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Advances in forensic science have changed the way criminal investigations are performed forever. Today’s crime scene investigators, technicians and forensic scientists have tools at their disposal that give detectives the kind of hard evidence they need to identify suspects, make arrests and build compelling cases, while giving prosecutors and defense attorneys what they need to definitively prove guilt or innocence at trial.
Crime scene technicians and forensic scientists are indispensable to the criminal justice process. These are roles that are highly technical in nature, but that also require a high level of familiarity with the workings of the criminal justice system, strong communication and organizational skills, and a complete understanding of both ethics and protocol as it relates to evidence handling and processing. The diverse skillset expected of these professionals is something that can only come from a college degree offering a focused course of study in CSI and forensic science.
CrimeSceneInvestigatorEDU.org was developed in response to the growing demand for skilled lab technicians, forensic scientists, crime scene investigators and field technicians well-versed in the technical aspects of forensics and the many other skills required to work as an effective part of a forensic investigations team. It was built from the ground up to serve as a free resource for anyone interested in pursuing or advancing a career in one of the many specialized roles in the field of forensic science and crime scene investigations. From education requirements and certification options to in-service training and salary expectations, this website serves as a comprehensive resource for career preparation and advancement.
Our Contributors
The research and writing staff here at CrimeSceneInvestigatorEDU.org have worked hard to create this first-of-its-kind resource:
Dr. Helga George – Dr. George has spent several years writing on topics related to education, healthcare and criminal justice. She transitioned into writing after fulfilling her lifelong dream of performing research on plant defense chemicals. She earned a BS in Agriculture from Cornell University, an MS in Plant Pathology from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, and a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from Cornell University, in addition to conducting postdoctoral research at the University of California Santa Barbara where she obtained a USDA grant to fund her research.
Susan Maphis – Susan is a writer and editor with a BA in Psychology. She has conducted research and written on topics related to higher education and criminal justice throughout her career. Susan’s work has been published both in print and on many websites.
Rebecca Turley – Rebecca is a full-time writer and editor with a BA in Journalism and Communications. Throughout her career she has contributed to high-profile websites and blogs related to education, healthcare and criminal justice.
What We Provide
As a comprehensive education and career planning resource, CrimeSceneInvestigatorEDU.org provides:
- Career guides that describe the many unique roles for forensics professionals working with law enforcement agencies and crime labs, along with guidance on selecting educational tracks that align with specific career paths
- Tuition cost rankings for CSI and forensics programs through accredited schools throughout the United States
- Guides on voluntary professional certification options available through the International Association for Identification (IAI) and the American College of Forensic Examiners Institute (ACFEI)
- State-by-state salary data from surveys performed by the US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics
- State guides detailing professional opportunities available with law enforcement agencies and crime labs around the nation
- Blogs to keep you current on the latest developments in the field and current events relevant to forensic investigations
We encourage visitors to use this resource freely and to share it with fellow students and colleagues.