Best Online Bachelor’s in Crime Scene Investigation Programs

Criminal investigators help solve criminal cases by gathering information and evidence from crime scenes, witnesses, suspects, and related parties. They commonly specialize in a particular type of crime, such as fraud, homicide, or white-collar crime.

Criminal investigators must complete police academy training and be sworn in as law enforcement agents to be eligible for promotion to this position.

Forensic science technicians collect and process physical evidence at crime scenes to support criminal investigations. They may work as criminalists or crime scene investigators — focused on identifying and collecting evidence — or they may work in a lab as forensic chemists or forensic biologists.

Forensic science technicians need at least a bachelor’s degree in forensic science or a related field, plus on-the-job experience. They must undergo supervised training in specialized lab procedures before they can operate independently, which often requires passing a proficiency exam for each specialty.

This occupation includes detectives and criminal investigators, sheriffs, and patrol officers charged with protecting people and property.

Most police jobs require only a high school diploma, though detectives often need a bachelor’s degree. Federal agencies like the FBI often require a college degree as well. Police officers must complete police academy training to qualify for entry-level jobs, and most detectives start their careers as police officers.