Criminalistics, or forensic science, is concerned with collecting and analyzing evidence in a criminal case for the purpose of revealing the truth. By analyzing fingerprints, footprints, blood spatter, traces and remains, forensic scientists seek to reveal the identities of criminals, as well as the full facts related to criminal events.
Criminalistics degrees are based on other sciences such as medicine, physics, engineering, computer science, psychology and many others. Criminalistics specialists form interdisciplinary teams of experts and go through complex scientific processes to reconstruct the complete picture of a crime scene.
Criminalistics also includes more specialized subfields, sometimes offered as stand-alone degree programs in forensic medicine, forensic anthropology, drug analysis, toxicology, entomology, environmental forensics, biological evidence, forensic DNA analysis and more.
Students pursuing a Ph.D. in Criminalistics will benefit from hands-on classes and lab work, and gain valuable skills that will help them investigate facts such as analytical and critical thinking, computer training and scientific writing.
Preparation at the doctoral level is crucial to furthering the discipline of forensic science for several reasons. Graduate students and faculty are often responsible for revolutionizing the technologies and methods behind forensic technologies. There are Universities and institutes that provide this PhD program for free or with scholarship or student loan options.
Doctorate in Criminalistics is designed to provide students with the skills necessary to critically evaluate the current state of knowledge within the field and solve complex problems at the frontier of the discipline.
Having earned a PhD in Criminalistics can be a requirement for employment at the highest levels of universities, forensic laboratories, research organizations and other institutions. Having a PhD can not only enhance candidacy for leadership and teaching positions, but can also increase salary potential.
What is a Doctorate in Criminalistics ?
Criminalistics PhD candidates work with their supervisors to develop a research project designed to add a distinctive and significant contribution to knowledge in their chosen field of forensic science.
PhD projects can range from investigating novel analytical techniques to collaborating with industry partners to develop fundamental knowledge of the discipline or address emerging problems.
Projects are available in a range of disciplines, including: Criminalistics, Forensic Toxicology and Illicit Drugs, Fingerprints, Forensic Taphonomy, Forensic Biology, Forensic Intelligence, and Forensic Analytical Chemistry, among others.
The program is strongly science-based and prepares students to work through the fundamentals of criminalistics. Students learn the fundamentals of the discipline, research design, quantitative methods, statistical analysis, and communication skills such as scientific writing and presentation.
Program, Subjects and Content of the Doctoral Program in Criminalistics
These are some of the topics that may be included in the programmatic content of a PhD in Criminalistics:
- Ethics and research methods in forensic science.
- Introduction to forensic chemistry
- Forensic science and surveillance
- Digital imaging in forensic science
- Forensic Anthropology – Introduction
- Forensic Anthropology – Advanced
- Forensic DNA Analysis
- Medical Death Investigation
- Forensic and Information Technology
How Long Does the Doctorate in Criminalistics Take ?
A Doctorate in Criminalistics lasts 3 to 4 years full time. The length of time may vary depending on factors such as the country of origin, the institution or university offering the PhD program, the study plan, program delivery modality, schedules, whether it is taken part-time or full time, among others.
Where can I Work with a PhD in Criminalistics ?
Graduates can practice in medical and crime diagnostic laboratories, medical examiners, offices, prosecutors’ offices, hospitals, clinical chemistry laboratories, crime laboratories, law enforcement, education and criminal defense. Related careers:
- Forensic technician
- Forensic Investigator
- Forensic Engineer
- Forensic Scientist
- Forensic Autopsy Technician
- Forensic Chemist
- Forensic toxicologist
Countries and Cities Where You Can Study the Doctorate in Criminalistics for Free Getting a Scholarship
- United Kingdom
- Cyprus
- Slovenia
- United States of America
- Italy
Institutes, Centers and Universities Where the Doctorate in Criminalistics is Possibly Taught for Free, through Scholarships
PhD in Crime and Security Science
- University College London (UCL)
- London, England, United Kingdom.
PhD in Criminology and Criminal Justice
- Bangor University
- Bangor, Wales, United Kingdom.
PhD in Criminology
- Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
- Nicosia, Cyprus.
PhD in Criminal Justice and Security
- University of Maribor
- Maribor, Slovenia.
PhD in Forensic Psychology – Criminal Justice
- Walden University
- Online.
Ph.D. in Criminology and Criminal Justice
- University of Missouri – St. Louis
- Saint Louis, Missouri, United States.
Doctorate in Legal Sciences
- University of Pisa
- Pisa, Italy.
Referential Prices of the Doctorate in Criminalistics
The prices of the Doctorates in Criminalistics can be varied. The prices of these Doctorates range from $2,800 to $27,500 per year. In some cases it may cost more. The cost of this Doctorate will vary according to the country where it is given, the institution or university that gives the Doctorate, the modality, the duration and the materials provided during the study, among other factors.
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