Forensic science technicians are the experts who piece together the clues found at crime scenes while working in a lab setting. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the work that forensic scientists do is instrumental in catching and convicting criminals. To work in a crime lab, you need to take the courses required to earn a bachelor’s degree in forensic science. Show Writing ClassesA forensic scientist must take detailed and accurate notes about crime scenes and the evidence discovered. The notes are then used to write a comprehensive report for law enforcement agents, the medical examiner, other forensic experts and attorneys to review. College writing classes teach you how to organize your thoughts so they are cohesive and logical, use good grammar and write reports. Writing classes designed for scientists train you to write notes and reports that are objective and free of ambiguities. Communications ClassesA forensic scientist must have the ability to accurately relay information in a clear manner when talking to detectives, attorneys and other professionals. In addition to using technical terms, the forensic scientist must be able to use plain language to explain complicated findings or scientific terms. The communications classes that you take in college will give you the skills to speak in front of large groups, verbally support your findings and testify in court with confidence. Science ClassesThe scientific information that you discover as a forensic scientist gives detectives the facts that they need to solve a case. In college, the science and math classes that you take will give you the knowledge and skills needed to uncover the truth in the evidence found. Science classes that you’ll have to take include biology, chemistry, physics and organic chemistry. You may also need to take a statistics course that examines behavioral and natural sciences, a course about research design and one that introduces you to the inner workings of a crime lab. Major CoursesThe major courses that you take to earn a degree in forensic science depend on the specialization that you choose. Specializations generally include chemistry and biology. When you specialize in chemistry, you’ll take classes that focus on analytical chemistry, organic chemistry and advanced physics. If you choose to specialize in biology, you’ll learn about molecular biotechnology, biochemistry and genetics. You must also choose elective courses that relate to your specialization such as anatomy, crime scene investigations, forensic anthropology, toxicology, bloodstain evidence or pathology. Writer Bio Flora Richards-Gustafson has been writing professionally since 2003. She creates copy for websites, marketing materials and printed publications. Richards-Gustafson specializes in SEO and writing about small-business strategies, health and beauty, interior design, emergency preparedness and education. Richards-Gustafson received a Bachelor of Arts from George Fox University in 2003 and was recognized by Cambridge's "Who's Who" in 2009 as a leading woman entrepreneur. Forensic science has become an integral part of the justice system, with forensic laboratory scientists working to uncover details of matters related to civil, criminal, and regulatory matters. Their work is based solely on scientific investigation, thereby assisting law enforcement personnel and facilitating judicial matters involving the investigation of crimes and the resolution of legal issues. Forensic scientists work as part of an evidence team and often confer with members of law enforcement and crime scene investigators. Engaged primarily in forensic laboratory work, forensic scientists use their knowledge of scientific principles and analytical methods when examining physical evidence gathered at a crime scene. The scope of their job also includes writing detailed reports based upon their findings, and they may be called to testify as expert witnesses in a court of law. Forensic scientists must have a solid foundation in the natural sciences (biology, chemistry, and physics), and they must also understand the workings of the criminal justice system and the law. To prepare to become a forensic scientist, individuals should expect to complete a number of steps: Step 1: Complete a Comprehensive Degree ProgramIndividuals learning how to become a forensic laboratory scientist must first pursue a degree program, preferably in one of the natural sciences or in forensic science specifically. Although requirements for entry-level or trainee work in one of the forensic science disciplines often vary according to the law enforcement of governmental agency, the majority of employers require, at a minimum, a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Although the path to a degree in this field is fairly straightforward, the course of study may vary based on an institution’s offerings or the area of study being pursued. Individuals who want to learn how to become a forensic scientist may pursue:
Certificate (Graduate or Undergraduate) A graduate or undergraduate certificate is an ideal addition to a forensic science, biology, or chemistry degree. Undergraduate certificates in forensic science are often pursued by individuals who want to supplement their main degree program, while graduate certificates in forensic science are ideal for those who already possess a bachelor’s degree in a natural science or for professionals already employed in the forensic science field and are interested in focusing their career on a specific area of forensic science. Bachelor’s Degree Bachelor’s degrees in forensic science may be in the form of a bachelor of science in biology or chemistry, or they may be forensic science degrees with concentrations in biology or chemistry. Further, some forensics science bachelor’s degrees allow students to focus their degree on a specific area of forensic science, such as DNA, trace evidence, or ballistics, for example. Just a few of the programs available in forensic science include:
Master’s Degree Master’s degree programs in forensic science are reserved for those individuals who already have a solid background in forensic science or the natural sciences through an undergraduate program. In addition to providing students with the opportunity to focus their forensic science careers on a specific area of forensic science, many individuals seek master’s degrees as to advance their career. Common master’s degree programs in forensic science include:
Doctorate Degree Doctorate degrees in forensic science include
PhD programs are generally reserved for advanced study in forensic chemistry, forensic biology, and forensic biochemistry, thereby making them ideal for individuals interested in pursuing scholar work or teaching opportunities. Forensic pathologists are doctors of medicine; therefore, this forensic science field requires an MD to practice in the field of pathology or as a medical examiner. DDS or DMD programs are reserved for the dental practice. Therefore, individuals pursuing forensic odontology (dentistry) must possess this professional degree. Step 2. Pursue a Training Program or ApprenticeshipUpon the completion of a degree program in forensic science, many individuals pursue technician or trainee positions under the supervision of a senior forensic scientist. Many employers have training programs in place for new graduates, while others have specific probationary periods. Step 3. Pursue Professional CertificationIn addition to completing a degree program in forensic science and a training period or program, many forensic scientists seek professional certification through a forensic specialty board. Some employers require their forensic scientists to achieve certification, while some forensic scientists pursue certification as to achieve professional recognition or advance into a supervisory role. Professional certification is a clear indication of an individual’s expertise in a specific area of forensic science, as most certification programs require the completion of specific education and experience requirements and, often times, the completion of a comprehensive exam. The Forensic Specialties Accreditation Board, which was created with support from the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, the National Forensic Science Technology Center, and the National Institute of Justice, serves as a forensic community where organizations or professional boards that certify individual forensic scientists or forensic specialists are assessed, recognized, and monitored. A list of accredited organizations can be found here. Back to Top |
What courses should i take to become a forensic scientist
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