• Forensic Science Degrees
• Crime Analyst Career
• Crime Lab Analyst Career
• Forensic Science Technician Career
• What is Criminology?

How to Become a Criminalist

1) At minimum, you'll need a 4-year bachelor's degree in the field of Biology, physical science, Criminal Justice or Forensic Science to work in the criminalistics field. The title of the degree is not as important as the courses taken (biology, math, forensics, chemistry).
2) Many criminal justice degree programs contain criminalist related courses as part of their curriculum so they are worth taking a look at too.
3) Review the additional criminalist qualifications below.

Criminalist Job Description

A criminalist examines physical evidence from a crime scene to find the link between evidence, suspect and victim. Criminalists sort, analyze, and identify the physical evidence, using scientific methods, and prepares useful information for a criminal investigation or trial. They interpret the results of their analyses and tests to determine when, how and with what the crime was committed. They prepare written reports that are presented to their supervisors as well as used as expert witness testimony in the legal system. Criminalists work in forensic laboratories in police departments, sheriff's offices, district attorney's offices, regional and state agencies, medical examiners' offices, private companies, colleges and universities, and for federal agencies such as the DEA, ATF, CIA and the FBI.

Criminalist Employment Training and Education Requirements

The minimum requirement is a bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, forensic science or a related science. In the future, criminalistics careers may require a master's degree, in fact, some state level agencies are looking for masters educated criminalists. Many colleges and universities offer degrees and courses in forensic science, that will prepare students criminalist and related careers. In deciding whether to get a degree in biology, chemistry or forensic science, study the courses offered to determine which area fits your professional goals in criminalistics. Chemistry or biology is required and math is a must for any student looking for a future career as a criminalist and a biology or forensic science degree will definitely cover these topics.

Find Degree Programs that will Prepare You for a Criminalist Career

To keep up with the many advances in science, the criminalist must take continuing education courses during his/her career. Criminalists also have the option of taking an extremely tough examination which, if passed, allows the criminalist certification by the American Board of Criminalistics.

Criminalist Salary

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) found that experienced criminalists earn between $35,000 and $50,000 per year. Our research of job postings and salary survey resources found numbers comparable to the BLS report. In addition, experience, higher education and those in supervisory positions can earn significantly more, over $100,000 a year. Salaries at the Federal level are usually higher.

Criminalist and Related Degree Programs

= Staff Recommended

American InterContinental University:

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

Ashford University:

BA in Biology
BA in Environmental Sciences
BA in Social Science - Criminal Justice

Liberty University Online: Liberty University is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). The Online Education Database has ranked Liberty University among the top 10 online colleges in the nation for two years in a row.

Associate's in Criminal Justice
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice

University of Phoenix Online: University of Phoenix can help 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.

Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice
BS in Criminal Justice
MS in Administration of Justice and Security
Information Systems Security Certificate

Lincoln College Online:

BS in Criminal Justice and The Study of the Criminal Mind

Request information from Lincoln College to learn more.

Florida Tech University Online:

Associate's CriminalJustice
Bachelor's - Criminal Justice

Request free information from Florida Tech University Online to learn more.

Drexel University Online: Drexel University is regionally accredited by Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. There is a strong focus on criminology as well as the many other facets of criminal justice including administration, policies and procedures, law, corrections and much more. Learn more by requesting information today.

BS in Criminal Justice Online

Regis University:

Bachelor of Arts in Communication
Bachelor of Science in Criminology
Master of Nonprofit Management
Master of Science in Criminology

University of the Rockies:

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

Walden University Online: Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association. The Higher Learning Commission is one of six regional accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

BS in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security
BS in Criminal Justice - Management & Administration
BS in Criminal Justice - Computer Info Syst & Security
BS in Criminal Justice - Crime & Criminals
BS in Criminal Justice - Human Services for CJ

Request information about a Walden University degree program.

Everest University Online :

Criminal Investigations Associate's Degree
Homeland Security Associate's Degree
Homeland Security Bachelor's Degree
Criminal Justice Associate's Degree
Criminal Justice Bachelor's Degree
Paralegal Associate's
Paralegal Bachelor's

Portland State University:

Bachelor's - Criminology and Criminal Justice

Click here for more online colleges

Colleges Offering Campus Based Forensic Science Degrees 

= Editor's Campus Program Choice

American InterContinental University:

Programs Offered: Bachelor's | Forensic Science.

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South Florida or Atlanta, GA

George Washington University:

Programs Offered: Master's Forensic Sciences | Security Management, High Technology Crime Investigation

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Washington DC

Albany State University: Offers a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science. This program is accredited by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS).

Bay Path College: Longmeadow, MA, Bay Path College offers a Bachelor's of Science in Forensic Science.

Cedar Crest College: Offers Bachelor of Science Degree Programs in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, and Genetic Engineering and a concentration in Forensic Science. These programs are accredited by the AAFS.

Eastern Kentucky University: Offers a Bachelor's of Science Degree Program in Forensic Science. This program is accredited by the AAFS.

Ohio University: Offers a Bachelor of Science Degree in Forensic Chemistry. This program is accredited by the AAFS.

University of Baltimore: Offers a Bachelor's of Science in Forensic Studies.

University of Mississippi: Offers a Bachelor of Science Degree in Forensic Chemistry. This program is accredited by the AAFS.

University of New Haven: Offers a Bachelor in Forensic Science. This program is accredited by the AAFS.

Virginia Commonwealth University: Offers a Bachelor of Science Degree in Forensic Science. This program is accredited by the AAFS.

West Chester University: Offers a Bachelor of Science Degree Program In Forensic and Toxicological Chemistry. This program is accredited by the AAFS.

West Virginia University: Offers a Bachelor of Science Degree - Forensic and Investigative Science Program. This program is accredited by the AAFS.