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CIP 43.0114 Homeland Security and Law Enforcement

Law Enforcement Investigation and Interviewing

IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education · 2025

Total graduates

189

2025 · 8 schools

International share

1.1%

2 international students

Bachelor's degrees

23

0.0% international

Master's degrees

88

0.0% international

Overview

Law Enforcement Investigation and Interviewing is a specialized field that focuses on the techniques, methodologies, and legal frameworks involved in criminal investigations and the interviewing of suspects and witnesses. This discipline is crucial for those aspiring to work in various facets of law enforcement, including police departments, federal agencies, and private security firms.

Students in this program typically learn about the criminal justice system, investigative procedures, and the ethical considerations inherent in law enforcement practices. The curriculum often covers topics such as evidence collection, crime scene analysis, forensic science, and the psychological aspects of interviewing. Students are trained to develop critical thinking and analytical skills, which are essential for assessing situations, gathering information effectively, and making informed decisions during investigations.

Additionally, the program emphasizes the importance of communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal, as they are vital in conducting interviews and interrogating suspects. Understanding the dynamics of human behavior plays a significant role in successfully extracting information and determining the credibility of statements.

Graduates of this program often pursue careers as investigators, detectives, or crime analysts, and they may also find opportunities in private investigation or consulting roles. With the increasing complexity of crimes and the growing importance of thorough investigations, professionals in this field are in high demand, making it a promising career path for those interested in serving justice and contributing to public safety.

Graduates by year

Graduates by degree level (first and second majors)

AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral

From 2010 to 2025, graduates grew 1,160% and the international share went from 0.0% to 1.1%.

International share (%)
Graduates by group, 2025
White
45.0%
Asian
1.1%
Hispanic
34.4%
Black
10.6%
Other
7.9%
Intl.
1.1%

Colleges that award this degree

In 2025, 8 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings, plus the unranked schools with the most graduates.

RankSchoolStateGraduatesInternational
#276 University of New Haven Connecticut 76 0
#382 Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Gurabo Campus Puerto Rico 9 0
— Ana G. Mendez University Florida 41 2
— Oakland Community College Michigan 20 0
— SUNY College of Technology at Canton New York 19 0
— Waynesburg University Pennsylvania 12 0
— Mohawk Valley Community College New York 8 0
— Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Puerto Rico 4 0

Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.

Related jobs and pay

OccupationUS employmentMean hourly wageMean annual wage
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers 670,520 $38.08 $79,200
Detectives and Criminal Investigators 114,430 $47.80 $99,430
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary 13,150 — $87,550

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.

Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2010–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.