If you turned on the TV at all in the early 2000s, it was hard to miss the popularity of forensics and crime shows like CSI, Bones, Dexter, Criminal Minds, and NCIS.
While these shows definitely took some creative liberties, forensic science is a broad and important field for solving crime.
Below, we've listed some of the most important information you need to know about a career in forensic science, including specializations and education requirements.
What Is a Forensic Scientist?
A forensic scientist analyzes evidence as part of a legal investigation.
The term forensic scientist, also sometimes called a criminalist or crime scene investigator, is generally used to describe someone who reconstructs crime scenes to collect evidence.
Their job duties may include:
- collecting evidence, which may include bodily fluids, fingerprints, hair, and weapons
- determining what evidence should be collected and the best way to collect it
- photographing the crime scene and evidence
- recording observations and findings
- packaging evidence for transportation to the crime lab
- performing scientific analyses on evidence
- working with other forensic experts
Forensic scientists often work both on crime scenes and in a lab, though some do one or the other.
This is the type of job that the experts on the CSI shows would do. However, unlike those shows, forensic scientists typically don't conduct investigations or apprehend suspects.
Types of Forensic Scientists
A forensic scientist can also be someone who works in the field of forensic science. This can encompass many jobs, and we've listed a few below.
Blood Spatter Analyst
Anyone who watched Dexter years ago may be familiar with the job of a blood spatter analyst.
Blood spatter analysts examine blood stains left behind at crime scenes. They use these stains to determine things such as where the person was standing, what weapon was used, and what may have happened.
This can help determine the circumstances leading up to a murder or assault as well as what may have happened to the victim or their body afterward.
Digital Forensic Investigator
For digital forensic investigators, much of their work is based in cyberspace. They work with computers, mobile devices, cloud storage, and hard drives.
Digital forensic investigators may primarily work on cybercrimes, but they may also be called in to find digital evidence in other types of cases.
Penelope Garcia from Criminal Minds is a digital forensic investigator.
Firearms Examiner/Ballistics Analyst
Firearms examiners, also called ballistics analysts, are responsible for determining what type of gun was used to commit a crime.
They may do this by gathering and analyzing bullet fragments or shell casings. They may also fire test shots from guns to use as a comparison.
Forensic Anthropologist
Forensic anthropology is the field of forensic science that the show Bones revolved around. As the show's name suggests, it requires studying human bones and skeletal structures.
They may try to determine age, gender, race, and other features that could help identify who the remains belonged to and the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
Forensic anthropologists don't always work on active crime scenes. They may also work on recovered historical sites or areas of tragedy like mass graves.
Forensic Pathologist
No forensic science drama is complete without a sarcastic, maybe quirky, forensic pathologist, also called a medical examiner.
Forensic pathologists are physicians who perform autopsies in cases of unexplained or suspicious deaths. They help determine things like cause of death and what someone went through during their last days.
Medical examiners may also perform autopsies on patients when there is no suspicion of a crime but the cause of death is unknown.
Forensic Psychologist
The show Criminal Minds revolved around a group of forensic psychologists. Though there is no real Behavioral Analysis Unit in the FBI, forensic psychology is a very real field.
Forensic psychologists work to determine a criminal's state of mind and create a profile of the type of person a criminal may be.
They do this by examining evidence and interviewing suspects, victims, and witnesses. They may also assess how mental illness played a role in the crime under investigation.
Forensic psychologists may also be called upon to determine if a suspect is mentally competent to stand trial or if a witness is able to testify.
What Education Is Required to Become a Forensic Scientist?
To become a forensic scientist, you'll need a degree. The amount of education you need will depend on your specific field of forensic science.
Bachelor's Degree
At a minimum, most forensic scientists need to have a bachelor's degree. This is an undergraduate degree that usually takes about four years to complete.
There are many schools that offer bachelor's degrees in forensic science. These programs often cover topics such as:
- courtroom proceedings and testimony
- forensic science ethics and professional practice
- pattern evidence
- trace and impression evidence
Typically, many courses in these degree programs include hands-on labs. These programs may offer internship opportunities as well.
Those who want to specialize in a field of forensic science can also major in fields such as:
- biomedical forensic science
- digital forensics
- forensic and investigative sciences
- forensic chemistry
- forensic psychology
- forensic science technology
- forensic toxicology
You can find a full list of forensic degree programs at the American Academy of Forensic Sciences website, aafs.org.
Police Academy
In some cases, forensic scientists may be a part of the police department. This may require them to undergo training through the police academy.
Depending on where you live, you may not need a college degree to be accepted into the police academy. However, many colleges offer programs specifically for police officers.
In training, officers receive classroom instruction in topics like civil rights and laws. They also receive hands-on training in areas such as emergency response and firearm use.
Additional training may be required for officers who want to focus on forensic science.
Master's Degree
Additional graduate-level education may be required for certain types of forensic scientists, such as forensic anthropologists or pathologists. It may also be required for higher-level forensic science careers.
Master's degree programs are usually one to three years in length, though it often depends on the program.
General forensic science master's degrees may cover topics such as:
- crime scene investigation
- forensic anthropology
- forensic biology
- forensic chemistry
- impressions evidence
- quality assurance and ethics
At a master's level, you're more likely to find specialization options within forensic science programs. These concentrations allow you to study things like blood spatter or ballistics.
Training
Many forensic scientists undergo a training period where they are supervised by an experienced forensic scientist. During this time, they'll learn more about proper procedures and methods in their discipline.
This training period may vary depending on the state, employer, and specialty.
Become a Forensic Scientist
Forensic science is a broad and fascinating field. To become a forensic scientist, you'll need education and training, although the amount and type will vary depending on your specialty.
With the information above, you can be on your way to an exciting career in forensic science.
