[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]TV shows like Law & Order or CSI may show off the dramatic side of police forensics, but crime scene investigation (CSI) is a practical career choice that offers strong employment potential.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/forensic-science-technicians.htm/” target=”_blank”]Bureau of Labor Statistics[/hen-ui-link] (BLS) projects that careers for forensic science technicians will grow by 14% from 2023-2033, which is much faster than the national average growth rate for all occupations.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This page offers an overview of crime scene investigation degrees, including typical courses you might take and career options after graduation.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Should I Expect in a Bachelor’s in Crime Scene Investigation[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A bachelor’s in crime scene investigation gives you a comprehensive overview of CSI practice and theory. You’ll gain the skills to analyze crime scenes, collect evidence, and document forensic findings. You may also be able to choose a professional specialty, such as toxicology or pathology.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It usually takes about four years to complete a bachelor’s degree, though some accelerated CSI programs may let you finish faster. An online CSI degree can also give you the flexibility to work while you’re in school.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Become a Crime Scene Investigator[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can pursue several different pathways to become a crime scene investigator, though most jobs call for some level of higher education. This list outlines three of the most common approaches.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Complete a Certificate or Associate Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A certificate or [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/criminal-justice/”]associate degree[/hen-ui-link] can prepare you for entry-level careers in crime scene investigation. However, you’ll likely need a bachelor’s degree if you want to pursue more advanced positions.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Earn a 4-Year Bachelor’s Degree[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A bachelor’s degree often serves as the minimum education requirement for more advanced [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/criminal-justice/”]CSI careers[/hen-ui-link], such as forensic science technician. A bachelor’s in forensic science, biology, or physical science can prepare you for field and lab positions in crime scene investigation. Earning a master’s in crime scene investigation degree can also increase your job opportunities in the field.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Gain Experience in Related Fields[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While most CSI jobs require a college degree, you can enter many law enforcement positions with just a high school diploma. You may be able to gain on-the-job experience in crime scene investigation even if you don’t have a college degree in a related field.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Careers in Crime Scene Investigation[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While a bachelor’s degree meets the minimum standard for entry-level crime scene investigator requirements, it also provides a foundation for other careers in forensic science or law enforcement.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The following careers are popular among graduates of crime scene investigation programs. All salary and job outlook data below is from [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/” target=”_blank”]the BLS[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background” theme=”secondary”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Detectives and Criminal Investigator”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b3″ class=”font-semibold”]Median Salary: $91,100[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b3″ class=”font-semibold”]Job Growth: 4%[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Criminal investigators help solve criminal cases by gathering information and evidence from crime scenes, witnesses, suspects, and related parties. They commonly specialize in a particular type of crime, such as fraud, homicide, or white-collar crime.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Criminal investigators must complete police academy training and be sworn in as law enforcement agents to be eligible for promotion to this position.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Forensic Science Technician”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b3″ class=”font-semibold”]Median Salary: $64,940[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b3″ class=”font-semibold”]Job Growth: 14%[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/”]Forensic science technicians[/hen-ui-link] collect and process physical evidence at crime scenes to support criminal investigations. They may work as criminalists or crime scene investigators — focused on identifying and collecting evidence — or they may work in a lab as forensic chemists or forensic biologists.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Forensic science technicians need at least a bachelor’s degree in forensic science or a related field, plus on-the-job experience. They must undergo supervised training in specialized lab procedures before they can operate independently, which often requires passing a proficiency exam for each specialty.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Private Detectives and Investigators”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b3″ class=”font-semibold”]Median Salary: $49,540[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b3″ class=”font-semibold”]Job Growth: 5%[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This occupation includes detectives and criminal investigators, sheriffs, and patrol officers charged with protecting people and property.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most police jobs require only a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/high-school-diplomas-versus-ged/”]high school diploma[/hen-ui-link], though detectives often need a bachelor’s degree. Federal agencies like the FBI often require a college degree as well. Police officers must complete police academy training to qualify for entry-level jobs, and most detectives start their careers as police officers.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Best Online Bachelor’s in Crime Scene Investigation Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/ranking-methodology/”]Read About Our Methodology Here[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About CSI Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is crime scene investigation?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Crime scene investigation focuses on the collection and analysis of evidence from crime scenes. Crime scene investigators may work on crime scenes in the field or analysis in the lab. CSI specialists work closely with other law enforcement professionals to analyze evidence and solve crimes.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long does it take to complete a bachelor’s in crime scene investigation program?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most bachelor’s in crime scene investigation programs take four years to complete. However, some schools offer accelerated completion times and flexible scheduling through online courses.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What can I do with a bachelor’s in crime scene investigation?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduates with a bachelor’s in crime scene investigation qualify for jobs as crime scene investigators or criminal investigators within local, state, and federal law enforcement.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the difference between a crime scene investigator and forensic science technician?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Crime scene investigators and forensic science technicians both investigate crime scenes, but forensic science jobs require a more serious science background.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Forensic science technicians use scientific tools to analyze crime scene evidence. They typically need training in hard sciences like chemistry or biology. Crime scene investigators also analyze crime scenes, documenting evidence and taking photographs. Crime scene investigators work more commonly in the field, while forensic scientists work in a lab.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]