What Degree Do You Need to Become a Crime Scene Investigator?
As a crime scene investigator, you play a crucial role in the criminal justice system, collecting and analyzing evidence to help solve crimes and bring perpetrators to justice. But what degree do you need to become a crime scene investigator? In this article, we’ll break down the educational requirements and provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to pursue a career in this exciting and rewarding field.
What Degree Do You Need?
To become a crime scene investigator, you typically need to earn a bachelor’s degree in a field related to forensic science, such as:
• Forensic Science: This degree program focuses on the application of scientific techniques and principles to the investigation of crimes.
• Criminal Justice: This degree program covers the laws and procedures related to the criminal justice system, as well as the investigative techniques used to gather evidence.
• Biological Sciences: This degree program provides a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, and other life sciences, which are essential for understanding forensic analysis.
• Chemistry: This degree program provides a strong foundation in chemistry, which is essential for understanding forensic analysis, including DNA analysis and toxicology.
Additional Requirements
In addition to earning a bachelor’s degree, crime scene investigators typically need to meet the following requirements:
• Gain Practical Experience: Many crime scene investigators gain practical experience through internships, volunteering, or working part-time jobs in law enforcement or forensic labs.
• Obtain Certification: The American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) offers certification for crime scene investigators, which demonstrates expertise and knowledge in the field.
• Maintain Continuing Education: Crime scene investigators must stay up-to-date with the latest techniques and technologies in the field, which often requires continuing education courses or workshops.
Key Coursework
While pursuing a degree in a related field, crime scene investigators typically take courses in the following areas:
| Coursework | Description |
|---|---|
| Forensic Biology | Study of the biological principles and techniques used to analyze evidence, including DNA analysis and serology. |
| Forensic Chemistry | Study of the chemical principles and techniques used to analyze evidence, including toxicology and drug analysis. |
| Criminalistics | Study of the principles and techniques used to collect, preserve, and analyze evidence in a crime scene. |
| Statistics and Research Methods | Study of statistical analysis and research methods used to interpret data and draw conclusions in forensic science. |
| Forensic Photography | Study of the principles and techniques used to document and preserve evidence at a crime scene. |
Specializations
Crime scene investigators can specialize in specific areas, such as:
• Digital Forensics: Investigating computer crimes, such as hacking and cyberterrorism.
• Toxicology: Analyzing biological samples to determine the presence of drugs or poisons.
• DNA Analysis: Analyzing DNA samples to identify individuals or connect them to crime scenes.
Career Outlook and Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of forensic science technicians, including crime scene investigators, is projected to grow 14% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.
| Median Annual Salary (2020) | Top 10% Salary (2020) |
|---|---|
| $61,700 | $91,900 |
In conclusion, to become a crime scene investigator, you typically need to earn a bachelor’s degree in a field related to forensic science, gain practical experience, obtain certification, and maintain continuing education. Key coursework includes forensic biology, forensic chemistry, criminalistics, statistics and research methods, and forensic photography. With specializations in digital forensics, toxicology, and DNA analysis, crime scene investigators play a critical role in the criminal justice system, helping to solve crimes and bring perpetrators to justice.
