Law Enforcement Investigation and Interviewing
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
AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral
From 2010 to 2025, graduates grew 1,160% and the international share went from 0.0% to 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.
| Rank | School | State | Graduates | International |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #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
| Occupation | US employment | Mean hourly wage | Mean 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.