Careers in Forensics

• Most careers require a Bachelor’s Degree in a science

• Most commonly forensic professionals major in chemistry, biology, physics or criminal justice

Forensic Toxicologist

• Detect toxic substances in the bodies being investigated

• Must hold at least a master’s degree in forensic toxicology

• Ph.D. preferred• Seek employment in:

– Crime laboratories – Medical Examiners Offices – Police departments – Criminal defense and prosecution attorneys – Hospital and Clinical Chemistry Laboratories – Pharmaceutical Industry – High school science teachers

Crime Scene Investigator

• Tasks vary from drug identification to footprint examination to chemical identification

• Minimal 2 year associates degree but bachelor’s degree preferred

• On-site training• Seek employment in:

– Crime lab– Police/Sheriff departments– State/Federal Investigation Offices

Forensic Nurse

• Examine rape victims, testify on behalf of medical examiner

• Licensed Nurse or Registered Nurse (LPN or RN)

• Specialized graduate degree or on-site training

• Seek employment in:– Hospital Emergency Rooms– State Medical Examiner’s Office– FBI

Forensic Odontologist

• Examine bite marks and dental molds to identify victims and suspects

• Doctor of Dentistry required with specialization in forensic science

• Seek Employment in :– Crime labs– State Offices– FBI– Medical Examiner’s Office

Document Examiner

• Investigate forgery, document originality, handwriting comparisons

• Bachelors Degree required• On-site training• Seek Employment in:

– Crime labs– Local law enforcement offices– State/Federal Investigations

Forensic Pathologist

• Perform autopsies and examine bodies involved in unexpected and violent deaths

• Also known as medical examiner• MD required, highly specialized training

and years of medical experience• Seek employment with:

– State Offices– Federal Bureau of Investigation

Forensic Psychologist

• Determine the ability of a suspect or victim to mentally be able to withstand trial

• Must have doctorate in counseling or forensic psychologist and complete fellowship/internship in forensic psychology

• Seek employment in:– State and local agencies– Private practice

Forensic Anthropologist

• Identify bones and bone structures• Ph.D. required• Usually work in a college or university

Forensic Chemist

• Identify unknown substances, drug residue

• Bachelor’s degree or higher degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Toxicology, or Pharmacology

• Work in crime labs or private labs

Forensic Entomologist

• Identify time of death based on presence of insects and other organisms

• Ph.D. Required• Work in college or university

Dactylographer

• Identify suspects based on latent prints

• 2 year associates degree or higher• On-site training• Work in:– Private labs– Crime labs– Local departments/offices

Serologist

• Identify and examine body fluids• Bachelor’s degree with coursework in

biochemistry, statistics, genetics, & molecular biology

• Work in:– Crime labs– Private labs