Scholarships available to students who aspire to become crime scene investigators, or CSIs, reflect the complex and multifaceted nature of this field. Forensic science, marine diving, DNA analysis and criminal justice are some of the CSI areas of specialized study for which there are specific scholarships. CSI scholarships support careers in law enforcement and forensic lab work, among other careers.
Forensic Science
In Philadelphia, the Rieders-Breyer Scholarship is available to undergraduate or graduate students in Arcadia University's Forensic Science Program. Financial need and scholastic accomplishment, intellectual potential, character and leadership qualities are among the requirements for this scholarship. No application is necessary. In 2009, a student in Arcadia's Master of Science in Forensic Science program, Lauren Kajiura, was the first Arcadia student to win the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors Scholarship. The nonprofit professional society comprises crime laboratory directors and forensic science managers who aim to sustain excellence in the field of forensic science. Scholarship values are undisclosed.
Marine Diving
Marine diving is a specialized area of crime scene investigation. Santa Barbara City College in California offers the Marine Diving Technologies program leading to an associate in science degree or certificate in marine technology. The college offers several scholarships available to qualifying marine diving students. The Ramsey Parks Memorial Scholarship honors the founder of the MDT program. The Association of Diving Contractors sponsors the Tom Devine Memorial Scholarship. The Nejat Ezal Memorial Scholarship is for Ph.D. students in a marine science discipline, with a minimum 3.3 GPA at graduate level. Applicants must submit an essay. Scholarship values are undisclosed.
DNA Analysis
A goal of the BIO5 Institute at the University of Arizona is identifying the next generation of top scientists. Among the science education outreach projects sponsored by BIO5 was a weeklong camp. "DNA Detectives at the Crime Scene" gave 11th and 12th grade high school students the opportunity to investigate mock crime scenes recreated from real cases of murders and other DNA-based investigations. Students worked in a university laboratory and in the Tucson Police Department Crime Laboratory. A mock court gave the students experience testifying as a forensic analyst. BIO5 scholarships funded student participation at the camp, introducing them to possible careers in law enforcement or laboratory science.
Criminal Justice
Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas offers students enrolled as majors in the College of Criminal Justice a wide array of scholarship options. The Alpha Phi Sigma Scholarship is for full-time undergraduates in good standing with a minimum 3.2 GPA. The Bob Worley and Lonnie Gisi Criminal Justice Scholarship is for full-time undergraduates who maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA. Students working part-time or full-time as correctional officers receive preference. The National Society for the Daughters of the American Revolution Scholarship is for a sophomore, junior or senior of exemplary academic standing, maintaining a minimum 3.0 GPA. Requirements include high moral standards, maturity, leadership and appreciation of the country. The Brandon Ashley Memorial Scholarship is for a senior who hopes to pursue a career in law enforcement and who maintains a 3.0 GPA.
Tags: Memorial Scholarship, Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, careers enforcement, crime scene, forensic science
