Forensic Science
The popularity of such “true crime” TV shows as CSI—Crime Scene Investigations, has spurred an unprecedented interest in careers in forensic science. According to the American Academy of Forensic Scientists, careers in forensic science allow practitioners to “combine science and service in the interests of society, justice and public safety.” In the criminal justice system, it is the forensic scientist who performs a scientific investigation to determine the facts of a case. Forensic scientists also work in the civil justice system, determining issues such as the validity of a signature on a will or determining a corporation’s compliance with environmental regulations. Careers in forensic science are spread out through a number of subspecialties.
Criminalists identify, analyze and interpret physical evidence found at a crime scene in an effort to determine the facts of a crime. This evidence is used to link the victim and the crime scene to the suspect. After analyzing and interpreting the evidence, the criminalist provides expert testimony at trial.
Forensic Engineers apply the science of engineering to both criminal and civil cases. These engineers may investigate the cause of product failure, the origin of fires, or why an accident occurred.
Forensic Dentists identify human remains from natural disasters, terrorist activity, crimes or missing persons. Bite-mark analysis and injury analysis are often part of the job description of the forensic dentist.
Forensic Pathologists apply the principles of pathology and medicine to legal needs. They investigate the causes and circumstances of death.
Forensic Anthropologists identify victims of crime or disasters through study of their skeletal remains.
Forensic Psychologists and Psychiatrists address such issues as competence to stand trial and assessment of mental illness. Some analyze past behavior to predict future behavior.
Education and Training
Forensic scientists are, first and foremost, scientists and all specialties require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in science. As with all scientists, the forensic scientist needs to be good at analyzing data and seeing connections. Intellectual curiosity and the tenacity to follow a puzzle to its conclusion are vital. Forensic scientists also need to have good verbal skills, be attentive to detail, have the ability to write an understandable scientific report, and be able to work as a member of a team.
Criminalists need a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, microbiology or a related science. After further training, many choose to take an exam for certification by the American Board of Criminalistics. A bachelor’s degree in engineering is the basic requirement for a forensic engineer. Advanced engineering degrees and continuing education are recommended for this field.
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Advanced degrees are required for many of the other branches of forensic science. Forensic Dentists and Pathologists have either dental or medical degrees and then undertake further specialized training. Forensic Anthropologists usually have a PhD in anthropology with a specialization in human anatomy and the skeletal system. Forensic Psychiatrists first need a medical degree, then training in psychiatry, and further study of forensic psychiatry. Forensic Psychologists generally have a master’s or PhD in behavioral science.
Learning More
Although you do not need to major in forensic science in order to train for these positions, colleges are increasingly offering a major in this specialized field. If you are interested in pursuing this type of degree, you can check out the programs available at such schools as Baylor University, Arkansas State, John Jay College, Columbia College (MD), the University of Central Florida, Loyola New Orleans, the University of New Haven, Oklahoma State, or Seattle University. The American Academy of Forensic Sciences has a wealth of information available at their website, with links to the professional organizations of each of the subspecialties described above. Click on the website at www.aafs.org.