More Information About Forensic Science / Crime Scene Investigation

• Professionals in this field use scientific methods to help identify criminals and solve unanswered questions in crime.
• This field is highly competitive because of its recent popularity.
• Working in this field requires specialized education in the sciences.

What does it mean to work in the field of forensic science or crime investigation?

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.

What career opportunities are available in the field of forensic science and crime scene investigation?

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.

What degree is required to work in crime scene investigation and forensic science?

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.

How much money does someone working in forensic science and crime investigation make?

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. What are the leading schools offering programs in Forensic Science / Crime Scene Investigation ?

• University of Phoenix - Criminal Justice Founded in 1976, University of Phoenix is the largest accredited university in the United States offering degrees in criminal justice -- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration and a Master of Science in Administration of Justice and Security. These programs include courses in criminal law, organized crime, criminology, juvenile justice, and management. Students are able to gain both professional experiences in their work field, as well as the credentials that will move them up the pay scale, on average $15,000 more than their counterparts without a degree. ( More Info )
• Kaplan University - Criminal Justice Programs Kaplan University Online offers associate, bachelor, and master degree programs in Criminal Justice. In addition, they offer certificate programs in Crime Scene Technician and Terrorism/National Security Management. ( More Info )
• Saint Leo University Saint Leo University is one of the largest regionally accredited online university to offer associate, bachelor, and master programs in the U.S. Saint Leo University offers degree programs in the fields of Accounting, Business, Healthcare Management, Criminal Justice and Computer Information Systems. ( More Info )
• Salem International University Salem International University utilizes online-portal technology to enable busy working adults to receive the same level of education that Salem International University campus students enjoy, but by accommodating through flexible schedules and student-driven education. Graduates earn associate, bachelor, and master degrees in business without ever entering a classroom. ( More Info )
• Everest University Online Everest University Online offers distance learning opportunities through online virtual classrooms and individual attention from instructors. Specialization and practical career methodologies are emphasized to ensure successful employment following graduation. Tailored curriculum enables students to pursue advanced positions with marketable skill sets and Associate, Bachelor, and Master Degrees in Business, Criminal Justice, Paralegal, Healthcare, Computer Information Systems, and Homeland Security fields. ( More Info )
• Everest College Phoenix-Online Through online education from Everest College Phoenix-Online, students can earn their associate's and bachelor's degrees from the comfort of home. All degrees are practical and career-oriented so that students can move directly from school into a paying job. Online degrees offered at Everest College Phoenix include Accounting, Business, and Criminal Justice. ( More Info )
• American InterContinental University Founded in 1970, American InterContinental University (AIU) offers curricula that provide students with career preparation in business, design and media arts, engineering, education, and information technology. AIU is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award Associate, Bachelor's and Master's degrees. ( More Info )
• University of Maryland University College Since 1947, University of Maryland University College (UMUC) has pursued one primary mission: to make higher education more accessible, convenient, and rewarding for busy adults. UMUC offers more than 80 online degree and certificate programs, each designed to offer you a challenging educational experience with maximum flexibility. ( More Info )
• Utica College Utica College, a world leader in economic crime prevention education, provides fully accredited bachelors and masters degree programs - each instructed by select Utica faculty members demonstrating industry-renowned experience in economic crime investigation, anti-fraud and computer crime control. ( More Info )