| Career Clues For Forensic Science Majors |
| Written by Michelle Conner |
| Thursday, 22 July 2010 07:10 |
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Forensic science is one of the fastest growing careers according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The number of people working in this field that uses scientific principles to solve legal questions increased by 30%. Whether it's the popularity of television crime series or high profile trials, more people are investigating careers involving forensics and taking classes in criminal justice online.
Forensic science is one of the fastest growing careers according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The number of people working in this field that uses scientific principles to solve legal questions increased by 30%. Whether it's the popularity of television crime series or high profile trials, more people are investigating careers involving forensics and taking classes in criminal justice online. Due to interest in the field, colleges and universities are adding forensic science to their curriculum. There are now more than 130 forensic science programs being offered across the country. Online colleges are also offering classes in forensic science. The course work is usually the same as at traditional colleges, but online college puts the student in charge. The online college student chooses when to attend lectures and labs and when to complete exams. This flexibility makes it easier to go to college while you work or add a second degree. There are colleges that offer a criminal justice master degree. However, people in the field may also have undergraduate degrees in physics, chemistry or biology. There are several careers for someone who chooses forensic science as a major. Some of these jobs require more schooling, while others are available to those with a bachelors degree. For example, a medical examiner is a doctor trained in the science of pathology. This highly paid physician examines body tissue and fluids to determine a person's cause of death. While their work does not always revolve around a crime, their subject's are always the dead. To become a medical examiner, you must hold an undergraduate degree in science, be a licensed medical doctor and have specialized in pathology. That's a lot of time in school! If it's the criminal mind that intrigues you,forensic psychology may be the field for you. Forensic psychologists may work in the justice system, helping to identify and analyze suspects, help victims recover or testify in court. Forensic psychologists not only have a bachelors degree, they also complete graduate work and sometimes a doctorate degree. Forensic psychologists earn an average salary of $53,000 a year. A criminal justice programs can also land you a job as a crime laboratory analyst. Crime lab analysts spend the majority of their work day in the lab. They evaluate evidence, tying to a suspect or eliminating someone else as a suspect. Crime lab analysts make an average salary of $28,000 to $45,000 a year. If you would rather be in the field, working the crime scene, being a crime scene investigator may interest you, A crime scene investigator is responsible for assessing and processing the crime scene. They gather and transfer evidence, view autopsies and brief police officers. Depending on education and experience, a crime scene investigator can earn $20,000 to $50,000 a year. To become a CSI, most jobs require a bachelors degree, like forensic science. About the Author: While most people with a associate criminal justice degree may end up working in a lab or with law enforcement, there are also teaching jobs available. If you have an interest in science, this growing field may interest you. Online college makes it easier to investigate law degrees. |