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Justice, Law & Legal Studies
Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) and Forensic Science Investigator
Outlook & Growth
Jobs for forensic science technicians are expected to increase by 20 percent through 2018, much faster than the average. Increasingly, state and local governments are using forensic science to examine, solve and prevent crime. There will be plenty of jobs for crime scene technicians who work for state and county crime labs.
Salary & Wages
In 2008, forensic science technicians earned a median hourly wage of $23.97. Employees of the federal government earn more than their state and local counterparts, or those working for psychiatric hospitals or security firms. Wages vary by state, with Connecticut, Kansas, California, Virginia and New York paying the most.
What is a Forensic Science Technician?
Forensic science technicians investigate crimes by collecting and analyzing physical evidence. They gather evidence in the form of fibers, glass, hair, tissue, body fluids, bullets or other items and then test them to find out whether—and how—they are significant to the investigation. Many forensic scientists have areas of specialization, such as weapons or DNA analysis.
Forensic science technicians also write reports about their findings and provide expert opinions to investigators. When criminal cases come to trial, forensic science technicians often give testimony in court about evidence collected at the scene of a crime.
Education and Degree Path
Forensic science technicians usually need a bachelor’s degree. Many colleges and universities now offer bachelor’s degree programs in forensic science or bachelor’s degrees in a natural science with an emphasis in forensic science or criminology. A few schools offer bachelor’s degrees with an emphasis in a specialty area, such as criminology, pathology, investigation or forensic accounting.
Licensing: None.
Entering the Field: Technicians usually need hands-on lab training. Graduates of bachelor’s degree programs in the sciences who have considerable experience in laboratory-based courses, or who have held summer jobs in laboratories, are preferred by some employers.
People interested in careers as science technicians should take as many science courses as possible. Science courses, especially college courses, should be laboratory oriented. A solid background in chemistry, physics and math is vital.
Career Changers: Expertise with lab equipment and computers, as well as a strong background in applied chemistry, physics, and math, can help you quickly change careers to focus on forensics.
Those who hold bachelor's degrees in sciences or criminal justice, law, psychology, sociology and human services are good cross-career candidates. They may opt to take a specialized certificate in forensics or advanced study in chemistry and lab sciences to aid in the transition.
Computer experts are increasingly needed for crime scene exploration of computer networks and data drives. Private investigators, detectives, and police officers often re-specialize in this area for the added benefit of working outside of the line of fire.

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Career Links

FSU professor's site about careers in forensic science

Source for salary and growth data is the Bureau of Labor Statistics. For more information on careers in forensic science, salaries, and job prospects visit: U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Science Technicians, at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos115.htm and the Bureau Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics at http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes194092.htm.
 
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