Best institutions to study Law Enforcement Investigation and Interviewing
A program focusing on the principles, procedures, techniques, legal concerns, and problems associated with a criminal investigation.
14 U.S. institutions graduated 310 Law Enforcement Investigation and Interviewing students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 43.0114, a specialization of Criminal Justice and Corrections (CIP 43.01), and leads most directly to the Detectives and Criminal Investigators occupation (BLS SOC 33-3021).
About Law Enforcement Investigation and Interviewing programs
A program focusing on the principles, procedures, techniques, legal concerns, and problems associated with a criminal investigation. Includes instruction in administrative law and procedures, courtroom evidence management and preparation, case presentation and court testimony, description and identification, state and federal criminal law and procedures, informant and suspect rights, officer liability, informant and witness management, victim awareness, tactical interviewing, psychology, criminal investigation methods and procedures, report writing and documentation, investigative techniques, and case management.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Law Enforcement Investigation and Interviewing program is designed for individuals interested in the principles and techniques involved in criminal investigations. This program falls under the broader field of Criminal Justice and Corrections, providing students with essential knowledge to navigate legal concerns and investigative procedures effectively.
Students will develop core skills in active listening, critical thinking, and effective communication while gaining knowledge in law, public safety, and psychology. Coursework includes tactical interviewing, case management, report writing, and understanding the rights of informants and suspects.
Credentials awarded
What Law Enforcement Investigation and Interviewing graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Master's degree88 graduates / yr · 2 institutions28%
- Associate's degree78 graduates / yr · 4 institutions25%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year58 graduates / yr · 3 institutions19%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate49 graduates / yr · 3 institutions16%
- Bachelor's degree23 graduates / yr · 2 institutions7.4%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years14 graduates / yr · 2 institutions4.5%
Graduates over time
Law Enforcement Investigation and Interviewing completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 117 |
| 2013 | 100 |
| 2014 | 96 |
| 2015 | 25 |
| 2016 | 17 |
| 2017 | 48 |
| 2018 | 76 |
| 2019 | 98 |
| 2020 | 163 |
| 2021 | 227 |
| 2022 | 277 |
| 2023 | 269 |
| 2024 | 300 |
| 2025 | 310 |
Top 14 institutions for Law Enforcement Investigation and Interviewing, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of New Haven West Haven, CTPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 98 | 63% | $32,614 | $36,455 |
| 2 | Missouri State University - Springfield Springfield, MOPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 45 | 58% | — | — |
| 3 | Ana G. Mendez University Orlando, FLPrivate not-for-profitAssociate's | 41 | — | — | — |
| 4 | CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice New York, NYPublicPost-degree cert. | 23 | 56% | — | $37,284 |
| 5 | Oakland Community College Auburn Hills, MIPublicAssociate's | 20 | 21% | — | $51,827 |
| 6 | SUNY College of Technology at Canton Canton, NYPublicBachelor's | 19 | 38% | — | $37,702 |
| 7 | Waynesburg University Waynesburg, PAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 12 | 66% | $24,453 | $37,582 |
| 8 | Pikes Peak State College Colorado Springs, COPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 11 | 21% | — | $50,546 |
| 9 | Missouri Southern State University Joplin, MOPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 10 | 42% | — | $34,058 |
| 10 | Universidad Ana G. Mendez - Gurabo Campus Gurabo, PRPrivate not-for-profitAssociate's | 9 | 31% | $9,370 | — |
| 11 | Mohawk Valley Community College Utica, NYPublicAssociate's | 8 | 38% | — | $36,754 |
| 12 | Central Connecticut State University New Britain, CTPublicPost-degree cert.Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 6 | 48% | — | — |
| 13 | Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez Mayaguez, PRPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 4 | 40% | $10,234 | — |
| 14 | Blue Ridge Community and Technical College Martinsburg, WVPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 4 | 32% | — | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Criminal Justice and Corrections field (CIP 43.01) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 9 states & territories
Where Law Enforcement Investigation and Interviewing graduates come from. Each state links to all Criminal Justice and Corrections programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | 2 | 104 | University of New Haven98 / yr |
| Missouri | 2 | 55 | Missouri State University - Springfield45 / yr |
| New York | 3 | 50 | CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice23 / yr |
| Florida | 1 | 41 | Ana G. Mendez University41 / yr |
| Michigan | 1 | 20 | Oakland Community College20 / yr |
| Puerto Rico | 2 | 13 | Universidad Ana G. Mendez - Gurabo Campus9 / yr |
| Pennsylvania | 1 | 12 | Waynesburg University12 / yr |
| Colorado | 1 | 11 | Pikes Peak State College11 / yr |
| West Virginia | 1 | 4 | Blue Ridge Community and Technical College4 / yr |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 33-3021, Detectives and Criminal Investigators, and its national outlook.
Graduates of this program can pursue careers as Detectives and Criminal Investigators, with an annual job outlook of approximately 7,800 openings. The median wage for this occupation is $93,580, and typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent for entry-level positions.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 43.0114
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Detectives and Criminal Investigatorsprimary SOC 33-3021 | $93,790 | -0.7% Little or no change | ~7,800 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers SOC 33-3051 | $76,210 | +3.1% About as fast as average | ~53,700 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1111 | $76,590 | +2.0% About as fast as average | ~1,200 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Law Enforcement Investigation and Interviewing programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Check victims for signs of life, such as breathing and pulse.
- Obtain facts or statements from complainants, witnesses, and accused persons and record interviews, using recording device.
- Secure deceased body and obtain evidence from it, preventing bystanders from tampering with it prior to medical examiner's arrival.
- Record progress of investigation, maintain informational files on suspects, and submit reports to commanding officer or magistrate to authorize warrants.
- Prepare reports that detail investigation findings.
- Prepare charges or responses to charges, or information for court cases, according to formalized procedures.
Tools and technology used
Other Criminal Justice and Corrections specializations
The 16 other 6-digit CIP codes under Criminal Justice and Corrections (CIP 43.01).
- Criminal Justice/CIP 43.0104
Safety Studies 40,687 graduates / yr824 institutions - Criminal Justice/CIP 43.0103
Law Enforcement Administration 26,068 graduates / yr650 institutions - Criminal Justice/CIP 43.0107
Police Science 19,975 graduates / yr540 institutions - Corrections and Criminal JusticeCIP 43.01994,734 graduates / yr94 institutions
- CorrectionsCIP 43.01023,804 graduates / yr147 institutions
- Criminal Justice and CorrectionsCIP 43.01002,344 graduates / yr75 institutions
- Securities Services Administration/CIP 43.0112
Management 678 graduates / yr28 institutions - Security and Loss Prevention ServicesCIP 43.0109497 graduates / yr24 institutions
- Corrections AdministrationCIP 43.0113partial data84 graduates / yr8 institutions
- Juvenile CorrectionsCIP 43.011056 graduates / yr15 institutions
- Protective Services OperationsCIP 43.0120partial data42 graduates / yr6 institutions
- Critical Incident Response/CIP 43.0119
Special Police Operations limited data29 graduates / yr2 institutions
Show 4 more CIP codes with no U.S. programs reported+
- Law Enforcement Record-Keeping and Evidence Management43.0115
- Suspension and Debarment Investigation43.0121
- Maritime Law Enforcement43.0122
- Cultural/
Archaelogical Resources Protection43.0123
No institution reported completions for these codes in the latest IPEDS year, so they have no page.
Common questions
What degrees can I earn in this program?+
You can earn a Master's degree, Associate's degree, or a Postbaccalaureate certificate.
How many colleges offer this program in the U.S.?+
There are 14 colleges offering the Law Enforcement Investigation and Interviewing program.
What skills will I develop?+
You will develop skills in active listening, critical thinking, and effective communication.
What is the job outlook for graduates?+
The job outlook shows little or no change, with about 7,800 annual openings in the field.
What is the CIP code for Law Enforcement Investigation and Interviewing?+
Law Enforcement Investigation and Interviewing is CIP 43.0114 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Criminal Justice and Corrections (CIP 43.01). NCES defines it as: A program focusing on the principles, procedures, techniques, legal concerns, and problems associated with a criminal investigation. Includes instruction in administrative law and procedures, courtroom evidence management and preparation, case presentation and court testimony, description and identification, state and federal criminal law and procedures, informant and suspect rights, officer liability, informant and witness management, victim awareness, tactical interviewing, psychology, criminal investigation methods and procedures, report writing and documentation, investigative techniques, and case management.
How many institutions offer Law Enforcement Investigation and Interviewing programs?+
14 U.S. institutions reported Law Enforcement Investigation and Interviewing graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 9 states & territories, awarding 310 credentials in the year. That is 0.3% of all Criminal Justice and Corrections graduates.
How much do Law Enforcement Investigation and Interviewing graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Detectives and Criminal Investigators occupation, which Law Enforcement Investigation and Interviewing most directly leads to, pays a median of $93,790 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Criminal Justice and Corrections field report median earnings of $37,582 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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