Get to the Scene of the Crime with Online Degree Programs

When forensic scientists are called to the scene of a crime, they never know what they might find. Each scene is different, and each one tests all the skills the crime scene investigator has to offer. The job might sometimes be strange, and often it can be difficult, but it is certainly never boring — and the satisfaction of figuring out what happened and catching the bad guy can make even the most difficult days feel worthwhile for the crime scene investigator.
Becoming a Crime Scene Investigator
The most common path to becoming a crime scene investigator is earning a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or forensic science. A strong background in mathematics, chemistry, and physics can provide an excellent stepping stone to the online degree programs you choose.
Crime scene investigators should also have excellent reasoning skills, the ability to write their findings clearly and accurately, and top-notch communication for those times when their findings must be presented to judges and juries. Since the world of forensic science changes rapidly, on-the-job training continues throughout your career.
Online Degrees Can Help You Tackle Crime
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities for crime scene investigators are expected to increase by 20 percent between 2008 and 2018, or much faster than the average for all occupations. Though the median annual salary for forensic scientists is $51,480, years of experience can up the income to $84,000 at the high end of the scale.
Online degree programs are available for those who want to make a difference in the criminal justice system. If there is a particular area of forensic science you choose to specialize in, such as DNA analysis or firearms, look for online schools that offer additional courses to provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to make the most of your career as a crime scene investigator.

About the Author
Shannon Dauphin is a researcher, novelist, occasional editor, and full-time journalist. Her most important job, however, is being Mom to the coolest kids she has ever met.