Launch a Career as a Private Investigator
Private Investigators work in fields such as narcotics, robbery, personal matters and fraud to track down information for individuals who hire them. Sometimes called a P.I., a private investigator might start out as a police officer who rises through the ranks.
Degrees for Private Investigators
Though experience is key, applicants with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice gain the competitive edge for promotion and job security.
Private Investigator Training
While training to become a private investigator, try gaining experience in any of the following areas as early as possible:
- Interviewing suspects
- Collecting evidence
- Learning state laws in your field
- Running background checks
- Following others undetected
Whether you're looking to become a private investigator or detective, starting a degree program in criminal justice can prove beneficial toward advancing your career.
Launch a Career in the FBI
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) enforces federal statutes and manages national security concerns. FBI agents investigate charges of corruption, terrorism, drug trafficking and other matters regarding both international and domestic organized crime.
Online Degrees for FBI Agents
FBI agent applicants must possess a bachelor's degree in any subject, although those in criminal justice, information technology and law enforcement are common choices. Other requirements include great physical condition, fluency in a foreign language and passing a drug screen and background check.
FBI Training
The selection of FBI agents is extremely competitive, and training varies by the area of focus. Some specific fields include:
- Cyber crime and other high-tech crimes
- Foreign espionage
- Public corruption
- Terrorism
- Violations of civil rights
FBI agents earn approximately $61,000 to $70,000 per year, but with additional education and experience, they can move into managerial positions with annual salaries over $90,000 per year. If you're interested in a federal government job in which you can help protect the country from harm, a career in the FBI might be for you.
Launch a Career in Crime Scene Investigation
A Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) collects physical evidence at the scene of a crime to help identify perpetrators. This evidence can later be used to reconstruct crime scenes during investigations and help lead to arrests and convictions of responsible parties.
Online Degrees for Crime Scene Investigators
Most employers require a CSI to have a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or related discipline. While some Crime Scene Investigators are police officers, others are civilians with keen investigative skills and laboratory experience.
Crime Scene Investigator Training
A Crime Scene Investigator collects, preserves and securely transports important evidence without contaminating samples. As the job involves bending, lifting and sometimes crawling or climbing to investigate, CSI candidates should also be in good physical condition. Specific CSI job duties may include:
- Collecting fingerprints and DNA samples of blood, skin cells and hair
- Identifying clues to reconstruct crime scenes
- Preparing written reports of finding and conclusions
- Responding quickly to prevent crime scene contamination
CSIs work on a variety of crimes, but especially homicides, robberies and sexual assaults. If you'd like to be a part of solving crimes and enjoy laboratory science, a career as a CSI could be for you.
Launch a Career in Forensic Science
Forensic scientists play important roles in the criminal justice system as they collect, preserve and analyze crime scene evidence to solve crimes. A forensic scientist should be methodical, organized and have a good eye for detail in the laboratory environment.
Online Degrees for Forensic Scientists
Most law enforcement agencies require forensic scientists to have at least an associate degree; others require a bachelor's degree and/or post-graduate study. Common fields of study for forensic scientists include biology, chemistry, criminal justice and forensic science.
Forensic Science Training
Forensic scientists may specialize in various areas such as fingerprinting, criminalistics, DNA analysis, handwriting and geology. In general, forensic scientists work on the scenes of crimes and in the laboratory to carry out their job duties, which may include:
- Ballistic analysis
- Collection and identification of fingerprints
- DNA analysis of hair, skin cells, blood and other bodily fluids
- Reconstruction of crime scenes
- Typing and dispersal of blood splatters and stains
The U.S. Department of Labor expects job opportunities for forensic scientists to grow "much faster than average" through 2016, especially in county and state crime laboratories.
Is a Career as a Criminal Justice Calling?
Interested in a career that emphasizes fairness while pursuing, arresting or trying suspects? If so, a career in criminal justice could be the right one for you. From positions in the federal government to on-the-street law enforcement, there are many opportunities for people who want to protect and serve the public. Read on to see if you have what it takes.
Careers in Criminal Justice
There is a high demand for individuals with degrees in criminal justice, but keeping the peace, assisting victims with retribution and enforcing justice in the legal system comes in many forms. Explore a wide variety of criminal justice careers 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
- Bachelor of Science in Organizational Security and Management
Master's Degrees in Criminal Justice
- Master of Science/Administration of Justice and Security
Police work is a highly competitive field, but for qualified individuals, it is a growing field with excellent career potential.
