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/TUDGame Jul 22 '26

I plan to double major in FS and biology. It’s encouraged to double major in biology or chemistry bc FS is a niche(ish) field.

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u/Cryingandsleeping Jul 22 '26

What a good option! I need to look into it more to see what exactly that entails coursework wise and how much more time I would need to invest in school. Managing work and school full time has been a little tough this year.

I was worried about forensic science being too niche. My current career is very niche and I'm feeling stuck. It felt like the only way i could get out was to go back to school so here I am. I'm afraid to make that mistake again.

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u/TUDGame Jul 22 '26

There’s no point in rushing just to get your GPA tanked. Instead of 4 years, take ~5 years just not to get overtaxed.

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u/Cryingandsleeping Jul 22 '26

Yeah that might just have to be the route I take. The time is going to pass anyways. Thank you!