career paths

View current and regularly updated job opportunities posted by the Forensics Department.

Also, browse current career opportunities on the BCIT Student Employment Services website.

forensic science studies

With your previously obtained degree(s) in science, combined with the courses you take in this program, you could become a forensic technologist, analyst, or scientist in a forensic, government or medical lab. If you are a police officer or civilian working in a policing agency, these courses can enhance your opportunities to be transferred to the forensic identification section or to work in crime analysis. If you are a defense lawyer or crown prosecutor, these courses will aid you in your job as you will gain a better understanding of how evidence is handled and how to interpret results.

economic crime studies

The career opportunities related to economic crime or fraud investigation are wide. Depending on your academic and work background you could work in law enforcement or become a corporate security manager in various positions – network security, general financial security, risk management, internal auditing. Or you could work in public or private practice as a forensic accountant, loss claims investigator, securities investigator or investigations practitioner.

computer crime studies

The Computer Crime option is intended to provide the additional skills and knowledge that professionals require to work successfully in the prevention and investigation of commercial crime and computer crime. There is a growing requirement for professionals in both the private and public sectors. Some applications of computer forensics are:

• Investigating and uncovering evidence of illegal activities conducted via computer. These computer crimes can include intellectual-property theft, credit card fraud, identity theft, computer system intrusion (hacking), pedophilia and terrorist activities.
• Investigating crimes by searching for evidence the accused may have stored on computers or data drives, although the crime itself may not have been committed via computer.
• Work for corporations to find and close computer system security holes. This is called legal hacking.

crime and intelligence analysis studies

With the theoretical and practical training offered in these studies, students will be prepared for rewarding careers. New policing models require a body of specialist analysts, appropriately trained in the tools and techniques of crime and intelligence analysis. Demand for professionals in this area are expected to continue to grow into the foreseeable future.

forensic and investigative accounting

According to Accounting Today, nearly 40 percent of the top 100 accounting firms in the US are now expanding their forensics-related services. US News & World Report calls forensic accounting one of the "20 hot job tracks of the future." Forensic accountants are also in demand by government agencies like the RCMP, Canada Revenue Agency, and the various provincial Ministries of Revenue. They engage forensic accountants to investigate everything from money laundering and identity-theft related fraud to arson for profit and tax evasion. Law firms often use forensic accountants to support their cases in matters ranging from fraud and breach of contract to insurance claims and matrimonial disputes.

security management technology

Companies are turning to security firms to ensure people and assets are protected against non-business risks; in particular, terrorism, fraud, espionage, extortion and natural and technological disasters. The growth rate for skilled security professionals has grown rapidly since 2003 and is expected to continue into 2009 for the World Police and Fire Games and 2010 for the Olympics and beyond.