Crime scene investigation has captured the public’s attention for years, largely due to popular TV dramas and true crime media. In real life, these professionals combine science, meticulousness, and teamwork to collect and analyze case-breaking evidence. CSI degree programs are designed to prepare students for entry-level roles in law enforcement and forensic science. Success in this field takes more than interest; it takes focused training and real-world practice, and that’s exactly what students gain in Villa’s CSI program.
Where Do Crime Scene Investigators Work?
Crime scene investigators work for a variety of public and private organizations, including:
- Police departments
- Sheriff’s offices
- State law enforcement agencies
- Federal agencies (like the FBI)
- Medical examiner or coroner’s offices
- Private forensic labs
- District attorneys’ offices
Many CSIs specialize in fieldwork, such as responding directly to and working at crime scenes. Others work in lab settings, examining collected evidence. Students in CSI programs gain skills in both kinds of environments, combining technical knowledge with real-world practice in simulated crime scene rooms.
Crime Scene Investigator/Technician
CSIs are often the first professionals on the scene after a crime is reported. Their job is to identify, collect, document, and preserve physical and biological evidence. This can include blood, fingerprints, weapons, hard drives, and trace materials like hair and fibers. While not every piece of collected evidence ends up contributing to a case, relevant materials help form a picture of the events that unfolded, ideally leading to solved crimes and secured convictions.
CSIs also photograph the crime scene and evidence, write detailed reports, and sometimes even testify in court.
Some jurisdictions, including many in New York, require CSI professionals to serve as law enforcement officers first before progressing into investigations.
“Many southern states do not have this requirement, and students can enter the workforce as a CSI if they possess the training, which is the purpose of our program,” said Professor Mary Ann “Hoby” Hobar.
Crime Scene Supervisor
Though not an entry-level role, becoming a crime scene supervisor might be a long-term career goal. These professionals manage CSI teams, ensuring procedures and evidence are processed thoroughly and correctly, and coordinate efforts with law enforcement and forensic labs. They also mentor junior technicians and manage equipment and training.
Evidence Technician
Once evidence is removed from a crime scene, evidence technicians have the task of logging, storing, and tracking it. These workers secure evidence rooms and ensure that all materials are labeled correctly and handled in accordance with strict legal guidelines. This step is critical, as misplaced or improperly accessed evidence can derail even the most solid cases.
Police Officer
Police officers respond to emergencies, enforce laws, and protect their communities, but many also play a critical role in solving crimes. They collect initial statements, secure scenes, and often work closely with crime scene investigators and detectives throughout the investigative process. While police academy training is required, graduates of CSI programs enter police officer roles with a strong understanding of crime scene analysis, evidence collection, and forensic science, giving them an edge in investigations.
Police officers may also get promoted to detectives. It’s detectives who are ultimately responsible for solving serious crimes by interviewing witnesses, reviewing evidence, and putting a case together to submit to district attorneys.
How Much Do Crime Scene Investigators Make?
The job outlook for CSI careers is very positive. In 2024, the median pay for forensic science technicians, a category that includes crime scene investigators, was $67,440 annually. Employment in the field is expected to grow 14% from 2023 to 2033, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Starting salaries may vary depending on where you work, your level of education, and whether you’ve gained experience through certification opportunities. Villa’s focus on hands-on training and experiential learning helps students build a competitive resume before graduation.
Many employers look for six months to two years of field experience when hiring CSI professionals. You can also enhance your resume with optional certifications. While not always required, credentials from organizations like the International Association for Identification (IAI) or the American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) can validate your expertise in specific areas like bloodstain pattern analysis, latent prints, or drug chemistry.
Villa Maria helps students build this experience through internships and experiential learning, which take place in realistic, mock crime scenes filled with mannequins, blood patterns, fibers, clothing, and furniture. Students are taught by Professor Hobar, the program lead, who brings professional crime scene investigation experience to her teaching.
“I worked in the criminal justice field for over 25 years and served as a police officer, detective, and lieutenant,” she said. “As I was nearing retirement, I was asked to become a criminal justice instructor at another institution. Shortly after starting this position, Villa decided to embark on a crime scene investigation program thanks to the interest sparked by CSI shows on television. I was placed in charge of creating and developing the program based on my experience.”
Earn Your CSI Degree at Villa
Villa Maria College’s crime scene investigation degree gives you the tools, experience, skills, and guidance you need to succeed. Through small classes, one-on-one instruction, and realistic training environments, students gain the confidence and capability to start working in the field right after graduation.
Ready to learn more about our CSI and criminal justice programs? Reach out today to learn more or apply!
