Those of you who like to help others and are interested in law enforcement should definitely consider becoming private investigators. To do that, there are several Private Investigator programs in the US that you can pursue.
Also, the coming years are expected to be good for jobs related to this field. Between 2018 and 2028, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected an 8% increase (about 2,600 new vacancies) in employment opportunities for Private Detectives and Investigators.
So, continue reading if you want to join this sector. You will find useful information on the best degree programs and career paths.
What Are Private Investigator Programs?
Private Investigators (PIs) or Detectives collect information, investigate cases, and carry out surveillance activities on the behalf of their clients. As is evident from the name, PIs usually work independently and offer their services to private individuals/entities. However, collaboration with local and state law enforcement units is common.
What Can You Do With a Private Investigator Program?
After earning a degree in a field related to Private Investigating, you can work as a Police Officer, Private Detective or Investigator (PI), Crime Scene Investigator, Forensic Science Technician, Patrol Officer, Sheriff’s Deputy, Police Detective, Fraud Investigator, etc.
Compensation details and career outlook for some of these jobs are provided in the tables below. All information has been obtained from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Police and Detectives – First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
Police and Detectives are responsible for protecting the lives and properties of residents within their jurisdiction. They collect evidence from crime scenes, track criminals, fight organized crime, monitor neighborhoods, etc.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | State with the Highest Salary, 2019 |
| $91,090 | 5% (Police and Detectives) | $94,950 | New York | 13,230 |
| California | $158,120 |
Private Detectives and Investigators
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | State with the Highest Salary, 2019 |
| $50,510 | 8% | $57,000 | Florida | 4,350 |
| District of Columbia | $69,790 |
Forensic Science Technicians
Forensic Science Technicians gather and analyze evidence from a crime scene to support criminal investigations. They specialize in laboratory and crime scene analysis.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | State with the Highest Salary, 2019 |
| $59,150 | 14% | $63,170 | California | 2,150 |
| California | $87,200 |
What to Expect from a Private Investigator Program?
Over the course of a Private Investigator program, you will learn about Criminology, Police Administration, Criminal Justice, Sociology, Juvenile Justice System, Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Science, Interviewing/Interrogation Techniques, Surveillance Technology, Researching Public Records, Tracking Missing Persons, Organized Crime, Drugs, and Human Trafficking, Private Investigation Methods, Ethics in Law, etc.
How to Choose a Private Investigator Program?
When choosing a Private Investigator course to enroll in, the first thing to consider is its accreditation status. Make sure that the recognition and accreditation of your chosen program is in order. Apart from that, your decision must also be based on the cost of a program, course contents, campus location, ease of commute, available specialties, residence options, etc.
Private Investigator Program Admission Requirements
The entrance criteria largely depends on the level of a degree and any specific conditions imposed by a particular school. In general, admission to an Associate or Bachelor’s program requires completing a High School Diploma or GED (General Educational Development) Certificate.
Students may also have to take a specialized college entry exam such as the ACT (American College Testing) or SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test). To get into a Master’s program, your undergraduate GPA (Grade Point Average) must be equal to or more than the minimum accepted by an educational institute.