Comments on: How Long Does it Take to get a Degree in Forensic Science http://criminaljusticeonlineblog.com/11/how-long-does-it-take-to-get-a-degree-in-forensic-science/ Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:10:29 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Roberto http://criminaljusticeonlineblog.com/11/how-long-does-it-take-to-get-a-degree-in-forensic-science/#comment-26913 Roberto Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:22:59 +0000 http://criminaljusticeonlineblog.com/?p=471#comment-26913 Do forensic scientists get a decent amount of vacation time? Do forensic scientists get a decent amount of vacation time?

]]> By: Annette http://criminaljusticeonlineblog.com/11/how-long-does-it-take-to-get-a-degree-in-forensic-science/#comment-25515 Annette Tue, 06 Dec 2011 09:54:35 +0000 http://criminaljusticeonlineblog.com/?p=471#comment-25515 Hello, I recently relocated to North Carolina with my husband for his career after I completed an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice Administration and a Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice Forensic Science. Both from Regionally accredited Schools with a decent GPA. I have what I would consider to be desirable work history, although sometimes brief in between classes, with several years of management experience working with technology and human resources, but I have been turned down for every single position I have applied for here. I have No Criminal History I have Excellent References I have a current SF86 Federal Background check I have passed several polygraphs for positions I was applying for And as I have been told in the past I interview very well... I make it past most prelim steps in hiring processes and have spent a lot of money to pay for my own background checks, physicals, and testing. I guess I was under the impression that with my education, work history, and the fact that I am a female (Affirmative action and EEO requirements would give me a better opportunity in a male dominated work environment), I wouldn't have any problem finding a job.... Ive been told that if I pay more money and take a BLET course I can get a job as a patrol officer (average annual here is about $32) but that is just less than half of what I had projected to be making back home once I finished my education and it wont put me in Forensics. I'm desperate for guidance.... Any thoughts? Hello,

I recently relocated to North Carolina with my husband for his career after I completed an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice Administration and a Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice Forensic Science. Both from Regionally accredited Schools with a decent GPA. I have what I would consider to be desirable work history, although sometimes brief in between classes, with several years of management experience working with technology and human resources, but I have been turned down for every single position I have applied for here.

I have No Criminal History
I have Excellent References
I have a current SF86 Federal Background check
I have passed several polygraphs for positions I was applying for
And as I have been told in the past I interview very well…

I make it past most prelim steps in hiring processes and have spent a lot of money to pay for my own background checks, physicals, and testing.

I guess I was under the impression that with my education, work history, and the fact that I am a female (Affirmative action and EEO requirements would give me a better opportunity in a male dominated work environment), I wouldn’t have any problem finding a job….

Ive been told that if I pay more money and take a BLET course I can get a job as a patrol officer (average annual here is about $32) but that is just less than half of what I had projected to be making back home once I finished my education and it wont put me in Forensics.

I’m desperate for guidance….
Any thoughts?

]]> By: Radek M. Gadek http://criminaljusticeonlineblog.com/11/how-long-does-it-take-to-get-a-degree-in-forensic-science/#comment-6627 Radek M. Gadek Mon, 11 Apr 2011 22:07:19 +0000 http://criminaljusticeonlineblog.com/?p=471#comment-6627 In certain municipalities, counties, and states the hunt for a career is exactly that: a hunt; many times a treacherous one. I would recommend applying to regional agencies and other municipalities. Have you considered the Federal Govt.; you may be placed near by within certain agencies? Despite my recommendations, it may be hard for ANYONE to find ANY work with or without an advanced degree (Master's, PhD, or JD). The economy hasn't relinquished its grasp on local economies, and quite frankly, people are not letting go of their careers or retiring as much as to avoid being in a financial bind. There will be many people who have same qualifications as you. Internships, volunteer work, and prior experience do make you stand out more. But, you did say that you are interested in Forensics and Computer Investigations; perhaps taking a Master's in Forensic Science or Computer Forensics. BTW a Law degree and a Master's in Criminal Justice degree are two different things, so if you do like CJ, then you don't have to worry about the LSAT and other law school application stuff. Paulina, and the rest of the readers, make sure your school is -- no matter the academic level -- regionally accredited. I can't stress the importance of that. As of this reply, Henley Putnam is not regionally accredited, and despite the school's great TRY at comparing Distance Education Training Council (DETC) accreditation to regional accreditation, it doesn't fool me. Look elsewhere if you can. As for online master's programs in CJ, please visit <a href="http://criminaljusticeonlineblog.com/07/top-criminal-justice-schools-in-america/" rel="nofollow">Top Criminal Justice Schools in America article</a> and <a href="http://criminaljusticeonlineblog.com/best-criminal-justice-schools/" rel="nofollow">Best Criminal Justice Schools page</a>... Many of the schools listed do offer online degrees; some may even have forensics driven programs. In certain municipalities, counties, and states the hunt for a career is exactly that: a hunt; many times a treacherous one. I would recommend applying to regional agencies and other municipalities. Have you considered the Federal Govt.; you may be placed near by within certain agencies?

Despite my recommendations, it may be hard for ANYONE to find ANY work with or without an advanced degree (Master’s, PhD, or JD). The economy hasn’t relinquished its grasp on local economies, and quite frankly, people are not letting go of their careers or retiring as much as to avoid being in a financial bind.

There will be many people who have same qualifications as you. Internships, volunteer work, and prior experience do make you stand out more. But, you did say that you are interested in Forensics and Computer Investigations; perhaps taking a Master’s in Forensic Science or Computer Forensics. BTW a Law degree and a Master’s in Criminal Justice degree are two different things, so if you do like CJ, then you don’t have to worry about the LSAT and other law school application stuff.

Paulina, and the rest of the readers, make sure your school is — no matter the academic level — regionally accredited. I can’t stress the importance of that. As of this reply, Henley Putnam is not regionally accredited, and despite the school’s great TRY at comparing Distance Education Training Council (DETC) accreditation to regional accreditation, it doesn’t fool me. Look elsewhere if you can.

As for online master’s programs in CJ, please visit Top Criminal Justice Schools in America article and Best Criminal Justice Schools page… Many of the schools listed do offer online degrees; some may even have forensics driven programs.

]]> By: Paulina http://criminaljusticeonlineblog.com/11/how-long-does-it-take-to-get-a-degree-in-forensic-science/#comment-6619 Paulina Mon, 11 Apr 2011 16:50:28 +0000 http://criminaljusticeonlineblog.com/?p=471#comment-6619 Dear Radek, My name is Paulina and I graduated with my BA in Criminal Justice from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, FL. The school was local for me and the tuition was less expensive than UF and UCF so the choice was obvious. However, there really isn't a very strong group of career counselors or anyone at FAU who can point you in the right direction once you are done with your BA in CJ, so I've been trying to figure it out on my own. But now I have been done with school for over a year and still have not been able to get a job in the CJ field. Unfortunately, while I was in school, I had to work full time to pay for tuition so I couldn't do any CJ internships or volunteer work because everything available was only during M-F 9-5, and virtually no volunteer opportunities on weekends or evenings when I was not working. I've been applying to city jobs in CJ field and getting no responses, even though the only qualifications required for these positions are a degree in Criminal Justice, I think there is nothing that sets me apart from the other candidates. I've been thinking about doing a master's degree online in CJ to try to get more education and differentiate myself from other job applicants, since I cannot do an internship or volunteer work. I'm not sure if a masters in Criminal Justice will be beneficial to me because I am not interested in Law school, I am more so interested in forensics or investigative computer work. I heard of a school called Henley Putnam which has more unique programs but I'm not sure if a degree from that school looks good to potential employers? I am also not able to relocate so I am limited to job opportunities in South Florida and online masters degree programs. Do you have any suggestions on what online masters program you could recommend as well as any career suggestions? I greatly appreciate any help! Thank you! Dear Radek,
My name is Paulina and I graduated with my BA in Criminal Justice from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, FL. The school was local for me and the tuition was less expensive than UF and UCF so the choice was obvious. However, there really isn’t a very strong group of career counselors or anyone at FAU who can point you in the right direction once you are done with your BA in CJ, so I’ve been trying to figure it out on my own. But now I have been done with school for over a year and still have not been able to get a job in the CJ field.

Unfortunately, while I was in school, I had to work full time to pay for tuition so I couldn’t do any CJ internships or volunteer work because everything available was only during M-F 9-5, and virtually no volunteer opportunities on weekends or evenings when I was not working. I’ve been applying to city jobs in CJ field and getting no responses, even though the only qualifications required for these positions are a degree in Criminal Justice, I think there is nothing that sets me apart from the other candidates.

I’ve been thinking about doing a master’s degree online in CJ to try to get more education and differentiate myself from other job applicants, since I cannot do an internship or volunteer work. I’m not sure if a masters in Criminal Justice will be beneficial to me because I am not interested in Law school, I am more so interested in forensics or investigative computer work.

I heard of a school called Henley Putnam which has more unique programs but I’m not sure if a degree from that school looks good to potential employers? I am also not able to relocate so I am limited to job opportunities in South Florida and online masters degree programs. Do you have any suggestions on what online masters program you could recommend as well as any career suggestions? I greatly appreciate any help! Thank you!

]]> By: Chris Lusardi http://criminaljusticeonlineblog.com/11/how-long-does-it-take-to-get-a-degree-in-forensic-science/#comment-3404 Chris Lusardi Tue, 15 Feb 2011 17:47:35 +0000 http://criminaljusticeonlineblog.com/?p=471#comment-3404 Hi.. I am 14 and a freshman in high school. I love the tv shows " CSI " or " Criminal Minds ". And i want to become a Forensic Scientist. However, i want to know the salary for a scientist. Also a background. Like is it like Criminal minds where they go to the crime scenes take pictures of evidence and analyze it at the lab? Or what? Next i need to know an estimated amount of school after high school. Also me and my girlfriend both want to become forensic scientists. Could we open like a business? Or something like that? Email me at [ removed for privacy reasons ]. Thanks man, appreciate it! (: Hi.. I am 14 and a freshman in high school. I love the tv shows ” CSI ” or ” Criminal Minds “. And i want to become a Forensic Scientist. However, i want to know the salary for a scientist. Also a background. Like is it like Criminal minds where they go to the crime scenes take pictures of evidence and analyze it at the lab? Or what? Next i need to know an estimated amount of school after high school. Also me and my girlfriend both want to become forensic scientists. Could we open like a business? Or something like that? Email me at [ removed for privacy reasons ]. Thanks man, appreciate it! (:

]]> By: dr pratik http://criminaljusticeonlineblog.com/11/how-long-does-it-take-to-get-a-degree-in-forensic-science/#comment-1127 dr pratik Wed, 13 Oct 2010 23:27:13 +0000 http://criminaljusticeonlineblog.com/?p=471#comment-1127 i m experienced of forensic medicine as medical teacher since 1989. i have been immigrated to USA. kindly guide me a carrier and requirement for the same in usa. i m experienced of forensic medicine as medical teacher since 1989.
i have been immigrated to USA.
kindly guide me a carrier and requirement for the same in usa.

]]> By: Radek M. Gadek http://criminaljusticeonlineblog.com/11/how-long-does-it-take-to-get-a-degree-in-forensic-science/#comment-1126 Radek M. Gadek Sun, 07 Mar 2010 06:06:57 +0000 http://criminaljusticeonlineblog.com/?p=471#comment-1126 Check out the career section of the site in the top navigation menu. It has quite a few forensic science careers listed with detailed information on job specific duties, and more… Check out the career section of the site in the top navigation menu. It has quite a few forensic science careers listed with detailed information on job specific duties, and more…

]]> By: justin http://criminaljusticeonlineblog.com/11/how-long-does-it-take-to-get-a-degree-in-forensic-science/#comment-1125 justin Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:38:38 +0000 http://criminaljusticeonlineblog.com/?p=471#comment-1125 in forensic science do u analyze collected data from csi people i mean what do you do???? in forensic science do u analyze collected data from csi people i mean what do you do????

]]> By: Radek M. Gadek http://criminaljusticeonlineblog.com/11/how-long-does-it-take-to-get-a-degree-in-forensic-science/#comment-1124 Radek M. Gadek Thu, 21 Jan 2010 20:43:21 +0000 http://criminaljusticeonlineblog.com/?p=471#comment-1124 Most law enforcement professions need a general educational goal. Whether it is 60 credit hours or a Bachelor’s degree the requirement for the area of study can be virtually anything as long as you go to a properly accredited college or university. So no worries there. However, there may be certain courses that you may need, and perhaps certificates, that are pertinent to a CSI. Many CSIs don’t have all the credentials when they start and acquire them on the job. This is entirely dependent on the organization you would work with. University of Massachusetts – Amherst is a great option for transfer, however be warned that sociology is a broader field than criminal justice and you may not have the opportunity to explore criminal justice matters in-depth. Ask a representative of the school about what the program entails. There are also Forensic Science programs out there that are either a part of a criminal justice curriculum or are the bulk of your studies. Something worth to look at, especially that a Bachelor’s degree in _____________ will help you obtain a job as a police officer, which leads to a detective career (most detective candidates must take the detective exam), or a crime scene investigator (with added courses wherever applicable). Most law enforcement professions need a general educational goal. Whether it is 60 credit hours or a Bachelor’s degree the requirement for the area of study can be virtually anything as long as you go to a properly accredited college or university. So no worries there. However, there may be certain courses that you may need, and perhaps certificates, that are pertinent to a CSI. Many CSIs don’t have all the credentials when they start and acquire them on the job. This is entirely dependent on the organization you would work with.

University of Massachusetts – Amherst is a great option for transfer, however be warned that sociology is a broader field than criminal justice and you may not have the opportunity to explore criminal justice matters in-depth. Ask a representative of the school about what the program entails.

There are also Forensic Science programs out there that are either a part of a criminal justice curriculum or are the bulk of your studies. Something worth to look at, especially that a Bachelor’s degree in _____________ will help you obtain a job as a police officer, which leads to a detective career (most detective candidates must take the detective exam), or a crime scene investigator (with added courses wherever applicable).

]]> By: Ryan Kennedy http://criminaljusticeonlineblog.com/11/how-long-does-it-take-to-get-a-degree-in-forensic-science/#comment-1123 Ryan Kennedy Thu, 21 Jan 2010 06:39:06 +0000 http://criminaljusticeonlineblog.com/?p=471#comment-1123 Thank you for the quick and very helpful response to the last question. One more thing, if I were to transfer to a different college to start my sophomore year and major in sociology would I still be able to qualify for jobs further down the road such as a detective, crime scene investigator, or homicide detective? I live in Massachusetts and UMass Amherst is my most desirable school but doesn’t offer criminal justice, so sociology is the next closest thing. Thank you for the quick and very helpful response to the last question. One more thing, if I were to transfer to a different college to start my sophomore year and major in sociology would I still be able to qualify for jobs further down the road such as a detective, crime scene investigator, or homicide detective? I live in Massachusetts and UMass Amherst is my most desirable school but doesn’t offer criminal justice, so sociology is the next closest thing.

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