Associate Degree Program in Crime Scene Investigation
Majors Overview April 15, 2013Students should enroll in a two-year Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Crime Scene Investigation program, if they are interested in a career as a crime scene investigator; the program includes training in criminal justice and forensic science. The National Certification Board and International Association for Identification provide examinations to graduates that result in either Certified Crime Scene Investigator or Forensic Crime Scene Investigator certification.
A.A.S. Degree in Crime Scene Investigation
Evidence collected at a crime scene is preserved and examined by a crime scene investigator. The curriculum involves coursework in bloodstain analysis, latent fingerprints, digital photography, proper handling procedures, and more. Depending on the program, it may involve law enforcement element where students will train to become police officers while completing courses in crime scene investigation. In the program, students will learn how to extract evidence from computers and re-create crime scenes, as well as study principles of forensic science. Students who want to be admitted into the crime scene investigation degree program are required to hold a general educational development (GED) certificate or a high school diploma; applicants are required by several colleges and universities to be trained law enforcement officers.
Program Course Topics
Program coursework trains students how to effectively manage a crime scene, from securing a crime scene to maintaining the quality of evidences and prevent any tampering. The program course topics will include:
•Crime scene safety
•Biological evidence
•Evidence management
•Bloodstain patterns
•Crime scene imaging
Salary Information and Employment Outlook
In 2009, forensic technicians held more than 12,000 jobs in the United States, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS – <a href=”http://www.bls.gov/” target=”_blank”>www.bls.gov</a>). As reported by the BLS, this profession will see growth of twenty percent between 2008 and 2018. In 2009, forensic technician average annual salary was $40,340.
Information on Continuing Education
Students who graduated from the program with two years of experience in crime scene investigation may sit for the Forensic Crime Scene Investigator certification examination offered by the International Crime Scene Investigators Association. Individuals will need to submit documentation on three crime scenes on which they worked and pass mock and written crime scene exams. The Certified Crime Scene Investigator examination offered by the International Association for Identification can be taken by graduates who have one year of experience.
