The DEA is largely responsible for the war on drugs. Agents are often involved in both investigations and the apprehension of suspects, so degrees that work well in the law enforcement field are preferred. The best degree is one that combines theoretical knowledge with strong field experience, and a good degree is one that will allow future agents a chance to learn more about the laws surrounding illicit drugs and drug crime. Accredited schools have a number of degrees that fit this profile, and degree programs exist that can help future agents to climb the career ladder quite rapidly. Becoming a DEA agent is a good career choice, and those that wish to do so might want to consider degrees in criminal justice, law and psychology.
Top Featured DEA Degrees
1. Colorado Technical University – BS – Criminal Justice
The Bachelor in Criminal Justice is a unique program in that it offers students a component of forensic study not usually available at the undergraduate level. While the government is one of the largest employers in this field, a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice degree can prepare students for positions in industries such as law enforcement, corrections, homeland security and more.
2. Kaplan University – BS – Criminal Justice
The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice is designed to provide you with a solid foundation in criminal justice and a broad liberal arts education. The Web-based baccalaureate program combines the professional skills of specialized areas of criminal justice with research and analytical skills. As a graduate of this program, you may seek opportunities in law enforcement, corrections, probation, parole, fraud investigation, or juvenile justice facilities.
3. Strayer University – BS – Criminal Justice
The mission of the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BSCJ) is to educate students from diverse backgrounds in the theory and application of law enforcement and the prevention, adjudication, and correction of juvenile and adult crime. Students will develop the skills and knowledge to prepare them for public or private service careers within the criminal justice field. The program will emphasize ethics and leadership, evidence-based knowledge and analysis, and developing an understanding of the dynamic between society, law, and government.
Details About the best degrees for the DEA
Undergraduate degrees for DEA careers
The best undergraduate degrees for those interested in becoming DEA agents are those that concentrate on the law or the criminal mind. Many future agents hold degrees in criminal justice, which largely consists of course work that pertains to criminal laws. Many agents also hold psychology degrees, as these degrees offer an insight into the human mind and into addiction that can be quite helpful in the field. Good bachelor’s degrees are actually quite easy to find if you want a job with the DEA, and the bulk of the agents in the field have at least a bachelor’s degree. Any degree that can prepare you for field work or analysis will generally be considered helpful.
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Master’s degrees for DEA jobs
Many individuals in positions of authority in the DEA have master’s degrees. The best master’s degrees continue the fields of study from the undergraduate years. Good master’s degrees include degrees in psychology and criminal law, with the law masters in criminal law being quite prized. Both courses of study include both field work and intensive theoretical work, and can allow future agents to learn how to operate in the field before applying for the job. A master’s degree is a necessity for a promotion later on in one’s career, and it should be sought out as soon as possible.
Online degrees for a Career in the DEA
As with most law enforcement agencies, the DEA looks favorably upon online degrees. The best online degrees for a DEA job tend to focus on criminal justice, and are widely available from major universities. The top online criminal justice degree programs will have courses of study that are similar to those found in typical universities, though the scheduling will be different. These degrees are often sought after by those that are already in law enforcement but wish to move into the DEA at some point in their careers.