Forensic Science Education: Pathways to a Career in Criminal Justice
Forensic science is a rewarding career in which the love of science can be applied to the process of finding the truth and seeking justice in legal proceedings. Forensic scientists may be involved any time an objective, scientific analysis is needed. The industry is always advancing to meet and surpass the challenges of a modern world. Forensic science technicians aid criminal investigations by collecting and analyzing evidence.
The Role of Forensic Scientists
The forensic sciences form a vital part of the entire justice and regulatory system. The forensic scientist's skill is to use all the information available to determine facts. Issues of law and/or fact that may require forensic science expertise range from questions of the validity of a signature on a will, to a claim of products liability, to questions of whether a corporation is complying with environmental laws. A forensic toxicologist may be faced with these questions: Did prescription or illegal drugs contribute to someone's death? Was someone impaired by drugs or alcohol while they were driving? Was a drug used to facilitate a criminal act? Through the study of the skeleton, a forensic anthropologist reconstructs as much as possible about a person's life and death. In your career as a forensic engineer, you will use the tools and techniques of science and engineering to resolve questions relating to civil, criminal, and regulatory issues. Forensic scientists and engineers typically investigate accidents, product failures, environmental contamination, and criminal acts.
Work Environments for Forensic Scientists
Forensic scientists work in laboratories and offices, or their responsibilities may include field work - domestically or abroad, in various locales and in varying climates. Forensic scientists often work in crime labs. Forensic science technicians may spend some time in an office setting.
Here's a breakdown of potential work environments:
- Public and Private Laboratories
- Crime Scenes
- Classrooms
- Morgues
- Federal, State, and Local Governments
- International Organizations
- Medical Examiners Offices
- Hospitals
- Universities
- Police Departments
- Psychiatry Practices
- As an Independent Forensic Science Consultant
Educational Requirements and Programs
Forensic science technicians typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. Forensic science technicians typically need at least a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. An associate’s degree may be sufficient for some positions. Fields of study may include physical science, biology, or forensic science. Some crime scene investigators who work for police departments are sworn police officers and have met the educational requirements necessary for admittance into a police academy. Forensic science technicians learn laboratory specialties on the job.
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To set themselves up for success, aspiring forensic scientists are advised to graduate from high school, ideally with high marks in biology, chemistry, physiology, statistics, and mathematics. For example, the National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) provides a weeklong summer internship to secondary students in forensic science with hands-on training through forensic simulations, supervised laboratory work, and lectures from experienced professionals. The summer sessions occur at American University and Columbia University, giving students hands-on opportunities to solve simulated crimes and interact with legal experts. Some associate degree programs are available for prospective entry-level forensic science technicians. Admissions requirements for two-year programs in this field generally call for a high school diploma; a competitive GPA; a personal statement; and TOEFL test scores (for non-native speakers of English). Miami Dade College (MDC) offers an associate in science degree in crime scene technology, preparing students for employment in criminalistics with a specialty in forensic science or crime scene investigation. While there are many ways to become a forensic scientist, earning a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, forensics, or a related field is highly recommended. O*NET Online (2025) confirms this, saying that most forensic scientists have a bachelor’s degree. Not only can a four-year degree enhance employment prospects and earning potential, but it can also open doors to careers in related fields, particularly laboratory work. In addition to general education, bachelor’s programs for forensic scientists include courses in criminalistics, forensic biology, organic chemistry, and more. For those seeking a degree in forensics, the University of Tampa (UT) provides a FEPAC-recognized bachelor of science (BS) program in forensic science. Students in this program receive training in forensic chemistry, crime scene investigation, forensic biology, forensic toxicology, fire debris analysis, and forensic firearms examinations. Similar to many BS programs in forensics, UT provides a rigorous mix of laboratory experience and classes such as forensic chemistry; molecular biology; genetics; organic chemistry; forensic toxicology; introduction to criminal justice; biochemistry; and introduction to forensic research. Arizona State University offers an online bachelor of science degree in forensic science, teaching students about interpreting evidence and solving crimes using the latest technology. They will gain hands-on experience and learn professional forensic science techniques investigating crimes.
Here are some examples of university programs:
- Youngstown State University: Offers an undergraduate degree, the Bachelor of Science in Applied Science in Forensic Science. This is a multidisciplinary program drawing upon Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Sociology, and Anthropology. This program is designed to give students both a theoretical and practical background in the scientific, legal, and investigative aspects of forensic science. Graduates of the program are prepared for continued education in graduate programs or for immediate employment in forensic science-related facilities. Students wishing to transfer into the forensic science program must have and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5. YSU's Forensic Science program requires a six-semester hour internship experience which will provide students with the opportunity to integrate academic studies with the daily operations of a forensic science related facility. Each semester hour requires approximately 45 on-site hours. A Bachelor of Science in Applied Science degree in Forensic Science requires a minimum of 120 semester hours.
- Bowling Green State University: The BGSU Forensic Science undergraduate degree program is designed to provide students the precise education and training crime laboratories require. The Forensic DNA Analysis specialization prepares students for positions as DNA analysts, performing blood and other biological material testing on all types of physical evidence to help solve crime through the discriminating power genetic testing. The Forensic Drug Analysis specialization prepares students for positions as drug chemists and forensic toxicologists. These scientists utilize the latest technologies to identify legally controlled substances and other dangerous drugs or unknown materials. The Forensic Examination specialization prepares students for positions as trace evidence analysts, latent fingerprint examiners, firearm and toolmark examiners, and questioned document examiners.
- Penn State University: Offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Forensic Science with options in Forensic Molecular Biology and Forensic Chemistry. For the Bachelor of Science degree in Forensic Science with an option in Forensic Molecular Biology, a minimum of 122 credits is required; with an option in Forensic Chemistry, a minimum of 123 credits is required.
Curriculum Components
A forensic science curriculum often includes:
- General Education Requirements: These cover a broad range of subjects, including writing, mathematics, arts, humanities, and social sciences.
- Major-Specific Courses: These delve into the core principles of forensic science, criminal justice, and related scientific disciplines.
- Core Requirements: These provide a foundation in chemistry, biology, physics, and statistics.
- Concentrations: Students often choose a concentration area, such as biology, chemistry, or anthropology, to specialize their knowledge and skills.
- Internships: These provide practical experience in forensic science-related facilities.
Graduate Programs
While a master’s degree may be optional for many positions, pursuing a master’s or doctoral program in forensic science is an enticing option for mid-career forensic scientists seeking to upgrade their knowledge and credentials. Boston University’s (BU) School of Medicine hosts a FEPAC-accredited master of science (MS) in biomedical forensic sciences, one of the premier graduate programs of its kind in the country. In addition to supervised research and mock-court experiences, students must pass challenging coursework in criminal law & ethics; crime scene investigation; forensic biology; forensic chemistry; and trace evidence analysis, among others. The Marshall University Forensic Science Graduate Program is a prestigious institution that offers a master of science in forensic science degree, which is accredited by FEPAC. The program entails a five-semester core curriculum with both thesis and non-thesis options, ensuring students receive a well-rounded education in forensic science. Applications are accepted every spring for a fall semester start. Applicants to this program must have a bachelor’s degree in forensic or natural science, computer science, computer or electrical engineering, information technology, or equivalent and a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Stevenson University’s online master of forensic science is ideal for working professionals who wish to learn about the technology, pertinent law, and instrumentation used for collecting evidence for presentation in a court of law. Applicants to the program must have a bachelor’s degree in a natural science field, official college transcripts from all previous academic work, a GPA of 3.0, and a personal statement. For example, the University of Florida (UF) offers four distinct 15-credit, online graduate certificates in forensic science: death investigation, toxicology, drug chemistry, and DNA & serology. The graduate certificate in death investigation is offered in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh College of Medicine. The toxicology graduate certificate is offered by the Department of Physiological Sciences in the College of Veterinary Medicine. Finally, the drug chemistry certificate is offered by the College of Pharmacy.
Skills and Qualities for Success
The following are examples of qualities that are important for these workers to perform their duties.
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- Analytical skills.
- Communication skills: Forensic science technicians write reports and testify in court.
- Detail oriented.
- Math skills.
- Problem-solving skills.
Job Outlook and Salary
The BLS (2024) projects that openings for forensic science technicians will swell 14 percent between 2023 and 2033, which is almost four times the growth rate anticipated for all occupations (4 percent). Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State and local governments are expected to continue to hire forensic science technicians to process their high caseloads. Additionally, scientific and technological advances are expected to increase the availability, reliability, and usefulness of objective forensic information used as evidence in trials.
The median annual wage for forensic science technicians was $67,440 in May 2024. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, forensic scientists make an average of $63,740 per year, or $30.64 per hour.
Certification and Advancement
At this stage, many graduates of forensic science programs choose to garner some professional experience in medical and diagnostic laboratories, police departments, local governments, federal agencies, hospitals, and other settings. Although professional certification may not be required for employment, it can enhance a job candidate’s resume or salary prospects. While requirements for these certifications vary, they typically involve possessing at least a bachelor’s degree in a field relevant to forensics; proof of job experience; letter(s) of recommendation; submitting an application fee; and successfully passing a test. For example, the American Board of Forensic Toxicology’s (ABFT) five-year “specialist” certification calls for official transcripts; a recent passport-style photograph; three professional references; proof of three years of experience; an application fee; and passing a comprehensive exam. By contrast, the International Association for Identification (IAI) offers more targeted certifications that reflect specific competencies such as footwear identification; forensic art expertise; bloodstain pattern analysis; and ten-print fingerprint certification.
In most cases, there are no legal requirements for certification or licensure for forensic scientists. However, Indiana has explicitly developed a Crime Scene Certification Committee to certify crime scene investigators. In addition to legal certification, many forensic scientists pursue certification in their chosen specialty to improve employment opportunities. The Forensic Specialties Accreditation Board (FSAB) accredits forensic toxicology, criminalistics, and document examination certifications.
Read also: Your Guide to Forensic Science Internships
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