Have you ever wondered how to become a forensic scientist? If you have a talent for science and a passion for criminal justice, the field of forensic science will allow you to merge the two. Like the characters on CSI, forensic scientists use their scientific skills to assist the criminal justice system. Forensic scientists can work in a lab or in the field applying their education and analytical skills to solving problems. Read on to learn how to become a forensic scientist.
If you want to put your scientific talents to work for the public good, forensic science may be for you. You'll need to settle on a specialty and obtain the required degrees before you can begin work as a scientist within the criminal justice system.
How to Become a Forensic Scientist
Forensic scientists apply their detailed knowledge of subjects such as biology and chemistry to solve problems for the criminal justice system. This video discusses the differences between forensic scientists and crime scene investigators. Forensic scientists analyze specimens in the laboratory that crime scene investigators have collected at the crime scene.
Step 1: Decide on a Forensic Science Specialty
The American Academy of Forensic Science (AAFS) recognizes 10 areas of specialty in the field of forensic science. They each require a different educational background, so you should decide which area you're interested in pursuing before you begin your undergraduate education. For example, while a criminalist only needs an undergraduate degree in a subject such as chemistry or biology, a forensic engineer needs to have completed an undergraduate engineering program, and have become licensed as a professional engineer.
Step 2: Obtain a Forensic Science Education
- You should check with the AAFS to determine the precise educational requirements for the specialized field you are looking to enter. Regardless of your undergraduate major, it would be helpful to enroll at a school that has a strong criminal justice program, and include criminal justice courses in your curriculum as electives. While not widespread, some schools do have undergraduate programs in forensic science that may be worth investigating.
Step 3: Get Hired as a Forensic Scientist
- Forensic scientists work in a variety of settings. They work with local police departments, state crime labs, and the FBI, among others. FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, employees forensics scientists as part of their Disaster Mortuary Operations Response Team which is sent around the world to assist on large criminal cases or to help with mass disasters. Forensic scientists can also be employed by both the defense and the prosecution to give expert testimony in criminal cases.
References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
There are 10 recognized areas of specialty for forensic scientists
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Fact:
Each specialty has different educational requirements
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Fact:
Because forensics scientists work in the criminal justice system, most jobs require passing a criminal records check
