• Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
• Forensic Science Degrees
• Crime Scene Tech Certificate

How to Become a Ballistics Expert

Ballistics experts are also referred to as firearm examiners in the field. Requirements can vary in different states, but in most cases a bachelor’s degree in the related sciences or criminal justice is required to work in a forensics lab as a ballistics expert. However, some forensics laboratories will accept experience with firearms as a sufficient substitution. Occasionally police officers gain further training and enter the field. Further training in niche specialties would increase competitiveness and salary. Find Ballistic Expert related degree programs below.

Job Description and Duties

Ballistics experts often work for police forces, though they can also be employed by private agencies as well, which is becoming increasingly more common to refute testimony. These forensic experts analyze guns and weapons used to commit crimes. Guns leave ballistic “fingerprints,” which result from the weapon’s individual gun’s twists and grooves that spin the bullet as it shoots. These are analyzed by the ballistics expert. They also analyze powder markings and bullet holes at the crime scene. Utilizing technology such as computer databases and lasers at the scene are a large part of their job. Ballistics experts collect, study, and sort evidence and determine its importance as related to investigations. They may testify in court and serve as witnesses for cases as well.

Salary and Outlook

Ballistics experts are specialists in the field of forensic science. Forensic scientists’ salaries vary according to employer and region, as well as years of experience, though the median annual salary tends to hover around $50,000. As a field, forensic science jobs are expected to grow 31% in the next decade, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics.

(Sources: American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science, Google books: The Practice of Crime Scene Investigation By John Horswell, Google books: Detective Work with Ballistics, by David West, Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Ballistics Expert Career Related Degree Programs

American InterContinental University: The field of forensic science is growing rapidly and career opportunities are bright for those educated in this field. Forensic science is a lucrative and exciting career path. AIU has developed curriculum taught by professionals in the forensic science field that will help prepare graduates for successful forensic science careers as well as graduate studies in forensic science and related areas. Request no obligation program materials from AIU today!

BSCJ - Forensic Science
Bachelor's - Computer Forensics
Associates in Criminal Justice Administration
BSCJ - Law Enforcement
BSCJ - Special Populations

Kaplan University: When you earn a crime scene technician certificate at Kaplan University, you can feel confident that you are receiving the most current and relevant education in the crime scene investigation field. Start or advance your career as a Crime Scene Technician or Crime Scene Investigator with Kaplan University. Classes are now enrolling.

Crime Scene Technician Certificate
BSCJ - Crime Analysis
AAS in Criminal Justice
BS in Criminal Justice

South University: Online

Bachelor's in Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice - Crime Scene Investigation
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice - Cyber Crime
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice - Juvenile Justice

University of the Rockies:

Master of Arts in Psychology - Criminology and Justice Studies
Doctor of Psychology - Criminology and Justice Studies

Lincoln College Online:

B.S. in Criminal Justice and the Criminal Mind
B.S. in Information Management and Security

Portland State University:

Bachelor's in Criminology and Criminal Justice

University of Phoenix Online: University of Phoenix will help thoroughly prepare you for careers in the field of criminal justice. University of Phoenix is the largest private university in the country and is dedicated to their students.

BS in Criminal Justice
BS in Organizational Security & Management

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