Below you will find a side-by-side comparison of crime scene investigation and forensic science. Those interested in pursuing a degree in either field should use this as a convenient reference when deciding on a course of study.
| Crime Scene Investigator | Forensic Scientist |
|---|
| Scope of Profession | Crime scene investigation, like forensic science, focuses on utilizing scientific and social analysis techniques to assist law enforcement in uncovering all information about a crime. Crime scene investigators work at the scene of a crime, gathering any relevant evidence for later analysis. | Unlike crime scene investigators, forensic scientists do not visit the crime scene. Instead, they work in a lab environment, examining and analyzing evidence provided by investigators to help law enforcement agencies pursue justice. |
| Academic Topics Covered | Students in crime scene investigation programs will spend most of their education learning about collection techniques, evidence handling and storage, crime scene procedure, and criminal justice overall. These students will also likely take courses on law and legal philosophy, as well as lab-based science, although not nearly to the extent that those in a forensic science program do. | A student pursuing a degree in forensic science will inevitably be immersed in all varieties of lab-based science, including biology, chemistry, toxicology, pharmacology, and physics. Furthermore, these students will focus on other subjects related to criminal analysis, including chemistry and pathology, with a focus on forensics. |
| Typical Courses | Although the curriculum will vary depending on the institution, courses that a student of crime scene investigation will likely take include the following: - Introduction to criminal justice
- Introduction to forensics
- Criminology
- Judicial process
- Corrections
- Crime scene photography and management
- Forensic fingerprint analysis
- Trace evidence analysis
- Violent crime scene analysis
- Criminal law and investigations
- Criminal justice ethics
| The following is a sample list of classes that would likely be found in any undergraduate or graduate forensic science program: - Biology (including cell biology, microbiology, and molecular biology)
- Chemistry (including biochemistry, physical chemistry, organic and inorganic chemistry, and quantitative chemistry)
- Physics
- Calculus
- Pharmacology
- Genetics
- Statistics
- Instrumental and forensic analysis
- Crime and society
- Forensic anthropology and pathology
|
| Specializations | Crime scene investigation may be a standalone program, or may be housed within the degree of criminal justice, and considered a specialization or concentration area itself. In such cases, there would typically be no further specialization available. | In some programs, forensic science is often a greater criminal justice degree specialization. However, where forensic science is a standalone program, it will likely have a great emphasis on laboratory science, and students may have the opportunity to specialize in such fields as toxicology, DNA analysis, or even death investigation. In some programs, a student may also specialize in computer forensics and cybercrime, which may be a useful degree to obtain employment in some emerging occupations in the future. |
| Job Titles | Upon obtaining a degree in crime scene investigation (or a technician certificate), students will be prepared to work as crime scene investigators or technicians. | A degree in forensic science allows the holder to obtain employment as a forensic scientist, generally in a laboratory setting. |
| Work Environments | Crime scene investigators (and technicians) will work directly at the scene of the crime, analyzing the situation and gathering evidence relevant to the investigation. Because crime occurs at all hours of the day, investigators may remain on-call as determined by their employer. When not at a crime scene, these individuals may perform other tasks at a police station or other law enforcement agency. | Forensic scientists and technicians generally work in a lab setting, where they analyze the evidence provided by the crime scene investigation team. These scientists often have a routine schedule, unlike crime scene investigators. In some cases, forensic scientists or technicians may also work in morgues or a coroner’s office. |
| Degree Opportunities | Upon obtaining an undergraduate degree in crime scene investigation, a student may go on to pursue a master of science (MS) degree in the same field, or a graduate certificate, which can aid in obtaining employment with a greater amount of responsibility and associated pay. | After receiving a bachelor’s degree in forensic science, a student may continue on to obtain a graduate certificate, master’s degree, or a PhD in the same field. Those who pursue PhD programs will be better able to pursue future careers in teaching or research. Also, a student with an undergraduate degree in biology or another natural science may be well qualified to pursue a graduate degree in forensic science. |
| Responsibilities | Crime scene investigation technicians are also responsible for gathering evidence at the scene of a crime, although they work directly under the supervision of a crime scene investigator.
The education requirements are generally lower for technicians than they are for investigators; indeed, a crime scene technician need only obtain a certificate in the field (instead of an undergraduate degree) before seeking employment. A crime scene technician will likely have a limited working knowledge of forensics, although he or she will be well versed in collection techniques, criminal procedure and law, and evidence handling and storage. | Forensic science technicians (also referred to as forensic lab technicians) are no different than forensic scientists; indeed, the Bureau of Labor Statistics categorizes all work performed by a forensic scientist as that of a forensic science technician. |
| Online Degree Programs | The following is a list of schools that offer online degree programs in crime scene investigation: | The following is a list of schools that offer online degree programs in forensic science: |
| Bottom Line | A degree in crime scene investigation is an excellent choice for an individual who wishes to work in the criminal justice field, especially at the scene of a crime.
A student in this field can expect to take courses focusing on criminal procedure and evidence management and some courses in lab-based science. A graduate may find employment as a crime scene investigator, who works directly with law enforcement to help uncover all relevant information about a crime in the pursuit of justice. | Anyone wishing to work in the field of criminal justice by analyzing crime scene evidence provided by investigators should consider a degree in forensic science.
Forensic science students should expect to take biology, chemistry, physics, pathology, and anthropology courses, many of which include labs. Forensic scientists (or forensic science technicians) generally work in a laboratory setting, handling and examining evidence and providing their findings to criminal detectives for further action, or testifying in a court of law. |
FAQs
Overall, forensic science and CSI are closely related, but while CSI focuses on the gathering and analysis of physical evidence at a crime scene, forensic science encompasses a wider range of scientific techniques and specialties used to analyze and interpret evidence in order to solve crimes.
Is CSI Crime Scene Investigation accurate? ›
The Reality of CSI on TV. Crime scene investigation shows rarely depict the work of these professionals accurately. Unfortunately, this leads to a lot of myths and misconceptions about careers in crime scene investigation and what they entail.
Is crime scene investigation hard? ›
Crime scene investigators may be required to lift, bend, stretch, crawl, and climb to gather evidence. Slogging through mud and almost impassable conditions are often part of the job. When collecting evidence, you may spend hours on your knees in uncomfortable positions.
Can you be a CSI and a forensic scientist? ›
It's important to note that some crime scene investigators are also forensic science technicians and vice versa. There is some overlap between these two careers.
Is a forensic scientist usually at the crime scene collecting evidence? ›
Unlike crime scene investigators, forensic scientists do not visit the crime scene. Instead, they work in a lab environment, examining and analyzing evidence provided by investigators to help law enforcement agencies pursue justice.
How CSI is unrealistic? ›
For instance, the show's fictional characters not only investigate ("process") crime scenes, but they also conduct raids, engage in suspect pursuit and arrest, interrogate suspects, and solve cases — which, in real life, falls under the responsibility of detectives and uniformed officers, not CSI personnel.
What is the difference between forensic science and forensic studies? ›
Unlike Forensic Science, which often involves laboratory work and technical analysis, Forensic Studies places greater emphasis on critical thinking, research, and the application of theoretical knowledge to real-world cases.
What is the hardest part of being a CSI? ›
Seeing the results of crimes on a daily basis can be emotionally taxing on the CSI. The workload can be overwhelming and the pressure to “work faster” intense. Being on call can take time away from family and friends, leading to burnout.
Do shows like CSI make it harder to get convictions? ›
Research has shown the “CSI Effect” has a possible pro-defense bias, in that jurors are less likely to convict without the presence of some sort of forensic evidence.
Do you have to be good at math to be a crime scene investigator? ›
© Bertino Forensics
Students find that much of the information investigated in a course in forensics is new information. What many of the students don't realize is that anyone employed in the field of forensics would greatly benefit with a strong background in math, science, technology and writing.
There is also some opportunity for upward mobility when it comes to a CSI's employer. With enough experience and success someone working for local law enforcement, an investigator could pivot into working for a government agency like the FBI.
Can you get into the FBI with a forensic science degree? ›
Minimum Qualifications
A bachelor's degree or higher from a U.S. accredited college or university in a biological science, chemistry, engineering, forensic science, physical science, life science, mathematics, or a related field.
Can a forensic scientist work for the FBI? ›
I am a forensic examiner, cryptanalyst. I work for the FBI Laboratory. I work in a unit called the Cryptanalysis and Racketeering Records Unit. Pretty much we look at codes and ciphers and we look at records, business records, records of illicit businesses.
Do forensic scientists have to testify in court? ›
Testify in Court as an Expert Witness
The forensic scientist will, at some point, have to testify. Testimony is the verbal statement of a witness, under oath, to the judge or jury. Forensic scientists are "expert" witnesses as opposed to ordinary or "fact" witnesses.
What does a CSI do in a day? ›
Throughout the day, they may communicate with detectives and other law enforcement personnel about the status of their report as they wait to hear back about evidence in the lab. They may be asked to go to a crime scene during their work hours to conduct their routine analysis and collection of evidence.
Do forensic scientists do autopsies? ›
While a forensic scientist analyzes physical evidence for clues about a crime scene, a forensic pathologist performs an autopsy to determine the manner and a cause of death.
What are the problems with the CSI Effect? ›
It seems that the “CSI effect” had a greater impact on individuals who systematically watched such television series and created unrealistic expectations about the cases-solving procedure. Non-viewers of TV forensic-based series and forensic scientists were not affected to the same extent.
How does CSI compare in real life to TV? ›
The Role of CSIs in Investigations
Detective Work: Unlike on TV, where CSIs often take on detective roles, including interviewing suspects and leading investigations, real CSIs work in the background. They provide crucial support through evidence analysis but do not engage in detective work.
What is one downside to crime shows like CSI? ›
However, the influence of crime television shows like CSI has led to a phenomenon known as the CSI Effect, which has a significant impact on jury decision-making. Jury Decision-Making: Jurors, influenced by what they've seen on television, often have heightened expectations for forensic evidence.
What are the problems with shows such as CSI? ›
The CSI Effect and Juror Expectations. The CSI Effect is a phenomenon where jurors, influenced by crime TV shows, have unrealistic expectations about forensic evidence. They often think that every case comes with high-tech forensic proof and expect courtroom proceedings to be as dramatic as their favorite series.
