Are you passionate about making the world a safer place by solving crime? Are you a natural-born problem solver with sharp analytical skills? If so, a career in criminal investigation might be right for you.
As a criminal investigator, you'll gather and analyze evidence that can help solve crimes, working alongside law enforcement officers and other professionals to bring criminals to justice.
If this type of work appeals to you, earning your bachelor’s degree in criminal justice can be an excellent first step. By building foundational skills and knowledge, this degree can prepare you for a rewarding career as a criminal justice investigator or forensic investigator.
The Role of a Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
For those interested in the investigative and forensic aspects of criminal justice, an undergraduate degree can provide essential training. A criminal justice program typically covers topics such as:
- Criminal law
- Criminology
- Investigation techniques
- Forensics
- Ethics
From analytical thinking and communication to problem-solving and evidence evaluation, students learn to tackle the various challenges of forensic investigations.
What Is Criminal Investigation?
So, what exactly does a career in criminal investigation entail? The primary goal of criminal investigations is to solve crime, ultimately bringing perpetrators to justice.
The specific duties of a criminal investigator can vary greatly from one role to the next. In general, these professionals have the following responsibilities:
- Interviewing witnesses and potential suspects
- Collecting and analyzing evidence
- Monitoring suspects' activities
- Testifying in court
- Documenting investigations
Unlike other roles in law enforcement and criminal justice, investigators focus on building cases and solving crimes (as opposed to preventing them). They may work for local police departments, state bureaus, and even federal agencies.
Career Paths in Criminal Investigations
Still trying to figure out whether a degree in criminal justice is right for you? It’s helpful to examine the types of criminal justice careers you can pursue after graduation.
Criminal Investigator/Detective
One of the most common career paths for graduates with a criminal justice bachelor degree is that of detective or criminal justice investigator. These professionals often start off in patrol positions within police departments or other agencies before transitioning into investigations. From there, they are responsible for analyzing and collecting evidence at crime scenes, handling case management, and conducting interviews with victims and potential suspects.
Crime Scene Investigator
Another option when it comes to criminal justice careers with a bachelor’s degree is becoming a crime scene investigator (CSI). These experts focus primarily on the meticulous collection, documentation, and processing of physical evidence at crime scenes. They work closely with law enforcement and forensic teams to ensure all evidence is properly handled and admissible in court. In some cases, CSIs may also be asked to testify about their findings.
Federal Agent (FBI, DEA, ATF)
If you're interested in exploring criminal investigative careers at the federal level, you may consider becoming a federal agent. These professionals can work for a number of federal agencies, including:
- The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI)
- The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
- The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF)
Federal agents investigate and solve cases at a national level. While a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field is generally the minimum requirement, many roles are highly competitive and may prefer advanced experience or education (such as a master’s degree).
Private Investigator
Not all investigators work for police departments or federal agencies. Many professionals in this field go on to become private investigators, working independently or for private firms. With the right training and experience, private investigators can handle a range of responsibilities, from investigating crimes and gathering evidence to locating missing persons.
Intelligence Analyst
Another possible career option is becoming an intelligence analyst. These professionals gather and evaluate information related to criminal activity — including acts of terrorism and potential threats to national security.
Typically, intelligence analysts work in federal agencies (such as the FBI or Department of Homeland Security). However, they may also be employed in state fusion centers, local law enforcement departments, and military intelligence units.
What Is Forensic Science?
Forensic science plays an important role in supporting the criminal justice system — especially when it comes to solving crimes. This field encompasses a wide range of disciplines, including biology, chemistry, digital forensics, ballistics, and trace evidence analysis.
While forensic professionals usually work behind the scenes, their efforts in evidence collection and data interpretation play an integral role in building cases.
Career Paths in Forensic Science
Along with roles in criminal investigations, having a degree in criminal justice can open the door to a variety of exciting and rewarding careers in forensic science. A great way to enhance career options in forensic science while completing a degree in criminal justice is to complete a minor in biology, chemistry, or cybersecurity.
Forensic Science Technician
Forensic science technicians primarily work in laboratory settings, analyzing physical evidence collected from crime scenes. They often collaborate with members of law enforcement to process and analyze evidence and may be asked to provide expert testimony in court.
Forensic Investigator
Unlike technicians, who mostly work in lab settings, forensic investigators divide their time between the lab and in the field. They may also perform evidence analysis, documenting and reporting critical findings that can support criminal cases.
Digital Forensics Specialist
As cybercrime and other digital crimes become increasingly common, the demand for knowledgeable digital forensics specialists continues to increase. These experts play a significant role in both the private and public sectors, working to track and solve instances of cybercrime and fraud while assisting with data recovery.
Ballistics Expert (Forensics Firearms Examiner)
Ballistics experts examine evidence (including shell casings and bullet trajectories) to link weapons to specific suspects or crime scenes. They often work in crime labs within local police departments, federal agencies, and independent forensic laboratories.
Forensic Toxicologist
Another forensic science career to consider is that of forensic toxicologist. These experts usually work in medical examiner offices, crime labs, hospitals, or government agencies. By analyzing biological samples (including blood, urine, and tissue), they can detect the presence of certain drugs, alcohol, poisons, or other chemicals. This work can help determine causes of death as well as impairment or poisoning incidents.
Growing Opportunities in Criminal Justice
Criminal justice is a dynamic, evolving field, offering strong job security and a variety of potential career paths. And, with advancements in technology, the demand for tech-savvy investigators is higher than ever — especially in areas such as digital forensics and cybersecurity. In addition to these tech roles, criminal justice graduates may also find opportunities in growing sectors such as homeland security, financial fraud, and environmental crime.
Preparing for a Career in Investigation or Forensics
If you're serious about a career in criminal investigations or forensics, there are proactive steps you can take now to align your education with your long-term career goals. For example, you can take elective courses or even minors in fields related to cybersecurity, psychology, biology, chemistry, and criminology.
Looking to gain some practical, hands-on experience? Pursue internship opportunities with local law enforcement or legal agencies, which can be found through career fairs or professional networking. Joining relevant student organizations (such as criminal justice clubs) while in school can also be a great way to network and build essential skills.
In addition to pursuing a formal degree, you might also explore certification opportunities. One popular designation is the Crime Scene Analyst Certification, which is offered through the International Association for Identification.
Learn More About the Criminal Justice Degree at SSU
A criminal justice bachelor degree can pave the way to a variety of criminal investigative careers. Whether you dream of working as a ballistics expert, a forensic toxicologist, a forensic investigator, or another criminal justice role, a strong education can provide the foundational skills and knowledge you need to thrive.
Still looking for the right undergraduate degree program to kickstart your career in forensic investigation? Shawnee State University's Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice program offers field experience and coursework designed to help you achieve your career goals. In this 120-credit program, you'll build skills in areas such as criminology, research methods, and victimology, deepening your understanding of the intersection of criminal behavior and criminal justice. The BA Criminal Justice has over 35 hours of general electives that will allow you to explore relevant minors in psychology, criminology, biology, chemistry or cybersecurity depending on your career goals in the field of criminal justice.
Request more information about SSU's BA in Criminal Justice today. Eager to take the next step? Get the ball rolling on your application for admission here!