The role of the CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) Agent is to provide Federal Government information on international threats from criminal gangs, drugs, organized crime and terrorism to name a few. It is a not a policing organization as such, unlike the FBI who do have powers of arrest. CIA agents gather information and intelligence from a number of sources including informants, special interest groups, and regular contacts. If you become a CIA agent you may be required to infiltrate a gang or network to glean more information and proof of their activities. You may monitor peoples' movements, or intercept telephone calls and emails to gain information. Although all of this sounds very exciting and "James Bond" much of the time is spent planning, and on training exercises. Thousands of hours can be spent staking out buildings and involved in other activities waiting for that one moment or strand of information.

Most agents have a degree in a relevant subject such as engineering, accounting, criminal justice, or computer skills. A degree is not mandatory, but an advantage, although life experience will be taken into account e.g. military service. Fluency in a second language is highly sought after especially languages such as Chinese, Arabic, Japanese, Russian, or a Slavic dialect. If you are fluent in more than one foreign language, so much the better. Clearly you need to have an impeccable background with no history of criminal activity and a strong patriotic ethic.

The following schools offer criminal justice degrees which can help you gain the skills to become a CIA Agent: