A criminal investigation degree teaches students how to solve crimes, the process of collecting evidence as well as analyzing criminal conduct. Degree holders learn to develop skills to maintain public safety and ensure that criminals are dealt with appropriately. There are various educational tracks a student might take that would prepare them for this crucial field.

What is criminal investigation? 

Criminal investigation refers to the law, ethics, and strategies for criminal proof collection. It serves the basic purpose of keeping law and order in the society. This is a broad course that covers issues from the formation of laws to crime scene examination and criminal capture. Firearms training, ethics of investigative journalism, and practical field education allow students to get ready for versatile employment opportunities in the defense department. 

Criminal investigators work in collaboration with police officers, forensic specialists, and lawyers to solve crime scene situations. 

What do you study in a criminal justice degree program?

Students are taught the following blocks of investigation basics, techniques of interviewing suspects and witnesses along various forms of proof collection. An introduction of students to fundamental terminology and communication in specialized areas of social science under the guidance of practicing specialists. Experts such as criminal law (the core of legal study) and criminology (the study of crime’s origins and its effects) will teach these crucial lessons.

Here are some major courses which are offered in criminal investigation programs:

1. Introduction to Criminal Justice
2. Criminal Law and Procedure
3. Crime Scene Investigation
4. Forensic Science
5. Criminal Evidence and Legal Issues
6. Interviewing and Interrogation Techniques
7. Cybercrime and Digital Forensics

Additionally, these are some skills and techniques you will get to learn in criminal justice degree courses with a criminal investigation concentration:

• Investigative techniques to make students learn how to collect evidence and solve crimes.
• Forensic science teaches students how to use science to assist in criminal investigations. 

These programs often incorporate a module in criminal psychology or cybercrime investigation as well. The choice depends on the student’s choice. During the program, students gain important skills such as :

• The ability to assess evidence and take actions based on logical conclusions.
• The effort was taken to ensure that everything was correct during the investigations.
• The ability to prepare reports and give presentations describing the results of the investigation straightforwardly.

What are the different types of criminal investigation programs?

Completing a bachelor’s degree in criminal investigation enables graduates to obtain a basic level of education in criminal justice. It will help them work as law enforcement officers and detectives.

This type of program combines subjects such as forensic science, criminology, and criminal justice. This field aims to train and develop the skills needed by forensic professionals to assist in criminal investigations. The degrees available in this field include the following:  associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. Each one will serve distinct academic and career objectives ranging from entry-level to mid and higher-level positions. 

• Associate Degree In Criminal Investigation

The Associate Degree in Criminal Investigation is aimed at learners who have no prior experience in criminal investigation and aims to provide basic knowledge about law, criminal justice, and investigative techniques over roughly two years.

The classes focus on teaching students the fundamentals of criminology, criminal law, law enforcement, and some introductory forensic methods. Diploma holders become eligible for positions such as police constables, prison guards, and even some positions in private firms engaged in security work. Students may choose to further their education and undertake an associate degree in criminal justice or any related discipline. 

Example Program: Ohio University offers an online Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration on the fundamentals of criminology, criminal law, and investigative processes.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Investigation

The objective of the bachelor’s degree in criminal investigation is for the learners to understand in-depth criminal behavior, learn more sophisticated investigative processes, and the day-to-day functioning of agencies of criminal justice.

This program will be completed in four years and caters to those seeking mid-tier or specialized positions in the industry. It also has provisions for apprenticeship programs. The students of this program tend to be more mature compared to the average student. There will be more focus on emerging areas of criminal law, forensic science, criminal psychology, digital forensics, and advanced investigative techniques.  

Example Program:  National University: Offers a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration which includes courses in forensic science, social research, juvenile delinquency, and correctional education.  

• Master’s Degree in Criminal Investigation

A master’s degree in Criminal Investigation serves the purpose of offering deeper knowledge and skills to practitioners in leadership and policy formulation within the scope of criminal justice and specialized investigation, making it useful for those seeking to assume managerial, executive, or teaching positions.

Example Program: Purdue Global University has a Master of Science in Criminal Justice with an emphasis on organizational behavioral studies, management, leadership, and policy analysis of crime and advanced investigations. 

What can you do with a criminal investigation degree? 

A criminal investigation degree allows for many options for career growth in law enforcement, legal services, and forensic services. Completing either a bachelor’s degree in criminal investigation or a master’s degree in criminal investigation provides you with knowledge and skills suitable for many professions in the criminal justice system. The following are five critical professions associated with a criminal investigation degree: 

 1. Criminal Investigator

A criminal investigator is responsible for solving crimes through evidence collection, interviewing witnesses, and crime scene analysis. He gathers evidence by using forensic and surveillance techniques to construct cases that can be used in court. 

 2. Forensic Science Technician

Forensic science technicians help in criminal investigations by collecting and analyzing physical evidence from crime scenes. These may include DNA, fingerprints, and any other relevant substances. They work alongside criminal investigators to guarantee evidence handling and analysis aids the prosecution of the criminal case. 

3. CSI (Crime Scene Investigator)

Finding any evidence within the crime scene is the foremost responsibility of a crime scene investigator. They gather, organize, and maintain crime scene evidence in such a manner that can stand scrutiny in a court of law. 

4. Private Investigator 

An individual, law practice, or business may require some research and a private investigator may make use of investigative practices to gather information. Investigators might focus on areas like background investigations, person searches, or even fraudulent claims against insurance companies. 

5. FBI Agent 

The federal government agents frequently take forensic examinations to understand the depth of terrorism, organized crime, and other unlawful activities of national significance. Attending such an issue calls for collating information, conducting analysis, and problem-solving of a cross-border nature.

Is an online criminal investigation degree better than on-campus?

The use of technology has made earned degrees highly sought after as students can study at almost any location or time of their choosing. Numerous accredited institutions provide criminal investigation degrees online, meaning that students are not bound to physically attend classes.

Online Criminal Investigation Degree

Pros:

• Flexibility: Many students can create their schedules and can navigate the course material at their pace which is accommodating for those who are working or have family responsibilities.
• Outreach: Those living in remote regions and away from schools that offer criminal justice online programs can benefit greatly as they no longer have to relocate making these programs highly accessible.
• Cost Effective: Online courses tend to incur lower tuition fees as students are saved from travel-related expenses and many schools offer lowered fees for virtual learners.
• Self-Paced Learning: It is very beneficial for the learning programs to have self-paced learning as students can learn at their desired pace. 

Cons: 

• Limited Networking Opportunities: Lack of firsthand interaction inhibits the ability of students to attend networking events that help foster valuable professional relationships within the criminal justice field. 
• Requires Discipline: Reduced reminders and extrinsic deadlines mean that there is a greater demand for self-discipline to achieve learning goals when working online. 
• Hands-On Training Limitations: While the theoretical portions of criminal investigation can be taught well via the Internet the same cannot be done for fieldwork or laboratory exercises that necessarily require physical involvement. 

 On-Campus Criminal Investigation Degree 

An on-campus criminal investigation degree also comes with set programs where students physically attend classes and therefore participate much more actively in comparison to their online counterparts. 

Pros: 

• Hands-On Learning: It is uncommon for on-campus programs to lack practical learning components such as labs, internships, or live demonstrations so crucial to criminal investigative careers.  
• Networking: Being on campus also allows students to mingle with faculty alongside industry professionals which is great for job placements as well as mentoring.
• Immediate Support: Students enrolled at a particular campus have seamless access to professors and advisors, which can be beneficial for them in understanding and receiving direction.

Cons: 

• Less Flexibility: On-campus programs have a strict timetable that students have to follow. It may not work for people who have other commitments to attend to such as work and family.
• Higher Costs: Tuition fees for these programs are higher and there is also extra spending like commuting and parking expenses or accommodation.
• Geographic Constraints: Students must live close to the institution offering the program or be ready to shift, which rules out options for students who live in rural areas or have other geographic limitations.

Criteria	Online	On-Campus
Flexibility	No Fixed Schedule	Fixed Schedule
Cost	Affordable Fees	Higher Fees
Hands-on experience	Less face-to-face interaction	Face to Face interaction
Discipline	Requires time management and self-motivation	A more structured learning environment
Networking Opportunities	Limited access to experts and teachers	Direct access to teachers, classmates and

The decision to pursue an online criminal investigation degree or an on-campus program is a personal one that is highly dependent on one’s situation, and career goals, respectively. Online programs come with more flexible structures, reduced costs, and the advantage of balancing work or family with educational pursuits. 

The drawback, however, is the lack of on-networking opportunities along with little to no experience in comparison to what on-campus programs offer. On-campus degrees provide a rich experience of learning, interaction, and resource utilization but require strong time, and often monetary, investment.

What is required to get into a school program? 

Every college or university has its standards about admission requirements for criminal investigation degree programs. However, here is a baseline checklist for common requirements: 

Associate Degree Programs

• Educational Background: A high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate is required. 
• Application Materials: An application form is mandatory, along with official high school transcripts or GED scores. 
• Additional Requirements: Some applicants may be asked to provide a personal statement or letters of recommendation. 

Bachelor’s Degree Programs

• Educational Background: A high school diploma or GED is required with possibly some prerequisite courses. 
• Application Materials: An application form is required along with official high school transcripts. Depending on a specific program, standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) may be needed. 
• Additional Requirements: Applicants must provide a personal statement or an essay or letters of recommendation as well as a minimum GPA requirement for some programs. 

Master’s Degree Programs

• Educational Background: A Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field from an accredited institution is required. 
• Academic Performance: Must meet minimum GPA standards (usually 3.0 on a 4.0 scale).
• Application Materials: A finished application including a cv, statement of purpose, scholarship recommendation letters, program goals, and research interests.

How to select a criminal investigation degree program? 

While choosing a program, you should look at its accreditation, faculty members, available courses, and their connections with the prospective students’ career objectives.  Accreditation means the program has recognized educational conditions that are important for employment, further education, or both. The curricular progressions of associate and master degrees in criminal investigation signify the broadening and deepening of the learners’ specialty in criminal justice. 

Each step provides tailored instruction appropriate for the learners’ professional objectives, ranging from entry-level to more sophisticated managerial positions. With the myriad options available, prospective learners should evaluate where they want their careers to head, the fields they wish to focus on, and how much time they are ready to invest in their education when selecting the ideal course. 

Recommended criminal investigation schools 

Each institution has its unique requirements for admission, so it is important to go through all of the details for every program that you are interested in.

1. Florida International University (FIU)

At Florida International University, students can earn an Online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree. This degree will help those wanting to work in law enforcement, corrections, and other related fields. Subjects like the theory of criminology, criminal laws, and investigation techniques enable students to gain comprehensive knowledge of the criminal justice system. 

The program at FIU will best serve those requiring assistance in obtaining employment in the field of criminal justice on a federal or local level. 

• Degree: Online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree 

• Acceptance Rate: 64%
• In-State Tuition: $6,168 per year

2. University of New Haven (UNH)

The University of New Haven’s Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice Degree helps those who are looking to move up the criminal justice professional ladder and take on more advanced positions within the field. It offers specialized courses in forensic sciences, criminological theory, and administration of justice and is tailored towards aspiring managers and policymakers and specialists in criminal investigations or law enforcement. The university provides strong experiential learning support and has active relationships with many police departments and law enforcement agencies.

• Degree: Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice Degree
• Acceptance Rate: 81%
• Tuition Fees: $1,092 per credit hour

3. University of Central Florida (UCF)

The Online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program offered at UCF enables learners to study criminal justice from a variety of angles. The program encompasses law enforcement, criminology as well as legal education for effective functioning in advanced investigation cases. The format of the UCF online program enables students to earn a degree while working or attending to other responsibilities, making it ideal for those starting a career in criminal justice. 

• Degree: Online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice 
• Acceptance Rate: 41%
• In-State Tuition: $6,368 per year

4. Pennsylvania State University World Campus (Penn State)

The Online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program from Penn State is targets the managerial as well as practical skills required in the socio-economic environment. The sponsoring body has shown relevance in teaching criminal law, crime, sociology, and the consequences their actions have in society. 

• Degree: Online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice 
• Acceptance Rate: 82%
• Tuition Fee: $15,054 yearly

5. University of Florida (UF)

The University of Florida is an Online Bachelor of Arts in Criminology that equips students for careers and working as criminal justice officers, police officers, and detectives. The program at UF includes the study of criminological theory, criminal conduct, and the functioning of the criminal justice system within society, and it also places great emphasis on advanced research and analysis. This degree is ideal for those who seek to further their education or career in policy analysis, criminal investigation, or law enforcement.

• Degree: Online Bachelor of Arts in Criminology
• Out-of-State Tuition Fee: $552.62 per credit hour

Conclusion 

Overall, earning an online degree in criminal investigation provides the ideal combination of autonomy and accessibility for those looking to enter the field of law enforcement. From associate’s to bachelor’s and master’s level, students will find many quality institutions willing to offer education in this area. 

These universities provide comprehensive criminal justice degree programs for example are designed to develop competencies in law enforcement, criminal investigation, and policy analysis. It is advisable to check the institution’s accreditation, course structure, fees, and support services before choosing a program to maximize the chances of reaching your career aspirations.