Fighting Crime with Your Calculator

by Gabriel Traverso
Online Degrees Columnist

A job in accounting doesn't have to be dull-- and fighting crime doesn't mean you have to carry a gun. The Federal Bureau of Investigation was created by lawyers and accountants who had to employ creative crime-fighting solutions in the days where the federal government had limited resources.

As crime has evolved over the past century, the FBI has continued to draw on its roots in law and accounting to fight crime. The prevalence of white-collar crime and corporate fraud fuels the need for agents with an accounting background.

Getting a Job with the FBI
The FBI has five entry programs:

Accounting
Computer Science/Information Technology
Linguistics
Law
Diversified Experience

Getting your online degree in accounting, auditing, or forensic accounting can help meet the application requirements. You must have a four-year degree from an accredited school in order to get a job with the FBI. You will also need three years of professional experience to qualify.

Online Education Benefits
An online degree program is an ideal way for you to get started in the career of your dreams. With an education online, you can save time by not having to commute to school. You can work from home and earn your degree with minimal disruption to your daily life. Most online degree programs offer flexible scheduling options that make it easier than ever to get your degree. The credibility of an online education has grown a great deal in recent years--even Ivy League schools are offering online classes now.

Don't Hesitate
Forensic accounting employs an investigative approach to accounting, and the results are used to support a case in court. It is highly detailed, methodical work. If you enjoy working with numbers but also like the idea of playing detective, this could be an ideal job for you. Start looking into online degree programs and make the first move towards an exciting career with the FBI.

Sources:
Federal Bureau of Investigation
National Association of Forensic Accountants

About the Author
Gabriel Traverso is a freelance writer, independent musician, and artist. He resides in Reno, NV.

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