How to Become a Criminal Investigator
Overview & Salaries
Recommended Degree:
The right degree for you to become a criminal investigator depends on the position you apply for and the state. Most people will need several years experience in law enforcement. A license is also required for criminal investigators in most states. Those looking to get into cyber security investigation or forensic investigation will likely need a bachelors degree in their respective field. A bachelors degree in criminal justice, homeland security, and investigation along with related work experience can also help you stand out to employers or customers looking to hire you.
You can launch your career path today by signing up for free information from one of our accredited colleges below that offer programs to help get you started as a criminal investigation.
How Much Does a Criminal Investigator Make?
$45,740 (national median salary, to see salaries in your state click on the “Best Places to Work” tab up top)
Expected Growth from 2012-2020:
+3,300 additional people employed
Specialization Options:
Special investigations, private detective, criminal forensics, computer forensics, cyber security, etc…
(all information above provided by the 2012 BLS Private Detectives page)
The Best Places to Become a Criminal Investigator
Criminal investigators are employed by a whole host of agencies both public and private from local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to private investigation firms. The responsibilities of these professionals is great, and high demands are placed on personal integrity and honesty of investigators. While these jobs are at times dangerous, they are also rewarding. Below are the top industries employing criminal investigators.
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration
- U.S. Secret Service
- Federal Air Marshals
- U.S. Border patrol agents
Employment and Information Data for Criminal Investigation
Why Become a Criminal Investigator?
The need for criminal investigators in the United States is expected remain steady with a 7% jobs growth rate from now until 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Criminal investigators are employed by a host of agencies, both public and private; from local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to private investigation firms. The responsibilities of these professionals are great and high demands are placed on personal integrity and honesty. While these jobs are at times dangerous, they are also rewarding.
Recommended Courses to Help You Become a Criminal Investigator
- Criminalistics
- Fingerprints Classification & Latents
- Criminal Law
- Cyber Crime/Criminal & Civil
- Introduction to Networking/Security
- Intro to Forensic Science with Lab
- Crime Scene Photography
- Biological Evidence
- Fire Investigation
- Crime Scene Dynamics
- Technology Crimes
- Current Issues in Criminal Justice
Degree Options for Criminal Investigation Careers
It wasn’t so long ago that if you wanted a career in criminal justice and law enforcement you want down to the local police department and picked up an application. Today, the world has changed and the more courses you take, and the more advanced degrees you receive, will allow you to explore a wider range of options.
Certificate Programs
A certificate in Dispute Resolution Certificate teaches students and mid-career professionals the techniques, theories and of defusing conflicts. This is an ideal program for law enforcement officers looking to advance and specialize in their career of beginning students hoping to find a niche in the field.
Bachelor’s Degree
For many law enforcement agencies today, a bachelor’s degree is a minimum requirement. However, with the proliferation of criminal justice and law programs, the opportunities for study are great than ever in this discipline.
Master’s Degree
A master’s degree in criminal justice allow for many concentrations from forensic psychology, to international crime and justice to protection management. This advanced two-year degree is ideal for mid-career professionals seeking to expand their skills while advancing their careers.