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What jobs are there in the forensic field?
I want to major in forensics and what career can I make out of it?
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Doc’s Answer
Melissa if you have a keen interest in crime-solving and attention to detail, a career in the forensic science field may be a good fit. This industry is a cross between the medical and legal sectors and plays an important role in everything from solving serious crimes to supporting the legal system in the courts. Careers in forensic science vary widely and require education and experience that ranges from a high school diploma to a doctorate.
• FORENSIC MEDICAL EXAMINER: The path to this occupation is much longer than most other roles in the field. That’s why the pay scale is significantly higher than others as well. To work as Forensic Medical Examiner, you must complete a 4-year bachelors, 4-year medical degree, plus complete a residency and pass your state’s requirements.
• FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGIST: Forensic psychologists perform several duties within the legal system, including performing psychological assessments of criminals, witnesses and defendants in legal proceedings and acting as expert witnesses in court cases. They may also devise treatment plans and intervention methods for prison inmates and make recommendations for inmates' parole. Forensic psychologists must hold a minimum of a master's degree in forensic psychology.
• CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATOR: If you want to work right at the scene of the crime and help piece together criminal acts, this role could be perfect for you. Crime scene investigators help examine areas where crimes have occurred, working with testimonial and physical evidence. To become a crime scene investigator, or forensic science technician, you typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in a forensic science related area.
• CRIME LABORATORY ANALYST: If you love science and want to work in criminal justice, you may want to become a crime laboratory analyst. In this role you would use knowledge and skills you learned in biochemistry and molecular biology to analyze evidence, such as firearms, blood, DNA, and other bodily fluids.
There are many degree programs available that help students work in internship roles as they complete their bachelor’s degree. To qualify for this role, you will want to compare degree programs in forensic science, microbiology, and biochemistry.
• FINGERPRINT TECHNICIAN: These professionals study and evaluate fingerprints in criminal investigations. They work in crime labs and crime scenes. Fingerprint technicians process and preserve fingerprint samples, analyze fingerprints and load fingerprint images into fingerprint databases for comparison. A bachelor's degree in forensic science or a related field is typically required.
• FORENSIC MEDICAL EXAMINER: The path to this occupation is much longer than most other roles in the field. That’s why the pay scale is significantly higher than others as well. To work as Forensic Medical Examiner, you must complete a 4-year bachelors, 4-year medical degree, plus complete a residency and pass your state’s requirements.
• FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGIST: Forensic psychologists perform several duties within the legal system, including performing psychological assessments of criminals, witnesses and defendants in legal proceedings and acting as expert witnesses in court cases. They may also devise treatment plans and intervention methods for prison inmates and make recommendations for inmates' parole. Forensic psychologists must hold a minimum of a master's degree in forensic psychology.
• CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATOR: If you want to work right at the scene of the crime and help piece together criminal acts, this role could be perfect for you. Crime scene investigators help examine areas where crimes have occurred, working with testimonial and physical evidence. To become a crime scene investigator, or forensic science technician, you typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in a forensic science related area.
• CRIME LABORATORY ANALYST: If you love science and want to work in criminal justice, you may want to become a crime laboratory analyst. In this role you would use knowledge and skills you learned in biochemistry and molecular biology to analyze evidence, such as firearms, blood, DNA, and other bodily fluids.
There are many degree programs available that help students work in internship roles as they complete their bachelor’s degree. To qualify for this role, you will want to compare degree programs in forensic science, microbiology, and biochemistry.
• FINGERPRINT TECHNICIAN: These professionals study and evaluate fingerprints in criminal investigations. They work in crime labs and crime scenes. Fingerprint technicians process and preserve fingerprint samples, analyze fingerprints and load fingerprint images into fingerprint databases for comparison. A bachelor's degree in forensic science or a related field is typically required.
Updated
Pat’s Answer
I love Jamie's reply -- I work in helping law enforcement investigate financial crimes -- it is very interesting and changing all the time.
Updated
Jamie’s Answer
Another idea is a career in forensic accounting. That is what my career is in, and I absolutely love it! I get to do all the digging for evidence in a much more routine environment. I dig through expense data to find evidence of fraud, intent to deceive the company, non-compliance with our policies, etc. Every day is interesting. Every day brings new opportunities. Every day bring new cases and new concepts. I am learning still every day, and I love that about the job. No 2 days or cases are the same. This job allows me to still “solve crimes” while not being at risk or in danger. Truly a fulfilling career. I hope you choose to pursue a career in forensics! There is so much you can do related to this path.
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Melissa:
Here are some careers in Forensic Science, descriptions, duties and salaries according to this link from www.indeed.com:
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/forensic-science-jobs
- Fingerprint Technician
- Evidence Technician
- Forensic Science Technician
- Forensic Specialist
- Forensic Manager
- Forensic Investigator
- Forensic Accountant
- Forensic Structural Engineer
- Forensic Psychologist
- Forensic Pathologist
Here are some top careers in Criminology:
- Judge and Hearing Officers
- Attorney
- FBI Specialist
- FBI Agent
- Criminologist
- Financial Examiner
- Intelligence Analyst
- Forensic Psychologist
- Security Manager
You may want to research colleges and universities that have Forensic Science or Criminology as a major. Once you narrowed down the colleges and universities of interest, then review the websites for the Forensic Science or Criminology department. The major will list the courses that one will take to earn the Bachelor of Science degree in Forensic Science or Criminology.
Here are some colleges and universities to consider for Forensic Science:
- Penn State University
- Syracuse University
- Texas A&M University
- Virginia Commonwealth University
- George Mason University
- Michigan State University
- University of Tennessee (*There is a body farm that is located on campus).
According to U.S. News & World Report, here are the Best Criminology Schools:
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-humanities-schools/criminology-rankings
- University of Maryland - College Park
- Arizona State University
- University of California - Irvine
- University of Cincinnati
- Pennsylvania State Park - University Park
- University at Albany - SUNY
- Florida State University
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey - Newark
- Michigan State University
- George Mason University
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
There are scholarships based on need, academic performance, school activities, sports involvement and community service. So, it will be to your advantage to seek out these types of scholarships. All of the academic staff at your high school that you interact with can write letters of recommendations for you based on what was just stated above. These recommendations can greatly help when filling out college and scholarship applications.
College and scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. College and scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of college and scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
Another recommendation is to look for Forensic Science and Criminology professionals on LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com). You can send the professional a message and let him or her know that you are interested in learning more about his or her professional background, work experience, education, etc. Also, your local police department can be another resource. Police departments have their own Forensic Science and/or Criminology Investigation Lab Divisions to investigate criminal activities and crime scenes.
While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare for a career in Forensics or Criminology. Chemistry and biology will be the core science courses. For math, statistics and calculus will be needed. Both concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail and observation skills; etc.
Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration amongst team members, partner departments and clients occur on a daily basis. A college course in public speaking, communications and English will help with one's communication and writing skills since analysis reports are generated and findings are presented to colleagues and other professionals who deal with Forensics or Criminology. Another recommendation is to seek the advice from your high school guidance counselor and teachers. They can help guide your educational pathway for Forensics or Criminology.
Hope this helps and best wishes for your education and career in Forensic Science!
Here are some careers in Forensic Science, descriptions, duties and salaries according to this link from www.indeed.com:
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/forensic-science-jobs
- Fingerprint Technician
- Evidence Technician
- Forensic Science Technician
- Forensic Specialist
- Forensic Manager
- Forensic Investigator
- Forensic Accountant
- Forensic Structural Engineer
- Forensic Psychologist
- Forensic Pathologist
Here are some top careers in Criminology:
- Judge and Hearing Officers
- Attorney
- FBI Specialist
- FBI Agent
- Criminologist
- Financial Examiner
- Intelligence Analyst
- Forensic Psychologist
- Security Manager
You may want to research colleges and universities that have Forensic Science or Criminology as a major. Once you narrowed down the colleges and universities of interest, then review the websites for the Forensic Science or Criminology department. The major will list the courses that one will take to earn the Bachelor of Science degree in Forensic Science or Criminology.
Here are some colleges and universities to consider for Forensic Science:
- Penn State University
- Syracuse University
- Texas A&M University
- Virginia Commonwealth University
- George Mason University
- Michigan State University
- University of Tennessee (*There is a body farm that is located on campus).
According to U.S. News & World Report, here are the Best Criminology Schools:
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-humanities-schools/criminology-rankings
- University of Maryland - College Park
- Arizona State University
- University of California - Irvine
- University of Cincinnati
- Pennsylvania State Park - University Park
- University at Albany - SUNY
- Florida State University
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey - Newark
- Michigan State University
- George Mason University
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
There are scholarships based on need, academic performance, school activities, sports involvement and community service. So, it will be to your advantage to seek out these types of scholarships. All of the academic staff at your high school that you interact with can write letters of recommendations for you based on what was just stated above. These recommendations can greatly help when filling out college and scholarship applications.
College and scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. College and scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of college and scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
Another recommendation is to look for Forensic Science and Criminology professionals on LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com). You can send the professional a message and let him or her know that you are interested in learning more about his or her professional background, work experience, education, etc. Also, your local police department can be another resource. Police departments have their own Forensic Science and/or Criminology Investigation Lab Divisions to investigate criminal activities and crime scenes.
While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare for a career in Forensics or Criminology. Chemistry and biology will be the core science courses. For math, statistics and calculus will be needed. Both concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail and observation skills; etc.
Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration amongst team members, partner departments and clients occur on a daily basis. A college course in public speaking, communications and English will help with one's communication and writing skills since analysis reports are generated and findings are presented to colleagues and other professionals who deal with Forensics or Criminology. Another recommendation is to seek the advice from your high school guidance counselor and teachers. They can help guide your educational pathway for Forensics or Criminology.
Hope this helps and best wishes for your education and career in Forensic Science!