The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is responsible for keeping America safe, from providing information to military commanders to warning the President of potential threats. It takes a lot of people to achieve such a demanding goal, so a career in the CIA may be more attainable than you think. The CIA hires people from a variety of backgrounds to develop cutting-edge technology, obtain information, and perform analysis. Those with military experience, advanced degrees, and foreign language skills are especially sought after, but there are many different paths to a career in the CIA.

Analytical Positions
  • Intelligence analysts are experts in their field hired to interpret information and make unbiased assessments
  • Analysts usually have a bachelor's or master's degree in their area of expertise, and international experience is a plus
  • If you are a problem solver with excellent communication and teamwork skills, an analytical role may be your path to a career in the CIA
Clandestine Service Positions
  • Employees who work in the field to collect information first-hand make up the CIA's clandestine service
  • Clandestine officers spend 30-40 percent of their careers overseas and come from a variety of backgrounds
  • If you have a passion for adventure and speak multiple languages, consider a position in clandestine services
Science, Engineering, and Technology Positions
  • As part of its mission to stay on the cutting edge of technology, the CIA hires talented scientists and engineers
  • Candidates must have an engineering degree and pass thorough screening and background tests
Student Opportunities
  • The CIA offers scholarships and internship opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students studying international affairs, languages, economics, geography, cartography, physical sciences and engineering
About how a degree in Criminal Justice can help you start a career in the CIA

The Criminal Justice program of study at the Ashford University teaches fundamentals of the criminal justice system and criminal justice skills. The program offers a foundation in criminal law, legal procedures, criminal evidence and criminology. Areas of study include law enforcement, the courts and corrections. The upper-level courses include more in-depth study of the criminal justice systems, along with instruction in areas such as criminalistics, victimology and computer forensics.

ITT Technical Institute ITT Technical Institute
The Criminal Justice program of study1 at the ITT Technical Institutes teaches fundamentals of the criminal justice system and criminal justice skills. The program offers a foundation in criminal law, legal procedures, criminal evidence and criminology. Areas of study include law enforcement, the courts and corrections. The upper-level courses include more in-depth study of the criminal justice systems, along with instruction in areas such as criminalistics, victimology and computer forensics. Earn your Criminal Justice Degree Online.

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