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Criminal Justice
Degree Finder
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Criminalist
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What is a criminalist?
Criminalists identify, compare, analyze, and interpret physical evidence.
M.S. in Criminal Justice - Crime Analysis
What do criminalists do?
A criminalist's primary role is to objectively examine physical evidence using investigative skills and practical experience. It is the criminalist's job to separate important evidence from trivial evidence that has little or no intrinsic value. Using scientific methods the criminalist then identifies, sorts, and compares the evidence in a way that will be useful to the trial or investigation. Interpreting the evidence, and the results of various tests in order to determine the truth, may be the most important work a criminalist does. Accurate interpretations of evidence and test results help identify the circumstances at the time a crime was committed, and may reinforce a witness' statement. Lastly, criminalists supply written reports of their findings, and, may offer an expert testimony in court.
Where do criminalists work?
Criminalists work in sheriff's offices, state and regional agencies, forensic laboratories in police departments, medical examiners' offices, colleges and universities, attorney's offices, federal agencies such at the FBI and DEA, and for various private companies.
What kind of training will I need to break into the field of criminalistics?
In order to become a criminalist, applicants will need to acquire a minimum of a bachelor's degree in the physical, biological, or forensic sciences. Applicants must also complete at least 24 semester hours of either biology or chemistry, and math. The actual courses completed are more important than the degree title given to the graduate. Because scientific advances are continually unraveled at a rapid pace, continuing education classes are also required, and will need to be taken throughout your career.
What are the licensing or certification requirements for criminalists?
Currently, there are no mandated licensing requirements for crimanlists. However, the majority choose to become certified by the American Board of Criminalistics. In some cases, entire forensic laboratories may be accredited by organizations such as the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board.
What is the salary range for criminalists?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, experienced criminalists earn annual salaries between $35,000 and $50,000. Typically, the salaries of Federal crimanalists are higher.
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Top Criminal Justice Colleges
Associates in Crim. Just.
Bachelors in Crim. Just.
Masters in Crim. Just.
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Kaplan University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Kaplan University lets students take advantage of one of the fastest growing industries in the United States by providing accredited Criminal Justice degrees. Kaplan lectures and prepares students to pursue a career immediately after graduation.
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Associates in Crim. Just.
Bachelors in Crim. Just.
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University of Phoenix - Associate's & Bachelor's Degrees. Providing students a comprehensive Criminal Justice education, University of Phoenix enables students to jump start their careers in Criminal Justice. University of Phoenix provides students the opportunity to obtain campus classes or learn from home.
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Associates in Crim. Just.
Bachelors in Crim. Just.
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American InterContinental University - Associate's & Bachelor's Degrees. American InterContinental University prepares students for careers in homeland security, paralegal work, and many other careers. American InterContinental University offers accredited undergraduate and graduate degrees at affordable prices.
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Bachelors in Crim. Just.
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Westwood College - Bachelor's Degree. Westwood College, part of Westwood College Denver North teaching system, has an accredited Criminal Justice program. Westwood Colleges uses a hands on approach to teaching and brings in professionals in their field to teach each class.
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Associates in Crim. Just.
Bachelors in Crim. Just.
Masters in Crim. Just.
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Everest University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Graduates from Everest University in Criminal Justice will have career opportunities as correctional officers, counselors, and more. Everest University graduates will leave with an accredited Criminal Justice degree.
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Bachelors in Crim. Just.
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Liberty University - Bachelor's Degree. Liberty University offers students a comprehensive Criminal Justice degree program taught by a well respected faculty that is highly rated by their peers. Liberty University allows students to earn their Criminal Justice degree entirely online.
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Associates in Crim. Just.
Bachelors in Crim. Just.
Masters in Crim. Just.
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Virginia College - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Virginia College Online provides students the ability to take Criminal Justice classes online for students seeking a degree in this specification. Students who successfully complete this degree have the opportunity to pursue careers in various Criminal Justice fields.
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Bachelors in Crim. Just.
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Upper Iowa University - Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Upper Iowa University students Upper receive an education in Criminal Justice taught by exemplary professors based on what they learned in the field. This foundation lets students receive a hands on approach to their education. Students graduating from Upper Iowa University leave the chance to impact their profession immediately with a number of career opportunities.
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Bachelors in Crim. Just.
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Ashford University - Bachelor's Degree. Students attending Ashford University will be surrounded by a support staff eager to help students in any way possible while they are in pursuit of their Criminal Justice degree. Ashford University provides a quality learning environment for students looking to graduate with a degree in Criminal Justice.
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Associates in Crim. Just.
Bachelors in Crim. Just.
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Lincoln College - Associate's & Bachelor's Degrees. Lincoln College provides students with a strong foundation for their careers in Criminal Justice. Their interactive and flexible programs allow students to learn about the exciting field of Criminal Justice anytime, anywhere.
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Associates in Crim. Just.
Bachelors in Crim. Just.
Masters in Crim. Just.
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Colorado Technical University - Associate's, Bachelor's & Master's Degrees. As an accredited online university, Colorado Technical University's programs provide students with high-quality, career-focused curriculum. Students pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice will receive the skill set and knowledge necessary to become successful individuals.
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