Guide to Online Associate's Degrees in Criminal Investigation

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.

Guide to Online Associates Degree Programs

Associate degree holders generally have better job prospects than those with only a high school diploma. Earning an associate degree usually takes two years, and doing so in at an online school can be much more convenient than at a traditional campus. Below are the top accredited online schools offering associate degrees in the US.

	With one of the largest offerings of accredited online associate degrees, Post University is consistently highly rated by its students because of its flexibility and affordability. All associate degrees offered are fully accredited. Post was founded in 1890 and has been providing highly-rated degree programs to students ever since with an emphasis on practicality and application. Read full school profile » Request Information
	The University of Phoenix was one of the first accredited colleges to offer online degrees. Today, it has grown to become one of the nation's largest universities through its online division and campuses coast to coast. They remain one of the top choices for students looking for an associates degree online because of the broad array of choice and affordability they offer students. Read full school profile » Request Information
	With perhaps the largest number of online associates degrees offered, Kaplan University's degrees are fully accredited, affordable, and offer a flexibility that many other online schools cannot match. This unrivaled selection spans several industries, hundreds of specializations, and all degree levels of education, empowering students to choose their own path to a career. Read full school profile » Request Information
	One of the nation's leading Christian universities, Liberty offers a broad range of accredited associate degrees online. Their incorporation of moral and ethical considerations into study make them a popular choice for students seeking a well-rounded education built on academic integrity. Established in 1985, Liberty University has one of the longest-standing online education programs in the country. Read full school profile » Request Information
	The online associates degrees at Everest University can be completed in under 2 years, making this a great way for students to quickly works towards their life goals. An associates degree can give you a jump-start on your career and open opportunities around every corner. Many of the programs help students pursue positions in ever-growing fields. Read full school profile » Request Information
	Virginia College offers a wide range of accredited associates programs. VC takes several steps in helping students pays for college by offering financial aid to those who qualify, including textbooks in the tuition cost, and providing online programs that can be completed under two (2) years, giving students a quick way to jump start their careers. Read full school profile » Request Information
	DeVry University is a highly-regarded leader in education with campuses across the nation and several online degrees available. DeVry focuses on providing degrees centered in the technology industry or fields that require a broad understanding and need for technical skills. DeVry has several highly popular degrees like Accounting, Web Graphic Design, Health IT, and Network Systems Administration. Read full school profile » Request Information
	Strayer University has over the last decade become one of the most respected schools offering accredited online associate degrees. Their strong reputation among employers, broad course offerings, and over one hundred years in education make them consistently a top choice for students. Strayer has over 85 campuses and 60,000 students currently attending online or at one of its campuses. Read full school profile » Request Information