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Mission

The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is an independent US Government agency responsible for providing national security intelligence to senior US policymakers.

For more on the Agency's mission, visit our Strategic Intent.

 
Central Intelligence Agency
The Work of a Nation. The Center of Intelligence

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Working at CIA

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The CIA offers exciting career opportunities and a dynamic environment. To qualify for a position with the Agency, you must be 18 years of age, a US citizen, and a high school graduate. Our personnel requirements change from month-to-month as positions are filled and others become available. A college degree, in some cases an advanced degree, is a standard requirement for overseas officers, intelligence analysts, and other non-clerical positions. Fluency in a foreign language is also helpful.

 
CIA employees represent a wide variety of disciplines from a broad mix of academic backgrounds and experiences. For that reason, we do not recommend one academic track over another. Start by reviewing each of our career paths on our recruitment page of the CIA’s website: Science, Engineering and Technical, National Clandestine Service, Language Opportunities,Analytical Opportunities and Support Services. Each section tells you more about the career path and features position openings. If you don’t see an opportunity for you now, check back again in the future because our needs, and postings, change frequently.

The CIA offers several programs in the form of undergraduate student internships or co-ops, and graduate studies programs for students considering a career in the intelligence field. Each program offers valuable educational and practical work experience that enhances the student’s chosen field of study and prepares them for the future.These positions are extremely competitive and students are given a salary and excellent benefits.

  • The Undergraduate Scholar Program targets high school seniors who plan to major in a technical field. Students must have a minimum 3.0 high school GPA, 1000 SAT, or 21 ACT scores. Students receive tuition assistance and salary for the duration of their undergraduate course of study. Applicants must be US citizens and age 18 by 1 April of their senior year. Deadline is 1 November of the students’ senior year.
  • In the Undergraduate Co-Op Program college students receive paid training relating to their field of academic study. Students are expected to work three alternating semesters that include a summer. Students interested in the CIA Internship Program also receive paid training during at least two summers or a summer and semester.
  • The Graduate Studies Program attracts students preparing to enter their first or second year of full-time graduate study. Graduate students work alongside experts in their field of study and usually work during the summer or on a semester basis. At least half choose CIA careers after graduation.

Please visit our website for more information about the CIA and its career opportunities. www.cia.gov

THE WORK OF A NATION. THE CENTER OF INTELLIGENCE.


Posted: Sep 21, 2007 10:46 AM
Last Updated: Oct 25, 2007 12:11 PM
Last Reviewed: Sep 21, 2007 10:46 AM