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Where can I begin my journey?
I am Santa Monica college student. This semester I am learning Japanese and next semester I will take biology or math. I have 2 sisters and a brother. My parents are from El Salvador but I was born and raised here in LA. I have a dream to be a Forensic scientist but have no clue where to begin my research on what they are or do. I love to play soccer and draw. #college-student
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Suzanne’s Answer
Hi Ana,
Your career goal is completely achievable. Here is some really helpful information from the web:
STEPS TO BECOMING A FORENSIC SCIENTIST
There is a wealth of paths to a promising career in forensic science. Here is one possible path to joining this high-growth field:
Step 1 Graduate from high school (four years). In order to set oneself up for success, aspiring forensic scientists are advised to graduate from high school, ideally with high marks in classes such as biology, chemistry, physiology, statistics, and mathematics. Additionally, some students choose to volunteer or intern in relevant agencies such as police departments, fire departments, medical laboratories, hospitals, or other organizations.
For example, the National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) provides a weeklong summer internship to secondary students in forensic science with hands-on training through forensic simulations, supervised laboratory work, and lectures from experienced professionals. Interested students are encouraged to reach out to local and national institutions to see which opportunities are available.
Step 2: Enroll in a forensic science program (two to four years). For prospective entry-level forensic science technicians, there are some associate degree programs available. Admissions requirements for two-year programs in this field generally call for a high school diploma; a competitive GPA; a personal statement; and TOEFL test scores (for non-native speakers of English).
In addition to general education, these programs may have classes in criminal law, fire & arson investigation, and the physical sciences. For instance, Miami Dade College (MDC) provides an associate of science (AS) in forensic science degree featuring coursework in human behavior in criminal justice, basic fingerprinting, and crime scene technology, among others.
For prospective forensic scientists, however, it may be advisable to complete a bachelor’s degree program in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, forensics, or a related field. Not only can a four-year degree enhance employment prospects and earning potential, but it can also open doors to careers in related fields, particularly laboratory work. Typical applications to scientific bachelor’s programs may include the completion of specific coursework (e.g., high school level chemistry, biology, and mathematics); a competitive GPA; national test scores (SAT or ACT); a personal statement; letter(s) of recommendation; and TOEFL test scores (again, for non-native speakers of English).
In addition to general education, bachelor’s programs for forensic scientists have courses such as criminalistics, forensic biology, organic chemistry, and more. The Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC)—the primary accrediting body for forensic science programs in the country—evaluates the quality of curricula, educational objectives, student support services, faculty credentials, admissions processes, and other relevant factors in schools across the country.
For those seeking a degree specifically in forensics, the University of Tampa (UT) provides a FEPAC-recognized bachelor of science (BS) in forensic science program. Similar to many BS programs in forensics, UT provides a rigorous mix of laboratory experience and classes such as forensic chemistry, molecular biology, genetics, law enforcement, and criminal investigation.
For hard sciences majors who are interested in forensics, there are also FEPAC-accredited certificate programs which can be taken in conjunction with bachelor’s degrees. For example, the University of North Texas (UNT) provides an interdisciplinary bachelor of science (BS) in biology, biochemistry, or chemistry with an accredited certificate in forensics. In addition to the specialty courses for the major, UNT’s 19-credit hour forensics certificate covers biomedical forensics, courtroom testimony, ethics, evidence identification, and professional practice.
For more on bachelor’s programs in this field, visit the FEPAC website or the forensic science education page.
Step 3: Garner experience in a police department, crime laboratory, or other relevant setting (one to three years). At this stage, many graduates of forensic science programs choose to garner some professional experience in medical and diagnostic laboratories, police departments, local governments, federal agencies, hospitals, and other settings. Not only does this address the disjunction between didactic coursework and real-world applications, but it also can put these professionals in a position to seek national certification.
Step 4: Seek professional certification (timeline varies). Although professional certification may not be required for employment, it can enhance a job candidate’s resume or salary prospects. There are several relevant certification boards accredited by the Forensic Specialties Accreditation Board (FSAB), including those related to fields as diverse as forensic anthropology and forensic engineering.
While requirements for these certifications vary, they typically involve possessing at least a bachelor’s degree in a field relevant to forensics; proof of job experience; letter(s) of recommendation; submitting an application fee; and successfully passing a test. For example, the American Board of Forensic Toxicology’s (ABFT) five-year “specialist” certification calls for official transcripts; a recent passport-style photograph; three professional references; proof of three years of experience; a $250 application fee; and passing a comprehensive exam. This certification is also offered at the “diplomatic” level to those with relevant doctoral degrees and at least three years of experience.
Step 5 (Optional): Enroll in a graduate program in forensic science (two to four years). For mid-career forensic scientists seeking to upgrade their knowledge and credentials, pursuing a master’s or doctoral program is an enticing option.
Boston University’s (BU) School of Medicine hosts a FEPAC-accredited master of science (MS) in biomedical forensic sciences, one of the premier graduate programs of its kind in the country. In addition to supervised research and mock-court experiences, students must pass challenging coursework in criminal law & ethics, crime scene investigation, forensic biology, forensic chemistry, and trace evidence analysis, among others.
Another standout option is the FEPAC-accredited University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) master of science (MS) in forensic science which provides interdisciplinary instruction in trace materials, drug identification and toxicology; and pattern evidence. Of the 25 program graduates from 2013 to 2018, 21 graduates are employed with forensic science laboratories in the United States while the other four graduates are pursuing doctoral degrees and working in forensic science labs.
Finally, there is an abundance of graduate certificate options as well, including online programs. For example, the University of Florida (UF) offers four distinct 15-credit, online graduate certificates in forensic science: death investigation, toxicology, drug chemistry, and DNA & serology. For the forensic DNA & serology track, students must complete five foundational courses which impart skills in DNA analysis, blood-spatter analysis, interpretations of biochemical evidence, and nucleic acid chemistry, among other abilities.
For more information on graduate education—both online and on-campus—please visit the forensic science online programs and forensic science education pages.
https://www.forensicscolleges.com/blog/htb/how-to-become-forensic-scientist
I hope this is helpful. Set high goals for yourself and keep going!
Best,
Sue
Your career goal is completely achievable. Here is some really helpful information from the web:
STEPS TO BECOMING A FORENSIC SCIENTIST
There is a wealth of paths to a promising career in forensic science. Here is one possible path to joining this high-growth field:
Step 1 Graduate from high school (four years). In order to set oneself up for success, aspiring forensic scientists are advised to graduate from high school, ideally with high marks in classes such as biology, chemistry, physiology, statistics, and mathematics. Additionally, some students choose to volunteer or intern in relevant agencies such as police departments, fire departments, medical laboratories, hospitals, or other organizations.
For example, the National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) provides a weeklong summer internship to secondary students in forensic science with hands-on training through forensic simulations, supervised laboratory work, and lectures from experienced professionals. Interested students are encouraged to reach out to local and national institutions to see which opportunities are available.
Step 2: Enroll in a forensic science program (two to four years). For prospective entry-level forensic science technicians, there are some associate degree programs available. Admissions requirements for two-year programs in this field generally call for a high school diploma; a competitive GPA; a personal statement; and TOEFL test scores (for non-native speakers of English).
In addition to general education, these programs may have classes in criminal law, fire & arson investigation, and the physical sciences. For instance, Miami Dade College (MDC) provides an associate of science (AS) in forensic science degree featuring coursework in human behavior in criminal justice, basic fingerprinting, and crime scene technology, among others.
For prospective forensic scientists, however, it may be advisable to complete a bachelor’s degree program in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, forensics, or a related field. Not only can a four-year degree enhance employment prospects and earning potential, but it can also open doors to careers in related fields, particularly laboratory work. Typical applications to scientific bachelor’s programs may include the completion of specific coursework (e.g., high school level chemistry, biology, and mathematics); a competitive GPA; national test scores (SAT or ACT); a personal statement; letter(s) of recommendation; and TOEFL test scores (again, for non-native speakers of English).
In addition to general education, bachelor’s programs for forensic scientists have courses such as criminalistics, forensic biology, organic chemistry, and more. The Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC)—the primary accrediting body for forensic science programs in the country—evaluates the quality of curricula, educational objectives, student support services, faculty credentials, admissions processes, and other relevant factors in schools across the country.
For those seeking a degree specifically in forensics, the University of Tampa (UT) provides a FEPAC-recognized bachelor of science (BS) in forensic science program. Similar to many BS programs in forensics, UT provides a rigorous mix of laboratory experience and classes such as forensic chemistry, molecular biology, genetics, law enforcement, and criminal investigation.
For hard sciences majors who are interested in forensics, there are also FEPAC-accredited certificate programs which can be taken in conjunction with bachelor’s degrees. For example, the University of North Texas (UNT) provides an interdisciplinary bachelor of science (BS) in biology, biochemistry, or chemistry with an accredited certificate in forensics. In addition to the specialty courses for the major, UNT’s 19-credit hour forensics certificate covers biomedical forensics, courtroom testimony, ethics, evidence identification, and professional practice.
For more on bachelor’s programs in this field, visit the FEPAC website or the forensic science education page.
Step 3: Garner experience in a police department, crime laboratory, or other relevant setting (one to three years). At this stage, many graduates of forensic science programs choose to garner some professional experience in medical and diagnostic laboratories, police departments, local governments, federal agencies, hospitals, and other settings. Not only does this address the disjunction between didactic coursework and real-world applications, but it also can put these professionals in a position to seek national certification.
Step 4: Seek professional certification (timeline varies). Although professional certification may not be required for employment, it can enhance a job candidate’s resume or salary prospects. There are several relevant certification boards accredited by the Forensic Specialties Accreditation Board (FSAB), including those related to fields as diverse as forensic anthropology and forensic engineering.
While requirements for these certifications vary, they typically involve possessing at least a bachelor’s degree in a field relevant to forensics; proof of job experience; letter(s) of recommendation; submitting an application fee; and successfully passing a test. For example, the American Board of Forensic Toxicology’s (ABFT) five-year “specialist” certification calls for official transcripts; a recent passport-style photograph; three professional references; proof of three years of experience; a $250 application fee; and passing a comprehensive exam. This certification is also offered at the “diplomatic” level to those with relevant doctoral degrees and at least three years of experience.
Step 5 (Optional): Enroll in a graduate program in forensic science (two to four years). For mid-career forensic scientists seeking to upgrade their knowledge and credentials, pursuing a master’s or doctoral program is an enticing option.
Boston University’s (BU) School of Medicine hosts a FEPAC-accredited master of science (MS) in biomedical forensic sciences, one of the premier graduate programs of its kind in the country. In addition to supervised research and mock-court experiences, students must pass challenging coursework in criminal law & ethics, crime scene investigation, forensic biology, forensic chemistry, and trace evidence analysis, among others.
Another standout option is the FEPAC-accredited University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) master of science (MS) in forensic science which provides interdisciplinary instruction in trace materials, drug identification and toxicology; and pattern evidence. Of the 25 program graduates from 2013 to 2018, 21 graduates are employed with forensic science laboratories in the United States while the other four graduates are pursuing doctoral degrees and working in forensic science labs.
Finally, there is an abundance of graduate certificate options as well, including online programs. For example, the University of Florida (UF) offers four distinct 15-credit, online graduate certificates in forensic science: death investigation, toxicology, drug chemistry, and DNA & serology. For the forensic DNA & serology track, students must complete five foundational courses which impart skills in DNA analysis, blood-spatter analysis, interpretations of biochemical evidence, and nucleic acid chemistry, among other abilities.
For more information on graduate education—both online and on-campus—please visit the forensic science online programs and forensic science education pages.
https://www.forensicscolleges.com/blog/htb/how-to-become-forensic-scientist
I hope this is helpful. Set high goals for yourself and keep going!
Best,
Sue
Updated
Jim’s Answer
I recently discovered ONET.com. It's a great resource site for career info. You can search an occupation and it will give you some basics of the job, education needed, salaries, etc. There's also a short video on each page. Online research and video watching is a good start. From there, contacting universities and asking lots of questions. You can find out the specific course work, and they can give you more information on working in the field. Good luck to you!