Forensic investigator job overview:

• Forensic investigators can make up to $98,000 per year.
• You’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree to get into forensic investigation.
• Your education will focus on science and legal studies.

What do forensic investigators do?

SVU, CSI, NCIS. What do these things have in common (besides being mega-hit prime-time series)? Forensic investigation, that’s what. These jobs, and those shows, surely aren’t for the faint of heart. You’ll need a doctor’s stomach with a scientist’s logic. If you can do it, being a forensic investigator is an incredibly rewarding and well-paying job.

As a forensic science investigator, you’ll be responsible for investigating crimes by collecting and analyzing physical evidence. Typically you’d specialize in one area, like DNA analysis, or firearm examination, or particular substances such as fiber, glass, hair, tissue and body fluids. You’ve seen it on TV. You’ll have to crack the code for things like footprints, blood spatters and bullet patterns to figure out “who done it.” When criminal cases come to trial, forensic science technicians give testimony as expert witnesses on laboratory findings.

How much do forensic investigators make?

Most forensic investigators make between $45,000 and $81,000 (some earn up to $98,000 a year). Your salary will vary with geographic area and tenure (the amount of time you’ve spent on the job). Another huge factor in earnings is education level. Forensic investigators with a bachelor’s degree start at a higher wage and earn more over their career.

What are the education requirements to be a forensic investigator?

Much like a police officer, forensic science positions almost always require a bachelor’s degree, either in forensic science or another natural science like biology, chemistry or physics. Knowledge and understanding of legal procedures can also be helpful, so a criminal justice degree or law degree will give you a leg up. Most investigators will also need to complete training programs with the federal, state or local agency that they want to work for.

No matter what your degree is in, you’ll have to have to get your hands dirty at some point. It’s up to you (and your prospective employer) whether you do it in school or during job training. If you learn how to use equipment specific to your desired job (microscopes and other brainy things) it could reduce the amount of time you’ll need to spend in training.

If you’re dead set (get it? dead set) on a career in forensic investigation before you even graduate high school, you should get started early with science and math courses to get you ready for your undergraduate degree.  An advisor can point you in the right direction, but coursework in college should be laboratory oriented, with an emphasis on practical lab work to get you familiar with what you’ll be doing on the job (and to toughen you up a little for what you might see down the road). Bone up on chemistry, math and physics while you’re at it.

Career paths for forensic investigators

Forensic investigators usually start from the bottom as a trainee with a supervising scientist or investigator looking after everything you do.  This isn’t your average job, so they won’t be cool with “first day” mistakes. It could mean the difference between a conviction and no conviction.  As you get more experience, you’ll be allowed to take on more responsibility (read: no one breathing down your neck), and even supervise others. If you get an undergraduate degree, it can help you move up the ladder much more quickly.

The future of forensic investigator jobs

According to the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics), jobs for forensic science technicians are expected to increase by 20 percent, which is much faster than average. Employment growth at all levels will be influenced by the increased need for DNA analysis and other scientific evidence.  Everyone watches crime shows, even jurors, so they’ll be looking for you in the courtroom and on the stand.

Ready to launch your own forensic investigator career? Get your criminal justice degree.

Police officer job overview:

• On average, police officers make around $42,000 per year (and up to $80,000 per year).
• There will be good number of new job opportunities within local police agencies.
• Most police offers need post-secondary degrees.

What do police officers do?

If you don’t know what a police officer does by now, more power to you. Some of us aren’t quite as fortunate and became well acquainted with men in uniform as soon as we got behind the wheel of a car (friendly advice: speed limits aren’t just “guidelines”). For those law-abiding citizens out there, a police officer is responsible for maintaining order and upholding local or state laws.

There are lots of different kinds of police officers, but for the purposes of this job description we’re going to stick to uniformed police officers. These law enforcers maintain regular patrols and respond to 911 calls (my bad on the loud music, Officer, won’t happen again). It’s a lot like the show COPS, but not as exciting, because you actually have to figure out what to do with the drunk, shirtless guy who can’t walk straight.

Most police agencies are split up into geographic areas called districts or precincts. Officers of a precinct will be assigned a specific area to patrol so that they can get familiar with the neighborhood, and hopefully notice if something just doesn’t look right.

How much do police officers make?

Most uniformed police officers make between $40,000 and $65,000 (some earn up to $80,000 a year). Wage will vary with geographic area and tenure (the amount of time you’ve spent on the job). Another huge factor in earnings is education level. Officers with a bachelor’s degree start at a higher wage and earn more over their career.

What are the education requirements to be a police officer?

Most entry-level police officer positions will require one or two years of college coursework or, in many cases, a college degree. Having a background in criminal justice is ideal, but experience in physical education or athletics can also help, because police work requires stamina and fitness. Knowing Spanish or another language is also important, especially in diverse urban areas.

Lots of junior colleges, colleges, and universities offer programs in law enforcement or administration of justice. If you find yourself in a situation where you can secure a position early in your education, the local police department may subsidize all or part of your education expenses for the remainder of your coursework.

On-the-job training is almost always mandatory. This training is usually offered in a police academy (12- to 14-week programs), with classroom instruction in law and accident investigation. Recruits also receive practical experience in patrol, traffic control, use of firearms, self-defense, first aid, and emergency response.

Career paths for police officers

Getting promoted as a police officer is a pretty straightforward process. The levels (from least to most tenured) are: corporal, sergeant, lieutenant, captain, deputy chief, and chief. Entry-level salaries for a police chief range from $90,000 to $115,000 per year. While a bachelor’s degree isn’t required to become a police officer, to get promoted to more senior positions, you’ll have to have at least a bachelor’s in criminal justice or related field (if not a master’s).

The future of police officer jobs

According to the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics), job opportunities for police officers are growing at an average pace. Older officers retiring and population growth are the two biggest contributors to employment growth over the next 10 years. Local jurisdictions typically pay lower salaries, but they are easier to get and offer a more positions for officers willing to work their way up.

Getting a degree now can prepare you for a rewarding future

If you’re considering getting an online criminal justice degree, now is a great time to get started. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, many jobs in the criminal justice field are expected to grow rapidly between now and 2016. Paralegal jobs, investigator jobs, private detective jobs and police officer jobs will grow between 11-22 percent in the next few years. That is a tremendous opportunity – and getting your criminal justice degree now can set you up for a satisfying future career.

Why get a criminal justice degree?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, someone with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice earns, on average, 34 percent more than an individual with an associate’s degree in criminal justice. Getting a bachelor’s degree will help you earn over 40 percent more over your lifetime than if you had no degree at all. That’s a lot of money! If the cost of a traditional four-year college scares you, take a look at online criminal justice degree programs.

How much will I make in a criminal justice career?

It will vary depending on your experience and education, but salaries for criminal justice jobs range from about $18,000 to $78,000.

On average, police officers make about $45,000 annually. Those with criminal justice degrees working for the ATF, DEA, IRS, INS, Secret Service or the U.S. Marshals will start at about $25,000 – but with experience or an advanced degree in criminal justice you’ll be able to work your way up quickly.

Criminologists and forensic psychologists usually make between $39,000 and $67,000. Forensic scientists make about $46,000, on average.

What are some entry-level jobs in criminal justice I might be able to get?

Getting a criminal justice degree will prepare you for a number of different jobs. These are just a few that you may want to consider.

Bad guys need not apply: a guide to criminal justice degrees

Do you look good in uniform? Do you stay home on Saturday night to watch “Cops”? In fourth grade, were you the orange-sashed captain of the Safety Patrol?

Sounds like a criminal justice career might be perfect for you. But criminal justice is a broad field – it’s not only about law enforcement but also includes security, corrections, emergency response, crisis management, information technology and the court system. You could work as a private investigator, ATF agent, computer forensics expert, court clerk, paralegal or U.S. Marshal, to name just a few options.

Many of these jobs require some kind of degree to get hired or to advance professionally. Online criminal justice degrees are a smart choice for people who need a flexible class schedule and affordable tuition. We’ll take a look at some of the criminal justice degrees available and the jobs you can get with each degree.

An associate of arts degree in criminal justice gives you a big-picture overview of the criminal justice system. You’ll learn about policing and corrections, the court system and juvenile justice. This degree is a popular choice for those who need a college degree so they can become a police officer or sheriff’s deputy.

If you’re interested in one main aspect of criminal justice, consider a bachelor’s degree in a specialized field. A Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration prepares students for leadership positions in corrections or law enforcement. A Bachelor of Science in Organizational Security and Management degree may be a good choice if you’re interested in joining the Department of Homeland Security.

You can also get a standard bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and add a concentration that prepares you for your chosen career. Examples include corrections, forensics, juvenile justice and crime scene investigation. One fast-growing field is computer crime/cyber security; if you have a knack for computers you may want get a criminal justice degree with a technology focus.

If you’re already in a criminal justice job and you want to advance your career, think about getting a master’s degree in criminal justice. A Master of Science in Administration of Justice and Security degree teaches students the administrative, policymaking and leadership skills they need to take on management careers in police departments, corrections, security or court operations. Or with a Master of Public Administration in Public Safety Management degree, you could develop disaster preparedness strategies for your city or state.

Ready to start your new career? Register for a criminal justice degree program today.

Sailing and snooping: exciting criminal justice careers

So you’ve been watching a lot of CSI and you think you’d like to get an online degree in criminal justice. But did you know that this is a large and rapidly growing field? Once you have a criminal justice degree, your options are almost limitless.

Love the ocean? Don’t get seasick easily? Consider being an officer in the United States Coast Guard. This career will take you places you’ve never been before – literally. The Coast Guard is involved in maritime law enforcement, mariner assistance, and search and rescue. Their mission is to protect the public, the environment, and the United States’ economic and security interests. You may be responsible for rescuing stranded boaters, inspecting boats, arresting illegal aliens and seizing illegal drugs.

Water not your thing? How about a job with the ATF? The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is charged with making our country safer. The Bureau investigates crimes involving firearms and explosives, acts of arson, and illegal trafficking of alcohol and tobacco products. Your criminal justice degree will come in handy here because you’ll need to know a lot about specific laws regarding alcohol, tobacco, firearms and explosives as well as the best ways to enforce them.

Maybe you like to work alone and want to serve the public in your own way. How about a career as a private investigator? You’ll help individuals, businesses and attorneys by finding and analyzing information. You may be asked to solve a real-life mystery or uncover facts about legal, financial or personal matters for your clients. Or you could dig up dirt on a mayoral candidate, or provide proof of infidelity for a divorce. Private investigators need to be able to keep a secret and blend into the background. You have to conduct surveillance, interview witnesses and maybe even go undercover. Private eyes need to keep up with federal, state and local legislation, such as privacy laws, that might affect your work. The legality of certain methods may be unclear, and investigators and detectives must make judgment calls when deciding how to pursue a case. You’ll also need to know how to collect evidence so that it can be used in a court case.

Or perhaps you’d rather just listen to trials. Court reporters record everything that is said during a trial. Some court reporters freelance on the side by taking meeting notes for large corporations. Others make extra money working for TV stations, transcribing real-time broadcasts for the hard of hearing. You’ll need to be incredibly accurate and detail-oriented to take on this career. You’ll also require some additional training to use the stenotype machine. After doing this job for a while, you may know more about court procedures than many lawyers do!
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Getting a criminal justice degree isn’t just about learning how to catch bad guys. The field of criminal justice is more varied than you might think – a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice qualifies you to work as a customs agent, a drug enforcement agent or even a paralegal.

We wanted to know what getting a degree in criminal justice was like, so we spoke with an expert in the field: Don Schneidmiller, a Deputy Chief with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office and an instructor at the University of Phoenix. Schneidmiller has his bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s degree in educational leadership and is an expert on crimes against children, crisis/hostage negotiations, mediation, tactical operations, community policing and narcotics enforcement.

What is a typical day like for a criminal justice student?

There really is no typical day in the criminal justice degree program. Most of our students work full time so they are extremely busy. Many of them are a little stressed, very busy and extremely excited to be in a challenging academic environment.

What subjects are typically studied in the criminal justice program?

Our classes are designed to give you a broad understanding of the three corners of the criminal justice system: law enforcement, courts, and corrections. Some criminal justice degree classes combine all three; for example, you may end up taking a class that focuses on the current issues in corrections and restorative justice. We want students to have a solid foundation so that they can be successful in any one of the three areas with their criminal justice degree.

What surprises students most about the program?

How academically challenging it is – it’s tough. Getting a criminal justice degree is as academically challenging as an engineering or mathematics program. Many students are also surprised at what a diverse field criminal justice can be.

What classes would you suggest for someone interested in the criminal justice field?

Start off with an overview course. Taking some introductory courses will help you decide if getting a criminal justice degree is the right career choice for you.

How can prospective students know if a criminal justice degree is right for them?

Speak to as many people already in the field as you can. Pick their brains to find out more about their jobs. The knowledge you gain from people working in the criminal justice field is just as valuable as the knowledge you will gain in the classroom.

Can students still work while attending school?

Yes. A majority of students do so.

What are some typical career paths after getting a criminal justice degree?

Most students with a bachelor’s in criminal justice tend to become law enforcement officers, corrections officers, detention officers, or probation or surveillance officers.

What are some common traits of a great criminal justice program?

It should be academically challenging first and foremost. Do the instructors have a working body of knowledge in the system? You want faculty that have actually worked in the criminal justice field. Do they know about current events in the criminal justice system? Make sure that the curriculum is broad. You don’t want a program that just teaches you how to be a police or corrections officer, but one that will teach you about all aspects of the criminal justice system.

What advice do you have for people interested in a criminal justice program?

Get out and talk to people working in the profession. Talk to people in courts, police officers, and corrections officers. Get an idea of how diverse the system is. The criminal justice field is such a broad field; get out and learn about it.

Anything else you’d like prospective students to know?

It is critical that students know they’ll be held to an extremely high moral and ethical standard. They need to start holding themselves to that standard now.