Crime Scene Investigator

Job Description

This is a very popular criminal justice career right now most likely due to the amount of television shows currently on the air that are about life as a CSI (CSI, CSI Miami, CSI New York, etc.). These television shows are bringing a new level of awareness to how science is being applied in crime labs across the country. Of course, don’t necessarily expect all of the sensational things to occur as you become a crime scene investigator, but you can definitely expect some interesting work in the field of science.

As you might expect this field is particularly demanding from a mental standpoint. It takes a good love of math and science in order to excel as a crime scene investigator. If you do not like either of these subjects, this is probably not a great career choice for you.

The tasks that are requested of a crime scene investigator vary pretty wildly depending on the department or agency that you are working for but in general it will involve things like:

Processing the Crime Scene – an organized approach to conducting a search.
Crime Scene Recognition – come up with a plan for processing the scene.
Scene Documentation – prepare written notes, sketches, and take photographs.
Evidence Collection – this is really all about the proper handling of evidence.

This job is an incredibly important part of our criminal justice system. If it is done correctly we can make sure that we bring the right people to justice and enable the smooth completion of the legal process. If it is not done correctly it can lead to wrongful incarcerations and all kinds of legal battles.

Requirements

In most areas of the country, becoming a crime scene investigator comes with several educational and professional requirements. It is generally true that you will need a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a special focus on forensic science. This is not a hard and fast requirement but is generally preferred. A bachelor’s degree in any field of study will generally be mandatory. In addition, each agency or department will have a set of tests for you to pass which could range from the standard physical and civil exams to more detailed scientific exams.

Job Outlook

This field is growing in popularity, but like most careers in criminal justice the demand is also growing for CSI professionals. The U.S. Department of Labor (Bureau of Statistics) has listed forensic science as one of the fastest growing occupations. There really hasn’t been a better time to consider a career in forensic science.

Find out more about degrees for Crime Scene Investigators by clicking below:

= Certificate Program
= Associate of Arts or Associate of Science Degree Program
= Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science Degree Program
= Graduate Program

Criminal Investigation

Criminal Investigations, Everest College at Phoenix
Criminal Investigations, Everest University Online

Crime Scene Investigation

Crime Scene Technician, Kaplan University
Crime Scene Investigation, Kaplan University

Forensic Nursing

Forensic Nursing, Kaplan University
Legal Nurse Consulting, Kaplan University

Forensic Psychology

Forensic Psychology, Kaplan University
Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology, Argosy University

Forensic Science

Forensic Science, American InterContinental University Online

Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice , Kaplan University
Criminal Justice , Virginia College
Criminal Justice, South University
Criminal Justice, Upper IowaUniversity

You can also research the following top schools as well:

	American Intercontinental University - American Intercontinental University was founded in 1970 and has been providing a quality education ever sense. They offer multiple criminal justice degree options including specializations in forensic science, law enforcement, and special populations. American Intercontinental University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission which is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
	Everest University – This university has a great variety of both associate’s degree programs and bachelor’s degree programs in a variety of criminal justice fields. For example, they have some excellent criminal investigation degrees, homeland security degrees, and paralegal programs. Everest University is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools
	Kaplan University - Kaplan has several programs available in the Criminal Justice and law fields including an accelerated program that makes it easy for you to complete a degree if you have already taken some college credits. This is one of the top online colleges in the country and it offers a solid foundation in the areas of law enforcement, courts, corrections, and security. Kaplan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission which is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
	Upper Iowa University – This university was established in 1857 and multiple CJU employees attended this great university. They have multiple criminal justice programs and some innovative emergency and disaster management degrees (including a bachelor’s degree in Fire Science). Upper Iowa University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association
	Virginia College - Virginia College has the widest selection of programs at all degree levels in Criminal Justice. Their programs will help you prepare for or enhance your law enforcement career. Each program will emphasize the use of technology to prepare you for the future of law enforcement where new technologies are constantly being introduced to combat, solve, and prosecute crimes. Virginia College is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools.
Don’t see the Criminal Justice College you are looking for? CLICK HERE to see a listing of all the colleges in your area.

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