Welcome to the mostss complete directory on the Web of Customs and Border Protection Officer programs. It contains all the nationally accredited programs, from 129 schools across the country.
Customs and Border Protection Officer Degrees and Careers
(found programs from 129 schools)
Working as a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer
When it comes to the nation's security, there are many potential threats to keep in mind. CBP Officers watch different ports of entry to catch terrorists, illegal weapons, and those who try to bring illegal goods into the country. Becoming a Customs and Border Protection Officer requires you to obtain a high security clearance, demonstrate your skills via education and experience, and go through a rigorous hiring process.
As a Customs and Border Protection Officer, you may have to interact with lots of people. As people enter the country, you may inspect their belongings, look for signs of illegal activity or possessions, and seize items that cannot enter the country. You may also have to ensure that those who are entering the country are legally permitted to do so. Part of your career may be learning about human traffickers, narcotics dealers, and other dangerous criminals. This allows you to intercept criminals before they enter the United States.
CBP Officers have a fairly physical job, so physical fitness is very important. You'll have to prove your fitness level in several different ways during training, so it's essential to begin preparing as soon as you know you want to pursue this career. These are also numerous experience and education requirements to keep in mind.
At CriminalJusticePrograms.com, our goal is to help you understand the options you have for working in the field of Criminal Justice. This role is just one of many careers you can pursue with a degree in the field. Even if you are unsure of your path, you can speak with school representatives to find out what your options are when you complete your education.
What are the requirements for becoming a CBP Officer?
U.S. Customs and Border Protection requires those who apply for CBP Officer jobs to meet a stringent list of requirements. The requirements vary, depending on which grade level you want to enter at. The higher the grade level, the higher your starting income is.
To enter at the GS-5 grade level, you need a Bachelor's degree from an accredited educational institution. You can earn a Bachelor's degree in any field. However, it's important to note that this is a very competitive career choice. As a result, having a Bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field can be beneficial. If you would rather qualify for a GS-5 position with experience, you need three years of general work experience in working with people.
To start a CBP Officer job at the GS-7 level, you need a Bachelor's degree and at least one year of graduate-level education. A Master's degree can make you even more qualified for this position. Consider earning a Master's degree in criminal justice, law, or a similar field to enhance your qualifications. If you do not have a Master's degree, you need at least one year of work experience in inspections or the screening of people as they enter the country. For both GS-5 and GS-7 positions, you can use a combination of experience and education to meet minimum requirements.
After passing two fitness tests and receiving a position with Customs and Border Protection, you need to complete the agency's required training program. Training takes place at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers in Glynco, Georgia. Your training covers quite a bit of physical work, including exercise training, interactive scenarios, and passenger processing training. In the classroom part of your training, you learn about Title 19 Customs law, Title 8 Immigration law, and other laws related to your new position. This training lasts 89 days.
Career Outlook and Salary Potential for CBP Officer
Though Customs and Border Protection has a significant need for officers, the hiring process is very challenging. As a result, the job outlook is best for those who exceed the agency's minimum requirements. In addition, you may have a better job outlook if you are willing to relocate anywhere in the country. Customers and Border Protection sends officers to a range of locations. Regions include: the Southwest, Texas East, Northwest/Northern Border, West Coast, Midwest, Northeast, Central/East Coast, Southeast, Florida, Pacific, Alaska, and Hawaii. Clearly, the demand is greatest near United States borders and coasts.
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management reports on beginning salaries for CBP Officers. GS-5 Officers start with a salary of $34,173 to $42,849 (OPM, 2014). GS-7 Officers earn between $38,895 and $49,191 to start (OPM, 2014). These are base salaries. On top of your base salary, you earn locality pay, which corresponds to the cost of living in the area that you're stationed.
Life as a CBP Officer…
Given how many borders and sea ports are protected by Customs and Border Patrol, it's no surprise that CBP Officers do a lot to keep the United States safe. News Center 23 in the Rio Grande Valley reports that in June of 2014, CBP Officers stopped a car that was trying to smuggle over $246,000 of unreported U.S. currency into Mexico. In July of 2014, CBP Officers stopped numerous people who were attempting to carry drugs into the country over Independence Day weekend.
Your work environment will depend on whether you work at a border, seaport, or other entry point. If you work at a border, you may have to stop and search cars or watch for people trying to enter the country via other means. Those who work at seaports often check cargo and ensure that travelers are legally permitted to enter the United States. Some CBP Officers are trained dog handlers. If you work with a police dog, you may work specifically in the detection of illegal drugs and drug smuggling.
CBP Officers work closely with the Drug Enforcement Administration, the FBI, and other law enforcement agencies. As a result, you may sometimes be sent to other locations to carry out an investigation or assignment. No matter where you're assigned, you can feel confident knowing that you are one of the people that help keep the United States safe.
If you are ready to learn more about starting a career in the field of criminal justice, contact the schools in our directory to compare their programs!
Featured Schools Accepting Students from Across the US:
Online programs may not be available in all areas
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with concentration in Homeland Security
MS in Criminal Justice
MS in Criminal Justice: Advanced Counterterrorism & Homeland Security concentration
MS in Criminal Justice: Public Safety Administration concentration
BS in Criminal Intelligence Analysis
BS in Criminal Justice - General
BS in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security
BS in Cybersecurity - Cyber Operations
BS in Cybersecurity - Cybercrime and Fraud Investigation
BS in Cybersecurity - Information Assurance
BS in Cybersecurity - Network Forensics and Intrusion Investigation
MS in Cybersecurity - Computer Forensics
MS in Cybersecurity - Cyber Operations
MS in Cybersecurity - Intelligence
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) - Homeland Security
Master of Science (M.S.) in Forensic Psychology - Criminal Justice
Master of Science (M.S.) in Forensic Psychology - Cybercrimes
Master of Science (M.S.) in Forensic Psychology - Terrorism
Master of Science (M.S.) in Human and Social Services - Criminal Justice
Master of Science (M.S.) in Human and Social Services - Disaster, Crisis, and Intervention
Master of Science (M.S.) in Human and Social Services - Social Policy and Analysis and Planning
Ph.D. in Criminal Justice
Ph.D. in Criminal Justice - Global Leadership
Ph.D. in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security Policy and Coordination
Ph.D. in Forensic Psychology - Crisis and Leadership Management
Ph.D. in Forensic Psychology - Crisis Response
Ph.D. in Human and Social Services (BS entry) - Criminal Justice
Ph.D. in Human and Social Services (MS entry) - Criminal Justice
Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration - Criminal Justice
Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration - Emergency Management
Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration - Homeland Security Policy and Coordination
Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration - Terrorism, Mediation, and Peace
Traditional On Campus Programs:
Associate of Arts in Homeland Security - Clearwater
Associate of Arts in Homeland Security - Daytona Beach, FL
Associate of Arts in Homeland Security - Melbourne
Associate of Arts in Homeland Security - New Port Richey
Associate of Arts in Homeland Security - Orlando
Associate of Arts in Homeland Security - Port St. Lucie
Associate of Arts in Homeland Security - Port St. Lucie
Associate of Arts in Homeland Security - Tallahassee
Associate of Arts in Homeland Security - Tampa
Associate of Arts in Homeland Security - West Palm Beach
Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice - Clearwater
Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice - Daytona Beach
Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice - Melbourne
Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice - New Port Richey
Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice - Orlando
Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice - Port St. Lucie
Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice - Tallahassee
Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice - Tampa
Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice - West Palm Beach
Bachelor of Arts in Homeland Security - Clearwater
Bachelor of Arts in Homeland Security - Daytona Beach
Bachelor of Arts in Homeland Security - Fort Myers
Bachelor of Arts in Homeland Security - Melbourne
Bachelor of Arts in Homeland Security - New Port Richey
Bachelor of Arts in Homeland Security - Orlando
Bachelor of Arts in Homeland Security - Port St. Lucie
Bachelor of Arts in Homeland Security - Tallahassee
Bachelor of Arts in Homeland Security - Tampa
Bachelor of Arts in Homeland Security - West Palm Beach
Bachelor of Science in Public Safety Administration - Fort Myers
Bachelor of Science in Public Safety Administration - Orlando
Bachelor of Science in Public Safety Administration - Port St. Lucie
Master of Arts in Criminal Justice - Clearwater
Master of Arts in Criminal Justice - Daytona Beach
Master of Arts in Criminal Justice - Fort Myers
Master of Arts in Criminal Justice - Melbourne
Master of Arts in Criminal Justice - New Port Richey
Master of Arts in Criminal Justice - Orlando
Master of Arts in Criminal Justice - Port St. Lucie
Master of Arts in Criminal Justice - Tallahassee
Master of Arts in Criminal Justice - Tampa
Master of Arts in Criminal Justice - West Palm Beach
Master of Arts in Homeland Security - Clearwater
Master of Arts in Homeland Security - Daytona Beach
Master of Arts in Homeland Security - Fort Myers
Master of Arts in Homeland Security - Melbourne
Master of Arts in Homeland Security - New Port Richey
Master of Arts in Homeland Security - Orlando
Master of Arts in Homeland Security - Port St. Lucie
Master of Arts in Homeland Security - Tallahassee
Master of Arts in Homeland Security - Tampa
Master of Arts in Homeland Security - West Palm Beach
Alabama
Associate in Applied Science - Homeland Security, Certificate - Homeland Security
MS of Emergency Services Management (online)
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice (Homeland Security Concentration) (online), Bachelor of Science - Homeland Security and Public Safety (Criminal Justice Concentration), Bachelor of Science - Homeland Security and Public Safety (Emergency Medical Technician Concentration) (online), Bachelor of Science - Homeland Security and Public Safety, Bachelor of Science - Homeland Security, Public Safety, Criminal Justice (online), Bachelor of Science - Homeland Security, Public Safety, Emergency Tech
Bachelor of Science - Emergency Management - Homeland Security
Arizona
Arkansas
Associate of Applied Science - Homeland Security/Emergency Management
California
BA - Org. Management/Homeland Security (online), BA/Social and Criminal Justice - Homeland Security (online)
Associate in Science - Emergency Management & Homeland Security
Associate of Science - Homeland Security (online), Diploma - Homeland Security & Investigation (online)
Master of Science - Homeland Security and Safety Engineering (online)
Associate of Arts - Administration of Justice - Homeland Security
Colorado
Certificate - Public Security - Homeland Security
Associate of Applied Science - Homeland Security / Emergency Management
Graduate Certificate in Homeland Defense
Connecticut
Delaware
Associate of Applied Science - Homeland Defense and Emergency Management
Florida
Criminal Justice - Private and Homeland Security Diploma
AA - Homeland Security (online), Associate of Arts in Homeland Security - Lakeland, Associate of Arts in Homeland Security - Sarasota, BA - Homeland Security (online), Bachelor of Arts - Homeland Security, Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice - Fort Lauderdale, Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice - Lakeland, Bachelor of Arts in Homeland Security - Lakeland, Bachelor of Arts in Homeland Security - Sarasota, Bachelor of Science in Public Safety Administration - Lakeland, Bachelor of Science in Public Safety Administration - Sarasota, Criminal Justice, MA , Homeland Security, MA , Master of Arts in Criminal Justice - Lakeland, Master of Arts in Criminal Justice - Sarasota, Master of Arts in Homeland Security - Lakeland
BA in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security (online)
BA in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security Specialization (online), BA in Criminal Justice (online)
Certificate - Homeland Security & Terrorism Control
Bachelor of Applied Science - Public Safety Administration / Homeland Security
Minor - Emergency Management and Homeland Security
Georgia
Associate of Applied Science - Homeland Security, Diploma - Homeland Security
Associate of Science - Homeland Security
Associate of Arts - Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Bachelor Degree - Homeland Security (online), Bachelor of Science - Homeland Security and Public Safety/Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Science - Homeland Security and Public Safety/Emergency Medical Technology (online), Bachelor of Science - Homeland Security and Public Safety
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (online), Master of Science in Criminal Justice (online)
Illinois
Indiana
Bachelor of Science - Homeland Security and Public Safety
Iowa
Kansas
Certificate - Homeland Security
Kentucky
Certificate - Homeland Security/Emergency Management
Certificate - Emergency Managment (online), Certificate - Fire & Emergency Services (online), Certificate - Homeland Security (online), MS Safety - Emergency Management (online), MS Safety - Homeland Security (online)
Certificate - Homeland Security/Emergency Management Specialist
Louisiana
Master of Science - Homeland Security
Bachelor of Arts - Homeland Security Studies, Post-Bachelor Certificate - Homeland Security Studies
Maryland
Associate of Applied Science - Homeland Security Management
Associate of Applied Science - Homeland Security
M.S. in Integrated Homeland Security Management (online)
Bachelor Degree - Homeland Security (online), Bachelor of Science - Homeland Security, Certificate - Homeland Security Management, Certificate - Homeland Security (online), Master of Science in Information Technology - Homeland Security Management, Master of Science in Management - Homeland Security Management, Master of Science in Technology Management - Homeland Security Management, Masters Degree - Homeland Security (online)
Massachusetts
Bachelor of Science - Terrorism and Homeland Security
Michigan
Masters in Law Enforcement Intelligence and Analysis (online)
Associate of Applied Science - Homeland Security (online)
Minnesota
Associate of Applied Science - Homeland Security (online)
Missouri
Certificate in Homeland Security and Defense (online)
Associate Degree Criminal Justice - Saint Joseph
New Hampshire
Certificate - Homeland Security and Emergency and Disaster Management
New Jersey
Certificate of Achievement - Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Associate in Science - Homeland Security, Career Certificate - Homeland Security
Graduate Certificate in Homeland Security (online), Master of Arts - Criminal Justice - Homeland Security
MS - Emergency Mgmt & Business Continuity (online)
Master of Arts - Criminal Justice - Homeland Security
Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security, Graduate Certificate in Homeland Security (online), Master of Science in Management - Homeland Security
New York
Bachelor of Science - Criminology & Homeland Security
BS - Criminal Justice (with a concentration in Administration of Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement & Public Safety, or Homeland Security) (online), MS in Criminal Justice (with a concentration Homeland Security & Emergency Management) (online)
Bachelor of Science - Corporate and Homeland Security
Associate of Science - Homeland Security
North Carolina
Bachelors in Criminal Justice - Charlotte, Bachelors in Criminal Justice - Raleigh
Ohio
Associate Degree - Homeland Security (online), Associate of Applied Science - Criminal Justice / Homeland Security (online)
Certificate - Homeland Security
Graduate Certificate in Homeland Security (online), Master of Arts in Security Policy Studies (online)
Bachelor Degree - Criminal Justice, Bachelor Degree - Criminal Justice (online)
Oklahoma
Bachelor of Science - Homeland Security
Associate of Applied Science - Emergency Preparedness/Homeland Security
Oregon
Certificate - Homeland Security and Community Preparedness
Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Science - Corporate and Homeland Security, MS - Legal Studies - Homeland Security (online)
Bachelor of Science - Homeland Security
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice - Intelligence
Criminal Justice & First Response - Associate in Specialized Business Degree
Rhode Island
AS - Criminal Justice Technology, BS - Criminal Justice Technology
Certificate of Graduate Studies - Homeland Security
South Dakota
AS Criminal Justice , BS Criminal Justice , CERT Criminal Justice (Grad Level) , MS Criminal Justice (online), Master of Business Admin w/Con Criminal Justice
Tennessee
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice - Homeland Security (online)
Bachelor of Science - Homeland Security
Texas
Grad Cert - Critical Infrastruction Protection (online), Grad Cert - Emergency & Crisis Preparedness & Mgmt (online), Grad Cert - Homeland Security Policy & Mgmt (online), Grad Cert - National Security Policy (online)
Associate of Applied Science - Homeland Security and Emergency Management (online), Certificate of Completion - Homeland Security and Emergency Management (online)
Associate of Applied Science - Homeland Security, Certificate - Homeland Security
Associate of Science - Homeland Security
Associate of Science - Homeland Security/Crime Scene Technician, Associate of Science - Homeland Security
Virginia
Bachelors in Homeland Security - Newport News, Cyber and Network Security - Bachelors - Manassas
Associate of Applied Science - Homeland Security
Bachelor of Arts - Homeland Security, Master of Arts - Homeland Security (online)
West Virginia
Bachelor of Arts - Homeland Security, Certificate - Homeland Security, Graduate Certificate - Homeland Security (online), Master of Arts - Homeland Security (online)
Certificate - Homeland Security
Associate of Applied Science - Homeland Security
Associates of Arts in Criminal Justice (online), BA Criminal Justice - Homeland Security (online)
Wisconsin
Bachelor of Science - Homeland Security, Certificate - Homeland Security Leadership
Wyoming
Associates of Science - Homeland Security, Certificate of Completion - Homeland Security