The field of Forensic Science is enormous, expanding, and the requirements are changing.
Forensic Disciplines
- Accident Reconstruction
- Anthropology
- Arson
- Audio
- Blood Alcohol
- Botany
- Clan Lab (Drug Lab)
- Computer
- Crime Scene Reconstruction
- Drug Chemistry
| - Entomology
- Facial Imaging
- Firearms Comparisons
- Footwear
- Latent Fingerprints
- Pathology
- Photography
- Physical Match
- Profiling
- Questioned Documents
| - Serology (DNA)
- Soil
- Tire
- Toxicology (Body Fluid testing)
- Tool Marks
- Trace Evidence (hairs, fiber, glass, paint)
- Trajectory Analysis (Ballistics)
- Video
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It is very difficult to recommend one best way of landing a position in Forensics. The TV series CSI has had both good and bad effects on the field; a very large portion of these translate to the job market.
Some employers specialize their staff, while others cross-train and use them in many areas.
Preparation
Depends somewhat on the area of interest.
Recommended: Bachelor of Science in a hard science field (e.g. biology, chemistry).
Others:
- Start as a Police Officer (Sheriff’s Office) in a department that promotes to Forensics (becoming fewer)
- Start in Computer Technology – only good for Computer Forensics
- Start in Video Technology – only good for Forensic Video Analysis
Recommended things to consider; Volunteering in Forensics, Masters Degree in forensics or hard science, job in science field continuing lab experience, self pay for quality courses, self pay for the Police Academy, join forensic associations.
Learn More
On the Job
Additional Information