Crime Lab Technician
| School | Level | Program | Admissions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | Bachelor | Online Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science | Website |
| Arizona State University | Master | Online Professional Science Master’s in Forensic Science (PSM) | Website |
| Arizona State University | Master | Online Master of Science in Forensic Psychology | Website |
| Arizona State University | Bachelor | Online Bachelor of Science in Psychology – Forensic Psychology | Website |
| Utica University | Bachelor | BS in Cybersecurity - Network Forensics and Intrusion Investigation | Website |
| Concordia University - Saint Paul | Master | MAHS in Forensic Behavioral Health | Website |
Click to see more online forensic programs that are taking applications now.
| School | Level | Program | Admissions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utica University | Bachelor | BS in Cybersecurity - Network Forensics and Intrusion Investigation | Website |
| Concordia University - Saint Paul | Master | MAHS in Forensic Behavioral Health | Website |
| Carlow University | Bachelor | Master of Science in Fraud & Forensics | Website |
| Utica University | Master | MS in Cybersecurity - Computer Forensics | Website |
| Utica University | Bachelor | BS in Fraud and Financial Crime Investigation | Website |
| The University of Scranton | Master | Master of Accountancy - Forensic Accounting | Website |
| Campbellsville University | Associate | AS in Criminal Justice Administration | Website |
| Virgina Wesleyan University | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice | Website |
| Utica University | Bachelor | BS in Criminal Justice - Cyber Criminology and Policy | Website |
Every serious crime scene investigator needs a crime lab. And every serious crime lab needs crime lab technicians to assist the forensic scientists. A crime lab technician performs the tasks needed to analyze pieces of evidence in order to help solve a crime. For instance, a crime lab technician may perform DNA tests on a blood sample to reveal information about the victim of a violent crime.
Since a wide variety of tests are performed in the crime lab, technicians often specialize in their areas of expertise. A crime lab technician with extensive knowledge of firearms, for example, could specialize in ballistics. On the other hand, a technician with expertise in chemistry could specialize in chemical analysis. Whatever specialty a crime lab technician chooses, he or she will play one of the most important roles in crime scene investigation.
Education
As a general requirement, those looking to be crime lab technicians are advised to earn a Bachelor’ss degree in chemistry, biology, forensic science or a related field. Another useful course of study is crime technology, which familiarizes students with much of the equipment used in crime labs. In addition to this basic education, classes for each desired specialty are also available. Having a specialty may make it easier to find work as a crime lab technician.
Other Requirements
Competition for open crime lab technician positions can be fierce. Increase your changes of landing a job by studying a hard science in college, such as chemistry or biology.
Career Outlook
As of this writing, the average yearly salary of a crime lab technician is $38,000. This number is highly dependent, however, on age, experience and qualifications.
Crime lab technicians are among the most essential members of any investigation team, and will therefore enjoy many job opportunities, although career advancement is limited.
