Online crime scene forensics degrees

Most jobs in crime scene forensics require a minimum of a bachelor's degree in forensic science or its equivalent, the BLS reports. Coursework in crime scene forensics often includes many of the following topics:

• Crime scene overview
• Crime scene photography
• Evidence collection
• Fingerprinting
• Blood-stain pattern recognition
• Processing the crime scene

Many forensic scientists who provide expert testimony have earned at least a master's degree or Ph.D., the BLS reports. Some employers may require certification from specialty organizations, such as the International Association for Identification; the Association of Firearms and Toolmark Examiners; or the National Association of Forensic Engineers. These certifications can lead to work in forensics with specialties in engineering, nursing, chemistry, economics or other related fields.

Some colleges are taking innovative approaches to teaching crime scene forensics. Professor Ann Burgess of Boston College developed a virtual game designed to teach students applied forensic science. The game recreates crime scenes and conditions to help students develop the skills necessary to work in the field. During play, students photograph crime scenes, collect evidence, examine virtual blood spatters and weapons, as well as analyze emergency calls, psychological examinations and police interrogations.

Many programs that focus on online degrees in crime scene forensics use a combination of online lectures, chat rooms, podcasts and virtual active-learning environments, reports academic publisher IGI Global of Hershey, Penn. These virtual models of crime scenes provide distance-learning students with a laboratory where they can shape the tools necessary for real-life forensic investigation.

In 2010, there were 12,390 crime scene technicians employed in the U.S. with median annual wages of $51,570, the BLS reports. The top 10 percent of forensic scientists earned more than $82,990 per year. Ninety percent of all crime scene technicians worked for local and state governments.

People working in crime scene forensics should be extremely analytical and detail-oriented, as their findings and proper documentation often carry great significance in the courtroom. They must also be self-possessed under oath and able to provide relevant written and oral testimony, regarding their findings.

• Salary: Median annual wage of $51,570
• Educational tools: Virtual crime scene laboratories mimic real-life crime scenes
• Career options: DNA, handwriting and document analysis; firearms specialties; and more