College Majors

[Redman]

Note, if you are in the top 10% of your graduating class for all undegraduate work attempted/completed, you can be hired directly by the agency (non-competitively).

Please elaborate on what you mean by this.

[Mukluk]

Please elaborate on what you mean by this.

Redman, some agencies will use something called the "Outstanding Scholar Program" - not all agencies use it, but some do. What that means is that a college graduate can be hired non-competitively, meaning, they can be directly hired without the usual competitive testing, etc... You can do some googling on the "oustanding scholar program" and plenty will come up.

I should point out, though, fewer agencies today use this recruiting method - it has been subject to civil suit, etc... Also, generally speaking, when it is used, it isn't often done via a public announcement. The program has problems but can be a great opportunity at the right time/place.

To qualify, I know that one has to have a certain GPA (or higher) OR be in the top 10% of your graduating class (along with being qualified medically, background, etc...).

It's a nifty recruiting tool for managers to hire talented students. Hope this info was helpful.

R/Mukluk

[carterfsmith]

I know this is a dated thread, but I couldn't resist. . . I have observed two kinds of initial entry officers, those with a degree and the academy and academy graduates only. By in large, those with a degree are easier to train and initially more capable than those without a degree. . . . I am not a fan of Bachelors or Masters Degrees in Criminal Justice. I do not believe they adequately impart administrative skills. . . . I believe that a Bachelor’s or Master’s in Business or Public Administration is the best way to go, if one wishes to be prepared to lead.

I wholeheartedly agree. (and I know it's a dated thread, too, but you opened the door)

I have a BS in Pub Mgt, Minor in CJ, a J.D., and will have a PhD in Business Admin (with the required 18 grad hours in CJ, of course). I'm suggesting a Bachelor's in Business and a minor in CJ to all the undergrad students who ask my opinion . . .

If we run public service like a business, we'll better use taxpayer dollars and maybe even find innovative ways to work within the constraints of the law (and outsmart the defense attorneys who run their business like a business).