Crime Scene Investigator - CSI Degrees
Crime Scene Investigation has become one of the hottest careers in the US . The interest in becoming a CSI has been driven largely from the hot new TV shows that dramatize the CSI career and lifestyle.
However, from a scientific standpoint, there has never been a better time to be a Crime Scene Investigator. The world's current political climate is pushing us to find new ways to find criminals and learn from past events so that major catastrophes don't happen. Investigation has also been helped by developments in high tech computers, chemicals, and DNA analysis.
To become an investigator, there are several common routes. Many people start off their career in the military, federal intelligence, insurance companies, or auditing. In recent years, many people have elected to get into crime scene investigation right out of college by taking a degree in crime scene investigation, criminal justice or police science.
The main characteristics needed for a CSI are that they must be logical, organized, good communicators, and creative. They often may be confronted with strange situations or crimes that require them to put themselves in the criminal's shoes and really think out why and how the person committed the crime.
The skills you learn on the job as a crime scene investigator are just as valuable as your investigation education. Criminals are always becoming more advanced and there is no way they can teach you everything you need to know in a school.
Salaries for crime scene investigators can vary largely by the region you work in. For major cities you can expect the pay to be a bit higher and you will probably have access to the latest tools and methods. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, an investigator in the US earns on average around $58,470 per year plus benefits. However it is important to note the range of these salaries goes from $32,000 to $88,000 per year.
You will also need to check with your state government about what licenses if any are required for you to be an investigator. In most cases a school admissions representative will have this information for you.
Some popular schools that offer top end criminal justice educations are South University , AIU, Anthem and Everest, and Walden. You can find all of these schools on our site, www.education180.com .
Remember becoming a CSI is a lifelong career. You can grow in your district and easily transfer these skills to another industry such as insurance or even start up your own investigation firm over time.
Good luck in your career investigation!
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