Navy Vet, Mother of 3, FBI Intelligence Analyst

Online Criminal Justice Graduate Loves a Challenge

Sabrina McMaster was ideally suited for military life. “I loved it,” she says. “I love a challenge, and the Navy provided plenty of them.” At age 24, however, she was the mother of one-year-old twins and a six-year-old daughter and felt it was the right time to move on.  She wanted to go to college, and after an exhaustive review of potential professions, she settled on criminal justice.

“There are so many things you can do with a criminal justice degree,” says Sabrina. “You can work at the local, state, or federal level. You can work in the courts, law enforcement, or intelligence. There are so many exciting options.” Picking a profession was one thing. Finding the right school was quite another. With a growing family, she had little free time, and fitting in classes with her hectic schedule would be difficult, but then again…Sabrina loves a good challenge. After some exploring, it soon became apparent that ECPI University checked all of her boxes.

“ECPI taught me how to think analytically. The accelerated program also gives employers the confidence that students that graduate from ECPI can handle fast-paced positions, can learn quickly, and are motivated to graduate faster.”

– Sabrina McMaster – Online Criminal Justice Graduate

“Being able to go to school year-round and finish in two and a half years was a big plus, says Sabrina. “Having the ability to take classes online was another. Once I started my classes, I realized just how good a fit it was for me. I loved the fast pace. Yes, it required discipline, but being a veteran, I was used to that. I remember having one teacher that was so hard on us. He made you question everything. He made you take responsibility for your work, your actions, your time, and your class load. Mr. Bogardus was the most difficult, intelligent, strict, and amazing teacher I have ever had.”

The hard work paid off. After graduation, Sabrina went to work with the Florida Department of Corrections. From there, the Bureau of Prisons, then transferred to the Department of Defense at Tyndall Air Force Base, where she wrote and edited policy and procedures for the Air Force, working closely with state officials, senators, and executives to complete and update policies. After that came the opportunity she had long hoped for…a position with the FBI.

Sabrina began working with the Bureau’s Criminal Justice Information Service in Bridgeport, West Virginia, and has since transferred to FBI Honolulu, where she is an Intelligence Analyst with Joint Terrorism Task Force Pacific. Her next goal is to transfer to the FBI Legat (Legal Attaché) in London to do overseas intelligence.

Sabrina says ECPI University did more than provide solid academics. It prepared her mind to adapt to the kind of environment in which she now operates. “ECPI taught me how to think analytically,” she says. “The accelerated program also gives employers the confidence that students that graduate from ECPI can handle fast-paced positions, can learn quickly, and are motivated to graduate faster.”

Sabrina’s advice for prospective students and new graduates: “Be open, work hard, have passion, never give up, and know that every failure makes you stronger! Failure is inevitable and when you do fail, keep trying. Never give up on yourself! Don’t expect anything. Work for what you want, always accept criticism, and make sure you have a strong support system! Finally, when you do succeed, and you are at the top, just remember you didn’t get there by yourself and always acknowledge and appreciate the people that helped pave your path to success because being at the top alone isn’t much fun!”