Forensic Careers
If you’ve ever marveled at the professionals of CSI, you should know that the forensic science profession isn’t much different from the TV drama. In fact, some forensic careers are even more exciting. And you can be a part of it. Here’s how.
Career Overview
Professionals with forensic degrees combine intuition, technology, and basic laws of science to investigate crime scenes and process evidence. They also make recommendations to prosecutors in…
If you've ever marveled at the professionals of CSI, you should know that the forensic science profession isn't much different from the TV drama. In fact, some forensic careers are even more exciting. And you can be a part of it. Here's how.
Career Overview
Professionals with forensic degrees combine intuition, technology, and basic laws of science to investigate crime scenes and process evidence. They also make recommendations to prosecutors in the handling of specific crime details in court. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that forensic science technicians held about 13,000 jobs in 2006, with an expected 4,000 to be added through 2016. That’s an increase projected to be much faster than the national average for all occupations in the industry.
Employment Options
Forensic professionals are employed by a range of local, regional, and national agencies of law enforcement. The FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and police and sheriffs associations are most common. According to O*Net OnLine, forensics specialists can wear one of several professional titiles: Crime Scene Technician, Criminalist, Evidence Technician, Crime Scene Investigator, Crime Scene Analyst, Latent Fingerprint Examiner, and Crime Scene Investigations Detective.
Earnings Potential
Payscale reports a large divide in annual salary for forensic science technicians based on the amount of experience on the job. For example, graduates of forensic schools with less than one year on the job can expect to earn just over $30,000 in median annual salary. Those in the business for twenty years typically earn right at $65,000. Salaries vary widely by forensic specialty and assignment. The highest salaries are typically reserve for those with administrative duties.
Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics
O*Net OnLine
Payscale
Top Online Forensics Schools
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AIU Online (Online)
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Argosy University Online (Online)
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Ashworth University (Online)
Get the hands-on training and skills it takes to succeed with Ashworth University, a respected, worldwide leader in distance education. Study at the times and places most convenient for you.
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Colorado Technical University Online (Online)
At Colorado Tech Online, you can earn a career-relevant degree in just 15 months. Every CTU Online degree includes multiple CTU Academic Certificates without additional courses or cost. Learn more today.
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DeVry University (Online)
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Kaplan University (Online)
Kaplan University's accredited online degree programs allow you to earn the degree you need and advance your career without missing a day of work.
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Strayer University Online (Online)
Strayer University Online offers degree programs designed to fit your busy schedule. Attend real-time courses via the Internet, or complete coursework at times most convenient to you.
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Walden University (Online)
Balance your personal and professional commitments while earning a respected Ph.D., master's degree, or bachelor's degree online at Walden University. Programs offered in management, education, psychology and health and human services.
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Ashworth College (Online)
You don't have to rearrange your life to get a quality education. Ashworth College, a respected worldwide leader in distance education, offers high school diploma programs, professional-level career diploma programs, associate's programs, and master's degree programs in a variety of career fields. Ashworth College can teach you the practical, hands-on techniques you need to succeed in the real world. Study on your own schedule, at a pace that makes sense for you.
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Central Pennsylvania College (Online)
Earn a degree at Central Pennsylvania College and achieve your career goals. Choose from bachelor and associate degree programs in criminal justice, business, and technology.
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