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Ariana
Student
Gallup, New Mexico
1
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What can I do to become a forensic technician?
I am interested in becoming a forensic technician. I want to know what is the best schools or programs on what I want to do. #forensics
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1 answer
Michelle Flahive-LeFebvre
Latent Print Examiner
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El Paso, Texas
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Michelle’s Answer
Hello Ariana,
I really don't know what the best school or program is the best for Forensic Studies. I do know that New Mexico State University has a good program, as we have had several interns with our agency, who have been students there. I am a Crime Scene Investigator with the El Paso County Sheriff's Office in El Paso, TX. Many of our interns have either been an NMSU student or a University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) student. When I was in college at UTEP, I was in the Criminal Justice program, so I really do not know what makes the Forensics program different. I think the Forensic programs are geared more for the laboratory setting versus a CSI. It all depends on what you want to do.
In college, start your course work for the basics that are required and need to be met. Speak to an academic advisor about the program and what is your best options in the coursework that is required. Many of the courses are on the science side, biology, chemistry, statistics and then the forensic classes are introduction to criminal justice or forensics. You need to find the area that best fits you. CSI's do not require a Forensics degree, they can have a Criminal Justice degree, or Biology, Chemistry, any science degree that assists with the types area you might go into. Anatomy and Physiology are necessary for CSIs - as they go to some autopsies, so knowing the human body and various systems and organs is important. Photography (digital) is a must to have for CSI work, but not necessary for lab work. If you want to work within the lab setting (processing the evidence for DNA, other substance, for drugs, etc.) that would required the sciences depending on what you want to do. Forensics and Criminal Justice are just broad fields of study.
Whatever you decide to do, having that program be accredited is a must. Accreditation puts more value to your degree than a non-accredited program.
I hope this makes sense to you. You really have to have an idea of what it is you want to do. But college is about exploring options and finding that calling. Best of luck to you and be safe.
See your Guidance Counselor.
Speak to an Academic Advisor at your local or state community college or university.
If your state or local college/university does not have that program, look for other private stand alone schools that do.
I really don't know what the best school or program is the best for Forensic Studies. I do know that New Mexico State University has a good program, as we have had several interns with our agency, who have been students there. I am a Crime Scene Investigator with the El Paso County Sheriff's Office in El Paso, TX. Many of our interns have either been an NMSU student or a University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) student. When I was in college at UTEP, I was in the Criminal Justice program, so I really do not know what makes the Forensics program different. I think the Forensic programs are geared more for the laboratory setting versus a CSI. It all depends on what you want to do.
In college, start your course work for the basics that are required and need to be met. Speak to an academic advisor about the program and what is your best options in the coursework that is required. Many of the courses are on the science side, biology, chemistry, statistics and then the forensic classes are introduction to criminal justice or forensics. You need to find the area that best fits you. CSI's do not require a Forensics degree, they can have a Criminal Justice degree, or Biology, Chemistry, any science degree that assists with the types area you might go into. Anatomy and Physiology are necessary for CSIs - as they go to some autopsies, so knowing the human body and various systems and organs is important. Photography (digital) is a must to have for CSI work, but not necessary for lab work. If you want to work within the lab setting (processing the evidence for DNA, other substance, for drugs, etc.) that would required the sciences depending on what you want to do. Forensics and Criminal Justice are just broad fields of study.
Whatever you decide to do, having that program be accredited is a must. Accreditation puts more value to your degree than a non-accredited program.
I hope this makes sense to you. You really have to have an idea of what it is you want to do. But college is about exploring options and finding that calling. Best of luck to you and be safe.
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