Key takeaways
- Several colleges and universities in the United States offer an online crime scene investigation degree.
- Crime Scene Investigator are at the forefront of criminal investigations as they find clues and collect evidence from the crime scene.
- To become a crime scene investigator, you need a bachelor’s degree in forensic science, a bachelor’s degree in crime scene or a related field with an emphasis in forensic investigation.
- Florida International University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Crime Scene, which is the ideal online CSI degree.
- Colorado Technical University, Arizona State University, and the American Military University also offer online programs that aspiring CSIs can pursue.
- Make sure you check program requirements with the university’s admissions advisor before enrolling in an online program.
- An online CSI degree is a relatively more affordable option than a traditional on-campus program.
Do you love solving mysteries and hunting for clues? If yes, then consider becoming a crime scene investigator (CSI). As a CSI, you get to be at the forefront of criminal investigations, and that is where all the fun happens. Moreover, thanks to technological and scientific advancements, the crime scene investigation field is growing, and so is the demand for qualified professionals.
If you want to pursue a career as a crime scene investigator, this is the guide for you. Here, we list some of the best online crime scene investigation degrees offered by renowned higher educational institutes in the USA. Whether you are a US citizen or an international student, these programs are easily accessible for everyone.
What does a crime scene investigator do?
You know those officials in white or yellow hazmat suits and personal protective attire, searching the crime scene and collecting fingerprints – those are Crime Scene Investigators (CSIs). Their job is to search the crime scene, collect evidence, and safely store it for transportation and testing without getting it contaminated. Moreover, CSI Agents take photos and document the crime scene not just in images but also in writing, detailing everything they collected and from where.
But that is not all, a CSI agent’s tasks and responsibilities extend well outside the crime scene or forensic lab. Here is a detailed list of the responsibilities of a CSI:
- They analyze the crime scene to find evidence and collect clues.
- A crime scene investigator protects the crime scene from contamination.
- Gathering evidence, including fingerprints, liquids, DNA samples, and so on.
- Examining the body of a murder victim to determine the time and cause of death.
- Collect evidence and safely store it to be transported for testing.
- Documenting the evidence that is collected to maintain accurate records.
- Recording the samples and evidence in a designated room.
- Aid in the investigation by working with forensic scientists to test evidence and find irrefutable proof.
- Testify in court as an expert witness.
- Write detailed reports stating accurate information about the evidence gathered, testing process, and findings.
Crime scene investigation is a growing field. Not only are there abundant job opportunities in the field, crime scene investigators also have high earning potential.
Related: How much do crime scene investigators make an hour?
What education do you need to become a crime scene investigator?
There are several different types of crimes, which is why there are many different types of specializations available within the field of crime scene investigation. Regardless of which concentration area you want to pursue, a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is the minimum entry level requirement. However, which bachelor’s degree is right for you will largely depend on your career aspirations.
Some options that you can pursue include:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Forensic Science
- Bachelor’s in Criminology – Forensic Science concentration (preferred)
- Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice – Forensic Science concentration (preferred)
- Bachelors in Chemistry
- Bachelors in Biology
Even within these fields, there are specific specialization areas. These include toxicology, DNA testing, fluid testing and handling, arson and explosive material handling, testing, and so on. Are you unsure of which field you want to take? Don’t worry, you don’t have to decide right away. You can enroll in any one of the programs mentioned above and decide the exact career trajectory you want to follow after taking a few courses and getting a gist of the program.
Moreover, if you choose to pursue an online program, you can seek out an internship or a part-time job in a lab or a law enforcement agency to get some work experience. Watching professionals on the job, engaging with them, and listening to first-hand experiences can really help clear your head and help you choose a concentration area.
How to find the right online crime scene investigator degree?
Even though the world of online or distance learning existed way before COVID-19, the pandemic gave it the boost it needed. Today, a significant majority of students prefer online programs over traditional on-campus ones. One of the main reasons why online learning has grown exponentially is that they are affordable. Even if the tuition is the same as that of an on-campus program, students don’t have to commute or arrange for accommodation and cater to the bills that come with living in a different city or country.
Moreover, online programs offer a great deal of flexibility in terms of learning schedule. In fact, many online programs can be completed at an accelerated pace. Hence, if you choose the right online program, you may even be able to enter the job market faster. But how do you find the right program?
Here are a few things to consider when searching for an online CSI degree:
- Accreditation – Only choose an accredited program, as the accreditation serves as a guarantee of quality.
- Faculty – The program should be taught by industry professionals and experts, as they bring real-world experience that books cannot teach.
- Required equipment – Generally, you only really need a reliable internet connection and a PC for any online program. However, make sure you check the exact requirements with the college or university before enrolling in one.
- Program format – Online programs are either synchronous or asynchronous. Synchronous programs require students to take classes in real time. Asynchronous programs, on the other hand, offer greater freedom, allowing students to take classes at any time from anywhere.
List of programs to become a crime scene investigator – online
Finding an online degree isn’t a problem; finding options that are trustworthy is. Here, we eliminate that problem by providing a list of online CSI degrees you can explore if you want to pursue a career as a crime scene investigator.
Arizona State University – Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science
The forensic science program at Arizona State University is designed for aspiring crime scene investigators and forensic science professionals. Through the program, you will learn the latest forensic science tools and techniques. Moreover, you will learn how to use scientific knowledge to aid criminal investigations by finding and collecting evidence that can provide answers and insights not visible otherwise.
Initially, the program focuses on developing a strong foundation in basic sciences such as biology and chemistry. Here, you will learn a variety of tools and techniques, especially for working in a lab. It is a comprehensive online program for aspiring forensic science professionals.
| Location | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| Tempe, Arizona | 89.8% | 66.3% | $12,223 in-state
$33,139 out-of-state |
American Military University – Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
You can pursue an online bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the American Military University. Though not a direct Forensic Science program, it can prepare you for a career in crime scene investigation. Here, you will learn how to conduct research, analyze, and assess criminal justice and criminology theories.
But most importantly, you will learn about the latest forensic science practices and protocols, analyzing them, especially the ethical and legal considerations to be taken into account when conducting forensic science investigations. If you are not interested in working in the field, then this is the program for you. With a criminal justice degree, you can obtain roles designing, analyzing, and improving policies regarding forensic science and crime scene investigations.
| Location | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| Charles Town, West Virginia (headquarters) | 12% | 53% | $350/credit |
Florida International University – Bachelor of Science in Crime Science
Florida International University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Crime Scene. The program is specifically designed to train crime scene professionals of tomorrow. Crime Scene is an evolving field thanks to the ever-improving technologies of our time and the ever-changing criminal landscape. Florida International University’s Criminal Science program is designed to equip aspiring crime scene investigators with the knowledge needed to combat the ever-evolving crime.
The program combines criminal justice, crime scene investigation, and forensic science programs, including cybersecurity. Through the program, you will develop a range of analytical skills, which will enable you to successfully pursue a career in crime scene investigation not only in the US but around the globe.
| Location | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| Miami, Florida | 63.9% | 73.9% | $6,566 in-state
$18,964 out-of-state |
Colorado Technical University – Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (Forensic Investigation)
Colorado Technical University offers a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a focus on forensic investigation. The program focuses on equipping students with a strong foundation in not only forensic investigation but also the criminal justice system, corrections, and law enforcement. Moreover, you will also build a solid foundation in forensic investigation, including lab work.
You will develop a range of skills and a comprehensive understanding of the theories through the criminal justice program offered by Colorado Technical University. Even though the program is offered completely online, you should get in touch with a representative from the university. Since the program emphasizes practical and theoretical learning, you may need to make additional arrangements as a distance learner.
| Location | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| Colorado Springs, Colorado | 69% | 22.8% | $12,760 |
Take the leap and become a crime scene investigator online!
Pursuing an online crime scene investigation degree may not seem like the ideal path to become a crime scene investigator. However, the online educational landscape has evolved drastically. Different digital technologies have made gaining high-quality education through distance learning possible and extremely efficient. If you are passionate about getting criminals off the street and love finding clues, enroll in an online CSI degree today!