What Does a Criminalist Do?
What is a criminalist? A criminalist, sometimes referred to as a forensic science technician (FST), collects, identifies, and analyzes evidence related to criminal investigations. This evidence, which is examined both physically and chemically, can include dangerous substances, illegal drugs, blood, semen, and other bodily fluids. Some criminalists specialize in one particular area of forensic science such as ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, trace evidence, toxicology, DNA, or biochemistry.
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Criminalists work at crime scenes and in laboratories. They often work irregular hours and might be called upon to give expert testimony in criminal trials. Such technicians may work in any time of weather and have to extract evidence from a range of environments including buildings, in the woods, cars, or anywhere else a crime may be committed. They are witness to disturbing crime scenes and must be able to stay emotionally neutral while working a case. Aspiring criminalists are required to complete a bachelor's degree program with a major in chemistry or a related physical or natural science. Most employers do not require a postgraduate degree for entry-level positions, but a number of chemistry courses often are required. Additional coursework can include advanced courses in chemical analysis. The specifics of a criminalist job description and salary will vary based on specific specialization and other factors.
Criminalist Requirements
What is a criminalist job description like? How much does a criminalist make? What skills are required for this profession? This career has many specific requirements:
| Degree Level | Bachelor's degree |
| Degree Field | Chemistry, biology, physics, forensic science or a related scientific degree program |
| Certification | Voluntary certification is available |
| Key/Computer Skills | Strong oral and written communication skills; critical thinking and analytical skills; organizational skills; great attention to detail; knowledge of crime scene protocol and procedures, accurately use laboratory equipment and associated computer programs; operate a digital camera to record physical evidence |
| Additional Requirements | Some state and federal positions require candidates to pass a standardized test for appointment to a criminalist position; valid driver's license |
| Criminalist Salary (2019) | $59,150 (Median salary for all forensic science technicians) |
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics- Occupational Employment Statistics: Forensic Science Technicians
How to Be a Criminalist
Let's take a look at the steps you will need to follow to become a criminalist in a little more detail.
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree
Criminalist education begins with a bachelor's degree. The degree should be in chemistry or a physical science, such as biology, as there is no specific criminalistics degree. Because this career is highly invested in the sciences, a minor in another area of chemistry, such as biochemistry, inorganic chemistry or nuclear chemistry, might help further one's career as a criminalist. A minor can also be from another branch of science, such as biology, physics or genetics.
Success Tips:
- Consider taking a double major. Examples of double majors that would apply to this career include chemistry and forensic science or biochemistry and anthropology.
- Take a few courses in anthropology. Courses in anthropology can teach direct skills that can help criminalists analyze evidence.
Step 2: Get Criminalist Training
Your job may require you to have specific training in the form of courses, job shadowing, internships, and other training programs. When you are in your undergraduate degree, make sure to make as many connections as you can with people who can help you get these kinds of opportunities.
Step 3: Find Entry-Level Work as a Criminalist
Once a student graduates, he or she is considered ready for an entry-level position as a criminalist in many city, state, or federal offices. Some graduates might find nonprofit or corporate employment.
Success Tip:
- Join your state's criminalist association. A state association can provide the opportunity to network with other criminalists, as well as provide additional training and job assistance.
Step 4: Get Certified and Pursue an Advanced Criminalistics Degree
Although certification is not required, it can help criminalists stand out to employers. Certification is offered through the American Board of Criminalistics. A bachelor's degree and two years of full-time experience are needed to qualify to take the certification exam. Re-certification is required every five years. Earning this certification can help to increase employment prospects.
Success Tip:
- Earn a Master's Degree. Earning a master's in forensic science (or a degree with a criminalistics major) can help accelerate one's career and may be necessary for certain positions within law enforcement. In addition, many FSTs have also completed police academy training and are therefore licensed to use firearms, make arrests, and spearhead investigations. Having both a technician's and police license can help individuals rise the ranks in their local or federal police department.
Required Skills for Criminalists
Criminalists benefit from cultivating the following skills:
- Excellent communication skills
- Strong critical thinking skills
- Understanding of local and federal legal codes
- Attention to detail
- Excellent organizational skills
Criminalist Work Environment
The work environment of a criminalist may be variable. Some spend most of their time working in laboratories. Others do most of their work on computers, either from home or in an office or law enforcement setting. Others again spend time in the field, examining crime scenes in person. Your specific work environment will depend on your position, seniority, and specialization.
