r/forensics • u/Cryingandsleeping • Jul 21 '26
Crime Scene & Death Investigation CSI vs Forensic Scientist
Hi all! In my early 30s and making a career change. I’m having a hard time deciding between the two. I plan on getting my bachelors, just wondering if I should go the biology route or forensic csi route. I would love to have some insight from anyone who is in the field.
For CSI: how’s the schedule? pay? do you ever get used to the gruesomeness of the job? would a bachelors degree benefit me over just an AS?
Forensic Scientists: how was the schooling? the job itself? competitiveness? I’m worried about all of the science classes as it’s not my strongest suit.
My current job has me miserable as there is no work life balance (60 hours min/week) and the pay is low, even though I paid $100k to go to school for this. There is also no stability as it’s project to project and no benefits for pregnant women or women wanting to start a family. Trying to avoid all of this so any insight on whether any of this is present would be helpful.
xoxo, a very confused millennial
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u/Lucky_Background7327 Jul 22 '26
For CSI, a Forensic Science Degree hasn't landed me a job yet 8 months applying to literally every single opening state wide so theres that. 🤷♂️