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What Can I Expect from an Online Master’s in Crime Scene Investigation Program?

Online master’s in crime scene investigation programs are available through traditional colleges and universities and offer the same degree of professionalism as on-campus programs. Online programs are an excellent option for working adults, as the lack of commute will give you more time to meet your job responsibilities while you further your education. Remember that no two online master’s in crime scene investigation programs are identical, so you’ll need to carefully review each option to find the best match for your needs and goals.

Available concentrations

Crime scene investigation is often offered as a concentration for a criminal justice or forensic science program. When crime scene investigation is available as its own degree program, you can focus your studies on a particular niche within this field. Some of the most common concentration options for a master’s in crime scene investigation include:

  • Crime Scene Photography: Delves into the best practices for producing images of crime scenes, evidence, and other crime details to present in court.
  • Latent Print Analysis: Focuses on identifying suspects by studying fingerprints, palm prints, footprints, and related clues from a crime scene.
  • Firearm Analysis: Reviews firearms, bullets, spent bullet casings, bullet striations, and other details that could be used to help solve crimes.

Common degree curriculum

Some online master’s in crime scene investigation programs allow you to complete all required coursework online. Others require a certain amount of lab work or other hands-on training activities. Many programs have prerequisite requirements, such as one or more courses in chemistry or biology during your baccalaureate studies or completing your bachelor’s degree in a science-related field. There may be a thesis requirement as well.

While the exact curriculum depends on which school you attend, there are some topics covered in just about every master’s in crime scene investigation program, including:

  • Science of Fingerprints: General overview of recording, classifying, and comparing fingerprints, palm prints, and latent print development methods.
  • Bloodstain Pattern Analysis: Learn how to interpret bloodstain patterns as part of the crime scene reconstruction and cause of death process.
  • Forensic Pathology: Study terminology and scientific techniques used to analyze violent crimes, unexplained or accidental deaths, and suicides.
  • Photography in the Forensic Sciences: Provides basic information about crime scene photography, such as equipment selection, photography as evidence, and common misconceptions about crime scene photography.
  • Firearms and Tool Mark Identification: Covers methods for identifying firearms, bullets, bullet casings, gunshot residue, tool marks, etc.

Certification and license preparation

After earning your master’s degree, you should consider furthering your education through professional certification programs. These additional credentials will look great on your resume and help you advance your career. The most valuable certifications for crime scene investigators include:

  • Crime Scene Investigator/Crime Scene Analyst: A master’s in crime scene investigation will prepare you for the International Association for Identification’s professional development courses. Once you complete the required instruction hours, you can sit for the Certified Crime Scene Investigator or Certified Crime Scene Analyst exam.
  • Forensic Crime Scene Investigator: This credential, offered by the International Crime Scene Investigators Association, requires active law enforcement employment, two years of experience processing crime scenes, 50 hours of crime scene courses, documentation of previous crime scenes you’ve investigated, and passing a written exam.

Program accreditation

You should only apply to institutions approved by a DOE-recognized regional accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Otherwise, accessing financial aid or transferring credits to another institution may be difficult if needed. You should also seek a program accredited by the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences or the Forensic Education Program Accreditation Commission. These organizations hold master’s in crime scene investigation programs to an exceptionally high standard.

Program completion timeframe

Online master’s in crime scene investigation programs usually require about 36 credit hours, though the number of credits for any given program can range from 30 to 54. Most full-time students can finish within two years, while part-time students may need up to five years. Some programs offer an accelerated format that allows you to earn your degree in just one year, but this requires a heavy courseload that isn’t viable for students with time-consuming obligations outside of school.

Employment Outlook for Master’s in Crime Scene Investigation Graduates

A master’s in crime scene investigation will prepare you for a career as a forensic science technician. You may also be able to find work as a detective in the public or private sector, though these career paths typically require law enforcement or military experience.

You should adjust your salary expectations for where you plan to work, as areas with a higher cost of living tend to offer higher pay. For example, forensic science technicians make an average salary of $93,630 in California but just $45,630 in Arkansas.

This degree also offers strong job security. While the total number of jobs in the United States is projected to increase by 3%, most occupations related to crime scene investigation are expected to grow much faster than that.

Job Title Job Description Median Yearly Salary Projected Growth Rate (2022 – 2032)
Forensic Science Technician Also called crime scene technicians, forensic science technicians aid criminal investigations by collecting and analyzing evidence. They may work for law enforcement agencies or private investigative companies. $63,740 13%
Detectives & Criminal Investigators Detectives and criminal investigators collect evidence, make arrests, and provide testimony in court. They may work for local, state, or federal law enforcement agencies. $91,610 N/A
Private Detectives & Investigators Private investigators provide professional evidence collection services. In addition to serving private clients, they may work as contractors with law enforcement agencies. $52,120 6%

Professional organizations

Joining a professional organization will allow you to network with peers, collaborate on research, strengthen your job prospects, and gain access to additional guidance, resources, and services. Some of the most notable organizations for those with a master’s in crime scene investigation include:

Financing Your Online Master’s in Crime Scene Investigation Degree

While online classes are often less expensive than on-campus programs, you may still need help paying for your degree. Online students qualify for many of the same types of financial aid as traditional students, and they may also have access to awards offered exclusively to distance learners.

Student Finance Resources and Guides

Loans, grants, scholarships, work-study — with all these options available, you may find it hard to make sense of your financial aid situation. The resources listed below will help you sort through all this information and save as much money as possible.

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Learn more about online degrees, their start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.