If you’ve always dreamed of having a career just like the people on “CSI,” then you might want to think about getting an associate’s degree in criminal investigations.

Why Get An Associate’s Degree in Criminal Investigation?

Let’s answer this question with another question: who wouldn’t like to get a degree in criminal investigations?

When you think about it, this is one of the coolest careers out there. You get to really make a difference in your community by putting the bad guys behind bars. You could work in a forensics lab, work in a courtroom, or be part of an investigative team on the streets.

This is definitely a career that gets a response when you tell people what you do for a living.

What You’ll Learn In A Criminal Investigations Associate Degree Program

If you’re tired of looking at course lists that make you want to fall asleep, then take a look at what you’ll be learning with an associate degree in criminal investigations:

  • Firearm Use and Safety
  • Applied Ethics
  • Crime Scene Investigation
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • The American Legal System
  • Arrest Protocols
  • Computer Forensics
  • Crime Scene Photography
  • Biological Evidence
  • Fingerprints Classification

There aren’t many degrees that teach you how to shoot guns or take crime scene photographs, but this is one of them. If you’ve had problems staying awake in class in the past, chances are you won’t have any trouble when getting your criminal investigations associate degree.

Careers With An Associate Degree in Criminal Investigations

If you’re looking for a career that’s going to give you job security then criminal investigations is a great field to get into.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the criminal justice field as a whole is expected to grow at a rapid pace in the years to come, thanks in large part to population growth.  People are relying more and more on police officers and investigators, leaving many current agencies frantically looking to hire more professionals. Calls to these agencies have been steadily increasing, so you definitely shouldn’t have trouble finding a job once you’re done with school.

With an associate’s degree in criminal investigation, the BLS says that you can expect to earn $35,000 to $45,000 starting out.  The longer you’re in the field, however, the more you’ll earn.  And, a lot depends on your part of the country. Busier agencies will have more of a workload, and they’ll probably pay more than smaller or rural agencies.

There are also several different agencies you could work in with this degree. You could easily find employment in:

  • Arson investigation units
  • National government
  • Forensic labs
  • Insurance companies
  • Science consulting agencies
  • Medical examiners offices
  • Hospitals
  • Homicide investigation units
  • Evidence technician positions
  • Fingerprint technician positions

As you can see, there is no shortage of opportunities in this field! And, these are not “boring desk jobs” where you’re not even sure what you’re doing. All of these careers really help the broader community. You’ll be helping bring justice to people who belong behind bars, and keep the streets safe. Criminal Investigation is not only an interesting career, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.