Criminal investigators can work for a number of different laws enforcement agencies, in fact there are around fifty different agencies to choose from. There are few areas of life that are not affected by crime in some way. Some agencies have very specific remit e.g. game wardens; others are far more general e.g. the local Sheriff's office. Wherever crime has been committed, criminal investigation is needed. Your general remit would be to plan, and execute an investigation. You might interview suspects, victims, and witnesses. You would gather information, evidence and associated documentation. Depending on your specialty, you may even be involved with DNA, fingerprint, or cyber-evidence. You may need to appear in court to give evidence. These cases are usually allocated on a rotational basis, and you'd work on the case until it is solved or shelved.

Each agency has their own set of requirements and qualifications which they deem relevant to the type of work you would carry out if you become a criminal investigator. In very broad terms, most employers look for a minimum of a bachelor's degree in a relevant subject such as police science, or criminaljustice administration. If you want to progress, you will need more than a bachelor's degree, and will likely need further education involving police administration or public accounting. Niche positions, such as cybercrime, need relevant skills or experience in IT. If you want to become a criminal investigator, you would be best advised to contact specific agencies for whom you want to work in order to establish exactly what their requirements are.

The following schools offer criminal justice degrees which can help you gain the skills to become a Criminal Investigator: