If you are interested in getting into a career in criminal justice that is less focused on law enforcement and more focused on solving crimes, then a career as a criminalist could be right for you. So, what exactly does a criminalist do, and how do you get into this challenging yet fulfilling line of work? 

This article highlights two career paths for you to consider: criminal intelligence analyst and criminalist.

What Is a Criminalist?

A criminalist is a type of forensic scientist responsible for carrying out criminalistic examination and analysis of physical evidence from a crime scene. 

The Role of a Criminalist in the Justice System

Criminalists play a critical role in the criminal justice system, particularly as it relates to solving crimes. By carefully analyzing evidence, working with law enforcement, and preparing reports, criminalists can help prosecutors successfully convict individuals who commit any number of crimes. Without criminalists in our justice system, it would be difficult (if not impossible, in some cases) to solve some crimes or achieve criminal convictions. 

Difference Between a Criminalist and a Forensic Scientist

While the terms “criminalist” and “forensic scientist” are sometimes used interchangeably, it is important to understand that the two job titles are not totally synonymous. The field of forensic science encompasses not just criminalistics, but other specializations that include: 

  • Pathology 
  • Odontology 
  • Toxicology 
  • Ballistics 

How to Become a Criminalist

Does a career as a criminalist sound appealing to you? If so, then you may be wondering what it takes to break into this line of work. 

Education Requirements

Typically, criminalists need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as forensic science, chemistry, biology, or criminal justice. For more advanced roles (including leadership and supervisory roles), a master’s degree or even a doctorate degree may be required. A Doctor of Criminal Justice, Master of Arts in Criminal Justice, or similar graduate-level degree can be a great way to explore career advancement opportunities. 

Certifications and Specialized Training

Within the field of criminalistics, there are also some additional certifications and designations you can pursue to advance your career and build your skills. You might consider, for example, pursuing Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) certification through the International Association for Identification (IAI) or additional certifications in: 

  • Toxicology 
  • Odontology 
  • Forensic document examination 
  • Firearms/ballistics 

Essential Skills and Qualifications for Criminalists

In addition to having a solid background in criminal justice and forensic analysis, criminalists must also be extremely detail-oriented, especially when processing crime scenes for physical evidence. Criminalists also need to have strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills while communicating and collaborating with other professionals in the field. 

Career Opportunities in Criminalistics

There are plenty of different career paths in the criminalistics field and potential advancement opportunities worth exploring. 

Work Environments for Criminalists

The work setting for a criminalist can vary based on the specific role and job description. However, some of the most common work environments in this field include: 

  • Crime labs 
  • Law enforcement agencies 
  • Federal government agencies (such as the FBI, DEA, and ATF) 
  • Private forensic firms

What Is a Criminal Intelligence Analyst?

According to the FBI, a criminal intelligence analyst utilizes information to understand, mitigate, and neutralize threats. Intelligence analysts also engage in work ranging from counterterrorism to organized crime, and beyond. 

What Does a Criminal Intelligence Analyst Do?

A criminal intelligence analyst collects, evaluates, and analyzes data to identify patterns, assess threats, and support law enforcement decision-making. These specialists are employed across a range of organizations, including federal law enforcement agencies, the Department of Homeland Security, the military, local and state police departments, and research corporations. 

In this role, you may contribute to investigations involving organized crime, drug trafficking, cybercrime, terrorism, or financial fraud — providing the analytical foundation that helps agencies understand criminal networks, anticipate threats, and allocate resources effectively. Criminal intelligence analysts may also play a role in building and maintaining databases that support information sharing between agencies, such as Interpol.

In your day-to-day routine as an intelligence analyst, you may perform the following tasks:

  • Collect and evaluate intelligence reports from a variety of verified sources
  • Identify patterns in data and develop assessments of potential criminal activity
  • Produce written reports and deliver presentations on findings to investigators and leadership
  • Coordinate and share intelligence with representatives of other law enforcement agencies
  • Collaborate with teams of analysts to interpret large volumes of data and develop actionable conclusions

In the role of criminal intelligence analyst, you could help solve cold cases, prevent bombings, prevent the theft and distribution of harmful biological agents or predict when it’s appropriate to heighten the National Terrorism Advisory Level.

How Do You Know If Criminal Intelligence Is for You?

If you’re intrigued by the possibility of helping solve crimes and bring offenders to justice through the use of science, the criminal justice analyst job description may fit your career aspirations. Imagine yourself working in a busy laboratory, analyzing evidence such as fingerprints, shell casings, blood patterns, or written signatures. Envision yourself meeting with other law enforcement officials to share your findings. See yourself testifying as an expert witness in court and bringing someone to justice for the crimes they’ve committed. 

If this sounds like a career you would find fulfilling, then earning your degree in a criminal justice-related field could be the right choice for you.

How Criminal Intelligence Relates to Criminal Justice

Crime has come a long way in the past few decades, becoming more and more sophisticated. And through the efforts of investigative analysis, police departments are better able to keep pace. It is the job of the criminal analyst to help define how and where crime is taking place, such as which businesses are acting as fronts for drug or human trafficking and how items are being moved from place to place. Through the interpretation of data, analysts can help detect instances of fraud, extortion, or even murder. They may be able to predict when these types of events are about to occur on a large scale and be instrumental in helping police prevent tragedy and apprehend the major players.

Criminal Intelligence Analyst Job Description

The primary duties of a criminal intelligence analyst are to help identify crime patterns and provide valuable insights to law enforcement personnel to aid in crime prevention and help police departments improve their response techniques.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

  • Analyze collected data
  • Monitor law enforcement databases
  • Report findings
  • Develop new forensic methods and technology
  • Enter data into databases
  • Partner with law enforcement
  • Perform clerical and administration duties

Employment in this field is varied and interesting, and a job in criminal investigative analysis could lead to a career you’ll love.

Importance of Data Analysis in Crime

The analysis of collected data is huge in today’s criminal justice system. Knowing how to handle and interpret this data could mean the difference between solving a crime and letting a serial offender go free.

Criminal intelligence analysis helps agencies convert large volumes of information into findings that can guide investigation and prevention. Analysts may examine offense reports, calls for service, arrest records, field interviews, suspicious-activity reporting, publicly available information, geographic patterns, and other authorized data sources. Their work can help identify recurring problems, connect related incidents, prioritize leads, and communicate emerging risks.

Analysts may also work alongside specialists who use systems such as the National Crime Information Center or ATF’s National Integrated Ballistic Information Network. These systems support law-enforcement operations in different ways, but access, responsibilities, and use vary by agency, assignment, training, and applicable law or policy. NIBIN, for example, helps participating law-enforcement agencies compare ballistic evidence and link shooting incidents.

Research and Analysis

Research and analysis of crime-reported data serve multiple purposes. For instance, by researching databases such as NBRT (National Ballistics Research Database), law enforcement can often match the tool marks on bullets to the guns used to commit crimes. By accessing the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), police can check to see if a suspect has a prior criminal record and the types of crimes with which they’ve been charged. Criminal intelligence analysts are responsible for monitoring these types of databases for important changes, and they may be instrumental in uploading information to the database.

Statistics and Information Technology

Statistics and IT are vital components of the criminal justice system. For example, the U.S. Department of Justice uses information like this to decide where to allocate funds for police departments, the court system and correctional facilities. They use it to determine when and where to raise pay rates for department of justice employees. And they can see which departments are being stretched beyond their means.

There are also many additional databases available for law enforcement users to peruse, including ones that compare prison data, arrest data, data on parolees and more. These are all helpful resources for detectives to use when solving crimes. Some, such as those that compare crime statistics, are even available to the public.

Criminal intelligence analysts play an important role in the accumulation, uploading and interpretation of these types of data.

Skills and Resources for Criminal Intelligence Analysts

These professionals need a strong background in criminology and crime analysis. If you decide to pursue a degree in criminal intelligence analysis, you’ll accumulate these important skills:

  • Criminal Justice Background: A background or degree in criminal justice will help develop your knowledge of the legal and the court system and how they work together to bring offenders to justice. 
  • Crime Scene Skills and Knowledge: Crime scene knowledge includes an understanding of how blood reacts to certain situations, how to locate and accurately collect fingerprints, and how to interpret these types of data effectively and accurately. 
  • Linguistic Skills: Linguistic skills refer to the finer points of how people communicate. When you study linguistics in a criminal justice setting, you’ll learn about features such as dialect and phonetics. This will help you more skillfully interpret both written and recorded evidence. 
  • Communication Skills: You’ll be required to partner with other professionals and departments within the criminal justice system, so knowing how to effectively get your point across will be vital. You may also be asked to talk with suspects, convicted felons or victims and their families as part of your daily routine.

Criminal Intelligence Analyst Job Requirements

Criminal intelligence analyst requirements include a wide variety of skills, many of which you’ll learn throughout the course of earning your degree. Most employers require the minimum of a bachelor’s degree in criminology, criminal justice, or criminal justice policy or research.

Criminal Intelligence Analyst Education & Training

Criminal intelligence analyst requirements include a wide variety of skills, many of which you’ll learn throughout the course of earning your degree.

Education and Certifications

There are many college programs available that will help you advance your career in criminal justice. Many students begin by earning either a certificate or associate degree in criminal justice. This may qualify them to find an entry-level position in the field, such as in the role of a corrections officer or bailiff.

However, those who are drawn to criminal investigation will need an advanced degree. While a bachelor’s degree is a great jumping-off point, earning your Master of Arts in Criminal Justice or your Master of Arts in Criminal Justice Interdisciplinary Studies may make the difference between finding a job and enjoying a rewarding and fulfilling career. Beyond master’s degrees, there are also doctoral degree options in this field, such as a Doctor of Criminal Justice (DCJ) or PhD in Criminal Justice and Criminology. These can further distinguish you from your peers and can position you for teaching or research positions.

Programs and Training

Keiser University Graduate School offers two master’s degree programs in criminal justice and one in homeland security. By taking as few as 33 additional semester hours of credit beyond your bachelor’s degree, you may meet the requirements to work for influential agencies such as the U.S. Marshals Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, or the Secret Service. And the required coursework can usually be completed in one to two years.

Education requirements vary by employer, jurisdiction, job classification, and level of responsibility. Many entry-level analyst positions seek candidates with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, criminology, intelligence studies, public administration, statistics, geographic information systems, data analytics, or a related field. Employers may also value relevant experience, internships, technical proficiency, strong writing ability, and familiarity with law-enforcement or public-safety operations.

Graduate education can be useful for professionals seeking advanced knowledge in criminal justice, intelligence, homeland security, research, organizational leadership, or policy analysis. Students should review individual job postings to understand the education, experience, background investigation, and technical requirements associated with particular employers.

How Criminal Intelligence Relates to Criminal Justice

Crime has grown increasingly sophisticated over the past few decades, and criminal intelligence analysis plays a central role in helping law enforcement agencies keep pace. Where investigators focus on solving specific crimes after they occur, criminal intelligence analysts work at a broader level. In practice, this might mean mapping the structure of a drug trafficking network, identifying financial patterns associated with money laundering, tracking a criminal organization across jurisdictions, or assessing the credibility of threat intelligence related to organized crime or terrorism. 

It is important to understand that criminal intelligence analysis is distinct from forensic science and criminal investigation. Forensic analysts examine physical evidence collected at crime scenes; criminal investigators pursue suspects and gather evidence directly. Criminal intelligence analysts work primarily with information and data. They work to synthesize and interpret data to produce assessments that support law enforcement strategy and decision-making.

How to Know if Criminal Intelligence Is for You

If you’re intrigued by the possibility of helping solve crimes and bring offenders to justice through the use of science, the criminal justice analyst job description may fit your career aspirations. Imagine yourself working in a busy laboratory, analyzing evidence such as fingerprints, shell casings, blood patterns, or written signatures. Envision yourself meeting with other law enforcement officials to share your findings. See yourself testifying as an expert witness in court and bringing someone to justice for the crimes they’ve committed.

If this sounds like a career you would find fulfilling, then earning your degree in a criminal justice-related field could be the right choice for you.

Criminal Intelligence Analyst vs. Criminalist

Criminal intelligence analysts and criminalists may both contribute to criminal investigations, but they generally perform different functions. A criminal intelligence analyst focuses on information, patterns, relationships, and operational decision-making. A criminalist, often called a forensic scientist, examines physical evidence collected in connection with an investigation.

Criminal Intelligence Analyst Criminalist / Forensic Scientist
Analyzes reports, records, intelligence, trends, and relationships Analyzes physical evidence such as biological material, controlled substances, firearms evidence, or trace materials
May create maps, intelligence bulletins, timelines, link charts, and threat assessments May prepare laboratory reports and provide forensic findings
Supports investigations, resource deployment, prevention, and strategic planning Supports investigations through scientific examination of evidence
Often works with law-enforcement, intelligence, public-safety, or government organizations Often works in forensic laboratories, medical examiner settings, or specialized evidence units

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Explore answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about a career as a criminalist or criminal scientist below. 

What types of evidence do criminalists analyze? 

Criminalists are responsible for analyzing any and all physical evidence from a crime scene. This can include ballistics evidence, trace evidence, and even forensic evidence.

What are the biggest challenges in the field of criminalistics? 

Criminalistics is a demanding field in which professionals manage complex evidence, high caseloads, and evolving investigative needs. As laboratories and agencies work to meet these demands, skilled criminalists play an important role in processing evidence efficiently and supporting timely criminal investigations.

Contact Keiser for More Info on Criminal Justice!

Take the next step toward your professional goals with a graduate degree from Keiser University. The Graduate School offers career-focused masters, specialist, and doctoral programs designed to fit the lives of working professionals. With flexible online learning options, experienced faculty, personalized support, and nearly 50 years of academic excellence, you’ll gain the knowledge and leadership skills to make an impact in your field.

For more information on the many degree programs available at Keiser University Graduate School, request info today. Keiser offers a range of graduate degrees geared toward giving you an advantage in your chosen career. Our small class sizes allow for a level of personalized instruction you won’t find elsewhere.