Salary: Varies—see profile
Employment Outlook: Good
Definition and Nature of the Work
Forensic scientists gather and evaluate evidence from the victims, vehicles, and scenes of crimes. They analyze the data scientifically, and their findings may help to convict or prove the innocence of a person accused of a crime. Forensic scientists are sometimes known as crime lab analysts or criminalists. Almost all of the people in this field work for federal, state, or local law enforcement and investigative agencies.
Police may submit clothing to be tested for the presence of drugs. Forensic scientists may be asked to decide whether spent bullets match firearms, or they may test and examine burned debris, footprints, inks, and papers.
The forensic scientist's report may be requested in civil as well as criminal cases. For instance, in a case where a company is held responsible for the pollution of a stream, the forensic scientist may test water samples for traces of waste from the company's plant.
Education and Training Requirements
High school students interested in a forensic science career should take courses in mathematics, computers, earth sciences, biology, and chemistry. Almost all jobs require at least a bachelor's degree. Several colleges offer both undergraduate and graduate degrees in forensic science. A bachelor's degree with a major in forensic, natural, or physical science from an accredited college prepares job seekers for work in a crime laboratory. However, most employers prefer applicants with a master's or doctoral degree. Employers often pay tuition for courses that forensic scientists take to improve their job skills.
Most crime laboratories offer initial on-the-job training. Some trainees who have served as police officers enter the forensic science field and continue to take college courses while they work. Computer skills are increasingly important as databases are used for retrieval of information on drugs and other substances.
Getting the Job
Visiting a crime laboratory and talking to employees may be an interesting and helpful introduction to this career. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), a major employer, can send you an application. College placement offices and state employment offices will also help graduates find jobs in forensic science.
Advancement Possibilities and Employment Outlook
Forensic scientists may become managers of the crime laboratories in which they work. They can direct the training of new crime lab analysts. They can also establish their own consulting businesses.
Jobs for forensic science technicians (those with a bachelor's degree only) are expected to increase much faster than average. Employment opportunities for forensic scientists are expected to increase at an average rate. Job growth to some extent is directly related to crime rates and the number of civil action cases brought against companies accused of endangering personal or public health. However, crime rates have decreased in many areas, and the federal and state governments are expected to reduce the number and severity of environmental regulations imposed on companies.
Working Conditions
Although much of their time is spent in clean, well-equipped laboratories, forensic scientists may accompany police into dangerous territory and may observe very unpleasant sights. They may take some risks working with firearms. They may have to examine some weapons that are in poor condition. They may be exposed to fumes and odors from decaying remains. They may also work with poisons. Most forensic scientists work a five-day, forty-hour week. However, situations may arise when they must work beyond their normal hours.
Earnings and Benefits
Earnings vary widely depending on education, specialty, and location of employment. In 2005 entry-level forensic lab technicians earned about $30,000 per year, and the median salary for forensic technicians was slightly more than $40,000 per year. More experienced forensic scientists with bachelor's or master's degrees earned up to $70,000 per year. Medical doctors who work in the field of forensics, such as pathologists, earned more than $200,000 per year. Benefits include sick leave, medical insurance, and pension plans.
User Comments Add a comment…
6 days ago
I'm only 15 but im very much interested in a forensic field, what kind of courses should i be taking in highschool?
6 days ago
I'm doing a project for a class and i need information on all fields of forensics. including typical salaries and the educations required. if you could help before tuesday, that would help me a lot. thank you very much sincerely, Arielle T.
9 days ago
I am doing a project and i need help. Also I have for longed dreamed of becoming a forensics biologist and investigator. I need to know where some good colleges are in texas. Please help me. Thanks very much, Jocelyn D.
21 days ago
I am a senior and I want to go into the field of forensic science. I would really like information about a college that you feel is good for this career. I am seeking this information soon because i have already waited too late to start college searching. I would like a school that offers both undergraduate and graduate classes for this field. Please help me because i really need this information. thanks, shymika
about 1 month ago
I ENJOY WATCHING CSI ON TELEVISION... IT JUST SEEMS SO EXCITING TO GO OUT AND FIND CLUES THEN RESEARCH AND RUN TESTS... RIGHT NOW I AM STUDYING CAREERS AND FORENSICS SCIENTISTS REALLY INTERESTS ME... SO I HAVE TO RESEARCH HOURLY WAGES, FUNDS, SALARIES, AND DUTIES... SOME DAY I WILL HELP TO STOP CRIMINAL VIOLENCE AND HELP PEOPLE SUCCEED IN LIFE AND LIVE...
about 1 month ago
my name is erica and i want to become a entomology scientist and i want to know what colleges would be good 2go 2
about 1 month ago
i was wondering what the length of this career is. like when should you retire or when do you have to stop working.
about 1 month ago
i need help im doing a project
about 1 month ago
Im only 15 and i want to major in the forensic field. What types of things could i do in advancement to become a forensic scientist?
3 months ago
I am 42 and want to know if I am to old to start a career in forensic science I have just started taking Criminal Justice in June of 2008 and want some feed back? It is a Bachelor's degree and I graduate when I will be 46.
3 months ago
As far as what classes to take in high school, most of the bachelor's degrees needed to become a forensic scientist involve natural sciences (biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy and physiology) and math. Basically take as many science and math classes that you can because each one prepares you for the classes that you will take in college that bring you one step closer to your bachelor's degree. SAT's? Well, mainly their importance lies in that they help you get into college and can also allow you to test out of basic english and math college courses. They can also make you more competitive for scholarships. As of right now, I'm in college but I haven't finished my bachelor's degree yet and so I can't tell you whether or not the job would be really difficult or not. But I would imagine that as long as you know the material the job is going to just be applying the things you learned in school. As far as I know, most forensic science employers require at least a bachelor's degree (4 years) and some will even request a masters (another 2 years) or a doctoral degree(total of 8?). Also, to see what classes are required for a bachelor's degree in say biology or chemistry you can go to any university's website and see which classes are required for that major and also read what is involved in each course in the course descriptions. Hope that helps.
4 months ago
i hav the same comment as one of the people. What kind of classes should i take in high school?? does SAT's really matter?? Would this job be hard for a student with about a 85-90 avg or do i have to be really smart?
5 months ago
I am interested in forensic science. I am interested in science period. I need info on the education required to be a forensic scienetist. I am ready to do the wrok, I just need to know how long I have to study before I can do what I and interested in.
5 months ago
this sight was very helpful im doing a project about science careers at my school and i decided to be a forensic scientist and this was very helpful to find the information i need. Thanks. and it really help me understand what i didnt get at first. =)
7 months ago
Hi my name is Lucia. I have an associate in science in histology technology. I would like to mayor in forensics, but I need to know if I have to go for the bachelor first and then do the master in forensics.I also need some information about a good university that offers the forensic science course in Miami, florida. Thank you!
8 months ago
Hello, my name is Stephanie. I am almost 15 and i want to major in forensics. I was hoping to get some more informatoin on what kind of college classes you have to take, what high school classes would help you, and where i could contact someone to answer all my questions. If anyone can give me informatoin please comment or e-mail me softballbabe66@hotmail.com. Thank you!
8 months ago
How Easy Is It To Get Into The Job Without University And Learnt Whilst Working?
8 months ago
Hi I am 20 years old. I want to know if you didn't go to college yet and you were going this year and you had a job of doing Forensic Scientist would you still get the job or not, or can you stay and learn more about it with the people working?
8 months ago
i am doing a report on Forensic Scientiet I have some interviwe questions I would like to ask.IF YOU ARE A foerensic Scientist please respond. 1.how did you get your current job position? 2.Doyou enjoy your job? 3.Doyoulike your coworkers? 4.please describe a day in your life. 5.would you recommand this line of work for me? 6.what is the one thing u wish somebody told you prior to getting into this line of work? thank you
9 months ago
Hi my name is zakiya and im 16 and am curently a junior at jordan high school and this web site helped me on my report for my computer class and for my forensics class.
9 months ago
hi im jordan and im 13 im doin a report on forensic scientists and i need good info so if ne one knows a forensic scientist contact me Liilani_Kehaunani@hotmail.com
10 months ago
im a forensic scientist. wht do u want 2 know?
10 months ago
I am interested in forensic sciences and wonder what the hourly pay is for a forensic scientist and what would the job demand be in the future.
11 months ago
My name is Brittany and im 13 i want to learn wat would i make if i had a masters degree being a crime lab technincian please someone please let me kno
11 months ago
hi when i grow up i want to become 1 but i have a long way to go but i am going to viset a lab this year right i an=m doing a project on a forensic sientest
11 months ago
I'm only 18 and i really have a passion to a forensic scientist but i want to start learning more about it and maybe even visiting a lab. I just have no idea how to start so if anyone can help me and give me some information I would really appreciate it.
11 months ago
where can i find forensic scientist to discuss this topic?
11 months ago
if anyone has information that would be useful for a student intested in this please e-mail me,im doing a program that helps you choose your career so any help would be greatly apreiciated
about 1 year ago
I think that this website should include medical, vacation, sick leave, travel and relocation.