| Criminal Investigations |
| Career Outlook |
| Salary Forecast |
| Skills & Activities |
|
Start investigating your way to a great future.
It is up to criminal investigators to gather facts, collect evidence and build cases to put criminals behind bars. Criminal investigators use advanced surveillance techniques and work with computer databases to help stop illegal activity, provide evidence for prosecution or defense teams, protect assets and help find missing people.
With a degree in Criminal Investigations, you can specialize in the areas of computer crime, forensic psychology, crime analysis, crime scene investigation and fraud examination.
|
 |
| " .. the month I graduated the degree paid for itself, I moved up a pay level and was promoted a few months after that." |
Cadan Larson,
Police Lieutenant |
|
|
Jobs in the criminal investigations industry are expected to increase as our society becomes increasingly security conscious and as drug and computer-related crimes continue to grow. People with Criminal Investigations degrees work as:
- criminal investigators
- police detectives
- private detectives
- security guards
- legal investigators
|
- corporate investigators
- financial investigators
- loss prevention agents
- hotel detectives
|
|
|
13% Job Growth |
|
The average earnings for people with Criminal Investigations degrees range between $45,000 and $80,000, and benefits are usually great. Advancements are in the form of salary increases and higher job status. Many people with Criminal Investigations degrees start their own businesses after a few years of experience. Also, many are able to retire early. |
| National Average Police Lietenant |
|
|
|
 |
The best positions in this industry are given to people with a Criminal Investigations degree, which usually takes two to four years to complete. Job candidates are usually evaluated on their communication skills, investigational skills, and on their ability to maintain calm during confrontation. Most must undergo a background screening before being hired. With a Criminal Investigations degree, you will conduct interviews, examine records, observe suspects, and participate in raids and arrests. Good interrogation skills and a professional demeanor is important, especially when appearing in court and presenting evidence. |
|
|