Forensic Science Degree Crime Scene Investigation

Earning a degree in forensic science with a concentration in crime scene investigation can be the start to a fascinating and long career. From the time a student enrolls in school, it can take up to 10 years to become a full-fledged crime scene investigator.

Degree Requirements

Most precincts across the United States require crime scene investigators to have a bachelor's degree in forensic science. For a forensic science degree, the student will take basic courses in criminology, chemistry, biology, geology, psychology and statistics. Students who will receive a concentration in crime scene investigation will be required to take additional coursework that includes: advanced criminology, behavioral science, advanced math courses and advanced natural science courses.

Training Requirements

After earning a Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in crime scene investigation, students typically join the police force as an officer. This requires training at the police academy and selection for active police duty. Police officers who are interested in crime scene investigation apply for the program after they join the Force. Once accepted to the program there is an apprenticeship period. The student works with experienced crime scene investigators to learn the job.

Job Duties

As a crime scene investigator, you will be on call 24 hours a day to inspect crime scenes and collect evidence. You may encounter messy crime scenes and dead bodies. You will be expected to handle these things in a professional manner without compromising the crime scene. You will send items collected to the applicable departments for further processing.