How Do You Become an FBI Agent Supervisor?

Those who want to become an FBI agent supervisor will lead agents who investigate crimes and maintain national security. FBI agent supervisors need a master’s degree, previous law enforcement experience and specialized job training. FBI special agent supervisors make an average of $152,000, but can earn up to $160,000 per year, according to Glass Door.

Get an Accredited Degree

The first step in becoming an FBI agent supervisor is to earn a bachelor’s degree in a relative field. One of the most popular degree choices is a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a specialization in either law enforcement or criminal investigation. These programs combine professional skills training with advanced courses that help students prepare to become FBI special agents. Students will gain an understanding of the criminal justice system and become familiar with its agencies and challenges that they face.

Most programs introduce students to homeland security management, which teaches students how the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) protects the country from domestic and international threats. Students will be prepared to apply their academic knowledge into FBI field offices. Another core course is crime scene investigation, which provides students with an overview of crime scene procedures and techniques. Graduates will know how to properly collect, evaluate and process evidence based on current standards.

Pass Training

Those who complete the rigorous application process, which involves a physical test and background investigation, will enter the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia for approximately 18 to 20 weeks of training. The FBI Academy is a grueling five months of the most intense, but finest law enforcement training in the world. Students-in-training will study a rich variety of subjects that includes legal topic, informant development, investigative techniques and professional ethics. Participants also learn standard surveillance, interviewing, interrogation and intelligence gathering techniques.

Every day, students follow the strict physical fitness program. In the field, students have hand-on training in firearms, defensive tactics and arrest scenarios. For example, the infamous Hogan’s Alley is the FBI’s training center that resembles a traditional town square that contains shops, banks, hotels and restaurants. Here, New Agents in Training (NATs) practice realistic arrest and hostage scenarios. To graduate, attendees must pass exams that test them on firearms, legal principles and physical fitness.

Become an FBI Agent

FBI agents are in charge of investigating over 200 types of criminal violations that are related to federal laws and national security. The criminal categories include terrorism, espionage, corruption, bank robberies, cyber-crime, organized crime and drug trafficking. FBI agents do not have typical workdays and their job duties drastically vary every day. For instance, they may be asked to physically follow a specific individual or monitor the communication of a group of people. All FBI agents will perform research, investigate crimes and filling out legal documentation.

Once they have sufficient work experience, FBI agents can apply for supervisory positions. In order to beat the competition, a master’s degree is highly recommended. One of the most popular degrees for an FBI agent supervisor is a master of science in criminal justice. These programs train students how to analyze criminal behavior root causes, properly manage organizational behavior and understand complex legislation related to law enforcement, criminal procedures and civil and criminal rights.

Related Resource: Criminal Justice Management

To become an FBI agent supervisor, candidates will need to have excellent academic training, physical fitness and intellectual capacity.