2 answers
Sarah
Student
Hardwick, Vermont
1
Question
Asked
672 views
what is the best education if i wanna be a crime scene investigator
i am still not sure what i wanna do i am stuck between crime scene investigator or a lawyer. #criminal-justice #law #college #criminology
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2 answers
Audrey Guoan
Crime Scene Investigation
1
Answer
Tallahassee, Florida
Updated
Audrey’s Answer
Hi Sarah, that's a great question.
There are a few avenues you can take. You can apply at local Sheriff's Departments, Police stations and the like and start in other areas within the department. Some offices will hire without formal education but lean heavily on prior experience. You can start volunteering and putting yourself out there and gain entry to the crime scene investigation department that way.
You can also approach it academically and earn a degree from an accredited program. This can be done remotely and in person depending on your program. These often require an internship which is a great way to get your foot in the door at an agency. It will give you free real world experience and in the end make you more appealing to future employers.
I've seen both paths and know both types. One that has started from "the ground up" without a formal education of any kind and one that is entering the field with a masters degree. I will say the field is highly competitive so any way that you can make yourself stand out do it! That means certifications (are offered as part of degree programs sometimes and can be obtained without a degree) volunteering experience etc
There are a few avenues you can take. You can apply at local Sheriff's Departments, Police stations and the like and start in other areas within the department. Some offices will hire without formal education but lean heavily on prior experience. You can start volunteering and putting yourself out there and gain entry to the crime scene investigation department that way.
You can also approach it academically and earn a degree from an accredited program. This can be done remotely and in person depending on your program. These often require an internship which is a great way to get your foot in the door at an agency. It will give you free real world experience and in the end make you more appealing to future employers.
I've seen both paths and know both types. One that has started from "the ground up" without a formal education of any kind and one that is entering the field with a masters degree. I will say the field is highly competitive so any way that you can make yourself stand out do it! That means certifications (are offered as part of degree programs sometimes and can be obtained without a degree) volunteering experience etc
Aida Li
Data analyst
6
Answers
Southfield, Michigan
Updated
Aida’s Answer
I found the below information from the internet:
To be CSI, four steps are involved:
Step1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in a Related Field: recommend major: Criminal Justice, computer science, forensic science, or Biology
Step2: On-The-Job-Training
Step3: Earn CSI certifications and State Licensure
Step4: Higher education could provide advancement opportunities
for more information:
https://www.gmercyu.edu/academics/learn/crime-scene-investigator-career-guide
To be CSI, four steps are involved:
Step1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in a Related Field: recommend major: Criminal Justice, computer science, forensic science, or Biology
Step2: On-The-Job-Training
Step3: Earn CSI certifications and State Licensure
Step4: Higher education could provide advancement opportunities
for more information:
https://www.gmercyu.edu/academics/learn/crime-scene-investigator-career-guide