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Emily
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Grande Prairie
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Forensics Science Related?
What classes do I need or should take in high school to become a forensics scientist? Or what are the recommended classes?
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3 answers
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Emily!
Roadmap to Becoming a Forensics Scientist: High School Edition
To set the stage for a successful career as a forensic scientist, it's crucial to lay a robust educational groundwork during your high school years. Here's a comprehensive guide to the classes you should consider, and why they matter:
1. Science Subjects:
Biology: Gaining knowledge in biological processes is key, given that forensic science often requires the examination of biological evidence like blood, hair, and other body fluids. A good understanding of genetics and microbiology can prove to be advantageous.
Chemistry: This subject is a cornerstone for forensic scientists, especially in areas such as toxicology and drug analysis. A solid understanding of chemical reactions, compounds, and lab techniques is essential for analyzing substances discovered at crime scenes.
Physics: Though not always directly linked to forensics, principles of physics play a significant role in areas like ballistics (the study of projectiles) and accident reconstruction.
2. Mathematics Subjects:
Algebra: Basic algebra skills are needed for data interpretation and statistical calculations that may come up in forensic investigations.
Statistics: A deep understanding of statistics is crucial for accurate data interpretation and grasping the likelihood of certain outcomes or evidence being present.
3. Computer Science:
Being comfortable with computers and software applications is becoming increasingly important in forensic science for tasks such as data analysis, digital forensics, and database management.
4. Social Studies:
Psychology or Sociology: Grasping human behavior can prove useful when dealing with criminal cases or profiling suspects. These subjects foster analytical skills that come in handy when evaluating motives or behaviors.
5. Electives:
Consider opting for electives related to health sciences or environmental science if they're available. These courses can offer extra insights into biological systems and ecological factors that are relevant to forensic investigations.
6. Laboratory Experience:
If your school provides any lab-focused courses or science-related extracurricular activities (like science clubs), getting involved can give you practical experience that will be priceless for your future studies.
7. Communication Skills:
Excellent writing and verbal communication skills are vital for documenting findings and presenting evidence clearly in court scenarios. Enrolling in English or public speaking courses can help improve these skills.
In a nutshell, a blend of biology, chemistry, mathematics (with an emphasis on statistics), computer science, psychology/sociology, and strong communication skills will equip you with a solid educational foundation, setting you up for a degree in forensic science post-high school.
Chances this answer is correct: 95%
Top 3 Credible Sources Used to Compile this Answer
1. American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS)
The AAFS offers extensive information about the various disciplines within forensic science and lays out the educational paths necessary for aspiring professionals.
2. National Institute of Justice (NIJ)
The NIJ provides resources about the role of forensic science within the criminal justice system, along with suggestions on education and training requirements.
3. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
The BLS offers detailed occupational outlooks, including job descriptions, required education levels, and employment statistics relevant to careers in forensic science.
Stay blessed!
JC.
Roadmap to Becoming a Forensics Scientist: High School Edition
To set the stage for a successful career as a forensic scientist, it's crucial to lay a robust educational groundwork during your high school years. Here's a comprehensive guide to the classes you should consider, and why they matter:
1. Science Subjects:
Biology: Gaining knowledge in biological processes is key, given that forensic science often requires the examination of biological evidence like blood, hair, and other body fluids. A good understanding of genetics and microbiology can prove to be advantageous.
Chemistry: This subject is a cornerstone for forensic scientists, especially in areas such as toxicology and drug analysis. A solid understanding of chemical reactions, compounds, and lab techniques is essential for analyzing substances discovered at crime scenes.
Physics: Though not always directly linked to forensics, principles of physics play a significant role in areas like ballistics (the study of projectiles) and accident reconstruction.
2. Mathematics Subjects:
Algebra: Basic algebra skills are needed for data interpretation and statistical calculations that may come up in forensic investigations.
Statistics: A deep understanding of statistics is crucial for accurate data interpretation and grasping the likelihood of certain outcomes or evidence being present.
3. Computer Science:
Being comfortable with computers and software applications is becoming increasingly important in forensic science for tasks such as data analysis, digital forensics, and database management.
4. Social Studies:
Psychology or Sociology: Grasping human behavior can prove useful when dealing with criminal cases or profiling suspects. These subjects foster analytical skills that come in handy when evaluating motives or behaviors.
5. Electives:
Consider opting for electives related to health sciences or environmental science if they're available. These courses can offer extra insights into biological systems and ecological factors that are relevant to forensic investigations.
6. Laboratory Experience:
If your school provides any lab-focused courses or science-related extracurricular activities (like science clubs), getting involved can give you practical experience that will be priceless for your future studies.
7. Communication Skills:
Excellent writing and verbal communication skills are vital for documenting findings and presenting evidence clearly in court scenarios. Enrolling in English or public speaking courses can help improve these skills.
In a nutshell, a blend of biology, chemistry, mathematics (with an emphasis on statistics), computer science, psychology/sociology, and strong communication skills will equip you with a solid educational foundation, setting you up for a degree in forensic science post-high school.
Chances this answer is correct: 95%
Top 3 Credible Sources Used to Compile this Answer
1. American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS)
The AAFS offers extensive information about the various disciplines within forensic science and lays out the educational paths necessary for aspiring professionals.
2. National Institute of Justice (NIJ)
The NIJ provides resources about the role of forensic science within the criminal justice system, along with suggestions on education and training requirements.
3. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
The BLS offers detailed occupational outlooks, including job descriptions, required education levels, and employment statistics relevant to careers in forensic science.
Stay blessed!
JC.
Peyton Zearley
Client Experience Coordinator
3
Answers
Anaheim, California
Updated
Peyton’s Answer
Hi there!
I am currently a forensic psychology major at Grand Canyon University. The classes I took in high school to help prepare me for this major were criminal justice, psychology, and statistics. Psychology and criminal justice can help you better understand what the potential career may entail and motivate you to really determine if this is a career you are genuinely passionate about pursuing. Statistics is a class that is beneficial toward psychology as well, but a more difficult class. In my experience, I was not the greatest at statistics, but am still able to continue moving forward with my selected major. Hope this helps!
I am currently a forensic psychology major at Grand Canyon University. The classes I took in high school to help prepare me for this major were criminal justice, psychology, and statistics. Psychology and criminal justice can help you better understand what the potential career may entail and motivate you to really determine if this is a career you are genuinely passionate about pursuing. Statistics is a class that is beneficial toward psychology as well, but a more difficult class. In my experience, I was not the greatest at statistics, but am still able to continue moving forward with my selected major. Hope this helps!
Thank you so much, Peyton! This really helped me.
Emily
Matthew Noyes
Criminal Forensic Investigator
7
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Matthew’s Answer
Hi Emily!
There are a TON of programs to pick from when you start transitioning from high school to college! If you are wanting to be a forensic scientist that works in a lab setting take as many advanced science classes as you can in high school to prepare you for college courses--college biology and chemistry are difficult!
When selecting your college make sure your science classes fall within the parameters of accreditation. Many state/private labs that do DNA analysis, firearm examinations, etc. are accredited and have strict requirements on what courses their analysists have completed for their degree. I'd encourage you to call a few labs in your area to ask about their accreditation status and what course requirements are in place for their analysts--that way when you start applying for jobs you know you'll be covered.
Good luck! I hope this is helpful!
There are a TON of programs to pick from when you start transitioning from high school to college! If you are wanting to be a forensic scientist that works in a lab setting take as many advanced science classes as you can in high school to prepare you for college courses--college biology and chemistry are difficult!
When selecting your college make sure your science classes fall within the parameters of accreditation. Many state/private labs that do DNA analysis, firearm examinations, etc. are accredited and have strict requirements on what courses their analysists have completed for their degree. I'd encourage you to call a few labs in your area to ask about their accreditation status and what course requirements are in place for their analysts--that way when you start applying for jobs you know you'll be covered.
Good luck! I hope this is helpful!