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...

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