EPA Special Agents

High School

A well-rounded education will provide a solid foundation for future work as an EPA special agent. Take classes in math, science, history, environmental studies (if offered at your school), English, and computer science. Agents need to be physically fit as well, so be sure to take physical education classes and make exercise a part of your regular routine. Fluency in another language is particularly useful in this line of work, so be sure to take foreign language classes.

Postsecondary Training

An undergraduate degree is usually required for EPA special agent positions. Recommended fields of study include business, math, science, English, communications, and psychology. Criminal justice studies are generally not required. Advanced degrees and work experience are usually required for positions of higher authority.

Special agents receive eight weeks of basic federal law enforcement and criminal investigator training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Ga. They also receive an additional eight weeks of training in conducting investigations of the criminal provisions of federal environmental laws. As is the case with all U.S. special agents, EPA special agents receive periodic in-service training as well as advanced training in various investigative techniques throughout their careers.