Become an Investigator

Interested in Becoming a Crime Scene Investigator?

A crime scene investigator works at the physical scene of a crime to determine responsible parties. CSIs collect various forms of information used as evidence to reconstruct the crime scene for investigation and discovery purposes that lead to arrests and convictions.

Degrees for Crime Scene Investigators
In most cases, a bachelor's degree in criminal justice is required to work as a CSI. Not all Crime Scene Investigators are police officers; some are hired from civilian ranks with the right type of investigative skills.

Preparing for Crime Scene Investigator Work
A Crime Scene Investigator is responsible for collecting, securing and transporting important evidence at any time of day or night. They must be in good physical condition as the job requires lifting, bending, and, in some cases, crawling or climbing to investigate. Some of the specific duties of the investigator may include:

• Responding quickly to secure a crime scene from contamination
• Collecting fingerprints, samples of DNA from blood, hair and skin
• Identifying clues to reconstruct the scene
• Prepare detailed written reports

CSIs help to solve crimes in the areas of murder, sexual assaults and robberies. Are you up for the challenge of working as a Crime Scene Investigator?

Interested in Becoming a Forensic Scientist?

Forensic scientists play an integral role in the criminal justice system as they handle collecting, preserving and analyzing crime scene evidence to help solve crimes. In addition to laboratory science expertise, a forensic scientist should also be organized, methodical and have a keen eye for detail.

Degrees for Forensic Scientists
Forensic scientists are employed by a wide range of law enforcement agencies; most require at least an associate degree while others require bachelor's degrees and even post-graduate degrees. Common degrees of forensic scientists include those in criminal justice, chemistry, biology and forensic science.

Preparing for Forensic Science Work
Forensic science contains many specialties including DNA analysis, handwriting, criminalistics, geology and more. Generally, though, forensic scientists work both in the field at crime scenes and in the laboratory to carry out their job duties, which can include:

• Ballistic analysis
• Reconstruction of crimes
• Typing and dispersal of bloodstains
• DNA analysis of hair, skin cells or residual bodily fluids
• Collection and identification of fingerprints and shoe prints

The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that the field of forensic science will grow "much faster than average" through 2016, particularly in state and county crime labs.

Interested in Becoming a Police Officer?

Police officers are government employees tasked with the responsibility of enforcing the law, maintaining order, protecting life and preserving the peace. They have the authority to detain and arrest suspected offenders, which often involves high conflict and danger. Police officers serve the public to encourage a safer community.

Degrees for Police Officers
Though the minimum requirement to become a cop is a high school diploma or equivalent, earning a degree in criminal justice or law enforcement provides a competitive edge in this highly competitive field. Many law enforcement agencies pay higher salaries to police officers with advanced degrees.

Preparing for Police Work
Since cops serve and protect the public, they literally put their lives on the line each time they go to work. The selection process is rigorous, and preparing to work as a police officer requires special training in some of the following areas:

• Confronting dangerous criminals
• Collecting evidence
• Enforcing traffic laws
• Recovering stolen property
• Resolving reported disturbances

Obtaining employment as a police officer is a highly competitive task. According to some estimates, as many as 100 people apply for every law enforcement job opening. Even so, this is a growing field and career chances for qualified candidates are excellent.

Interested in Becoming a Corrections Officer?

Correctional officers, sometimes called prison guards, process and guard nearly 12 million inmates every year. As members of the staff of locked institutions, correctional officers are tasked with supervising the prisoners incarcerated in these facilities and assuring the safety and security of the institution itself. To excel in this career, coursework in criminal justice and the determination to ensure security in locked facilities are encouraged.

Degrees for Corrections Officers
To work in the Federal Bureau of Prisons, corrections officers are required to hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree or three years experience in a similar role. Completing a degree program in criminal justice with a focus in corrections can help you better understand the psychology of criminal behavior and how to best manage convicts during the time of their imprisonment.

Preparing for Corrections Work
The primary task of the correctional officer is to guard and supervise the inmates incarcerated in the institution as well as maintain order. To accomplish this, correctional officers routinely monitor the activities of inmates, search cells for contraband and enforce discipline. Preparing to work as a correctional officer requires special training in some of the following areas:

• Escorting prisoners
• Ensuring safety within large facilities
• Inspecting locks, gates and other points of entry
• Maintaining detailed notes and records based on inspection details

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, opportunities for correctional officer positions should remain solid over the next several years due in part to an increasing prison population.

Interested in Working in Criminal Justice?

Individuals with degrees in criminal justice are in high demand, but enforcing justice in the legal system, keeping the peace and obtaining retribution for victims comes in many forms. Find a wide variety of careers in criminal justice below.

Law Enforcement

• Analyst: Collect facts, evidence and other material related to crime and put them in order to develop a case, explain a problem or describe crime trends.
• Police: Serve the community by enforcing federal, state and local laws while preserving the peace.
• Probation: Evaluate the progress of convicted offenders' efforts at rehabilitation and monitor compliance with the terms of their sentences, reporting their findings to the court.
• Records: Help law enforcement agencies identify, capture and process suspected criminals.
• Sheriff: Uniformed law enforcement officials who works at the county level of state government.

Court

• Bailiff: Tasked with providing general security for the courthouse and its staff, maintaining appropriate courtroom decorum and taking charge of juries when the court is not in session.
• Court Clerk: Responsibilities include maintaining the records of the court, issuing licenses and assisting officers of the court in research.
• Court Reporter: Create verbatim transcripts of courtroom proceedings and other events.
• Paralegal: Work under the direction and authority of attorneys performing work of a legal nature without engaging in actions that are restricted by law solely to attorneys.
• Records: Process, file and distribute court records.

Corrections

• Corrections Officer: Supervise prisoners in various locked facilities and maintains security in these institutions.
• Prison Personnel: Manage prison, administrative and custodial staff.
• Records: Review, process and file judgments, sentences and records of inmates.
• Warden: Supervise prisoners in various locked facilities and maintains security in these institutions.

Private Sector

• Business Support and Security: Patrol assigned areas of businesses while remaining vigilant of criminal activity.
• Home Security: Patrol assigned areas of estates and individuals while remaining vigilant of criminal activity.
• Private Investigator: Hired by people to investigate private matters, such as a cheating spouse or missing person.
• Records: Process, file and distribute records for businesses and employers.

Public Safety

• Child Protective Service: Arrange and deliver personal, psychological or social services intended to protect children and families at risk.
• Community Safety: Reduce crime in the community through special training, monitoring and patrolling.
• Home Security: Patrol assigned areas of estates and individuals while remaining vigilant of criminal activity.
• Human Services Worker: Work to help improve the overall quality of life for individuals in group homes, halfway houses, community centers and various programs.
• Records: Process, file and distribute records in the area of public safety.
• Victims Advocate: Actively promote the health and welfare of victims' rights.

Federal Government

• Agent (ATF, CIA, DEA, FBI, ICE): Work in federal law enforcement to safeguard the country and gather intelligence.
• Customs Agent: Enforce immigration and customs laws, safeguard U.S. commercial aviation and protect federal facilities.
• Secret Service: Provide personal protection, guard U.S. financial systems and investigate financial crimes.
• Treasury Agent: Collect taxes from businesses according to laws and determine tax liability.
• U.S. Marshal: Serve warrants issued by Federal courts, seize and dispose of property under court orders and arrest people wanted by the law.

Other Professions:

• Animal Control Officer
• Bailiff
• Border Patrol Agent
• Corrections Officer
• Court Clerk
• Crime Scene Investigator (CSI)
• Customs Agent
• Detective
• Dispatcher
• Federal Bureau of Investigation Agent (FBI)
• Fingerprint Specialist
• Forensic Scientist
• Game Warden
• Highway Patrolman
• Homeland Security Agent
• Immigrations Officer
• Law Enforcement Officer
• Parole Officer
• Police Officer
• Prison Warden
• Private Investigator
• Probation Officer
• Secret Service Agent
• Security Guard
• Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT)
• State Trooper
• US Marshal
• Victim's Advocate

Detectives can be promoted in the same way as police officers, including to the ranks of sergeant, lieutenant, captain, deputy chief and chief. Whether you're looking to become a private investigator or crime scene investigator, starting a degree program in criminal justice can be a great first step toward advancing your career.

Earn Your Degree Online in Criminal Justice

Accelerate your career with an online degree in criminal justice. Find certificates, associate, bachelor's and master's degree programs that emphasize fairness in the apprehension, prosecution, defense and incarceration of those charged with criminal offenses.

Degrees in Criminal Justice
Most criminal justice positions require a minimum of a bachelor's degree to qualify for employment, but some entry-level positions can be obtained with a certificate or an associate degree. If you're ready to seek justice for citizens and retribution for victims, choose an online degree program in criminal justice from the list below.

Associate Degrees in Criminal Justice

• Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice

Bachelor's Degrees in Criminal Justice

• Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration
• Bacehelor of Science in Organizational Security and Management

Master's Degrees in Criminal Justice

• Master of Science/Administration of Justice and Security