BATF Agent Career Description

A Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (BATF) agent has a job description that covers a lot of ground. BATF agents provide a needed security and law enforcement function under the banner of the federal government’s Department of Homeland Security. As the name implies, BATF agents monitor and enforce laws relating to alcohol, tobacco and firearms within the continental United States.

Agents target alcohol and tobacco in two major ways. Taxation laws are enforced and alcohol and tobacco that are “bootlegged”, either created and sold without being taxed, are seized and violators are charged with tax evasion or other federal law provisions. The BATF also deals with the illegal importing of these items. Either way, agents have their hands full with these duties and are generally understaffed.

Online colleges offering programs for BATF Agent

How to Become a BATF Agent

Firearms is probably the most important and consequential responsibility of the agency. When firearms aren’t taxed or legally regulated, they often hit the streets and find their way into the hands of criminals. Firearms are the weapon of choice for outlaw bikers, gangs, organized crime, and street thugs. Agents are responsible for tracking guns, enforcing federal firearms laws, and maintaining an extensive data base as well as enforcing the types of weapons available in retail outlets.

BATF agents are college-educated men and women with degrees from accredited four-year universities and two-year community colleges and technical schools. Applicants for these positions should ideally already have graduated from college with a Bachelor’s Degree. Online degrees are also acceptable if they’re fully accredited. Colleges and universities that offer online degrees either wholly or in part allow students to complete their degrees at home and oftentimes at their own pace. Some schools require a minimal amount of time be spent on campus prior to graduation.

How Much Does a BATF Agent Make - BATF Agent Salaries

Agents can expect to make over $30,000 their first year on the job with steady increases as they move from one pay scale to another. Vacation and sick leave benefits as well as health insurance are excellent.

Online Colleges Offering Criminal Justice Degrees

Accreditation  

University of Phoenix is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association. .

Accreditation  

The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Accreditation  

Boston University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc.,( one of six nationally recognized accrediting agencies).

Accreditation  

Kaplan University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Accreditation  

South University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

AZ Campus Colleges Offering BATF Agent Programs

Accreditation  

University of Phoenix is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association. .

IL Campus Colleges Offering BATF Agent Programs

Accreditation  

Westwood College is currently nationally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) or the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS). Westwood received Higher Learning Commission (HLC) candidacy status in October 2007. HLC is part of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools that accredits colleges and universities. Westwood’s candidacy was granted after a comprehensive review.

Accreditation  

Westwood College is currently nationally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) or the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS). Westwood received Higher Learning Commission (HLC) candidacy status in October 2007. HLC is part of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools that accredits colleges and universities. Westwood’s candidacy was granted after a comprehensive review.

KY Campus Colleges Offering BATF Agent Programs

Programs Offered  
  • Associate's
    Programs Offered  
    • Classes / Diplomas

      WA Campus Colleges Offering BATF Agent Programs

      Programs Offered  
      • Bachelor's
      • Master's

      FL Campus Colleges Offering BATF Agent Programs

      Programs Offered  
      • Associate's
        Accreditation  

        Strayer University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104 (267-284-5000). The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

        Accreditation  

        Strayer University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104 (267-284-5000). The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

        Programs Offered  
        • Bachelor's
        • Associate's

        TN Campus Colleges Offering BATF Agent Programs

        Accreditation  

        Strayer University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104 (267-284-5000). The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

        AK Campus Colleges Offering BATF Agent Programs

        Accreditation  

        Kaplan University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

        CO Campus Colleges Offering BATF Agent Programs

        Accreditation  

        Westwood College is currently nationally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) or the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS). Westwood received Higher Learning Commission (HLC) candidacy status in October 2007. HLC is part of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools that accredits colleges and universities. Westwood’s candidacy was granted after a comprehensive review.

        HI Campus Colleges Offering BATF Agent Programs

        Programs Offered  
        • Classes / Diplomas
        • Associate's
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