Crime Scene Investigator

What is crime scene investigation?

Crime scene investigation is the science of collecting evidence associated with crimes, analyzing the evidence, and coming to conclusions about the events and persons involved in the crime.

What should I look for in an online crime scene investigation school?

The best online crime scene investigation schools should possess either regional or national accreditation from an accrediting body that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

In addition, you can often recognize top online crime scene investigation schools based on:

• The school’s name and status
• The school’s history
• Teacher credentials
• Alumni network

In choosing the best online crime scene investigation school for you, you should consider the following factors:

• Admission requirements
• Residency requirements
• Class and teaching style
• Testing methods used
• Course content and presentation
• Program length
• Class size
• Student-teacher interaction
• Technology use
• Tuition and financial aid
• Transferability of credits
• Availability of a dedicated administration team and resources

What levels of online crime scene investigation programs are available?

The following levels of crime scene investigation degree online programs are available:

• Online Crime Scene Investigation Certificate Programs
• Online Associates in Crime Scene Investigation
• Online Bachelor in Crime Scene Investigation
• Online Masters in Crime Scene Investigation
• Online PhD in Crime Scene Investigation

How long does it take to get an online crime scene investigation degree?

The amount of time it takes a student to earn an accredited online crime scene investigation degree depends on the level of crime scene investigation degree being pursued and the pace of the student.

Typically, the breakdown is as follows:

• Online Crime Scene Investigation Certification Programs – 6 months to 1 year
• Online Crime Scene Investigation Associates Degree – 2 years
• Online Crime Scene Investigation Bachelor Degree – 4 years
• Online Crime Scene Investigation Masters – 2 years
• Online Crime Scene Investigation PhD – 2 to 5 years

What are some examples of online crime scene investigation courses?

Accredited online crime scene investigation schools offer a variety of online crime scene investigation courses, many of which are heavily technologically oriented. These may include:

• Criminal Psychology
  Providing an introduction to the theory and method of analyzing the criminal mind, this course prepares students to develop criminal psychological profiles for use in investigation.
• Clinical Assessment
  This course provides the fundamental grasp of courtroom proceedings necessary for students to prepare to appear as expert witnesses in legal proceedings.
• Weapons Analysis
  Covering blades, firearms, and blunt instruments, this course will teach students to recognize wounds and other types of evidence left by the use of weapons.
• Criminal Justice
  Students will acquire an understanding of the criminal justice system and how the law pertains to and limits the scope of criminal investigations.
• Forensics
  This introductory course provides a basic overview of the many branches of forensic science that may be brought to bear to obtain and analyze evidence.

What areas of crime scene investigation specialization are available?

Since crime scene investigation often requires the application of specialized forensic disciplines, numerous specializations are available in online crime scene investigation programs. Some of these are:

• Criminal Psychology
• Ballistic Analysis
• Toxicology
• Forensic Chemistry
• Fingerprinting
• Digital Forensics

What can I do with a crime scene investigation degree?

Top online crime scene investigation training programs can prepare qualified students for challenging careers in the criminal justice system, which may include:

• Forensics Specialist
• Crime Scene Photographer
• Detective
• Private Investigator
• Police Officer
• DNA Analyzer
• Investigative Journalist

What is a crime scene investigator?

Crime scene investigators are law enforcement professionals specializing in forensic science.

What does a crime scene investigator do?

Crime scene investigators collect evidence from crime scenes and perform various analyses to determine the significance of the evidence. They may collect fingerprints, genetic samples, and other trace evidence in addition to substantial evidentiary objects, and carry out chemical, genetic, ballistic, and other types of forensic analysis.

How much does a crime scene investigator earn?

Crime scene investigators who hold the best online crime scene investigation degrees command average salaries of $60,910. Job growth is anticipated at 10% by 2018. Population growth and the concomitant increase in crime demand an increase in qualified personnel to work in crime scene investigation.

How do I become a crime scene investigator?

Probably due to the popularity of crime shows, more and more students are interested in how to become a crime scene investigator. Online crime scene investigation certification programs can provide the initial education and training necessary to pursue official licensure and professional employment in this field.