{"id":755,"date":"2026-09-04T00:19:54","date_gmt":"2026-09-04T00:19:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.degreequery.com\/?p=755---c7147d83-c3d4-45d6-bf58-4b7679ed78f2"},"modified":"2026-10-02T09:53:53","modified_gmt":"2026-10-02T09:53:53","slug":"degree-need-become-detective","status":"publish","type":"query","link":"https:\/\/www.degreequery.com\/queries\/degree-need-become-detective\/","title":{"rendered":"What degree do I need to become a Detective?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Who do you want to be, good ol\u2019 Columbo? That charismatic cat Kojack? Maybe those guys are before your time; how about Sgt. David Gabriel from The Closer? No? Oh I know, you’re more into the classics, Sherlock!<\/p>\n

Detectives, also known as criminal investigators or agents, gather up facts and collect proof of possible crimes. This is a physically demanding job and working around the clock is a common practice. But it\u2019s not all running around town interviewing suspects and witnesses. A detective will have to deal with a mountain of paperwork, writing up detailed reports and filling out forms. Not only that, a detective needs to prepare for cases and testify in court.<\/p>\n

Forget TV, you need an education,\u00a0because that’s what\u00a0will prepare you for this fascinating job as a detective.<\/p>\n

\"detective<\/a><\/p>\n

IMAGE SOURCE: Pixabay<\/a>, public domain<\/p>\n

Education<\/strong><\/p>\n

Detective applicants must have at least a high school or GED and then move on to academy training. Most often for academy training you need to be over age 21, have a driver\u2019s license, be a U.S. citizen, and meet physical acceptability including hearing, vision and endurance testing. Previous military experience is beneficial; however, previous convictions of any kind can hinder and applicant to the point of disqualification.<\/p>\n

The academy is the method to become a detective; you\u2019ll being by serving as a \u201crecruit\u201d before any position. Then a hopeful-detective recruit trains to become a police officer and only then can she or he be promoted to the position of \u201cdetective” after acquiring the needed experience of a police officer.<\/p>\n

An applicant with a bachelor\u2019s degree in law enforcement or criminal justice can be an added bonus and have a better job opportunity then those with just an associates, GED, or high school degree. Even better is the hopeful detective with the ability to speak more than one language. So be sure to brush up on your Spanish to make yourself as desirable as possible!<\/p>\n

Job Expectations<\/strong><\/p>\n

Police and detectives hold approximately 780k jobs in the U.S. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics<\/a>, most work for local governments, although others work for state and federal government. A few work privately; those are the ones they make film noir about. Look out for ladies in red with secrets.<\/p>\n

Other entities of higher end detectives are:<\/p>\n