Careers Law Enforcement, Crime Scene Investigator, Forensic
Earnings Potential:
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, hourly median earnings of a Forensic Science Technician would be $21.16, which translates to an annual salary of around $42,000. Experienced scientists may earn up to $85,000, while a lab director can earn upwards of $100,000.
Facts at a glance:
Science technicians in production jobs can be employed on day, evening, or night shifts; some other technicians work outdoors, sometimes in remote locations.
Many employers prefer applicants who have at least 2 years of specialized training or an associate's degree.
Projected job growth varies among occupational specialties; for example, forensic science technicians will grow
You will need at least a bachelor's degree to get into this field, along with possible internships
Local government employs more than twice as many workers as State government; fire fighters and law enforcement workers, concentrated in local government, are the largest occupations. Employment growth will be dampened by budgetary constraints due to the rapidly increasing proportion of revenues devoted to the Medicaid program, reductions in Federal aid, especially at the county level, public resistance to tax increases, and outsourcing of government jobs to the private sector. Employer-provided benefits are more common among State and local government employees than among workers in the private sector.
There is a wide range of career possibilities available to individuals who study forensic sciences. One can work as a detective, crime scene technician, forensic scientist, forensic accountant, or medical examiner. According to a survey conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, private detectives had a median annual income of $33,750 in May of 2006.
Forensics at a Glance
Forensics combine the sciences and knowledge of the legal system to solve a myriad of problems, often in relation to crime solving. Most professions involving forensics require that individuals have backgrounds in areas other than forensics. For instance, working as a forensic scentist requires that an individual have a degree in a physical science in addition to criminal justice and forensic science knowledge.
Crime Scene Investigation -- A Challenging, Complex Career
With the popularity of shows like CSI, more and more people have the notion of becoming crimes scene investigators, but few really understand what it entails. For example, there are many ways to work in crime scene investigation. You can work as a criminalist, crime scene technician, forensic scientist or medical examiner.
Can I Just Get a Degree in Crime Scene Investigation?
Not if you want a job. Most of these careers require many years of schooling. For example, to work as a forensic scientist, a bachelor's degree in chemistry is recommended with advanced degrees in criminal justice and forensics to follow. To work as a crime scene examiner, it is recommended you have a bachelor's degree in natural science with an emphasis in law enforcement and crime scene processing. In some fields, you may even need to be a sworn officer of the law. However, if you want to explore the field, it's not a bad idea to pursue a degree in criminal justice with an emphasis on crime scene investigation. This degree will give you a foundation in criminal investigation, which you can couple with another degree like biology or chemistry. Or, if you already have a degree in one of the sciences, a certificate in crime scene investigation is the perfect match to pursue this type of career.
Online Degrees in Crime Scene Investigation
Most online degree programs offer certificates and associate degrees in crime scene technology and crime scene investigation or a bachelor's degree in criminal justice with an emphasis on crime scene investigation. These degrees can either supplement the training you already have or give you a foundation on which to build. You cannot expect to simply acquire a degree in crime scene investigation and then go work in the field. The beauty of online degree programs is that you don't have to rearrange your life to go back to school and you can study at your own pace when you want. You will receive education through virtual lectures, discussions and supplemental readings. Institutions that offer online degrees and certificates in crime scene investigations include ITT Technical Institute, Kaplan University, Everest College, Colorado Technical University and St. Petersburg University.
In today's academic landscape, flexibility is key. The hectic lifestyle of the modern student requires highly personalized options and choices. Luckily, you now have a myriad of options available – you can seek a degree completely online, take classes at your local campus, or develop a combination of both online and offline study. The pursuit of higher education has never been easier, and the vast majority of schools offering online degree programs also offer a complementary Campus Program, or a hybrid program designed to perfectly match your needs. Whatever your course of study, we can help you find the most ustomized solution to fit your busy schedule. Find the program that best suits your individual tastes, and be on your way to a degree sooner rather than later.
Law Enforcement – An Exciting and Demanding Career
With the proliferation of television shows like CSI and Law an Order, the interest in law enforcement careers seems to have spiked. However, what many people don’t realize is that these careers require a substantial amount of specialized training and a degree. A law enforcement degree lays the foundation for continuing education to work as a police officer, crime scene investigator, detective, private investigator or security guard. Continuing education in some form is generally required for most of these fields, for example, police officers are required to go to the police academy.
What Can I Expect from a Law Enforcement Degree Program?
Most programs offer a Bachelor of Science in law enforcement degree. In these programs, you will learn how to handle evidence, work with witnesses, write police reports, as well as the basic foundations of the criminal justice system. You will take courses in criminology, psychology, legal procedures, law enforcement, chemistry, report writing and investigative techniques.
Should I Consider an Online Degree Program in Law Enforcement?
With continual advancements in technology as well as the proliferation of the Internet in daily life, online degree programs are becoming more and more common. Through virtual lectures, discussions and supplemental readings, online programs can lay a foundation for your career in law enforcement. The beauty of these programs is that you don’t have to rearrange your life to go back to school and you can study at your own pace when you want. Institutions that offer online degrees in law enforcement include ITT Technical Institute, Kaplan University, Grantham University, Crown College, Ellis College, Boston University, and the University of Cincinnati.
In today's academic landscape, flexibility is key. The hectic lifestyle of the modern student requires highly personalized options and choices. Luckily, you now have a myriad of options available – you can seek a degree completely online, take classes at your local campus, or develop a combination of both online and offline study. The pursuit of higher education has never been easier, and the vast majority of schools offering online degree programs also offer a complementary Campus Program, or a hybrid program designed to perfectly match your needs. Whatever your course of study, we can help you find the most ustomized solution to fit your busy schedule. Find the program that best suits your individual tastes, and be on your way to a degree sooner rather than later.
