Double Major

[Warrior_one]

Hey guys, a quick question for FLE. If I graduate with a double Major in college, how good does that look compared to a Masters degree? I am thinking of double majoring but wondering if it is worth the effort... Thanks.

[Switchback]

It looks no different than a single-major bachelors degree in terms of points on your application. Sorry.

[Kimble]

It looks no different than a single-major bachelors degree in terms of points on your application. Sorry.

This is true, but depending on what your majors are, it could work to your favor. If you're majoring in Accounting and Computer Science, I'd say that would be an excellent combination (it would hit two seperate critical skills with the FBI alone). On the other hand, if your majors are Basket Weaving and CJ, it probably won't help you much more than having a major in one or the other.

[ASUsundevil5]

Agree with the prior posts, also a foreign language degree would be beneficial as well

[Switchback]

Remember that the FBI is about the only one that is looking for any particular "critical skill." Of course, accounting and similar degrees are great for OIG positions, but hardly neccessary. Also bear in mind that if you choose your degree, based on a "critical skill" of the FBI, it may no longer be critical to them by the time you graduate.

[Warrior_one]

Yea, I get it. Thanks guys, I just wanted to some more input before I made a decision. Unfortunately, neither accounting nor computer science realy interests me. Are applicants with JDs looked at highly compared to other advanced degrees in critical skills?
Also, do they hire all majors year around and tend to lean towards one specific skill in phases, or do they strictly hire one skill in a phase?
Thanks again.

[tunlrat]

Howzit!

[Kimble]

Are applicants with JDs looked at highly compared to other advanced degrees in critical skills?

From what I've heard (and remember I'm just a fed LE applicant who asks a lot of questions to the right people), a JD is certainly good, but probably not seen any more "highly" than other advanced degrees. I knew a SA with USSS who had a JD and was hoping to get hired as soon as he graduated law school. He soon found that he needed work experience too before he would make it to the "most competative" category, so he ended up working as a lawyer for a few years.

Also, do they hire all majors year around and tend to lean towards one specific skill in phases, or do they strictly hire one skill in a phase?

I would say this probably depends on the agency. I know the FBI will hire in clumps in regard to the critical skill(s) they need at the moment. DEA is pushing hard right now for those with accounting/finance backgrounds. USPIS (from what I've been told by an AC Inspector) will hire particular backgrounds needed with each announcement (ex: language, law/law enforcement, accounting/finance, etc.), though it's my understanding that those with advanced degrees are always qualified for USPIS's announcements.

EDIT: While Switchback is correct in stating that only the FBI has "critical skills", if I could do my undergraduate years again I would major in Accounting. Accounting/Finance is a degree that is highly desired in applicants for many FLE agencies, including FBI, USPIS, DEA, just about every OIG (and there's a ton of them), ICE and more, because so many of these agencies investigate crimes that follow the money trail in one way or another.

[nyco2929]

Are applicants with JDs looked at highly compared to other advanced degrees in critical skills?

If you are looking at the FBI it is hard to get in under the JD specialty because of the large number of applicants and their focus has been on other critical skills at this time. For other agencies it may depend. So I dont think there is any real answer to your question. I would like to think that a JD is held in higher regard than a masters (since I have one, 3 yrs JD compared to 2 for a MA) but I have seen nothing to support that assumption.

[Warrior_one]

Thanks guys, i appreciate the info!

[Virginian]

Here's an ignorant question - my brother in law is about to graduate with an MBA - is that equal to or better than an accounting degree, or is it very different?

[ASUsundevil5]

It depends on how many classes were focused around Accounting? Most FED agencies require 24 semester/? qtr hrs of accounting, so you don't necessarily need an accounting degree, you could have a finance degree even.

I think the MBA could be beneficial to his entire package if he has an accounting undegrad degree or sufficient accounting hours. Other than that, if he has a general BA undergrad degree and an MBA, I do not see his education being more competitive to an accounting undergrad degree.

[Virginian]

Most FED agencies require 24 semester/? qtr hrs of accounting

Ohhhh interesting stuff, thanks!

[Warrior_one]

Ok, im going to retake my thread and ask another question. :rolleyes:
If you get into a Federal Agency with an Accounting or Computer degree, do you automatically get assigned to your specialty? For instance if I get hired with a computer science degree do I get stuck behind a computer or can I get into a JTTF or any field investigating? What does being hired as a SA with a computer specialty ential as far as duties and tasks?
I might be interested in a comp sci degree but I dont want to be working behing a computer for my entire career.

[Virginian]

Gee, sorry about that completely off topic hijack :rolleyes: