What Will I Learn in a Criminal Investigation Degree Program?

Do you want to be a part of a team that solves crimes? You can join one with your degree in criminal investigation. You can study law enforcement and crime in this degree program, and earn the knowledge you'll need to do well as a criminal investigator. Some of the skills you will learn as you earn this degree are interrogation techniques, self-defense, computer investigations, communications and evidence preservation. Your courses may include psychology, firearms, criminal justice, ethics, the legal system, forensics and defense strategies. With this degree, you'll be ready to work a crime scene, collect evidence and play a key role in criminal investigations.

AS in Criminal Investigations	BS in Criminology	MA in Criminology

What Can I Do With a Criminal Investigation Degree?

Graduates with a criminal investigation degree will typically work in the law enforcement and justice system. You may be a part of personal security, private investigation, public law enforcement, corrections facilities or federal agencies. Some graduates start their own businesses and work as self-employed private investigators. You may specialize in a certain type of criminal investigation, such as forensic science, forensic psychology, computer investigations, insurance or accounting. You may want to continue your studies with a specialized degree in one of these fields to improve your skills and become qualified for new job opportunities within the field.

What Is the Career Outlook for Criminal Investigation Degree Students?

The job growth for investigators and private detectives is excellent, much faster than the average for all occupations. There is an expanding demand for private investigators and detectives due to increased litigation, financial activity, confidential information, identity theft, background checks, property protection, illegal downloading and heightened security concerns. Even with excellent job growth, however, job opportunities are very competitive, as this is an attractive career. Criminal investigation degree graduates will find that an area of specialization, such as computer forensics, can help improve their job opportunities, as well as experience in the field or through internships. Salaries of private detectives and investigators are generally $24,000 to $77,000 a year.