What Was Jack Bauer's College Major?

Published on Monday 14th 2007f May, 2007

If you're a 24 fan, then you probably know where Jack Bauer studied and trained for his ultimate career as a member of the U.S. government in the field for the Los Angeles Counter Terrorist Unit (CTU). But, if you haven't followed the 24 series, his background is available on his official character page. If you're a college student hoping to follow in Jack Bauer's footsteps, I may spoil it for all of you when I show you home some aspects of Bauer's history were virtually impossible to achieve.

While the list of Bauer's educational and military histories aren't categorized by date, it would seem that he achieved his degrees before he entered the military. One theory is that Jack joined the military in defiance when his father, Phillip, offered Jack a position at BXJ Technologies, Phillip's company. This job offering would logically follow the acquisition of a college degree, so I'll begin with those accomplishments.

Bauer first obtained his BA in English literature from the University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA), and this degree seems credible and a viable option if he wanted to make communications and writing a major goal for his career. If Jack chose the world literature concentration, he then took four upper division courses in foreign literatures, one of which was taught in the original language. Jack could use these communication and cultural learning skills effectively in his military and government positions.

Jack then acquired his MS in criminology and law from UC Berkeley. Unfortunately, UC Berkeley hasn't offered this degree in decades. With that said, a graduate degree in this area is a perfect choice for someone who wants to work in anti-terrorism fields. Since 9/11, many colleges have added various courses and degrees that focus on homeland security options. Some options within this field are listed under the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) special agent critical skills. Jack would fit neatly into the "diversified" category, which requires a BS or BA degree in any discipline plus three years of full-time work experience, or an advanced degree accompanied by two years of full-time work experience.

But, wait...Jack doesn't have any experience yet. This is where the military filled that void. Bauer's participation in the U.S. Army's Combat Applications Group (CAG) and in the Delta Force's counter terrorist group were perfect choices to become a prime candidate for any governmental anti-terrorism position. Interestingly, it seems that Bauer padded his resume, since the U.S. Army's CAG unit is, basically, the same as Delta Force (Ft Bragg, NC), and the entire shebang is known as 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (1st SFOD-D).

The 1st SFOD-D plans and conducts a "broad range of special operations across the operational continuum" while trying to maintain the "lowest possible profile of U.S. involvement." Secretive missions are this group's specialty. Assignment to this unit involves an extensive prescreening process that requires at least eight months previous participation in training courses. As a member of this unit, Jack may have had experiences in hostage negotiations, intelligence gathering, and as a bodyguard. All experiences would put Jack in close contact with the FBI and the CIA, relationships that play heavily in Jack's ongoing activities.

Jack's education also includes the LASD (Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department) Basic SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) School. The LASD's SED (Special Enforcement Detail) offers Basic and Advanced SWAT school and Tactical Long Rifle and Explosive Breaching training throughout the year. These schools are open to members and outside agency tactical teams. Since students in these schools include specialized federal and military contingents, he probably attended the SWAT school while in the military or when he became a member of the Los Angeles Police Department.

Bauer's resume was again padded with an educational note about the Special Forces Operations Training Course. This training was obtained either in the military or through the LASD. With that aside, Jack added to his educational military career in CTU (Counter Terrorist Unit) as a special agent in charge and director of field operations in the Los Angeles Domestic Unit (LADU). Don't look for a career with any CTU division, especially within the LADU. It doesn't exist.

Even though Bauer represents the ideal and idealistic counter-intelligence agent, his career illuminates several interesting points:

• It would be impossible to achieve Jack's specific educational credentials, but it would be possible to gain a similar career through new courses on anti-terrorism tactics developed by many colleges since 9/11. You can gain these skills through various accredited online degrees in criminal justice, so you don't need to quit your day job to study topics within another career option.
• Although it is possible to become an elite member of the Delta Force, which is highly trained and well equipped with state-of-the-art weaponry, airborne insertion equipment, and other forms of technology, selection is tough. If you want to gain weapons and tactical knowledge, you can apply to local sheriff and police department SWAT schools and other specialized training courses, just as Jack did.
• If you plan to become a special agent, you must be between ages 23 and 37, and communication skills are imperative (at least for FBI positions). So, if you're currently enrolled in English literature courses, it's not impossible to dream about a counter-terrorism future.
• You don't need to move to LA to become involved in anti-terrorism careers. This location is convenient for Jack, as this is where one Fox film studio is located. Also, you have to admit that LA provides a convenient international airport (LAX).

One question remains: As a counter-terrorist agent, do you need to suffer the personal losses that Bauer experiences? This depends upon your participation within an anti-terrorism activity. You could participate in risk analysis and planning or in policy, strategy, plan development and implementation or in program management. Unless you're specifically targeted by terrorists, your risks would be no higher than those faced by any other person who pushes paper. But, if you become involved with weaponry and on-the-ground activities, your risks increase. Plus, if you become a whistle-blower like Jack, you could increase your risks even more...although, supposedly, you would be protected from retaliation by such measures as the Corporate and Criminal Fraud Accountability Act (CCFA), a portion of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 enforced by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Jack once said to his partner Chase Edmunds at the end of season three, "You cannot do this job and have a normal life at the same time." You may never know if this statement is true unless you try your hand at this career. But if you avoid drugs (Jack was addicted to heroin) and realize that life is much more boring than any seasonal 24-hour script, you may experience a long life in counter-terrorism.

How You Can Become a Real-Life Jack Bauer

Here is a list of a few college-level courses you can take if you wish to follow in Jack's footsteps.

• You might get your toes wet with the Diploma in Criminal Justice from ECPI College of Technology. This diploma, however, is a certificate that allows you to integrate an interest in computers into areas of government and law enforcement. You'll need more if you want to eventually get out in the field.
• The Associate of Science in Criminal Justice from Anthem College Online will provide you with the basics in criminal justice if you're unsure about a bachelor's degree or your specialization in criminal justice. Another course to take at the associate degree level includes the Associate of Arts in Homeland Security from Keiser University. This degree focuses on careers in homeland security and law enforcement.
• Keiser also offers an Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice, a course that provides a strong foundation in criminal justice, court procedures, and issues in law enforcement and corrections. This course provides groundwork for advanced criminal justice programs that are needed for a career in homeland security, law enforcement, or forensic science.
• If you already know that you want to jump headlong into criminal justice and/or anti-terrorism, then you might want to invest in a bachelor's degree. In this case, you might consider a BS in Criminal Justice from Upper Iowa University or from ITT Technical Institute Online. Both courses allow you to obtain a balanced exposure to criminal law, legal procedures, criminal evidence, and criminology; and utilize critical thinking, innovation, and teamwork. This work prepares you for careers as law enforcement officers, corrections officers, and other law enforcement personnel with the skills and knowledge needed to enter into management and supervisory positions.
• You can also achieve a four-year degree with a BS in Homeland Security from FMU Online. The course subjects include Domestic and International Terrorism and Tactical Communications. Careers available to graduates include border patrol agent, homeland security officer, and law enforcement agent.
• Finally, a master's degree will put you on top with advanced courses in criminal justice and anti-terrorism skills. After you achieve a bachelor's degree, try your hand at the MS in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security Administration from Tiffin University or the Master of Science in Criminal Justice from South University Online. Both courses will hone your undergraduate skills so that you can take leadership positions in any organization that you decide to join.

You can also go on to earn a doctoral degree in criminal justice, but you might think about learning skills through a local SWAT course or train through various programs offered at local colleges or community centers. After all, you need to be between ages 23 and 37 to work as an FBI agent as mentioned previously, so you don't want to cut your time too short with too many classes. After all, who knows what Jack will be once his anti-terrorism career ends? If not dead, he could work as a judge or even as a vigilante.

Did you enjoy this article?

Read more articles from our library »