Today's detectives connect clues to solve mysteries; they conduct surveillance and searches, follow people, and engage in other covert activities. But detective work is also highly technical. More and more public and private investigation work is done on a computer these days. Detectives also must stay up-to-date on current local, state, and federal laws, especially those involving privacy. And while the popular image is of private investigation, many detectives are public investigators, employed by retail stores, hotels, and insurance companies.

Detective Training & Jobs

To enter public or private investigation, you can take on-campus or online degree programs designed specifically to teach you about investigative work. Degrees in related fields, especially law enforcement and criminal justice, also provide a good background for investigation.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in public and private investigation will grow faster than most, but there will be plenty of competition for work. If you have good computer forensic skills, your chances of finding detective work will be greatest.