FBI National Academy

Since 1972, the University of Virginia School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS) has partnered with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to offer accredited educational opportunities to law enforcement officers throughout the country and the world. The partnership is administered through the FBI National Academy, located in Quantico, Virginia. U.Va. provides academic guidance on program and curricular development and works with FBI officials to help students earn accredited college coursework during their professional training at the Academy.

Created in 1935 in response to increased incidents of sophisticated and violent crime throughout the United States, the FBI National Academy continues to refocus its training in order to ensure the emerging safety needs of the American society and the global society. Hailed by J. Edgar Hoover, FBI Director at the time of its inception, as the "West Point of the law enforcement", the Academy still commands great respect and produces some of the world's best crime investigators and law enforcement officials. This is due, in part, to the academic rigor of the Academy's training programs.

The goal of the National Academy is to improve standards, to promote collaboration, and to ensure effective administration of justice organizations throughout the United States. In any one year, approximately 1,100 law enforcement officers participate in the National Academy. The waiting time to attend for some officers can be several years.

Since its founding, U.Va. and the Academy have completed over 225 sessions.

This program is not open to the general public. Selection for attendance is accomplished through FBI regional offices.


U.Va. Academic Program Information
U.Va. Center
Quantico, VA 22135

Telephone: (703) 632-1186
Fax (703) 632-1187