Which College Majors Offer Courses in Crime Scene Investigation?
Crime scene investigation combines the science of forensics with on-the-ground-police work to collect physical evidence for testing. Crime scene investigators benefit from having knowledge in areas such as medical investigation and ballistics. Read on to learn which college majors offer courses in crime scene investigation.
Bachelor's Degree Programs with Crime Scene Investigation Coursework
A bachelor's program in criminal justice or forensic science is a good starting point for students interested in learning more about crime scene investigation. The liberal arts nature of these programs prepares students for careers in a variety of areas, including crime scene investigation, juvenile justice and law enforcement.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutThisFieldOfStudy">Important Facts About This Field of Study</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td>Prerequisites</td><td> High school diploma or equivalent</td></tr>
<tr><td> Online Availability </td><td> Bachelor's in criminal justice programs available 100% online; online bachelor's in forensic science programs are generally not available</td></tr>
<tr><td> Possible Careers</td><td> Crime scene specialist, photographic technician, forensic scientist, probation or parole officer</td></tr>
<tr><td> Continuing Education</td><td> Individual courses in areas such as digital forensics, hostage negotiation and homicide investigations may be available through some universities</td></tr>
<tr><td> Median Salary (2021)</td><td> $61,930 (<i>for forensic science technicians</i>)</td></tr>
<tr><td>Job Outlook (2021-2031)</td><td> 11% growth (<i>for forensic science technicians</i>)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---BachelorSDegreeInCriminalJustice">Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice</h3><p>Pursuing a bachelor's degree in criminal justice can lead you to a career in law or law enforcement. Core requirements often include courses in the judiciary system, criminology, police administration and the law. Programs may allow you to choose a concentration from areas such as the court system, security, administration and victim services. You may also choose courses that focus on crime scene investigation.
</p><p>If you have plans to become a police officer or eventually advance to the position of detective, you will need to understand the process involved in investigating a crime scene. A course teaches you the fundamentals involved in working a crime scene, such as proper procedure and conduct, interviewing witnesses, collecting evidence and reconstructing crime scenes. You may learn how to present evidence in court and will develop the analytical skills needed to investigate crimes against people and property, as well as acts of terrorism. Related courses in criminal evidence and criminal investigation outside of a crime scene may also be available.
</p><h3 id="section---BachelorSDegreeInForensicScience">Bachelor's Degree in Forensic Science</h3><p>This program incorporates study in a number of scientific disciplines. Earning this degree can be a first step toward a master's program and an eventual career with a medical examiner's office, evidence recovery unit or crime laboratory. Biology and chemistry courses form the basis for the major, but coursework in crime scene investigation is also included. Instruction focuses on using forensic techniques and technologies in both laboratory and non-lab settings.
</p><p>You will learn professional techniques such as scene photography, interviewing, evidence processing and report writing. Some programs include advanced courses, which offer a greater understanding of crime scene reconstruction and preparation for giving court testimony. Courses in ethics, statistics and psychology are often part of the program as well.</p>