Forensic criminology is a broad field that
includes everything related to a crime. It might include crime scene
investigation, criminal psychology and police procedures. A more recent
addition to this topic is computer or digital forensic security.
Online Bachelor's Degree in Forensic Criminology Overview
There are several online programs in criminal justice that include classes in forensic criminology. Graduates might find work in a crime laboratory as an analyst looking at crime scene evidence or as a crime scene examiner. Some programs include psychology and psychological profiling. Most technicians who do lab analysis have a bachelor's degree.A person with this degree might specialize in serology (or fluid), firearms, hair, fiber or soil evidence or become a forensic odontologist (a dentist) who studies crime-related identification based on teeth. There are numerous sub-specialties in related subjects like traffic engineering as well.
The Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) accredits programs in this field. Information on accredited schools can be found on their website (www.aafs.org).
Program Information and Requirements
Most bachelor's degree programs require an average of four years of work. Completely online programs do exist, but may include a required on-the-job practicum. Most programs follow the collegiate calendar, and classes are offered within a semester or quarter system.List of Common Courses
Course work in this field depends upon the kind of work a student wishes to pursue. An aspiring laboratory technician who looks at specimens would pursue more biology and chemistry classes while a potential field-based crime scene investigator would be more involved with finding and preserving physical evidence. Both would need some basic courses in the law and research methodology.Criminal Law Course
This course includes a study of the basic underlying structure of the law as it applies to criminology. It explores the basics of criminal behavior within the judicial system.Research Methods Course
This is usually a survey course to teach students the usual research methods as they apply to the criminal justice system. Students are provided with an overview of criminal evidence collection.Forensic Biology Course
A science-based course investigating the collection and analysis of biological evidence. The techniques of evidence and the biological science required for a criminal justice specialist are just some of the topics covered.Ethics in Criminology Course
This class considers the various perspectives of ethical behavior. The class is usually geared toward ethics as they apply to law enforcement or corrections.Career Information for Graduates
Individuals with a criminal justice degree may find a variety of jobs in law enforcement. Alternatively, a graduate might wish to pursue a medical degree and become a medical examiner.A graduate with this degree might become a private investigator or detective. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov), investigators earned a median annual wage of $42,110 in May 2009. BLS predicts excellent job prospects in this field from 2008-2018.
The median wage for a forensic lab technician was $51,480 in May of 2009 (BLS data). This kind of work is done in a laboratory and is not generally field-based. Criminologist with about a year of experience made a median annual salary of $29,661-$50,000, according to Payscale.com.
Continuing Education and Certification
A private detective generally has to be licensed to practice according to state law. Other types of criminal justice jobs usually do not have specific licensing regulations. There are no specific certification requirements to be a detective in most states.Online Bachelor's Degree in Cybersecurity or Forensic Accounting
One of the newest fields in criminal analysis has to do with computer forensics. With the widespread use of computers in business, a new sub-specialty in digital forensics is now being offered in online degree programs. It is also being offered as a minor in some accounting degree programs.Specialists in this field must learn about accounting as well as investigative techniques. The field also requires grounding in the law and criminal behavior. Students may pursue accounting courses or they might be involved in computer hardware issues or both.
Program Information and Requirements
These programs generally require four years to complete. Most can be done online but some certificate programs within a bachelor's degree program might require a series of Saturday seminars. Most of these programs provide students with a combination of computer and accounting skills. The coursework teaches a student how to uncover evidence of fraud using a computer.List of Common Cybersecurity Courses
Cyber crime is a brand new field. It includes things like identity theft or credit card fraud as well as pornography, terrorism or computer hacking, to name only a few. Any crime that can be done using a computer requires a specialist to discover relevant evidence. In addition, the study of computer viruses might also be relevant if it is involved in criminal activity.Computer Hardware Course
In order to pursue this kind of work, students need to be comfortable with computer hardware. Such work often involves, for example, the ability to remove a computer hard drive.Law and Computer Crime Course
Someone who is interested in this field must understand the laws surrounding cyber crimes. Topics like copyright and prevailing pornography laws could be included. Immigration law might be a factor when it involves terrorism.Network Security Course
Classes involve how to protect a computer network from invasive criminal activity. Any computer system is vulnerable to attacks and a valid grounding in how networks are constructed is essential.Fraud Accounting Course
In addition to basic accounting classes, this kind of work requires learning how fraud can be committed. Someone searching for evidence must understand how illegal practices can be performed to hide criminal activity.Career Information for Graduates
BLS states that accountants should experience excellent job opportunities in the next decade, 2008-2018. This includes forensic accountants. They will work to identify criminal activity in the financial arena by crime rings, companies and individuals.A forensic accountant with about 1-4 years of experience made a median annual wage (as of July 2010) of $50,999, according to Payscale.com. Other statistics provide by Payscale.com include forensic accountants with 5-9 years, $66,460; 10-19 years, $84,331; and more than 20 years, $83,497.
Continuing Education Information
A graduate degree may enhance job prospects. One common path is to acquire an undergraduate accounting or IT degree and then earn a graduate certificate in forensic accounting or forensic criminology.Certification in this field is new, and there are several possible certifications available. The International Society of Forensic Computer Examiners (ISFCE) has a Certified Computer Examiner (CCE) certification for computer forensics. More information can be found on their website (www.isfce.com).
According to BLS, individuals who are a certified public accountant (CPA) will experience the best job prospects. The American Institute of CPAs explains that most states require candidates pass an exam and have least two years of experience to become a CPA (www.aicpa.org).
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