Gone are the days when the criminal justice system would heavily and even solely depend on eyewitness testimonies to solve crimes.
Today, an online Bachelor’s Degree in Crime Scene Investigation introduces future crime experts to state-of-the-art techniques and technologies that aid in analyzing the smallest pieces of evidence and tracking the most evasive suspects and criminals.
They also gain the legal knowledge and the technical competencies needed to reconstruct the crime by applying the principles of forensic science.
An online Bachelor’s Degree in Crime Scene Investigation delivers detailed lessons on topics such as investigative forensics, crime scene investigation, and medical and legal investigations of death.
Among the many skills that Crime Scene Investigation majors obtain include bloodstain pattern analysis, crime scene reconstruction, and fingerprint analysis. Students may acquire contemporary skills in fingerprint analysis and cybercrime.
This degree also permits certification training in specific forensic analyses and professional investigation.
Flexible schedules that enable students to complete the coursework at their own pace make an online Bachelor’s Degree in Crime Scene Investigation an attractive option for students. It is a set-up that typically requires students to complete at least two courses during the semester and allots 30 hours a week to work on assignments and projects.
By completing an online Bachelor’s Degree in Crime Scene Investigation program, graduates have diverse career options, ranging from front-line private investigators to forensic laboratory technicians.
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Methodology
Our 10 Best Online Schools for Bachelor’s Degree in Crime Scene Investigation takes into account the top features of each program including curriculum and coursework. We also provide details of the virtual learning environment or online learning platforms to determine ease of access to online resources, online support from faculty.
We also highlight the length of the degree program and tuition costs that make these online schools stand out regarding the quality and affordability of instruction. To emphasize their reputation, we also emphasize the online school or program rankings and awards, if any.
In addition, information was gathered from various, highly reputable, publicly available sources ranking similar degree programs. The voices of the students attending schools offering this degree have been weighed and retrieved from various viable sources on the web.
In addition, these schools have been listed randomly for your review; also focusing on other factors, such as:
- Combines the field of Forensic Law and Criminal Justice to offer a comprehensive online learning study, balancing science, exceptional skills, in addition to, respect for the law,
- Prepares students to become an intricate part of the Criminal Justice System; offering concentration degrees in Crime Scene Investigation focused on the analytical, scientific and practical facets of forensic science,
- 100% Online availability for added convenience,
- Focuses on proper ways to identify evidence, collect it, as well as, how to process and record your findings; how to conduct a criminal investigation using witness interviews, subpoenas and testimonies, along with, crime scene photography,
- Instructed by professors experienced in Crime Scene Investigation,
- Affordable tuition rates, through Grants, Scholarships, and Military Discounts,
- Networking opportunities through leaders in the field of Crime Scene Investigation, exceptional online Student Help Centers, Easy-to-use Learning Management Systems,
- Offers instruction on the legalities and ethical aspects of Crime Scene Investigating,
- Prepares students for career opportunities in federal law enforcement agencies, as crime scene investigation technicians, autopsy specialists, or on a police force or forensics team, among many others,
- Properly Accredited online program in Crime Scene Investigation to ensure quality education.
For a deeper understanding, please see our Methodology page.
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Best Online Schools for Bachelor’s Degree in Crime Scene Investigation
University of Maryland Global Campus
Online BS in Investigative Forensics
The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) in Adelphi, Maryland features an online Bachelor of Science in Investigative Forensics degree program. The degree program helps individuals prepare for careers in civil or criminal justice, latent print certifications, bloodstain pattern analysis, and crime scene investigations.
The 120-credit coursework includes topics such as criminal procedure, medical investigations, fingerprint analysis, firearms, and tool marks analysis. The cybercrime and security course provide a comprehensive study of computer-related and technology-related crimes, like state and federal laws and cybersecurity practices.
All classes utilize online textbooks and asynchronous schedules, enabling students to complete their degrees. Students can apply the scientific method, consider legal precedents, and employ best practices in crime scene investigation.
UMUC is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
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Miami Dade College
Online BAS in Public Safety Management with a concentration on Crime Scene Investigation
Located in Miami, Florida, Miami Dade College offers an online Bachelor of Applied Science in Public Safety Management with a concentration on Crime Scene Investigation. The degree program aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of students to be able to pursue various careers in this particular field such as crime scene services technician, police evidence specialist, and crime scene laboratory technician.
The 60-credit online degree completion program emphasizes significant aspects of the field for the enhancement of a student’s fundamental knowledge. Coursework includes crime scene investigation, crime scene technology, crime scene safety, fingerprint technology, and criminal evidence. Students become knowledgeable regarding the effective collection, examination, and application of evidence on investigations through analytical reasoning and critical thinking.
Since the degree utilizes an accelerated format, two courses can be completed simultaneously at eight-week intervals. The degree program requires two years of study, and it builds on the foundation gained from having earned an associate degree previously.
The academic institution is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
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Salem University
Online BS in Criminal Justice: Crime Scene Investigation
Salem University in Salem, West Virginia features an online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with an emphasis on Crime Scene Investigation. Students can obtain foundational knowledge in various areas of forensic science such as ballistics, impression evidence, digital evidence, and advanced crime scene management. Coursework is delivered in a monthly online four-week format. Salem University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
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Florida State University
Online BS in Crime Scene Investigation
Florida State University in Panama City, Florida offers an online Bachelor of Science in Crime Scene Investigation degree program. This degree program trains students to pursue careers in the fields of law enforcement, forensic science, security, and intelligence. The online asynchronous format of the curriculum enables students to check on lectures and resources for assignment completion.
Coursework includes classes for potential crime scene investigators like crime media, which talks about the effect of media on the behavior of criminal offenders, the criminal justice system, and the public. Students also learn how news reporting affects government policies and how public officials and society members perceive crime. Aside from this, the principles of the criminal justice system and other criminological concepts can be learned.
Florida State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
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Liberty University
Online BS in Criminal Justice with an Emphasis on Crime Scene Investigation
Located in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty University runs an online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with an emphasis on Crime Scene Investigation degree program. It is designed for students to have a foundational understanding of law enforcement and the criminal justice system. Students also gain the necessary skills in forensics and criminal law.
The 120-credit coursework includes courses such as crime scene photography and management, computer and cyber forensics, terrorism, criminal investigation, and others. Graduates become prepared for careers such as crime scene technicians, senior forensic analysts, criminalists, and crime scene investigators. Given a full-time study, the degree program can be completed in 3.5 to 4 years.
This university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
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Colorado State University-Global Campus
Online BS in Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration: Criminal Forensics Specialization
Colorado State University-Global Campus in Greenwood Village, Colorado offers an online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration: Criminal Forensics Specialization.
This is specifically designed for working professionals since the core curriculum consists of an optional practicum that may be completed in the student’s current workplace. Online classes are delivered in eight-week terms. Coursework includes topics like Investigative Forensic Photography, Physical Methods in Forensic Science, Criminal Investigation, and Investigative and Forensic Interviewing.
The university has gained regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.
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SUNY College of Canton
Online Bachelor of Technology in Criminal Investigation
SUNY College of Canton in Canton, New York offers an online Bachelor of Technology in Criminal Investigation degree program. The curriculum is mostly focused on the application instead of being theory-based.
The degree program allows students to finish immersive courses in forensic photography, investigative interviews, fingerprinting, and crime scene processing. For those who wish to gain practical experiences, students may take a semester-long internship where they can earn three to 15 credits for degree completion.
This online school is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
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Saint Leo University
Online BA in Criminal Justice with a Specialization in Criminalistics
Situated in Saint Leo, Florida, Saint Leo University features an online Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice with a specialization in Criminalistics degree program. The online criminalistics concentration also refers to forensics or crime scene investigation. The degree program aims to help students in their preparation for careers as crime laboratory analysts, forensic toxicologists, and other similar areas of study.
Classes that can be taken include Scientific Writing and Courtroom Testimony and Evidence Collection and Preservation. For students who wish to gain practical experience, students can utilize electives for field placement completion in a local crime laboratory or law enforcement agency.
Saint Leo University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
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Aspen University
Online BS in Criminal Justice with a concentration on Major Crime Scene Investigation Procedure
Aspen University in Denver, Colorado offers an online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration on Major Crime Scene Investigation Procedure degree program. It provides students with in-depth knowledge of techniques and methods of crime and homicide investigations. Students become knowledgeable with regards to the history and scope of forensic sciences, and the administration of criminal evidence.
The student-to-faculty ratio is 6 to 1, and the 120-credit coursework consists of 40 courses, including constitutional law and criminal law. Those who are members of the New York Police Department are qualified to take NYPD Elective Classes.
Aspen University is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to obtain an online Bachelor’s Degree in Crime Scene Investigation?
An online bachelor’s degree in crime scene investigation takes approximately 3.5 to 4 years. The average length is 120 credits, and students may transfer 60 to 90 general education credits. Curriculum requirements may affect the period of the program. Capstone projects, internships, and elective requirements may also change the duration of program completion.
What career paths can I pursue with a Bachelor’s Degree in Crime Scene Investigation?
This degree program prepares students to become part of crime scene investigations. The following are some of the most common careers pursued in this specific field include Laboratory Technician, Private Detective or Investigator, Forensic Scientist, Biological Technician, and Forensic Science Technician.
Does a Bachelor’s Degree in Crime Scene Investigation need previous work experience?
It is recommended to have previous experience in law enforcement or criminal investigation. There are some that accept work experience as earned credit, and previous work experience may accelerate degree completion.
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