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.
2) Many criminal justice degree programs contain these 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. 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.

To keep up with the many advances in science, the criminalist must take continuing education courses all during his career. By passing a very tough examination, the criminalist may become certified 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.

spacerimage