-year associate degrees in arts, sciences and general studies; and some offer career and vocational certifications. Community colleges are an ideal place to begin an education or prepare for a career.
To become an FBI agent, individuals must first qualify for one of five entry programs. The entry programs are: Accounting, Computer Science/Information Technology, Language, Law and Diversified. With these programs in mind, a suggested course load includes classes in math, economics, computer programming, foreign languages and history. And keep in mind that a physical evaluation must also be passed to qualify for the FBI, so extracurricular activities should involve sports and exercises that promote physical fitness.
Community Colleges that have criminal justice programs offer courses that are more specific to a future in law. Though it may seem that many of these courses are aimed at potential police officers, some of them can have additional benefits to a person hoping to become an FBI agent. Important areas of study for future FBI agents at a community college criminal justice program are criminology, criminal evidence, legal procedures, criminal law and homeland security.
While a community college is an excellent place to begin an education that will lead to a future as an FBI agent, there are additional requirements. An applicant for a position as an FBI agent must have earned a four-year degree from an accredited college or university. The applicant must also hold a valid driver's license and have a minimum of three years of professional work experience. And finally, potential agents must be willing to be assigned to any location in the FBI's jurisdiction.
A career as a special agent is not the only option for employment with the FBI. Positions are also offered for professionals from fields including, but not limited to, laboratory sciences, linguistics, security, human resources, general management and engineering. It should be noted that a career in each of these fields can also begin with a strong foundation that is based on a community college education.