Study Crime Investigation Online: Overview of Learning Options

Crime scene investigators are responsible for the complex tasks associated with collecting and securing physical evidence. Increased instances of financial crime, including identity theft and consumer fraud, have expanded the range of available criminal justice career opportunities.

Online Criminal Justice Certificate Program

Unlike traditional on-campus programs, online students attend class by accessing an online classroom to interact with their facilitators and submit coursework. Most online programs require minimum technological proficiencies, including basic computer skills and the possession of routine computer hardware and software. Students who wish to pursue law enforcement or corrections careers may benefit from this certificate program, which focuses on criminal justice and crime scene investigation fundamentals.

Sample Curriculum for a Certificate in Criminal Justice

Certificate programs typically focus on basic criminology principles, supplemented by coursework focusing on correctional procedures. Programs may include the following coursework:

• Introduction to Criminal Justice
• Criminology
• Substantive Criminal Justice
• Procedural Criminal Justice
• Correctional Process

Online Economic Crime Investigation Certificate Program

Escalating numbers of low-level crimes involving monetary and information resources has increased the need for criminal investigators. Certificate programs train students to use criminal justice techniques and procedures to identify financial crimes, which may qualify them to work as internal financial crime investigators or seek employment with a law enforcement agency.

Sample Curriculum for a Certificate in Economic Crime Investigation

Like criminal justice programs, an economic crime course of study establishes a foundation in criminal justice concepts. This knowledgebase is supported with information technology, finance and accounting coursework, including:

• Forensic Accounting
• Fraud Auditing
• Information Security
• Fraud Prevention and Detection

Online Criminal Justice Associate of Applied Science Degree Program

This degree program has the advantage of preparing the student for a criminal justice career, as well as providing the academic foundation necessary for a more advanced course of study. Students have the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to be a crime scene investigator.

Sample Curriculum for an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Criminal Justice

Associate level students receive a combination of general education classes, including math, humanities and English composition, supplemented with the following types of core classes:

• Law Enforcement Operations
• Judicial Function
• Constitutional Law
• Criminology

Online Bachelor of Science in Economic Crime Investigation Program

The knowledge and practical skills obtained from this course of study qualify students to work in law enforcement cybercrimes divisions as well as organizational in-house investigators. This program enables students to understand the role that criminal investigative techniques play in the investigation of criminal acts.

Sample Curriculum for a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economic Crime Investigation

Mandatory coursework includes a foundation in mathematics, computer science and economics, supported by a core program, which may include:

• Jurisprudence of the Criminal Law
• Law of Economic Crime
• Introduction to Criminal Justice
• Forensic Accounting
• Criminal Justice Research Methods

Online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Program

Students who successfully complete a criminal justice bachelor-level program have a wide variety of potential employers, including law enforcement agencies, corrections and private agencies. A well-balanced curriculum promotes a blend of academic and practical knowledge necessary for a successful career.

Sample Curriculum for a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice

Crime scene investigation principles are explored in a variety of courses designed to familiarize students with key criminal justice, corrections and criminal law concepts. Coursework may include the following:

• Crime and Criminology
• The Police Function
• The Adjudication Function
• Criminal Procedure
• Criminal Law

Online Master of Science in Economic Crime Management Program

A master's level program focuses on cultivating knowledge and expertise necessary to investigate financial crime as well as developing leadership skills. This educational focus may lead to a multitude of career opportunities in the public as well as private sector, including management positions.

Sample Curriculum for a Master of Science Degree in Economic Crime Management

Program participants explore a variety of subjects designed to develop competencies in areas that may include:

• Fraud Management and Technology
• Financial Investigation
• Fraud Analysis
• Advanced Economic Crime
• Legal Concepts of Criminal Fraud

Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice Program

Existing law enforcement, corrections officers, probation officers and law clerks are only a few of the professionals who could benefit from this course of study, which prepares students for research and analysis of complex topics.

Sample Curriculum for a Master of Science Degree in Criminal Justice

A master's level criminal justice degree program enhances the student's leadership and investigative skills. Required coursework may include:

• Organizational Behavior and Leadership in Criminal Justice
• Criminal Investigations
• Forensic Psychology
• Restorative Justice
• Terrorism and Homeland Security