If you want a career that contributes to the national security of the United States, a job with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) might be for you. The world\u2019s most well-known foreign intelligence agency, the CIA analyzes foreign intelligence and conducts covert operations. The President and Congress use the information to make decisions about policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The roots of the CIA<\/a> date back to World War II, but its goal to protect the lives of Americans has never changed. Its website says it is \u201cthe nation\u2019s first line of defense<\/a>,\u201d and its officers \u201caccomplish what others cannot accomplish and go where others cannot go.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The CIA doesn\u2019t enforce laws, but it works with law enforcement agencies on complicated issues like counterterrorism and counterintelligence. Although the CIA and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are both members<\/a> of the U.S. Intelligence Community, the CIA only collects information about foreign countries and their residents. It cannot investigate U.S. citizens, legal immigrants, resident aliens or U.S. corporations.<\/p>\n\n\n Explore our featured online programs to find the right match for you today.<\/p>\n <\/he-editorial-listings>\n<\/div>\n\n\n To provide an independent stream of unbiased information, the CIA needs people with all kinds of skills. Entry-level jobs require a bachelor\u2019s degree, but majors vary depending on individual career paths. The organization follows the federal General Schedule (GS), a system that has 15 pay grades and 10 pay steps within each grade. The starting level for most CIA job descriptions is GS-10\/11<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After being hired, employees spend their first two years completing various interim assignments. They also do classroom training and engage in practical exercises. Then, they undergo advanced training activities that prepare them for their specific careers. Because so much preparation is involved, officers must agree to a five-year contract.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Employees who are proficient in more than one language may be eligible for one of several bonuses and incentives<\/a> the CIA offers to bilingual officers. They also enjoy a list of benefits, including various types of leave, alternative work schedules, financial planning, student loan assistance and insurance. All applicants must be willing to move to Washington, D.C.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As you can imagine, the CIA has a vast personnel base (the exact number can’t be publicly disclosed) that works in various positions, from accountants to warehouse workers and all manner of jobs in between. This brief sampling of CIA positions available should give you an idea of how your degree can lead to a career in the agency.<\/p>\n\n\n\nRecommended Online Degree Programs<\/h3>
How Much Do CIA Agents Make?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Sample Base Salaries for CIA Officers Based on Specialty and Degree<\/h2>\n\n\n\n