When you get your Crime Scene degree and start working as a CSI investigator, the first difference you’ll notice between you and the folks in Hollywood is that you’ll be in a protective coverall from head to toe, not walking into a crime scene with beautiful hair and street clothes. Crime Scene degree programs can cover a lot of ground, from forensic science to toxicology. But the most familiar focus of crime scene degree programs is called criminalistics, which includes the collection and evaluation of evidence such as fingerprints, footprints, strands of hair, blood, weapons, and other organic or nonorganic material tracked into the scene by the suspects. Crime Scene degree programs typically cover the fundamentals of crime scene investigation science, theory, and practice. Crime scene investigation technicians are known in the applied science industry as forensic science technicians.

Crime Scene Degree Related Careers

Depending on the breadth or specialization of the Crime Scene degree program you choose, completion of your forensic science degree may qualify you for a career as a crime scene investigator in law enforcement homicide investigations, forensic laboratories, medical examiners’ offices, hospitals, insurance companies, arson investigation units, or federal, state, or local governments. You may specialize as an expert in evidence collection, or in forensics, fingerprinting, trace evidence, weapon identification, crime scene photography, pathology, or a range of other CSI jobs.

What’s the Job Outlook?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the demand for forensic science technicians will grow by 31% between 2006 and 2016, with the best job opportunities going to those who have a crime scene bachelor’s degree.

How much does it pay?

According to Payscale.com, the median annual salary range for forensic science technicians is $35,000 to over $42,000. Pay will vary based on the region of the country and the type of employer, and may increase with experience and promotion to a supervisory role.

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