Police Officer Preparation & Law Enforcement Resource - Archive

For someone thinking about becoming a border patrol officer, what college degree would be a good choice?

Assuming you are bi0lingual (w/ spanish), you tend to do better in school, studying something you enjoy. In other words, better grades in a major that you enjoy beats lower grades in something that you think they are looking for. FWIW, most fed jobs do not pay as much attention to what your degree is in as long as you have adegree.

It doesn't matter much, (as mentioned) I would take the time in college to learn Spanish as it'll make your hiring process easier as far as initial testing and time at the academy is concerned. If you know Spanish going in, you won't have to take the ALT test for the written exam and you'll be in the field quicker than those who need to learn it. I would also take some humanities classes, espec. if they feature Latin American culture.

For someone thinking about becoming a border patrol officer

:confused::confused::confused:

How about Border Patrol Agent

as far as the degree goes, like everyone else said it really dosen't matter what your degree is in. There are plenty of USBP Agents with no degree.

Thanks for all the input!
sounds like the big thing is learning spanish... WELL!! :)
thanks again!

There are plenty of USBP Agents with no degree.

I assume that most have military service in lieu of? :confused:

I assume that most have military service in lieu of? :confused:

I would assume this as well, but it should be noted that the minimum qualifications for a BPA is just one year of work experience; it doesn't have to be law enforcement related. So I'm sure that there a few of them out there who just wanted to work for BP without any related experience.

:confused::confused::confused:

How about Border Patrol Agent

as far as the degree goes, like everyone else said it really dosen't matter what your degree is in. There are plenty of USBP Agents with no degree.

???What, you guys are Agents? I thought that you were Officers and since you work for CBP that would make you a CBP Officer!


Oooooohhhhhhh.... I bet you're steaming out of the ears right now eh!? :D

I would assume this as well, but it should be noted that the minimum qualifications for a BPA is just one year of work experience; it doesn't have to be law enforcement related. So I'm sure that there a few of them out there who just wanted to work for BP without any related experience.


This is correct, it is a civilian position and given the current needs, they are in a significant hiring process. I believe there are benefits for having prior military experience as far as retirement benefits and what was accumulated in the military goes towards retirement once a BPA, but I could be wrong.

Thanks for all the input!
sounds like the big thing is learning spanish... WELL!! :)
thanks again!

You have to learn Spanish to pass the academy, which they teach you there.

I would say a good 78 degree ferinheight :D

I would say a good 78 degree ferinheight :D


I always thought it was 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Too much colder and the class really starts to become a morgue.:)

Actually as others stated if you want a degree any degree will do, but one is not required for the job.

This is correct, it is a civilian position and given the current needs, they are in a significant hiring process. I believe there are benefits for having prior military experience as far as retirement benefits and what was accumulated in the military goes towards retirement once a BPA, but I could be wrong.

That's true for all federal positions. I bought back my military time and it will count towards my retirment. But it only counts towards the backside for example say you did 5 years in the military you can't do 15 years with USBP and then retire with 20 years but you can do 20 years and retire with 25 years.