Crime Scene Student Scholarships
Be the Next CSI
Have you caught the CSI fever? If so, better prepare yourself. Real world CSIs, or crime scene investigators are often top-notch brains specializing in an array of specialties from DNA analysis to forensic chemistry and psychology, even marine diving.
In many cases you should explore criminal justice degrees; many offer concentrations in crime scene technology or investigation or a related major. Expect to cover curriculum including general criminal justice topics to microbiology, genetics, chemistry, evidence collection and legal ethics, among a variety of others. Professionals work in law enforcement, private investigation, forensics labs, in business and government.
Scholarship Programs
High school seniors, who demonstrate a precocious aptitude for biology and interest in crime scene investigation, but whose financial disadvantage may otherwise impede their career progress, may be fortunate enough to qualify for scholarships to the DNA Detective Camp. Sponsored by the University of Arizona, the intent of the program is to encourage the next generation of CSI whiz-kids who will be manning the DNA labs in the future, offering their spin on crime scene analysis as it pertains to the micro-specialty of DNA forensics. Students in the camp come face-to-face with factual re-enactments of crime scenes and are given the opportunity to work with DNA forensic students in the UA crime lab.
One specialization in the area of crime scene investigation is marine diving. Students pursuing Associates in Science Marine Diver Technician degree through Santa Barbara City College may choose to specialize in Underwater Crime Scene Investigation. Marine Diving technicians pursuing this specialty are required to complete rigorous courses in diving theory, photography, underwater welding, advanced rescue, types of diving and gear, and dozens of other topics. Scholarships available for the MDT programs include:
- Ramsey Parks Memorial Scholarships
- Nejat Ezal Memorial Scholarships
- Dr. Hugh Greer Memorial Scholarship Foundation
Sam Houston State University in Texas provides a well-rounded program in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Forensic Science. Students pursuing the Bachelor of Science in this career track will be preparing themselves for the very competitive, but exciting field of crime scene investigation. Course work consists of general criminal justice topics with the addition of statistics, microbiology, chemistry, and genetics, just to name a few. The college offers many scholarships designed for general CJ majors, including:
- Alpha Phi Sigma Scholarship rewards outstanding criminal justice majors.
- James Boswell Memorial Scholarships are given to students based on academic merit and financial need.
John Jay College of Criminal Justice at the City University of New York offers a Doctoral degree in Forensic Psychology, an Experimental Ph.D. in Forensic Psychology and a Ph.D. in Forensic Science. Forensic psychology prepares graduates to conduct research in the criminal mind as well as serve as experts for law enforcement personnel and related professionals. High-level positions may also be held at such law enforcement agencies as the FBI and the CIA. Students studying at the doctoral level should apply directly to the department for assistantships, which provide generous stipends intended to offset the high cost of post-graduate work.
Fayetteville Technical Community College in North Carolina offers general merit and need-based scholarships to a wide array of students, including those pursuing the Criminal Justice Technology/Latent Evidence program. Students in this program earn Associates in Applied Science upon completion. Curriculum includes general criminal justice, photography, forensic biology and chemistry, evidence collection and identifying marks, and legal ethics, among others.
The International Association for Identification is dedicated to promoting the field of victim identification, an integral part of crime scene investigation and forensic science. In order to support the education of next-gen CSI professionals, the IAI sponsors the Robert L. Johnson Foundation. Students must be pursuing a career related to forensic identification. Qualified applicants must provide letters of recommendation from faculty as well as be able to write an articulate essay on their career intentions. Funding varies.