Criminology Major

<p>I'm entering the college as a freshman in a couple of weeks. I've decided to pursue a career in law enforcement. Specifically, I'd like to work on a federal level, the FBI being my career goal. As I perused through majors, I quickly selected Criminology as an obvious choice to best suit my career goals. </p>

<p>However, I've heard advice that taking Criminology as a major is a mistake, as it would leave me with an inflexible degree; specifically, if a career in law enforcement doesn't pan out, there are few satisfying careers to which I can apply a Criminology degree.</p>

<p>Law school after college is a faint possibility (read: if I win some kind of financial aid lottery) as well, and I suppose that a major in Criminology would be an effective option if that route becomes available to me.</p>

<p>Given that background, I'd like advice on choosing a major.</p>

<p>As a secondary focus, I've come across information concerning an FBI internship available for college juniors. If any forum browsers have law enforcement experience, what types of activities and class choices would help me stand out as an exceptional student to select for the internship?</p>

<p>If you want to work for the FBI, make sure you major in a foreign language-intensive or math-intensive major like computer science, engineering, economics, accounting, etc. They tend to prefer those majors. A master's degree in those areas is also good. If working for the FBI is your ultimate goal, I would advise changing your major.</p>

<p>Federal</a> Bureau of Investigation</p>

<p>@ hazmat</p>

<p>That link is a career path for special agents. Not all FBI personnel are special agents. There are regular agents too. Here is a better link: Federal</a> Bureau of Investigation</p>

<p>As you can see, the FBI highly prefers business, linguistics, engineering and technology majors. If you do end up going through the law enforcement route, you will need years of full-time investigative experience.</p>

<p>I understand your opinion but who wouldn't look a bit more deeply. I think that knowing what it takes to get to the next level is just as important as getting your foot in the door. Clearly you have way more experience than I do in this matter. Post away.</p>

<p>We meet again.</p>

<p>Yes, a position as a Special Agent would be the goal here.</p>

<p>So a Criminology major is a mistake...? I've taken accounting before and it bores the living hell out of me. I'm planning on delving deeper into Spanish during college as a second language, and perhaps Russian as well.</p>

<p>For an ideal Special Agent, what would your guys' opinion be as far as a major goes?</p>

<p>@ PureVenom</p>

<p>I can't tell you what is the most ideal major to join the FBI. I do know they prefer people who have the skills and talents they are highly recruiting (business, technology, engineering, foreign languages). Good luck.</p>