The Criminal Investigation program provides students the basic competencies involved in investigating crimes, the individuals who commit them, and the victims who endure them. From the legal elements necessary for conviction to the investigation techniques and details required for effective prosecution, criminal investigators understand not only the nuts and bolts of a crime scene, but the legal and ethical implications of their work. Criminal investigators require an firm understanding of the law alongside the research and investigative capability to create and track down various criminal profiles including the psychology of a criminal mind and the difficulties endured by their victims.

Criminal Investigation is more and more being driven by advances in technology, provided the search and seizure techniques and investigative efforts remain within the confines of the Fourth Amendment. Still, as more and more technology is incorporated into criminal investigation efforts, technicians and investigation professionals who understand the nature of these efforts alongside the legal considerations and ramifications are in great demand by law offices, corrections agencies, companies that supply these organizations and beyond.

The Criminal Investigation program offers learners the chance to hone their knowledge and skills in the area of criminology, the criminal mind and investigation techniques all with an eye toward criminal justice ethics and the legal system that governs these investigations. Participants looking to pursue advanced degrees in criminal justice, perhaps looking toward a career as a criminal law assistant or court clerk would benefit tremendously from this set of strategically aligned courses and acquire the knowledge and skills that all criminal investigation professionals draw from every day.

Program Objectives

After completing this program, learners will be able to:

• Define terms related to criminal investigation
• Outline the history of criminal investigation
• Analyze the process of criminal investigation
• Examine types of criminal offenses
• Explain the relationship between criminal investigation and the courtroom process
• Define terms related to the study of crime
• Analyze the concept of criminology
• Examine research and data collection methods used in criminology
• Examine theories and principles of criminology
• Describe the basic concepts of biological theories of criminal behavior
• Distinguish between various types of crimes
• Evaluate methods used to effectively deal with crimes
• Analyze the relationship between drugs and crime
• Assess laws and social policies that have been established to address crime in the United States
• Examine the future of crime
• Use Microsoft Office®

Certification Opportunities

After completing this program, learners will have the opportunity to take the leading national/industry-recognized certification exam(s) essential to entry-level employment in this fast-growing field.

National Workforce Career Association (NWCA) Criminal Investigation (CJ-INV)

Optional Volunteer Externship Opportunity

Learners who complete this program are eligible to participate in an optional volunteer externship opportunity with a local company/agency/organization whose work aligns with this area of study in order to gain valuable hands-on experience.  As learners progress through their eLearning program, an Externship Coordinator will reach out to coordinate placement.

Note: Additional documentation including health records, immunizations, drug-screening, criminal background checks, etc. may be required by the externship facility.