Crime Scene Investigation Degree - CSI

Crime scene investigators arrive at the scene of a crime to gather evidence and record details to be examined by forensics analysts and ultimately used in a court of law. Each type of crime has precise protocols and processes for handling and recording the scene and there are sometimes very specialized roles to play in the examination of the scene of a crime depending upon whether it is a local bank robbery, homicide, or a large scale terrorist attack. Start by requesting information from schools and learn about the specifics of their programs including curriculum, potential internships, and more.

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CSI Degree & Education Requirements

In order to be qualified for a CSI job, you will need, at a minimum, an associates degree in criminal justice, law enforcement, or a related field of study. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, most gain entry level positions after completing an associates degree. Those with a bachelors degree in forensic science, law enforcement, or a topic related to a particular specialty (such as photography for a CSI photographer or chemistry for a trace evidence handler), will be more competitive job applicants for available positions in CSI. Among the most common combination of education is science and technology in combination with criminal justice or law enforcement due to the fact that these fields are aligned with many common procedures and tasks of a CSI investigator.

Is a CSI Career Right for Me?

Crime scene investigator careers involve tasks such as photographing the scene or objects of interest, analyzing the angles of bullet entry, handling and transporting evidence, writing detailed reports or schematics, examining latent fingerprints, impression evidence, and much more. Those interested in pursuing careers in crime scene investigation should have the mental disposition that allows them to deal with the aftermath of disturbing scenarios and to separate the emotional aspects from the technical and scientific requirements of the job. According the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for a CSI investigator is $60,910 annually and the job outlook is strong with growth rates as high as 19% in many parts of the country. If you are analytical, detail oriented, and have the right mental disposition, a crime scene investigator career could be a good fit.

CSI Jobs & Specializations

There are many types of crime scene investigators needed for various types of crimes. The following are some of the common types of crime scene investigators needed:

• Crime Scene Photographer
• Crime Scene Technician
• Forensic Science Specialist (many subspecialties within forensics)
• Fingerprint Specialist
• Impression Evidence Specialist
• Evidence Technician
• Crime Lab Assistant
• Fire Investigator

To learn more about what happens at the scene of a crime and the different roles in gathering and examining evidence, read crime scene investigator job descriptions.

CSI Salary & Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for a crime scene investigator is $60,910 annually. Projections are favorable for employment with 14% to 19% national growth rate, which is faster than average. It should be noted that there are many roles to be played in crime scene investigation; some of which require a greater degree of skill and education. Salaries are contingent upon several factors including the role played in the crime scene investigation, geographic location you work in, and you level of education and experience.