How To Become A Criminal Investigator And Special Agent

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How Long Does It Take, What Degree Do You Need, and More

Criminal Investigators and Special Agents

Criminal Investigators and Special Agents investigate alleged or suspected criminal violations of Federal, state, or local laws to determine if evidence is sufficient to recommend prosecution.

Salary
$89300
Becoming One
Medium
Education
No degree required
Job Satisfaction
Job Growth
Low

Personality
Interest Match



Table of contents
  1. Summary
  2. Steps to become one
  3. Popular degree levels
  4. How long does it take

Summary

Degree field Criminal Justice, Psychology, Criminology, and Law Enforcement.
Duration to become one 2 to 6 years
Difficulty to become one Medium

Criminal Investigators typically need at least a Bachelor’s degree, but some agencies may only require an Associate’s degree or a high school diploma.

Common fields of study for Criminal Investigators include Criminal Justice, Psychology, Criminology, and Law Enforcement.

Criminal Investigators often need to complete training at a Police Academy and gain several years of law enforcement experience, but they do not need a license.


Criminal Investigators and Special Agents Requirements

Step 1: Get Good Grades in High School

Aspiring Criminal Investigators should focus on getting good grades in all subjects. Criminal Investigators require a wide range of skills and knowledge, including an understanding of math, science, sociology, and English.

English skills are essential for writing reports while sociology provides insight into the way people think. Math and science are needed for the technical aspects of police work, such as forensics.

Students may also search for community programs offered by local law enforcement agencies, which may provide the chance for students to learn more about the responsibilities of Detective and Criminal Investigators.

Step 2: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

Earning a Bachelor’s degree is an optional step that may increase your chances of finding work and gaining promotions to reach the title of Criminal Investigator.

Most local and state law enforcement agencies only require a high school diploma. However, a Bachelor’s degree is often necessary or preferred for high-level jobs, such as Criminal Investigator and the senior-most positions. Federal agencies, such as the FBI, also require a Bachelor’s degree.

The most common majors include Criminal Justice, Psychology, Criminology, and Law Enforcement. Those who plan on specializing in a specific area of Criminal Investigation may need to choose a different field of study, such as Forensic Accounting or Crime Scene Investigation.

Step 3: Find Work in Law Enforcement

A Criminal Investigator is not an entry-level job. Investigators typically gain their job titles through promotions. The most common path is to apply for a standard Police Officer position at a local or state law enforcement agency.

Keep in mind that it is technically possible to become a Criminal Investigator without working as a Police Officer. Some Criminal Investigators start in related fields, such as Forensic Psychology, Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Accounting, or Computer Forensics.

These other fields may require additional training and certification. For example, Computer Forensic Specialists typically need a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice or Computer Science.

Most law enforcement jobs require a thorough background check and a drug test. Candidates may also need to pass a health exam and a physical exam. Some employers require Police Officers and Criminal Investigators to complete marksmanship testing.

Step 4: Complete Police Academy Training

Individuals who apply to become a Police Officer or Patrol Officer need to complete police academy training. The training process typically takes about six months. After being accepted into a police academy training program, candidates begin receiving full pay.  

Police academy training includes hands-on training and classroom instruction. In the classroom, students learn more about the requirements of the job and law enforcement protocols. Students also complete practical training modules, including simulations of apprehensions and arrests.

It is also possible to apply for a position with a law enforcement agency and complete police academy training before earning a Bachelor’s degree.

The minimal requirements typically include a high school diploma and a background test. Candidates may also need to be at least 21 years of age.

Step 5: Seek Promotions to Become a Criminal Investigator

After earning a degree and finding work in law enforcement, aspiring Criminal Investigators should try to excel at their work and seek promotions.

Criminal Investigators often need at least two years of work experience. However, in major cities or agencies with limited staff, it may take many years to reach the position of Criminal Investigator. Aspiring Criminal Investigators may even need to seek promotions in other regions.

Step 6: Earn a Voluntary Certification

Earning a voluntary certification may increase an individual’s chances of becoming a Criminal Investigator. The two leading organizations that provide certification for Criminal Investigators include the American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) and the International Association of Identification (IAI).

Obtaining a certification from one of these organizations showcases the skills and knowledge needed to become a Criminal Investigator. To qualify for certification, candidates typically need at least two years of work experience in law enforcement, a Bachelor’s degree, and a passing score on an exam.

Step 7: Continue to Meet Training Requirements

Criminal Investigators typically need to complete training programs throughout their careers. The training requirements vary between each agency.

The training may cover new protocols and initiatives, such as sensitivity training, along with job-specific training, such as the latest Criminal Investigation methods.

What degree do most Criminal Investigators and Special Agents have

High School Diploma

We did a survey to ask other Criminal Investigators and Special Agents what degree they had when they first became one. Here are the results.

High School Diploma
41.84%

Certificate
23.7%

Post-secondary certificate
15.78%

How long does it take

2 to 6 years

Criminal Investigators often need at least two years of law enforcement experience. Some law enforcement agencies also require or prefer a Bachelor’s degree, which adds four years to the process.


Learn more about Criminal Investigators and Special Agents

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