The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is a civilian intelligence branch of the US federal government. Agents within this department collect information about individuals, corporations, and governments operating outside of the US, so as to better advise legislators in the nation's capital. Because many of these operations are clandestine, very few people outside of the agency can provide accurate details about how this information is gathered. Suffice to say that CIA agents rely on advanced technologies and a vast network of contacts for their intelligence gathering. Some of this data becomes publicly available information, published in places like the CIA World Factbook. Other types of information remain classified, due to the sensitive nature of their collection. If you have an affinity for travel, research, danger, crime fighting, or espionage, you might be a prime CIA agent candidate.

What Education Do You Need to Become a CIA Agent?
There exists no standard path for becoming a CIA agent. The agency actively recruits people from nearly all walks of life, both from inside and outside the country. There are certain things you can do, however, to boost your chances of getting noticed.

• Research the CIA Factbook and familiarize yourself with the lingo and regulations.
• Maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher while pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in international relations, economics, international business, physical science, or chemical, nuclear, or biological engineering.
• Develop fluency in at least one foreign language, preferably two.
• Remain physical fit, avoid all drugs and alcohol, and maintain a clean criminal record.
• Remain abreast of foreign affairs.

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