Program Overview

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Forensic Science

The field of forensic science encompasses various areas of specialization, each with its unique requirements and applications. The following sections outline the different areas of forensic science, including their descriptions, requirements, and strategies for pursuing a career in these fields.

Areas of Specialization

Criminalistics

Criminalistics is a sub-area of forensic science that involves the analysis of evidence to aid in the investigation and prosecution of crimes. Some of the specialties within criminalistics include:

• Crime Scene Reconstruction and Mapping
• Fingerprint Examination
• Firearm and Toolmark Identification
• Fire and Explosives Investigation
• Trace Evidence Collection
• DNA Collection and Testing
• Drug Analysis
• Photography
• Blood Spatter
• Wildlife Forensics

Employers in this field include:

• Forensic laboratories
• Medical examiner offices
• Coroner offices
• Police departments
• Sheriff offices
• Crime labs
• Federal agencies such as the Drug Enforcement Agency, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Consulting firms

Strategies for pursuing a career in criminalistics include:

• Completing a bachelor's degree in a science-related field such as biology, chemistry, or physics
• Supplementing coursework with math, English, public speaking, and forensic science classes
• Seeking experience through volunteer positions or internships in criminal justice settings
• Considering completion of a forensic research project in partnership with a professor
• Joining student chapters of professional organizations such as the Association for Crime Scene Reconstruction and the American Academy of Forensic Sciences
• Attaining proficiency in writing and understanding scientific reports
• Pursuing certification by the American Board of Criminalistics
• Earning a master's degree for advanced opportunities

Toxicology

Toxicology is the study of the adverse effects of chemicals on living organisms. In the context of forensic science, toxicology involves the analysis of substances to determine their presence and effects on individuals. Some of the specialties within toxicology include:

• Ante-mortem Investigation (DUI)
• Post-mortem Investigation
• Drug Testing (sweat, hair, saliva, blood, urine, etc.)
• Human Performance Monitoring
• Animal Performance Monitoring
• Environmental Contamination Testing

Employers in this field include:

• Laboratories
• Law enforcement agencies
• Hospitals
• Medical examiner offices
• Coroner offices
• Consulting firms

Strategies for pursuing a career in toxicology include:

• Completing an undergraduate degree in a science-related field such as chemistry, clinical chemistry, or pharmacology
• Supplementing coursework with physics, computer science, statistics, math, and forensic science classes
• Seeking laboratory experience to develop knowledge of analytical chemistry techniques and instruments
• Developing excellent report writing and public speaking skills
• Joining student chapters of professional organizations such as the American Academy of Forensic Sciences
• Planning to pursue a master's degree or Ph.D. in forensic toxicology for increased opportunities
• Investigating certification options offered by The American Board of Forensic Toxicology or The Forensic Toxicology Certification Board

Questioned Documents

Questioned documents involve the examination and analysis of documents to determine their authenticity and validity. Some of the specialties within questioned documents include:

• Document Examination/Analysis
• Comparison
• Authentication
• Dating
• Alteration Detection
• Restoration

Employers in this field include:

• Police departments
• Sheriff offices
• Crime labs
• Law offices
• Insurance companies
• Hospitals
• Government agencies
• Private practice

Strategies for pursuing a career in questioned documents include:

• Obtaining a bachelor's degree in a science-related field such as biology or chemistry
• Taking courses in forensic document examination, forensic science, criminal justice, or criminalistics
• Cultivating attention to detail and laboratory techniques used for physical and chemical analyses
• Developing communication skills including public speaking and written communication
• Becoming familiar with various types of paper, ink, toner, correction material, printing processes, etc.
• Maintaining current knowledge of new technologies in the field through journals and membership in professional organizations
• Planning to complete a two-year apprenticeship under the supervision of a recognized professional affiliated with the American Board of Forensic Document Examiners

Odontology

Odontology involves the application of dental science to aid in the investigation and prosecution of crimes. Some of the specialties within odontology include:

• Post-mortem Identification
• Age Estimation
• Bite Mark Analysis
• DNA Collection and Testing
• Dental Malpractice

Employers in this field include:

• Medical examiner offices
• Coroner offices
• Government agencies
• Law firms
• Clinics
• Private practice

Strategies for pursuing a career in odontology include:

• Forensic odontologists typically serving as general dentists and performing "on call" forensic examinations on contractual bases
• Researching prerequisites for dental schools and choosing an undergraduate major that matches interests and program requirements
• Developing attention to detail, fine motor skills, and patience
• Earning superior undergraduate grades and securing strong faculty recommendations for admission to top-tier dental schools
• Preparing for the Dental Admissions Test (DAT)
• Planning to shadow dentists and conduct informational interviews
• Joining student chapters of related organizations such as The American Society of Forensic Odontology
• Expecting to spend about eight years in school, four at the undergraduate level and four for dental school
• Pursuing certification offered by the American Board of Forensic Odontology

Pathology/Medical Examiner

Pathology/medical examiner involves the examination and analysis of tissues and cells to determine the cause and manner of death. Some of the specialties within pathology/medical examiner include:

• Post-mortem Investigation
• Post-mortem Examination/Autopsy
• Cause/Time of Death Determination
• Physical Evidence Collection/Analysis
• Disease Study
• Clinical Forensic Pathology

Employers in this field include:

• City, county, state, and federal governments
• U.S. Armed Forces
• College and university medical schools
• Hospitals
• Private organizations

Strategies for pursuing a career in pathology/medical examiner include:

• Forensic pathologists being medical doctors who have completed M.D. or D.O. degrees
• Researching prerequisites for medical schools and choosing an undergraduate focus that meets program requirements
• Supplementing coursework with forensic science classes
• Earning high grades and seeking strong faculty recommendations for admission to medical school
• Preparing for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
• Volunteering/shadowing in healthcare environments
• Participating in student chapters of health or forensic-related professional organizations
• Developing strong oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrating manual dexterity, fine motor, and problem-solving skills
• Expecting to spend 13-15 years in school, four at the undergraduate level, four for medical school, and four to five years of residency

Physical/Forensic Anthropology

Physical/forensic anthropology involves the application of anthropological principles to aid in the investigation and prosecution of crimes. Some of the specialties within physical/forensic anthropology include:

• Human Skeletal Recovery
• Human Skeletal Identification
• Animal Skeletal Identification
• Soil/Vegetation Analysis
• Crime Scene Investigation
• Facial Reproduction
• Body Decomposition
• Injury Interpretation
• Teaching

Employers in this field include:

• Medical examiner offices
• Law enforcement agencies
• Private labs
• Local, state, and federal government
• U.S. Armed Forces
• Museums
• Non-government organizations
• Colleges and universities

Strategies for pursuing a career in physical/forensic anthropology include:

• Obtaining a bachelor's degree in anthropology or a related field
• Completing additional coursework in forensic science, statistics, archaeological recovery, GIS, anatomy, and skeletal biology
• Demonstrating curiosity, analytical thinking skills, and the ability to persevere through potentially lengthy assignments
• Developing strong oral communication skills and learning to write detailed scientific reports
• Seeking student-membership in professional organizations such as the American Academy of Forensic Sciences
• Gaining research experience by assisting professors or other professionals with forensic anthropology casework
• Seeking internships or volunteer opportunities in museums
• Maintaining a high grade point average and establishing strong recommendations for admission to top graduate programs
• Planning to earn at least a Master's degree in anthropology to access most jobs in the field

Forensic Psychiatry/Psychology

Forensic psychiatry/psychology involves the application of psychiatric and psychological principles to aid in the investigation and prosecution of crimes. Some of the specialties within forensic psychiatry/psychology include:

• Criminal Responsibility Determination
• Competency Determination
• Risk Assessment
• Evaluation
• Disability Compensation
• Family/Domestic Consultation
• Sexual Harassment
• Workplace Violence

Employers in this field include:

• Hospitals
• Local, state, and federal government
• Colleges and universities
• Private practice

Strategies for pursuing a career in forensic psychiatry/psychology include:

• Developing social perceptiveness, active listening, oral and written communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
• Earning exceptional grades, securing faculty recommendations, and planning for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) or the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
• Seeking volunteer, part-time, internship, and/or research experience with professors or clinicians
• Joining related student chapters of professional organizations and staying current on research in the field
• Forensic psychiatrists being medical doctors with a specialty in forensic training
• Researching prerequisites for medical colleges and choosing an undergraduate major that meets interests and program requirements
• Learning the requirements for competency in forensic psychiatry sponsored by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
• Forensic psychologists obtaining Ph.D. degrees in psychology
• Planning to pursue a post-doctoral fellowship in forensic psychology
• Securing licensure through the state psychology licensing board
• Inquiring about forensic psychology certification through the American Board of Professional Practice in Psychology

General Information and Strategies

Students interested in forensic science should note that countless undergraduate majors, minors, and concentrations may lead to work in this field. The coursework is primarily science-based, and students pursuing this path should plan to complete numerous classes in chemistry and biology. It is essential to beware of inaccuracies of the forensic science field as portrayed on television and to research the field and requirements carefully in advance. Most professional forensic science positions require a graduate degree, and students should research admissions requirements, take prerequisite courses, and plan for admission exams. Demonstrating curiosity, analytical thinking, and attention to detail is crucial for precise documentation of procedures and findings. Developing tolerance for working in extreme conditions and gaining relevant work experience through internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer positions is also essential. Joining professional associations and community organizations can help students stay abreast of current issues in the field and develop networking contacts. Reading scientific journals related to the area of interest and planning to participate in ongoing training to maintain up-to-date knowledge of technologies/advances in the specialty area can also be beneficial.