If investigating and solving crimes sounds like an exciting way to spend your days, becoming a detective may be for you. Although life in law enforcement requires a mix of hard and soft skills, with training and experience, this is an achievable career path for those who decide to dedicate themselves to it.
If you are interested in criminology and detective work, you might benefit from a dedicated program such as the Arkansas State University (A-State) online Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Criminology. This program is designed to provide students with a deeper understanding of crime on a macro level, including an overview of its social context. Such a program prepares graduates for work across several public service roles, like becoming a detective in a local or state police department.
Students can achieve their goals of working in the field by gaining experience in areas such as negotiation, criminal law and social research methodology. The program at A-State also allows for the combination of a second major like Sociology, Communications or Business Administration, to create an even more specialized, intersectional skill set.
How to Become a Detective
A recent article by the Indeed Editorial Team outlines the ins and outs of becoming a detective. Detectives have a variety of day-to-day roles, including using technology to research or create warrants, participating in raids and collecting evidence at crime scenes. The job is quite varied and requires a great deal of communication with other law enforcement and related departments, meaning interpersonal skills are essential.
Though the baseline requirement for detective work is a high school diploma, Indeed notes that many employers insist on a degree in law enforcement or criminal justice, adding, “Candidates should take classes in criminal procedure, criminal law and judicial function to increase their education.” Speaking a second language can also be a great asset during the job search.
There are also further requirements for those hoping to become federal law enforcement agents. These individuals must attend specific training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center or the U.S. Marine Corps Base. They must be U.S. citizens and at least 21 years of age. Many police departments promote detectives only after they have spent several years as police officers themselves, and the FBI has additional experience requirements for those wishing to join.
Enhancing Detective Skills
Aside from the practical training outlined above, there are also more nuanced skills that will be a significant advantage for future detectives. As the Indeed Career Guide explains, alongside obvious tasks like evidence collection and interviewing, skills like active listening, human psychology, critical thinking, emotional intelligence and research are highly useful.
In terms of investigation, Indeed notes that there are clear paths for gaining more experience while on the job: ” … it’s beneficial to pursue a role in an investigation unit of your police department. You could work in cybercrime, homicide, fraud or missing persons to gain relevant experience.” Of course, starting your experience in a course is another beneficial way to gain exposure to investigation tools and strategies.
Other entry-level positions that can help build essential skills are border control agent, correctional officer and crime analyst. There are many job opportunities available for individuals with a criminology education and for those seeking to transition into detective work.
Detective Salary
One of the most important questions about a future in detective work is, of course, what kind of salary can be expected. The answer depends on a variety of factors, including location, experience and education level, and what type of employer you pursue. It may also take some time to reach the position of detective after gaining relevant experience in an entry-level position, but these roles also offer competitive salaries.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in 2024, detectives earned a median salary of $77,270 per year. The job outlook is expected to remain consistent for many years.
If you feel ready to start your journey towards becoming a detective, A-State’s fully online program may be just the solution. With core classes in key topics, including Criminal Evidence and Procedure and Criminal Justice Systems, and elective classes ranging from Institutional Corrections to Juvenile Delinquency, A-State offers a breadth of learning opportunities within a single program.
Learn more about Arkansas State University’s online Bachelor of Arts in Criminology program.