4 answers
kennedy
Student
Rock Hill, South Carolina
1
Question
Updated
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What path do I need to take to fulfill my future career in Forensic Science?
What path do I need to take to fulfill my future career in forensic science? What Classes do you recommend I take in my high school years? what mindset should I have?
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4 answers
Jacqueline McGraw
Archaeologist
5
Answers
Abington, Massachusetts
Updated
Jacqueline’s Answer
In high school, it's a great idea to take biology classes and delve into law enforcement studies. They'll give you a solid foundation. When you get to college, don't miss out on osteology. It's key to your learning. But also consider a course in forensic anthropology. It'll give you a broader view beyond just forensic science classes. Remember, your academic advisor is there to guide you through this journey.
Mistie Measeles
Teacher
8
Answers
Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Updated
Mistie’s Answer
Hi Kennedy,
Forensic Science is a broad field with many different paths you can take. From crime scene investigations (CSI), to working in the laboratory as a forensic scientist (FS), to an expert in Bloodstain Pattern Analysis, or to conduct medical examiner investigations, you have a plethora to choose from. I would suggest to first start thinking about what area within forensics you would like to work in. Do you want to be in the field processing scenes, working on evidence in the laboratory, or something else? Some jobs require working nights and weekends, some jobs require you to be exposed to very sensitive events, while some job require you to testify. These are all concepts to keep in mind.
Reaching out to those in the field is a great way to get some insight as well. You can also speak with career services or your student advisor to help you with researching schools that offer degrees in this area. Some jobs require very specific degrees like a hard science degree to work in the laboratory (biology, chemistry, etc). As an example, I wasn't sure where I wanted to work, the field as a CSI or the laboratory as a FS, so I got a degree that would allow me to do both.
Forensics is a fascinating field. Good luck!
Dr. Mistie Measeles
Reach out to your student advisor or career services for assistance.
Reach out to someone in the field
Take a job assessment test.
Forensic Science is a broad field with many different paths you can take. From crime scene investigations (CSI), to working in the laboratory as a forensic scientist (FS), to an expert in Bloodstain Pattern Analysis, or to conduct medical examiner investigations, you have a plethora to choose from. I would suggest to first start thinking about what area within forensics you would like to work in. Do you want to be in the field processing scenes, working on evidence in the laboratory, or something else? Some jobs require working nights and weekends, some jobs require you to be exposed to very sensitive events, while some job require you to testify. These are all concepts to keep in mind.
Reaching out to those in the field is a great way to get some insight as well. You can also speak with career services or your student advisor to help you with researching schools that offer degrees in this area. Some jobs require very specific degrees like a hard science degree to work in the laboratory (biology, chemistry, etc). As an example, I wasn't sure where I wanted to work, the field as a CSI or the laboratory as a FS, so I got a degree that would allow me to do both.
Forensics is a fascinating field. Good luck!
Dr. Mistie Measeles
Mistie recommends the following next steps:
Vihaan Gupta
HS Student, Engineering, Tutor, Referee
5
Answers
McKinney, Texas
Updated
Vihaan’s Answer
Hello. Forensic science is heavily based on biology and chemistry. You should take competitive level classes in biology and chemistry which may seem a bit excessive, but it will really help you stand out among the competition. You should take classes related to forensic science if offered in your school. Good luck.
Michael Torio
Consultant - Data Reporting & Analysis (HQ Finance)
362
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Kennedy:
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.
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.
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. 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 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.
Hope this helps and best wishes for your education and career in Forensic Science or Criminology!
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.
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.
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. 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 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.
Hope this helps and best wishes for your education and career in Forensic Science or Criminology!