Can a former Navy Cryptologic Technician (Networking) join the FBI without college?

Question

I know to join the FBI you have to have at least a bachelors degree but I also know that with the training and job experience I would get as a CTN I can get a pretty wide variety of really well paying jobs in the IT field with my experience without a degree once I m out. I was wondering if the FBI makes exceptions for people with a great deal of experience and that already possess and can maintain a TS clearance, I was thinking of doing something in the computer forensics field in the FBI once I get out of the Navy. I know chances are slim but I still had to ask! thanks for any help. I m considering trying to earn some credits while I m in just to speed up the process a bit in case a degree is absolutely required with no exceptions made

Answer 1

You aren't going to be a field agent, but for some back office Civil Service positions, you can substitute full time prior experience for "some" college. Forgot how much equals what. I'm thinking about GS-5/7 entry level. But if you have anything going for your experience, you can progress through the steps and grades. There has to be announcements for your type of positions though. Maybe you will be lucky and find an open announcement.



You will find promotions to higher GS levels difficult without a degree though, just saying. You will have lots of competition and those with degrees stand out.

Answer 2

The FBI would not waive the degree requirement based on military service.



The FBI does employ tons of staff and technicians, so if you just want to say you work for the FBI you could apply for one of those jobs. But if you want a badge and a gun, go to college.

Answer 3

You answered your own question: "I know to join the FBI you have to have at least a bachelors degree". Nope, you certainly can't. Some federal agencies (I know personally the DEA) will allow you to substitute in some cases law enforcement experience for the degree. The FBI won't. Not for a sworn agent position anyway. I'm sure they have non-sworn civilian positions that can waive the degree.

Answer 4

Normally, having a college degree is one of the many requirements to become a FBI Agent. However, FBI has been known to hire talented-hackers without a college degree to fight computer-related crimes (but they are not exactly "agents" of the FBI, just the contracted-employees).



There was a, somewhat, funny story about the FBI can't find hackers that don't smoke pot:

http://motherboard.vice.com/read/the-fbi-cant-find-hackers-that-dont-smoke-pot

Answer 5

depends on what you want to do at the FBI



the FBI has thousands of jobs that are not agents



but don't think government jobs are easy to get -- there are thousands of people with TS security clearances leaving the service each and every year



even hundreds of people with crypto jobs leaving the service each and every year

Answer 6

nope. no degree, you do NOT meet the minimum requirements. your military experience means very little overall.



and FTR no one will really hire you for anything more than entry level without that degree. and you willNOT get any further once you are. the whole point of the GI Bill is to help you get that degree so that you CAN get a real job.

Answer 7

You do not "join" the FBI. It's a job. You apply for it just like with any other job.

Answer 8

As a janitor.