Degree Programs and Jobs - Marketing

Crime Scene Investigation Degree Programs and Jobs

Ever since the television series CSI started airing in 2000, interest in forensic science has gone through the roof. I guess when people had a chance to see what crime scene investigation actually entailed, they realized that it seemed like a very cool, intellectually challenging job. Colleges and universities across the country started adding more and more forensic science courses, and careers in that field are really taking off. Here's how to get your foot in the door if you're interested in becoming a real-life Gil Grissom or Horatio Caine.

The first thing you have to do in order to get a crime scene investigation job is obtain the proper qualifications. Usually this means years and years of direct experience with forensic science, or else a degree in a related field. CSI agents must have a strong background in science, so your course schedule should be filled with classes like chemistry and physics, as well as a healthy dose of electives such as anatomy, pathology, and toxicology. You'll also load up on criminology classes to get a basic understanding of how law enforcement officials do their jobs.

Once you have the required degree or experience, you can begin your search for crime scene investigation jobs. Most police departments in large metropolitan areas need to have a lot of CSI agents on staff, so you'll have a better chance of finding an opening in a big city. Pay scales vary depending on experience and location, but salaries tend to be good for field agents (between $30 and $40 per hour) and excellent for specialists (more than $100,000 for toxicologists). There usually isn't a lot of room for promotion beyond team leader or shift supervisor, but people who get into crime scene investigation tend to do so for the actual investigating and not for the chance to sit behind a desk and push papers around.

Like any law enforcement position, you generally need to have a very clean record when applying for crime scene investigation work. If you've had felony convictions, cannot pass a drug test, or have other major issues that will pop up during a background check, then in all likelihood you will not be offered a position as a CSI. The competition for such jobs is far too fierce for police departments to accept borderline candidates. Only the cream of the crop will get to investigate the scenes of violent crimes.

A career in crime scene investigation can be extremely rewarding and fulfilling. It provides the kind of intellectual challenge that few other jobs can offer on a daily basis, and is something you can be proud of doing. If this is the direction you want to go in your life, start looking into forensic science degrees today and take the first step toward achieving your dream!