Have you ever watched Crossing Jordan, CSI, Law and Order, other crime investigation shows and thought that becoming a crime scene investigator is the perfect career? However, an immediate question arises regarding the type and amount of adult education required to pursue this dream career.
As observed in these shows, crime scene investigators, typically referred to as forensics scientists, apply scientific principles to solve sometimes baffling and often routine criminal cases. These specialists are required to follow legal guidelines to ensure their scientific investigative findings are admissible in courts of law to prosecute criminals.
Forensic Scientist Basic Education Requirements
Forensic science draws from a variety of education disciplines. The exact discipline and required courses depends on the area of specialization a crime scene investigator desires to focus.
All forensic scientists must earn a degree in science (chemistry, physics, biology, physical science, molecular biology, etc.). They are also required to complete courses in public speaking or debate, and technical writing. These basic education guidelines were established by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences.
Creating a Continuing Education Action Plan will increase your chances for success in becoming a crime scene investigator.
Forensics Science Specialties
Anyone entering this career field typically specializes in a specific discipline. These disciplines and their education requirements include:
- Criminalistics – criminalists must earn a bachelors degree in science, with a focus on forensic science preferred.
- Engineering Sciences – these specialists must earn a masters degree in engineering. Their focus is personal injury, construction, warranty, and other situations involving engineering expertise to solve investigations and criminal negligence.
- Odontology or Forensic Dentistry – these specialists focus on the identification of crime victims, accident victims, and the use of bite marks to identify assailants. Forensic Dentists must have a degree in dentistry and complete courses in Odontology (development, diseases, and anatomy of teeth).
- Pathology – these specialists perform autopsies to determine the cause and circumstance surrounding questionable deaths. Pathologists are medical doctors who must complete a four year degree in pathology, a residency in pathology, and an internship in forensics pathology.
- Physical Anthropology – these specialists focus on the identification of human remains. Their expertise is used to identify victims of plane crashes, fires, and excavations. Physical anthropologists must have a doctorate specializing in human anatomy and osteology (study of bones and vertebrate skeletons).
- Toxicology – these specialists work with harmful substances and their effect on human beings. Toxicologists must have a bachelor’s degree in physical science along with course work in chemistry and pharmacology (drugs).
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Science – these specialists focus on mental processes leading to criminal actions. Forensic psychiatrists are medical doctors with a four year degree in pathology, a residency in pathology, and an internship in forensics psychiatry.
A Future as a Forensic Scientist
Typical job functions of crime scene investigators include:
- Investigating questionable deaths and using appropriate investigative procedures.
- Work with other crime scene investigators with specialties other than yours.
- Maintain accurate records and appropriate chain of custody of all evidence related to an investigation.
- Releasing information to law enforcement agencies, news media, and general public.
Education does not end once hired as a crime scene investigator. Continuing education is required to maintain proficiency and earn additional sub specialties. For example continuing education courses include: drowning victim investigations, serial killer investigations, elder death, and infant deaths.
How to Control Career Options through Education provides guidance and suggestions for entering your dream career you see every week on your favorite crime scene investigation show.
David R. Wetzel - Dr. David Wetzel's experience includes more than 25 years in continuing, adult, and teacher education.
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