From firearms to blood pattern analysis, from psychological testing to DNA sampling, the world of forensic science offers numerous career paths for those who are interested in pursuing a fascinating career.
What Are the Forensic Sciences?
Forensic science is any science that can be used in the legal system. Forensic scientists look at evidence with scientific principles in mind. Though much forensic work applies to criminal cases, sometimes it applies to civil proceedings as well.
Some forensic scientists focus on crime scene investigation, at the scene where a crime was committed, searching for clues that will help other investigators figure out what happened. Their work focuses strongly on the physical sciences, and includes (but is not limited to):
Ballistics and Firearms
Firearms experts focus on ammunition, the weapon that fired it, how to match them up, the trajectory of a shot (or its ricochet) and more.
Arson and Explosives
A strong understanding of a variety of explosives and accelerants, as well as flashpoints and burn patterns, forms the basis of arson and explosives investigations.
Fingerprints
The prints left behind can mean anything from identification of key parties to a solid conviction of a perpetrator. Fingerprint analysis is one of the oldest and most common ways to determine who was at a crime scene.
Trace Evidence
During the commission of a crime, even the most seasoned criminal leaves something behind. It might be as simple as skin cells under a victim's nails, a single strand of hair, or a seemingly innocuous fiber from a sweater – forensic scientists can drill down into the essence of this evidence to find much more.
Accident Reconstruction
When an accident occurs, it falls to the forensic scientist to figure out what exactly happened. To do this, they reconstruct the exact conditions of the accident, using clues such as skid marks, vehicle positioning and the like.
Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
Where there is a murder, there is often blood. Forensic scientists can examine the pattern of bloodstains to determine where a person was standing, exactly how the perpetrator attacked them, and perhaps even the weapon used.
Some forensic scientists focus on biological and life sciences to help those in the legal world understand what happened in a particular situation. These scientists can often be found in laboratory or other investigative setting, where they closely examine a variety of evidence. The work of a forensic scientist in this area might include:
Other forensic scientists focus on the behavioral sciences; specifically, they look at the psychology behind certain criminal behaviors. They might also look at how the witnesses and victims respond to crime. They use a variety of tools to help them make assessments of individuals, with the goal of helping the legal system – as well as the victims, witnesses and even criminals – deal with the actions and consequences surrounding crime. Their work might include:
[category-tab-list full_width="true"]From working with victims to preparing witnesses for trial to determining the sanity or competency of the accused, psychology and psychiatry are key elements to criminal investigations.
In criminal cases, eyewitnesses are notoriously unreliable – that's because many people can see the same thing happen but report different versions of the event. It's the job of a forensic scientist to piece together eyewitness testimony in an effort to figure out what really happened.
Sometimes, victims or witnesses of crime have trouble remembering what happened. In cases like this, hypnosis might be the answer to unlocking the memories and leading investigators to something new.
Though the method has met with some controversy, the use of a polygraph can sometimes provide law enforcement with important information on people involved in a criminal case. The key is a well-trained expert who knows how to read a polygraph and relate the findings to investigators.
Forensic Science Careers
Forensic science offers numerous career paths to graduates. Though someone pursuing forensic science might begin their education with many of the same courses as others in the program, they will eventually specialize through elective courses that lead them onto their own path. Here are a few of the most common forensic science careers and what students can expect if they choose to go this route. (Note: Salary information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Payscale.)
[category-tab-list full_width="true"]Forensic science technicians usually work in one of two areas: They go to crime scenes to collect and analyze evidence in the field, or they work in the laboratory, where they perform assessments on the evidence collected. Both jobs require impeccable attention to detail, following proper protocol to sustain evidence chain of custody, and writing reports. Some technicians might specialize in a variety of areas, including fingerprint analysis or digital forensics.
Education Required:
Bachelor's degree in a natural science field and on-the-job training
Annual Salary:
$56,320 median (2015, BLS)
Also known as coroners, medical examiners perform medicolegal examinations and autopsies, which include locating and assessing bodily trauma, determining cause of death and identifying victims. They might also interview those who discovered the body, evaluate photographs of the crime scene and seek out medical history information on the victim, among many other duties. They also complete death certificates and determine the cause and manner of death.
Education Required:
A doctoral degree in medicine
Annual Salary:
$95,000 median (2017, Payscale.com)
Forensic psychologists work at the intersection of psychology and the law. They often work with those in the legal system, including lawyers, judges and police departments, to evaluate those who have been accused or convicted of crimes. They might evaluate perpetrators to determine the risk of reoffending, help victims deal with the trauma they have endured or decide whether someone is fit to stand trial. Though some do work in medical or research settings, most in this field are hands on with law enforcement issues.
Education Required:
A doctoral degree in psychology
Annual Salary:
$70,580 median (2015, BLS)
These forensic scientists are highly specialized in identifying, lifting and analyzing latent prints at a crime scene. Though many work at the crime scenes, some stay in the laboratory to perform detailed analysis of even the tiniest fragment of a print. They then present their reports to the appropriate law enforcement officials. The results of their work could mean anything from a suspect being questioned to a criminal conviction.
Education Required:
Bachelor's degree in science or related field and extensive training
Annual Salary:
$41,395 median (2017, Payscale.com, crime scene specialist)
Though a criminal investigator might attend to cataloguing details at a crime scene, their primary job tends to involve interviewing witnesses or subjects, identifying needed evidence, obtaining and using search warrants, determining scope of investigations, testifying before grand juries, and conducting research or surveillance, among many other responsibilities. A criminal investigator might be involved with a case from the moment the crime is discovered to well after a suspect has been convicted.
Education Required:
Minimum of associate degree in forensic science, criminal justice or related field
Annual Salary:
$77,210 median (2015, BLS)
How to Become a Forensic Scientist
Those who want to work as a forensic scientist will find many paths that lead to that goal. Though earning a degree in forensic science is always a great way to get started, many students will find that a degree in a related field is quite sufficient. In addition, they might be surprised to learn just how different the variety of positions in the field can be. Here is what students need to know about becoming a forensic scientist.
Forensic Scientist vs Crime Scene Investigator
The words "forensic scientist" immediately bring to mind exciting television shows that depict crime scene investigators staring into microscopes, collecting evidence at crime scenes and even engaging in shootouts with the bad guys. In the world of Hollywood, there is no difference between forensic scientists and crime scene investigators. But in the real world, the differences are profound, and the educational paths to get there are too. Here's what a forensic scientist needs to know about the realities of the two professions.
| Category | Forensic Scientist | Crime Scene Investigator |
|---|---|---|
| Work Environment | The vast majority of forensic scientists work in laboratories, wherethey analyze the information gathered by crime scene investigators. | This work involves going to the crime scene to collect evidence andanalyze the space. Crime scenes can be in a wide variety of locales,from dense forests to neat and tidy apartments to bodies of water. |
| Educational Requirements | The certifications and coursework for the forensic scientist focuses onsciences, such as biology, chemistry, toxicology and the like. Aforensic scientist must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree. | Although a degree in natural science or forensic science is recommended,some crime scene investigators begin as police officers and lean ontheir work experience to move into the investigator position. They mighthold an associate degree or certificate. |
| Tools Used | Tools used are those typically found in a laboratory, includingmicroscopes, mass spectrometers, drying cabinets, fume extractors, andspecialized equipment for liquid chromatography, powder handling, liquidevaporation, toxicology, histology and more. | Tools used include high-quality cameras, adhesive lift tapes or sheets,forceps and tweezers, collection bags, bindle paper, flashlights,specialized lights for revealing evidence, vials and slides, impressionkits, blood collection kits and identifying placards, among others. |
| Average Annual Salary, 2015 BLS | $56,320 | $77,210 |
| Job Variety | Forensic scientists have the option to specialize in a wide variety ofareas, including latent prints, DNA analysis, ballistics, multimedia,digital forensics, toxicology and more. | Crime scene investigation is a rather narrow field. The skills necessarymight translate into other investigative options, such as working forthe FBI or other organizations. |
Steps to a Career in Forensic Science
The education and training required for a forensic science career varies depending upon the goal of the student. These steps can give aspiring forensic scientists a roadmap of where they can expect to go over the next several years.
Step 1: Earn an associate degree
For those who want to work incrime scene investigation, the associate degree offers a taste of what the workwill entail and prepares the student to move a law enforcement position. Manycriminal investigators begin their careers as police officers, and earning adegree is always helpful to an officer who wants to climb the ladder.
Step 2: Earn a bachelor's degree
In most cases, a forensic scientist will need at least a bachelor's degree to qualify for entry-level jobs. Forensic science technicians need a bachelor's degree as well, but they can stop their education at this stage and find a solid entry-level job that will provide further training as they work. However, keep in mind that many employers prefer or insist on hiring only those who have earned a master's degree in forensic science.
Step 3: Narrow down a specialty
At this point, students will also decide what area they might like to specialize in; for instance, a forensic science technician who wants to work with latent prints or ballistics will begin taking elective courses that focus on those areas. The student who wants to take on higher levels of responsibility, such as that of a forensic psychologist of medical examiner, should start preparing for the graduate degree.
Step 4: Earn the master's or doctorate (if applicable)
Those who choose to continue their education should do so by pursuing the master's degree, and later, the doctoral degree, if it applies to their career goals.
Keep in mind that in some cases, there will not be a forensic science degree at the master's or doctoral level; instead, the student will pursue a degree in a broader field with an emphasis or specialization in forensic science. An example of this is the forensic psychologist, who will focus on a psychology degree, but will also choose the forensic science concentration.
Step 5: Complete degree requirements (if applicable)
Once the degree is earned, the work is just beginning. Many who choose an advanced degree will go through several years of in-depth training or residency in order to practice in their profession. An example of this is the medical examiner, who must have a medical degree in order to practice, or the forensic odontologist, who must earn a degree in dentistry. Those individuals will be expected to complete several years of training before moving into their forensic science roles.
Step 6: Engage in on-the-job training
Training while on the job is a very important aspect of working in forensic science, as much of the work cannot be learned through a book; it must be explored through hands-on training and instruction. Though some bachelor's programs offer this opportunity for students, it doesn't go as far as on-the-job training. This training might take several months to several years.
Step 7: Earn credentials or certification
In some states or jurisdictions, forensic scientists are encouraged (and in some areas, required) to earn specialty certifications. Though these certifications or credentials are not necessary to enter the profession, they can certainly open doors to better employment in the future. Potential certifications to explore include those in drug analysis, fire debris analysis, molecular biology, hairs and fibers, and paints and polymers.
Degrees in Forensic Science
Forensic Science Professional Organizations
The world of forensic science changes fast, with constantly evolving procedures and new insights into forensic analysis and criminal behavior. Professional organizations in the field stay on top of these changes and trends, providing their members with the most up-to-date information, certifications, continuing education and more.
These are some of the most important forensic science professional organizations. Keep in mind these are not reserved only for those who are currently working in the field; in most cases, students are welcome as well.
American Academy of Forensic Science
A professional society with eleven sections spanning a wide variety of expertise; members include lawyers, physicians, dentists, anthropologists,document examiners, psychiatrists, engineers, criminalists, educators andmore
In addition to pertinent forensic science information for all members, the AAFS also provides comprehensive information forstudents
Offers numerous meetings throughout the year
Established the Academy Standards Board, which develops documentary standards for forensics
Offers a wealth of resources for members and non-members
American Board of Criminalistics
American Board of Forensic Toxicology
American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors
Association of Women in Forensic Science
Consortium of Forensic Science Organizations
Council of Forensic Science Educators
International Association for Identification
, forensic video, latent print andtenprint fingerprint[/hen-ui-list-item]Offers an international conference each year and seminars throughout the year
A variety of memberships are available; members are carefully vetted to ensure they meet the standards of the organization. Full-time forensicscience students can also apply for membership.
Society of Forensic Toxicologists
[expert-qa theme="primary"title="Interview with an Expert" description="After a few years working in acrime lab, Dr. Raychelle Burks returned to academia, teaching, and forensicscience research. An analytical chemist, Dr. Burks enjoys the challenge ofdeveloping detection methods for a wide-variety of analysis, including regulateddrugs and explosives. She is the Assistant Professor of Chemistry at St. EdwardsUniversity in Austin, Texas."
] [expert-qa-item title="Many people are curious about forensic science, but aresurprised to learn it's not actually what they see on CSI and similar televisionshows. What are the biggest surprises for students when they enter the forensicscience program?"]
Television shows like CSI rarely (if ever!) show the paperwork side of being a forensic scientist. Detailed documentation is an important feature of all sciences, but in forensic science, it's even more imperative to document details given their status as evidence in court. Post analysis, reports must be issued and, often times, forensic scientists are part of casework peer review systems at work. Providing proper documentation and paperwork is critical to the process, but perhaps considered less than exciting at the start. Once you realize how important it is, it becomes a top priority!
[/expert-qa-item][expert-qa-item title="Are there any particular traits orcharacteristics that make a student well-suited for forensic science studies?"]
It's important for any top science student, and especially a forensic science student, to be an enthusiastic learner with the following qualities: A strong work ethic, good quantitative thinking skills, be task oriented, an ability to work independently and in a team setting, have a passion for science, and have a commitment to professional ethics.
[/expert-qa-item][expert-qa-item title="Anything else you want to add aboutforensic science?"]
There are a tremendous number of opportunities in forensic science. The two chief things to consider are a sub-field to pursue, and the nature of your workday.
Forensic science is a diverse field with a variety of different niches, including forensic anthropology, biology, chemistry, physics, accounting, engineering, computer science – you name it, there's likely a forensic science sub-field.
Depending on your preference, some roles are focused entirely in the lab, others are solely with paper and/or digital files, some are in the field or on scene, and yet others have a combination of these. Consider how and where you want to spend your working time.
[/expert-qa-item][/expert-qa]