• Crime scene investigators often start their careers as police officers, but in order to take the next step toward becoming a CSI, a good education is essential. Every organization will be different, so if you have a specific region you are considering working in, it is best to check that region's requirements before starting your education.ICSIA: How to Become a CSI

It is common practice to obtain an associate's or bachelor's degree in one of the following fields:

1. Criminal justice
   1. Psychology
   2. Crime analysis
   3. Law enforcement
   4. Crime scene safety
   5. Crime scene investigation techniqueseHow: How to Become a Crime Scene Investigator
2. Forensic sciencesWorld Wide Learn: Guide to College Majors in Crime Scene Investigation
3. Science
   1. Biology
   2. ChemistryeHow: How to Become a Crime Scene Investigator

• Because reasoning and analytical deduction are crucial skills used in crime scene investigation, the following courses may also be helpful:

1. Statistical analysis
2. Botany
3. Genetics
4. CalculuseHow: Requirements to Become a Crime Scene Investigator
5. Public speaking: often CSIs are required to testify and present analysis in a courtroomWorld Wide Learn: Guide to College Majors in Crime Scene Investigation

• If you are interested in beginning your career as a law enforcement officer, check out Mahalo's page on How to Become a Police Officer. Many crime scene investigators, and especially those who work in the laboratory, go on to earn their master's or doctorate degrees. As with most careers, the higher degree of education you obtain, the more valuable you become and the more money you can make.

• Many criminal justice programs offer online degrees. Here are a few programs available that are particularly known for their criminal justice programs. If you are considering applying to an online program, you may want to compare some of the programs listed below to determine which one best meets your needs.Crime Scene Investigator.net: How to Become a Crime Scene Investigator

1. John Jay College (online)Lloyd Sealy Library: John Jay Careers in Forensic Science
2. University of Phoenix (online)
3. Capella University (online)
4. Kaplan University Criminal Justice Degrees Guide: How to Become a Crime Scene Investigator
5. Everest University (online)
6. Rasmussen College (online)
7. Tiffin University (online)
8. Utica College (online)
9. Keiser University
10. George Washington UniversityLegal Criminal Justice Schools.com: Crime Scene Investigator Job and Career Information

• Before finishing college and entering into the workforce, you may want to consider applying for an internship. Internships are programs that allow you to work (usually without pay) in your field of interest, gaining references and hands-on experience. Some internship programs may:

1. Allow interns to collect evidence at crime scenes under supervisioneHow: How to Become a Crime Scene Investigator
2. Transfer evidence to the lab for analysisWorld Wide Learn: Guide to College Majors in Crime Scene Investigation
3. More advanced interns may be permitted to survey the crime scene without assistance of a supervisorWorld Wide Learn: Guide to College Majors in Crime Scene Investigation

• The advantage of internship programs is two-fold. Not only are new investigators learning the techniques necessary to advance in their careers, but they are bringing new knowledge with them to share with seasoned investigators. Newly educated CSIs may have information and training on new technology that the seasoned veterans aren't yet aware of.World Wide Learn: Guide to College Majors in Crime Scene Investigation

• There are a number of different ways to go about getting into an internship program.

1. Visit the career center of your college and research criminal justice internships.
2. Contact the local police force and ask about their internship program.
3. Contact the the nearest branch of the FBI and inquire within.
4. Check job sites on the Internet and post your resume to find potential internships with government law enforcement agencies.Governors State University: Law Enforcement Internships Helpful sites may include:
   1. Summerjobs.com
   2. RSInternships.com
   3. Monstertrak.com
   4. Idealist.org
   5. Get that GigGovernors State University: Law Enforcement Internships

• While television shows make it look like everyone on the CSI team does the same type of work, the truth is there are several different jobs within the team. Based on your area of interest, you can choose from a number of career specialties. The following suggestions are some of the major positions available. Please note that other specializations may be available in your area.

1. Crime lab supervisor: supervises the analysis of crime scene evidence that has been submitted for analysisState of Louisiana: Department of Civil Service Job Specs
2. Crime scene analyst: fully responsible for crime scene analysisWorld Wide Learn" Guide to College Majors in Crime Scene Investigation
3. Crime scene technician: responsible for finding and collecting evidence at the crime scene; may also take photographs and analyze physical evidenceLegal Criminal Justice Schools.com: Crime Scene Technician (Criminal justice degree required)
4. Trace analyst: analyzing and interpreting scientific results of evidence found at the crime scene; may also give expert testimony in courtSouth African Police Force: Trace Analyst Career (four-year degree required)
5. Toxicologist: conducts studies on evidence to determine presence of toxic substancesdocstoc: Job Description: Toxicologist (Master's degree in toxicology required)
6. DNA analyst: required to collect, preserve and analyze DNA evidence in relation to criminal investigationsAdams County Sheriff's Office: DNA Analyst Position (Bachelor's degree required}
7. Forensic photographer: taking photographic evidence at the crime scene and using computers to analyze and enhance the data recordedSchools in the USA: Forensic Photographer
8. Fingerprint technician: responsible for studying and classifying fingerprints according to blocking pattern typesCity of Phoenix: Job Specs: Fingerprint Technician
9. Firearms examiner: efficient in examining and identifying firearms, weapons and accessoriesForensic Career.com: Firearms Examiner (Bachelor's degree required)
10. Medical examiner: identifying cause of death through autopsy and medical examinationScience Education: Medical examiner (Ph.D required)Inside Prison: Average Salary for Crime Scene Investigators

• Specialization in a field like medical examiner may require more education than a bachelor's degree. It is important that you take the time while still in college to determine which area of crime scene investigation you would like to specialize in so you can focus your studies and obtain the necessary degree.Legal Criminal Justice Schools: How to Become a Crime Scene Investigator

• After you have finished your internship and training, it's time to enter the workforce. Depending on the community you are applying to, the application process may vary and competition may be stiff. You will want to make sure you:

1. Have your resume ready
2. Study up on the community you are applying to.
   1. Interviewers will test you on your community knowledgeeHow: How to Become a Crime Scene Investigator
   2. This is the best way to know what to expect from your work environment
3. Be prepared to work beyond the typical 40-hour work week.
   • Many CSIs are called to crime scenes at all hours of the night and early morning.World Wide Learn: Guide to College Majors in Crime Scene Investigation
4. Plan to spend a great deal of your time working in the laboratory or office doing research.World Wide Learn: Guide to College Majors in Crime Scene Investigation

• There are a number of options in this line of work besides entering into the police field. You may also want to consider working for a private firm or a government agency like the FBI.eHow: How to Become a Crime Scene Investigator Salaries are competitive, and differ in various regions.Criminal Justice Degrees Guide: Becoming a Crime Scene Investigator