Criminalist : Criminalistics Degree

The fascinating world of forensic sciences can also be confusing when it comes to the various roles and specializations. A Criminalist is someone who has training in what is known as criminalistics. Criminalistics is the application of scientific analysis to forensics and investigative work. Criminalists use chemistry, physics, and mechanical sciences to analyze and interpret trace evidence such as fabrics, paint, dust, gasses, hair, sweat, or blood stains. Criminalists spend their time analyzing, classifying, and interpreting evidence and preparing their findings for use in a court of law.

What's the difference between a criminalist and a criminologist?

It is important to distinguish a criminalist from a criminologist. A criminologist studies the social behavior of criminals and criminal activity, while a criminalist is a forensic science worker who analyzes evidence using scientific methods. Because the two terms appear so much alike, there is often confusion about the differences

How to Become a Criminalist

Criminalists must, at a minimum have completed a bachelors degree specifically in criminalistics, a forensic science degree, or some combination of evidence examination with the sciences. Some choose to start by completing a crime scene investigation program, then continue their education while gaining relevant experience on the job. While there is no requirement to become certified, it may be advantageous to become certified through the American Board of Criminalistics. Certification is a way to indicate to potential employers that you have sufficient education and skills to perform the job well.

Schools Offering Criminal Justice Degrees

American InterContinental University Programs: Associates AABA Criminal Justice Administration Bachelors BSCJ Law Enforcement Ashford University Programs: BA Social and Criminal Justice MA Organizational Management Public Administration MBA Public Administration BA Public Administration And more Boston University Programs: Master of Criminal Justice Capella University Programs: PhD Criminal Justice MS Criminal Justice BS Criminal Justice MPH Social and Behavioral Sciences And more Colorado State University Programs: Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences MP - Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement BS - Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Colorado Technical University Programs: Associates ASCJ Criminal Justice Associate of Science in Paralegal studies Master of Science in Management Criminal Justice Everest University Programs: Criminal Justice Associatess Criminal Investigations Homeland Security Associates Paralegal Associates And more Florida Tech University Online Programs: Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Grand Canyon University Programs: BS in Public Safety Administration MS in Criminal Justice Law Enforcement MS in Criminal Justice Legal Studies MS in Leadership Disaster Preparedness & Executive Fire Leadersh And more Keiser University Programs: AA Criminal Justice BA Criminal Justice AA Homeland Security BA Homeland Security And more Liberty University Online Programs: BS in Criminal Justice National American University Programs: Criminal Justice AAS Criminal Justice BS Post University Programs: BS in Legal Studies AS in Legal Studies BS in Criminal Justice Rasmussen College Programs: Accelerated Criminal Justice Bachelor’s Degree With A Specializa Paralegal Certificate Paralegal Associate`s Degree Criminal Justice Bachelor`s - Homeland Security And more Saint Leo University Online Programs: Master of Business Administration Criminal Justice AA in Criminal Justice BA in Criminal Justice BA in Criminal Justice Criminalistics Specialization And more Strayer University Programs: MBA Public Administration MBA Public Administration Master of Public Administration Bachelor of Business Administration Legal Studies And more University of Phoenix Programs: Associate of Arts with a Concentration in Criminal Justice Master of Science in Administration of Justice and Security Bachelor of Science in Organizational Security and Management Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration And more US Career Institute Programs: Criminal Justice Certificate Virginia College Programs: Associates Criminal Justice Associates Paralegal Studies Bachelors Criminal Justice Bachelors Paralegal Studies And more Walden University Programs: Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Criminal Justice Managem Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Homeland Security Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Human Services for Crimi Master of Public Administration General And more

Spotlight Schools - Editors Picks for Criminalistics Degree

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Criminalist Job Description

Typical jobs tasks for a criminalist include but are not limited to:

• Analysis of evidence and/or convicted offender DNA samples.
• Histological analysis of human bone
• Assist in the anthropological preparation and examination of human remains
• Support laboratory quality control functions such as preventive maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment
• Conduct crime scene investigations to discover and develop evidence
• Perform laboratory analysis on evidence related to police investigations
• Write reports summarizing analysis findings
• Attend and participate in staff meetings and other training activities, testify in court

Criminalist Salary

According to PayScale, on average entry level criminalists can earn between $36,063 & $64,735. Experienced criminalists can earn over $95,000 per year.