Sherlock Holmes, Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, Miss Marple—fiction gave us detectives who cracked every case with their famous intuition. However, real-life crime scene investigators (CSIs) rely on the more grounded principles of time and training to hone their craft.
If you are considering a future in this field, your first question is likely practical: How long does it take to become a crime scene investigator? Because there are several paths into the profession, the answer depends on where you start (coming in fresh vs holding a degree in natural sciences or criminal justice), the type of role you want, and how much hands-on experience you pursue.
This article outlines a typical timeline for CSIs, from education to certification to field experience, so you can better plan your prospective journey.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Crime Scene Investigator?
Becoming a crime scene investigator (CSI) can take anywhere from 2 to 6+ years. Below, we break down the timelines by educational track.
Associate Degree Track (2 Years)
This route may qualify you for entry-level roles like evidence technician or lab support.
- This degree is usually earned from a community college, often in criminal justice or applied science.
- It may include foundational coursework in forensic procedures, legal systems, and basic lab etiquette.
- It offers limited field access without further experience or certification.
It is a good stepping stone if you are learning how to become a crime scene technician before advancing into CSI or investigative roles.
Bachelor’s Degree Track (4 Years)
A bachelor’s degree is often the baseline for most law enforcement agencies hiring CSIs today.
- The usual majors include forensic science, criminal justice, biology, or chemistry.
- Coursework includes crime scene investigation, documentation, chain of custody training, or, at the very least, lab training.
- Some programs may offer built-in internships or academy partnerships with police departments.
Many CSI roles also require applicants to complete police academy training, especially if the position involves carrying a badge.1 Understanding the difference between a crime scene technician vs. crime scene investigator can help you decide which roles you want to pursue during and after this degree.
Master’s Degree Track (1–2 Additional Years)
While not necessary, a master’s degree can be a smart next step to deepen your expertise or apply for more advanced roles. Programs like the MS in Forensic Science, Investigation, and Technology at Alliant can help you master advanced forensic techniques and build leadership know-how for a more robust skill set.
If you are weighing specialization, it is helpful to know the distinctions between forensic psychology vs. psychology so you can choose a track that aligns with either investigative science or behavioral analysis.
Do You Need a Degree to Become a Crime Scene Investigator?
A college degree is not a legal requirement to become a CSI in every state, but most agencies prefer it. A formal education provides relevant context for skills like trace evidence, toxicology, and chain of custody procedures—all crucial for a budding crime scene investigator.
Even when not required, a degree signals that you are serious about the field and its ethical or technical demands.
How Long Is Training for Crime Scene Investigators?
After graduation, most candidates undergo months of agency-led training, which may include police academy instruction, field mentorship, and lab-based practicums. This phase (often six months to a year) focuses on applying knowledge to real-world cases: photographing crime scenes, collecting and logging evidence, and writing clear reports.
You may also want to obtain professional certifications like:
- The IAI’s (International Association for Identification) Crime Scene Certification, is considered a gold standard across many jurisdictions.2 It is voluntary but increasingly required or strongly preferred by hiring agencies, especially for roles requiring independent scene processing. The certification confirms that you understand core duties, such as conducting investigations, crime scene safety, photographing, note-taking, and sketching.
- Indiana State Government’s Crime Scene Certification, which is “possibly the first approved by a governing law enforcement training body in the United States.”3 Established in 2004, it requires that candidates complete five specific types of crime scenes, train for 120 hours, and pass a proficiency exam. Though state-specific, this is a model of what high-quality, state-backed CSI training looks like.
What Does a Crime Scene Investigator Do?
A crime scene investigator pieces together the story behind a crime. Their job starts where the scene begins, by documenting every detail and determining how events unfolded.
CSIs ask questions (What happened here? In what order? Who was involved?) and follow the clues left behind to find answers. Much of their work often involves collaborating with law enforcement agencies and forensic specialists to translate evidence into investigative leads.
The differences in roles between a CSI vs. forensic scientist are that CSIs focus on scene documentation and evidence collection, while forensic scientists typically work in labs analyzing the evidence.
Entry-Level vs Advanced CSI Roles
Not every crime scene investigator starts with the same responsibilities. Entry-level roles like crime scene technician or civilian forensic assistant focus on collecting physical evidence, documenting scenes, and supporting lab analysis. These positions may not require law enforcement training or direct investigative authority.
Advanced roles involve leading investigations, managing case files, and presenting findings in court. These often require a bachelor's or master’s degree, professional certification, and field experience. Knowing which level you want to pursue will shape the training and education you need.
How to Choose the Right CSI Educational Path for You
Your ideal path to becoming a CSI depends on where you are now and where you want to go.
An associate’s or bachelor’s degree can offer you a speedy route into the field. However, if you are aiming for advanced roles or want to specialize, a master’s degree can be immensely valuable.
As you compare programs, pay attention to the coursework: Is there allotted time for internships or lab work? Does it help you apply the theoretical knowledge you will receive? Most importantly, ask yourself what kind of learner you are and what type of work excites you. The best program will be one that continuously piques your curiosity and interests.
Start Building Your Future in Crime Scene Investigation
Becoming a CSI takes dedication, but it all starts with a single decision: choosing to learn more. Map out your journey by understanding the training you will need and determining how long you want to study.
The forensics master’s degree programs at Alliant are built for the future-ready investigator, combining technical finesse with on-the-job application. Reach out today and take the first step toward a career where your passion for forensic science can help identify key details and conduct investigations that bring justice to light.
Sources:
- Stevens, Rebecca. “Career path: Becoming a crime scene investigator.” Criminology Student Work. 12 May 2021. https://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1028&con…. Accessed June 30, 2025.
- Forensic Certification Management Board. "Certification Program Operations Manual". International Association for Identification. April 1, 2025. https://www.theiai.org/docs/01_Ops_Manual_FCMB-01-2020-C19_40125.pdf. Accessed June 30, 2025.
- Indiana Law Enforcement Academy. "Crime scene investigators." State of Indiana. August 31, 2022. https://www.in.gov/ilea/training/crime-scene-investigators/. Accessed June 30, 2025.
