Forensic Science and CSI 3000 Criminal Justice subject sub_topic Forensic science is a multidisciplinary science used to provide impartial scientific evidence for use in the courts of law, drawing principally from chemistry and biology, physics, geology, psychology, social science, etc. In a forensic science program, students learn how to identify the boundaries of a crime scene and understand the principles of searching the crime scene for specific types of evidence, such as fingerprints and forensic identifiable material. 0 0 0 3100 <ul><li>Professionals in this field use scientific methods to help identify criminals and solve unanswered questions in crime.</li> <li>This field is highly competitive because of its recent popularity.</li> <li>Working in this field requires specialized education in the sciences.</li> </ul> <p><b>What does it mean to work in the field of forensic science or crime investigation?</b></p> <p>A crime scene investigator is sometimes also called a forensic scientist. They use science to help identify criminals and analyze evidence against them. They are, essentially, detectives with microscopes. Forensic evidence is often center stage during criminal trials, with scientists as expert witnesses. Most forensic scientists specialize in a single area, such as DNA analysis, fingerprint matching or firearm examination.</p> <p><b>What career opportunities are available in the field of forensic science and crime scene investigation?</b> <p>Crime scene investigation has become a very popular career of choice since the television show C.S.I. has brought the profession into the spotlight. This has tightened the availability of jobs a bit, but there is still a need for highly specialized professionals in this field. Forensic science has so many different specific areas in it that many crime scene investigators will choose to specialize in one area. For example, some forensic scientists only work at the scene of a car accident, some only study dead bodies to try to figure out how a person died, and still others will only go to a crime scene to look for clues. There are many different specialties. A forensic scientist could find a job in a number of places, including coroner offices, hospitals, universities, police departments, and independent labs. <p><b>What degree is required to work in crime scene investigation and forensic science?</b> <p>Forensic science is a very specialized field and very targeting education is needed to be prepared to work in it. Though there is some on-the-job training, most job openings require applicants to be specifically trained in certain aspects of crime scene investigation. A bachelor's degree in one of the biological or physical sciences is strongly recommended to get into the field, but not completely required. An associate's degree in criminal justice, forensic science, or one of the biological or physical sciences may be a good starting point for entry-level forensic technicians. Many forensic scientists have master's or doctorate degrees in their area of specialty. Getting a degree is one thing, but gaining the experience in the field is what puts applicants over the top when it comes to hiring. Volunteering in a crime lab or at a medical examiner's facility is a great way to gain experience. There are no mandatory licensing requirements, but most forensic scientists receive certification from one or more forensic specialty boards. <p><b>How much money does someone working in forensic science and crime investigation make?</b> <p>With many specialties in the field of forensic science, it's hard to pin down an average for all the types of jobs in this field. The experience of a forensic scientist is really what writes the pay check. An experienced forensic scientist may earn between $40,000 to $85,000 a year. Lab directors, who usually have advanced degrees, earn more than $100,000 a year. Entry level technicians usually make between $30,000 and $45,000 a year. forensic Forensic Science / Crime Scene Investigation Forensic Science / Crime Scene Investigation 3000, 12220, 3300 Forensic Science & Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) Degrees & Training 1 1