Forensic Science Programs in Rhode Island
As the smallest state in the United States, Rhode Island has one of the most tightly-knit criminal justice systems in the country. Departments and agencies from various municipalities work together to solve crimes, pass information to affected New England states, and share resources.
This may be a great place to start your career as a forensic science professional, particularly if you want to work in a crime lab with lots of resources and up-to-date technology.
Could a career in forensic science help you make Rhode Island safer for visitors and residents?
Find out how to become a forensics scientist by requesting information from forensic science schools in Rhode Island today.
What Can I Do with a Forensic Science Degree in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island is home to the Rhode Island State Crime Laboratory, a facility with training programs for law enforcement professionals, seminars for forensic science professionals, student internship programs, and various other functions that support the state’s criminal justice system.
As a student, you may get the chance to gain experience in this facility, network with other criminal justice students and professionals, and even work on current cases. You may also get to attend seminars that show you advanced techniques in this field and build on the education you get at the undergraduate or graduate level.
Forensic Science Degrees in Rhode Island
By considering your previous education and work experience, you may find it quite easy to decide on a forensic science degree. Those who have not yet completed their undergraduate education with a bachelor’s degree may choose an associate degree program or a bachelor’s degree program.
Those who have earned a bachelor’s degree may find a master’s program to be more well-suited to their goals. By contacting multiple schools in Rhode Island, you can compare your options and make an informed decision.
Associate-level programs are typically offered at technical schools and community colleges. Designed to be finished in two years, these programs are ideal for students who want to start working as quickly as possible. You split your time between forensic science courses and general education classes in English, mathematics, history, and physical sciences.
By the time you graduate, you should have no fewer than 60 credits under your belt. Associate programs tend to prioritize hands-on experience, so you may be able to work in the school’s crime lab to learn how to use forensic science equipment.
Associate-Level Forensic Science Classes
- Introduction to Computer Forensics
- Criminalistics
- Criminal Law
- Crime Scene Investigation
You may move on to a bachelor’s degree after graduating from high school or after completing an associate degree. If you start a bachelor’s program after high school, you should anticipate spending about four years earning the 120 credits required for graduation. Those who earn an associate degree first may be able to graduate in as little as two years, thanks to schools accepting transfer credits.
You cover the same knowledge as associate degree students and keep right on going, delving into high-level forensic science concepts, equipment, and procedures. Much of your time is spent in the lab, where you perfect different techniques and learn how to appropriately use each piece of forensic science equipment. You may have the opportunity to complete an internship prior to graduation. Take advantage of this opportunity and use it to develop your skills even further.
Bachelor’s Degree Coursework
- Fundamentals of Cyber Security
- Digital Forensics
- Criminalistics
- Criminal Justice System
If you have already secured a bachelor’s degree, why not set your sights on a master’s degree? A master’s degree in forensic science generally takes between two and three years beyond your bachelor’s degree, allowing you to build on your undergraduate education with complex coursework and complicated case studies. Each school has different graduation requirements, but you do need between 30 and 40 credits to graduate.
Graduate Courses in Forensic Science
- Advanced Digital Forensics
- File System Analysis
- Advanced Incident Response
- Digital Forensic Analysis
A degree in forensic science may put you on the path to explore a number of careers in forensics.
Begin the school search now with our list of Rhode Island forensic science schools.
Working as a Forensic Scientist in Rhode Island
Rhode Island has a fairly robust criminal justice industry, which spells good news for those who are new to this industry or who are still working toward their degrees. The background knowledge and technical skills developed in a forensic science program may help you work in many diverse settings and choose a job openings that perfectly suits you.
To make the most of your job opportunities, make sure you have strong job references from your undergraduate or graduate years. You may also want to get involved in local criminal justice organizations and associations to build up your professional network.
Forensic science technicians fill an important role in Rhode Island facilities. Although there is no job outlook or salary data available for Rhode Island, the demand for forensic science technicians is growing extremely quickly across the country. Your salary may depend on which city you live in and which agency employs you.
Quite a few graduates have aspirations of working in law enforcement. As a criminal investigator, you may have a more crucial role in the solving of crimes. While you may gather and process evidence, you also put together your knowledge of forensic evidence with witness testimonies, statements from suspects, and other bits of evidence to solve each crime as completely as possible. The average annual salary for a Rhode Island criminal investigator is $82,720 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017). By the year 2024, job openings for criminal investigators may jump 2% (O*Net, 2017).
Coroners are another part of the criminal justice system in Rhode Island, but they also work closely with health and human services departments. They claim an average income of $75,470 per year (BLS, 2017). Between 2014 and 2024, job openings for coroners may increase 6% throughout Rhode Island (O*Net, 2017).
Don’t wait any longer to start your education! The sooner you start, the more quickly you may start making a difference in Rhode Island communities.
Request information from Rhode Island criminal justice schools to get started.
