Forensic Scientist: How Do I Start a Career in Forensic Science?
A career in forensic science requires a bachelor’s degree at a minimum. Learn about education, job responsibilities, areas of specialization and certification options to see if this is the right career for you. View article
An error occurred trying to load this video.
Try refreshing the page, or contact customer support.
Select a school or program
Kaplan University
- MS in Criminal Justice
- MS in Cybersecurity Management
- BS in Criminal Justice – Crime Scene Investigation
- BS in Corrections
- BSA – Auditing and Forensic Accountancy
- BS in Criminal Justice
- BS in Cybersecurity
- BS in Criminal Justice – Forensic Psychology
- AAS in Criminal Justice
- AAS in Public Safety and Security
- AAS in Criminal Justice and Criminology
- AAS in Fire Science
- View all programs
American InterContinental University
- Bachelor or Science – Criminal Justice: Forensic Science
- Bachelor or Science – Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement
- Bachelor or Science – Criminal Justice: Corrections and Case Management
- Bachelor or Science – Criminal Justice: Generalist
- Bachelor or Science – Criminal Justice: Homeland Security and Crisis Management
- Bachelor of Science (BSIT) – Digital Investigation
- Associate of Science in Criminal Justice
- View all programs
- 0:00 Essential Information
- 0:27 Choose a Discipline
- 0:46 Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
- 1:35 Consider an Advanced Degree
- 2:15 Gain Experience
- 3:04 Obtain Certification
Video Transcript
Essential Information
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Television and movies may portray forensic science as merely a part of murder investigations. However, it’s a broad field applied to numerous facets of the justice system. Forensic scientists may specialize in a wide range of scientific disciplines and their findings are often used in investigations and trials for both the prosecution and defense of criminals. Let’s take a look at the steps it takes to become a forensic scientist.
Step 1: Choose a Discipline
Your first step is to choose a discipline. Forensic science is a broad field, integrating various disciplines of science in the pursuit of civil justice. Professionals in this field may specialize in toxicology, pathology, physical anthropology, behavioral science and general forensics, among other specialties.
Step 2: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
Step 2 is to earn a bachelor’s degree. You must have at least bachelor’s degrees to find employment in this occupation. Depending on the chosen discipline, students may focus their studies on the natural or biological sciences. For example, students interested in a career in toxicology may focus on microbiology, while those looking to begin a career in forensic ballistics may choose to focus on physics.
Some colleges and universities offer Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science programs. Employing classroom and laboratory instruction, these 4-year degree programs combine various sciences applicable to forensic science. Courses may include:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Human anatomy
- Organic chemistry
- Toxicology
- Physics
- Evidence analysis
- Forensic anthropology
- Public speaking
Find schools that offer these popular programs
- Corrections Admin
- Corrections, Probation, and Parole
- Criminal Justice and Safety Studies
- Criminal Science
- Forensic Science
- Juvenile Corrections
- Law Enforcement Administration
- Police Science and Law Enforcement
- Securities Services Mgmt
- Security and Theft Prevention Services
Step 3: Consider an Advanced Degree
According to the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, some disciplines require only bachelor’s degrees, while others may require advanced degrees in applicable fields of science or medicine. So the third step is to consider an advanced degree. Forensic anthropologists typically have Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees in anthropology with focuses on human osteology and anatomy. Forensic ondontologists must have at least Doctor of Dental Science (DDS) degrees. Forensic pathologists must obtain medical licensure from the American Board of Pathology, which requires four years of medical school and five years of combined residency and fellowship training.
Step 4: Gain Experience
Step 4 is to gain experience. Forensic scientists typically work in laboratories, hospitals, morgues, government facilities and police departments. Specific job duties vary according to discipline, but forensic scientists generally conduct scientific investigations and analyze findings to reveal details about occurrences, such as deaths, car accidents, and non-violent crimes. They work closely beside crime scene investigators, officers, deputies, and attorneys. Forensic scientists may serve as expert witnesses in criminal trials, where they present their findings to juries and judges.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the projected job growth for forensic science technicians was 27% from 2014-2024 and the average annual salary was $60,090.
Step 5: Obtain Certification
The last step is to obtain certification. Earning a voluntary professional certification may help you demonstrate your competence in your specialty. The American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) offers two levels of certification for practicing forensic scientists. Candidates for diplomate certification must hold bachelor’s degrees in an applicable science, have two years of experience in criminology and pass a 220-question certification examination. Candidates for fellow certification must meet all diplomate requirements, complete a proficiency testing program and pass a comprehensive exam.