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Cat
Student
Warner Robins, Georgia
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Which category of forensics should I choose?
I want to go into forensic science but there are so many categories that I don't know which to choose. Could you help me?
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3 answers
Ryan Mathews CCSA
Graduate of West Virginia University - Seeking a job as a Crime Scene Investigator
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Ryan’s Answer
Sure! First off, you should decide whether you want to work in a lab all day or work in crime scenes. Lab work generally pays better but in my opinion is less interesting, while being a crime scene investigator is fun but pays only enough to live on.
If you are good at Chemistry or Biology, you could go into Forensic Chemistry where you test drugs / poisons / explosives all day, or you could do Forensic Biology where you deal with DNA. If you're less interested in science, or if you don't quite know what you want, you could take individual classes on different fields of forensic science and be a more well-rounded crime scene investigator. I for example went to West Virginia University and did the Forensic Examiner emphasis where I took a bunch of elective classes on Photography, Microscopy, Firearms Examination, Arson/Explosives analysis, and Bloodstain Pattern Analysis.
If you're sure you want to do forensics, I recommend you go to any university accredited in forensic science and find out what you want to do by taking classes. Here is a list of FEPAC accredited universities: https://www.aafs.org/search/schools?_page=1&keywords=&_limit=18&fepac=1
If you are good at Chemistry or Biology, you could go into Forensic Chemistry where you test drugs / poisons / explosives all day, or you could do Forensic Biology where you deal with DNA. If you're less interested in science, or if you don't quite know what you want, you could take individual classes on different fields of forensic science and be a more well-rounded crime scene investigator. I for example went to West Virginia University and did the Forensic Examiner emphasis where I took a bunch of elective classes on Photography, Microscopy, Firearms Examination, Arson/Explosives analysis, and Bloodstain Pattern Analysis.
If you're sure you want to do forensics, I recommend you go to any university accredited in forensic science and find out what you want to do by taking classes. Here is a list of FEPAC accredited universities: https://www.aafs.org/search/schools?_page=1&keywords=&_limit=18&fepac=1
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
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James Constantine’s Answer
Hello!
Choosing a Category in Forensic Science
Forensic science is a broad field that encompasses various specialties, each focusing on different aspects of crime scene investigation and analysis. When considering which category to choose, it’s essential to evaluate your interests, strengths, and career goals. Below are some of the primary categories within forensic science:
1. Forensic Biology
Forensic biology involves the application of biological sciences to criminal investigations. This category includes DNA analysis, blood spatter analysis, and the examination of bodily fluids. If you have a strong interest in biology and genetics, this might be an appealing option for you. Forensic biologists often work in laboratories analyzing samples collected from crime scenes.
2. Forensic Chemistry
This area focuses on the chemical analysis of substances found at crime scenes, such as drugs, explosives, and toxic materials. Forensic chemists utilize techniques like chromatography and spectroscopy to identify unknown substances. If you enjoy chemistry and laboratory work, pursuing a career in forensic chemistry could be suitable.
3. Forensic Anthropology
Forensic anthropology applies the principles of physical anthropology and human osteology in legal contexts. Anthropologists analyze skeletal remains to determine identity, cause of death, or trauma patterns. This field requires a background in anthropology or archaeology and is ideal for those interested in human remains and historical contexts.
4. Forensic Psychology/Psychiatry
This specialty merges psychology with law enforcement by evaluating individuals involved in legal proceedings—such as defendants or victims—to understand their mental state or competency. If you are interested in psychology and its application within the legal system, this could be an excellent path.
5. Digital Forensics
Digital forensics involves recovering and investigating material found in digital devices like computers and smartphones related to cybercrimes or other criminal activities. This field is rapidly growing due to increasing reliance on technology in everyday life. A background in computer science or information technology would be beneficial here.
6. Crime Scene Investigation (CSI)
Crime scene investigators collect evidence from crime scenes using various techniques such as photography, sketching, and evidence collection protocols. This role requires strong observational skills and attention to detail as well as knowledge across multiple forensic disciplines.
7. Forensic Odontology
Forensic odontology is the study of dental records for identification purposes or bite mark analysis during investigations. If you have an interest in dentistry combined with forensic science, this niche could be intriguing.
8. Forensic Engineering
This specialty investigates materials failure or accidents related to construction or mechanical systems that may involve legal implications (e.g., building collapses). Engineers with expertise in structural integrity may find this field rewarding.
Steps to Choose Your Category:
Assess Your Interests: Reflect on which subjects excite you most—biology, chemistry, psychology, engineering?
Evaluate Your Skills: Consider your academic strengths; do you excel more in sciences or humanities?
Research Career Opportunities: Look into job prospects within each category; some fields may offer more opportunities than others.
Seek Guidance: Talk to professionals already working in these fields; they can provide insights into daily responsibilities.
Consider Education Requirements: Different categories may require specific degrees or certifications; ensure you’re prepared for these educational paths.
Ultimately, your choice should align with both your passions and practical considerations regarding job availability and educational requirements.
Probability that the answer is correct: 95%
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
1. National Institute of Justice (NIJ)
The NIJ provides comprehensive resources on various aspects of forensic science including research findings and best practices across different forensic disciplines.
2. American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS)
AAFS offers valuable information about different branches of forensic science along with professional development resources for students entering the field.
3. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
The BLS provides detailed occupational outlooks including job descriptions, salary data, education requirements for various careers within forensic science fields.
God Bless!
JC.
Choosing a Category in Forensic Science
Forensic science is a broad field that encompasses various specialties, each focusing on different aspects of crime scene investigation and analysis. When considering which category to choose, it’s essential to evaluate your interests, strengths, and career goals. Below are some of the primary categories within forensic science:
1. Forensic Biology
Forensic biology involves the application of biological sciences to criminal investigations. This category includes DNA analysis, blood spatter analysis, and the examination of bodily fluids. If you have a strong interest in biology and genetics, this might be an appealing option for you. Forensic biologists often work in laboratories analyzing samples collected from crime scenes.
2. Forensic Chemistry
This area focuses on the chemical analysis of substances found at crime scenes, such as drugs, explosives, and toxic materials. Forensic chemists utilize techniques like chromatography and spectroscopy to identify unknown substances. If you enjoy chemistry and laboratory work, pursuing a career in forensic chemistry could be suitable.
3. Forensic Anthropology
Forensic anthropology applies the principles of physical anthropology and human osteology in legal contexts. Anthropologists analyze skeletal remains to determine identity, cause of death, or trauma patterns. This field requires a background in anthropology or archaeology and is ideal for those interested in human remains and historical contexts.
4. Forensic Psychology/Psychiatry
This specialty merges psychology with law enforcement by evaluating individuals involved in legal proceedings—such as defendants or victims—to understand their mental state or competency. If you are interested in psychology and its application within the legal system, this could be an excellent path.
5. Digital Forensics
Digital forensics involves recovering and investigating material found in digital devices like computers and smartphones related to cybercrimes or other criminal activities. This field is rapidly growing due to increasing reliance on technology in everyday life. A background in computer science or information technology would be beneficial here.
6. Crime Scene Investigation (CSI)
Crime scene investigators collect evidence from crime scenes using various techniques such as photography, sketching, and evidence collection protocols. This role requires strong observational skills and attention to detail as well as knowledge across multiple forensic disciplines.
7. Forensic Odontology
Forensic odontology is the study of dental records for identification purposes or bite mark analysis during investigations. If you have an interest in dentistry combined with forensic science, this niche could be intriguing.
8. Forensic Engineering
This specialty investigates materials failure or accidents related to construction or mechanical systems that may involve legal implications (e.g., building collapses). Engineers with expertise in structural integrity may find this field rewarding.
Steps to Choose Your Category:
Assess Your Interests: Reflect on which subjects excite you most—biology, chemistry, psychology, engineering?
Evaluate Your Skills: Consider your academic strengths; do you excel more in sciences or humanities?
Research Career Opportunities: Look into job prospects within each category; some fields may offer more opportunities than others.
Seek Guidance: Talk to professionals already working in these fields; they can provide insights into daily responsibilities.
Consider Education Requirements: Different categories may require specific degrees or certifications; ensure you’re prepared for these educational paths.
Ultimately, your choice should align with both your passions and practical considerations regarding job availability and educational requirements.
Probability that the answer is correct: 95%
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
1. National Institute of Justice (NIJ)
The NIJ provides comprehensive resources on various aspects of forensic science including research findings and best practices across different forensic disciplines.
2. American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS)
AAFS offers valuable information about different branches of forensic science along with professional development resources for students entering the field.
3. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
The BLS provides detailed occupational outlooks including job descriptions, salary data, education requirements for various careers within forensic science fields.
God Bless!
JC.
Brittany Bunker
Primate Caretaker
2
Answers
Madison, Wisconsin
Updated
Brittany’s Answer
I worked for a medical examiner's office through high school and college. It is very interesting and exciting work if you are comfortable with deceased people. I personally worked on the forensics side, so I did x-rays, property removal, fingerprinting, and some autopsies. There was also an investigations unit. They would go to scenes to pronounce death, take pictures, converse with family, etc.
If this is something that interests you I would highly recommend trying to get an internship or even a tour set up. You will know right away if it's not the right fit for you.
Good luck!
If this is something that interests you I would highly recommend trying to get an internship or even a tour set up. You will know right away if it's not the right fit for you.
Good luck!