ATF agents control and monitor the sale, handling and usage of alcohol, tobacco products, firearms and explosives n the United States, but they are actually employed by the U.S. Treasury Department. ATF agents work with other law enforcement agencies to ensure safe and lawful distribution and usage of these items and often conduct raids, use search warrants, manage criminal investigations, and understand the laws of the United States and the processes of the judicial system. The main mission of the ATF is to protect the citizens of the United States, and qualified agents must be intelligent, dedicated to their work, and able to make quick decisions based on their critical thinking skills and practical knowledge. Regular duties include writing up very detailed criminal reports, investigating criminal violations relating to alcohol, tobacco, firearms and explosives, testifying in court, handling dangerous materials acquired through seizures, and more. Working as an ATF agent will also include a lot of travel and visiting potentially dangerous areas. In order to become an ATF agent, you must complete a four-year degree and pass training exercises, which can be stressful.

The base annual pay for ATF agents currently ranges from $32,389 to $41,122. Depending on where you work, your salary may be adjusted according to cost of living standards in that area. The ATF has 13 grades of promotion potential, offering a lot of room for upward mobility in the field. Benefits include vacation time, paid holidays, low-cost health insurance, a health improvement plan, and the opportunity to participate in the Foreign Language Award Program, which rewards agents who are fluent in other languages. Because ATF agents are employed by the federal government, they are eligible for additional benefits, which can be reviewed here.

The minimum educational requirement for becoming an ATF agent is a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college. A Master’s degree can set you apart from all of the other applicants, showing that you have already invested the extra time to learn about the field. A Master’s degree may also put you at a higher salary level than other entry-level employees, and will give you a better chance of qualifying for promotions in the future.

Top 10 Criminal Justice Colleges

Search our rankings of the 10 top criminal justice colleges in the US below and request free information packets directly from the top criminal justice degree programs for your needs.

 
1.
University of Phoenix - Master's Degree. University of Phoenix provides highly rated resources that fosters independent learning and enables the student for success. University of Phoenix graduates have shown a history of success by having long careers in the field of Criminal Justice.
 
2.
Everest University Online - Master's Degree. With a career-oriented focus, a student graduating with a M.S. in Criminal Justice from Everest University Online will have the skills necessary to pursue numerous careers upon graduation.
 
3.
Walden University - Master's Degree. At Walden University, the Master's Degree in Criminal Justice degree plan can be completed completely online and at the convenience of the student. Walden University is the premiere online college for students interested in pursuing a degree in the legal and justice field.
 
4.
Colorado Technical University - Master's Degree. The university's Master of Science in Management with a concentration in Criminal Justice is designed to prepare individuals for roles in the emerging administrative and leadership sectors in the criminal justice system. Students are offered flexible courses online, allowing them to pursue this prestigious degree while maintaining other priorities in their lives as well.
 
5.
Kaplan University - Master's Degree. The wide variety of courses and flexible time schedules make Kaplan University a top rated Masters in Criminal Justice school with the following options: Master’s of Science (M.S.) in Criminal Justice, M.S. in Criminal Justice/Corrections, M.S. in Criminal Justice/Law, M.S. in Criminal Justice/Global Issues in Criminal Justice.
 
6.
Capella University - Master's Degree. Capella University Online’s top ranked job placement statistics make it a top choice by any student who wants a future in criminal justice. A Masters of Science in Public Safety - Criminal Justice, is offered.
 
7.
Saint Joesph's University - Master's Degree. Saint Joesph's University Master's in Criminal Justice program is at the forefront of education in providing a dynamic curriculum to every student. Saint Joesph's makes it easy to obtain a Criminal Justice degree online affordably and from the comfort of home.
 
8.
Virginia College - Master's Degree - At Virginia College, students are equipped with proper skills and training before graduation in order to succeed in their career of choice. Their Master's in Criminal Justice degree will prepare students for mid to upper-level management positions in the legal field.
 
9.
University of Cincinnati - Master's Degree - This highly regarded criminal justice department prepares the student with a well respected faculty, a quick degree plan, and the choice to move on to get a Doctorate. Options include M.S. Degree in Criminal Justice, M.S. Degree in Criminal Justice (1 Year Program).
 
10.
Bowling Green State University - Master's Degree. Bowling Green State University’s Criminal Justice school provides students with excellent academic training and experience. The department offers both a Masters of Science (MS) degree in Criminal Justice, and a Bachelors of Science (BS) degree in Criminal Justice.
 
11.
South University - Master's Degree. The South University Masters in Criminal Justice department allows you the option of specializing in Homeland Security. The school offers two masters options: Masters of Science( M.S.) in Criminal Justice, M.S. in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security.
 

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