Criminal Justice Degree Schools » Criminal Justice Degrees » Crime Scene Investigation Degree

Crime Scene Investigation Degree

Jobs requiring a crime scene investigation degree, or CSI degree, are fast on the rise in the United States, and continuing advances in the field make well-educated individuals very attractive to potential employers. A crime scene investigation degree program exposes individuals to the practice of forensic science, which involves the use of chemistry, genetics, spectrometry and other disciplines in the process of evidence collection.

People find this expanding career field exciting because it allows them to contribute not only to the pursuit of safety and justice in their communities, but also to the constantly evolving study of forensic science.

Did you know? Dental stone, the same material often used to make impressions of your teeth at the dentist, is commonly used to cast footprints at crime scenes by crime scene investigators.

Crime Scene Investigation Schools and Training

People with an interest in math and science will be very well-suited to the study of crime scene investigation. The most common paths of study are a two-year associate’s degree, or a four-year bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a focus in crime scene investigation. Additional education at the master’s level may also be pursued.

Specific courses will include chemistry, biology, anatomy, upper-level math (e.g. calculus and statistics) and legal instruction, particularly in the area of evidence. Crime scene investigation programs will also include a great deal of lab work that emphasizes the type of work done in an actual crime lab. Students will learn how to use microscopes, centrifuges, diagnostic equipment and many other specialized instruments.

CJDS Fact: According to the International Crime Scene Investigators Association, one of the most direct paths to becoming a crime scene investigator is to first become a police officer and then apply for a CSI position after gaining a few years of experience. Law enforcement agencies do hire civilian CSI’s but this is uncommon.

Job Opportunities for Crime Scene Investigation Degree Program Graduates

This degree can lead to many types of jobs in the fields of homeland security, law enforcement, corrections or juvenile justice. Many positions are available for crime scene technicians, lab technicians and field investigators, and in very specialized niches like DNA analysis or entomology.

Some jobs like entry-level technicians may be accessible with an associate’s degree, but many of them require a bachelor’s degree and specialized training. Once this training is completed, however, a crime scene investigation degree will open doors in several markets in the area of criminal justice.