Customs agents are federally employed professionals who monitor the importation of illegal contraband like drugs and weapons. Daily activities include searching airplanes or ships, as well as individual passengers. You will be responsible for evaluating the behavior of international and American citizens as they land in the United States to determine whether or not they appear on wanted lists, terrorist lists or are suspected of importing any illegal devices or materials. Customs agents need to have a lot of street smarts and should be able to think quickly on their feet, but they also need to be well-trained and have specific knowledge of the systems and technologies that are relevant to law enforcement and customs. During a career as a customs agent, you may come into contact with international visitors, terrorists, suspected criminals and of course, regular passengers. You must be able to determine which passengers are responsible for attempting to smuggle illegal materials into the country or to bring products into the country which have not been declared. These undeclared items need to be taxed, and some customs agents will be responsible for investigating these cases. In addition to being constantly vigilant for terrorist activity and illegal imports, customs agents search cargo and collect duties and fees. Depending on your exact position and your location, you may also work with immigration and border patrol personnel, local or federal law enforcement officers, legal teams, pilots, ship captains and more. You may work in a port city inspecting ships, or at a busy international airport.

The median salary range for customs agents, as reported by Florida International University, is between $23,000 and $44,000. Depending on your experience, education, geographic location and exact job description, you may be eligible to earn a higher salary. Customs agents receive a federal benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, a retirement system, paid training, 10 paid holidays per year, tuition assistance and more.

Customs agents that expect to find good jobs need to have a college degree. Those who want to become managers and increase their salary potential should consider pursuing a Master’s degree in a field like criminal justice or legal studies. This course of study will give you in-depth knowledge of how the criminal justice system works and will cover topics like criminal behavior, terrorism and homeland security, and other concepts that will be useful in your job.

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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