Careers in forensic science: Becoming a forensic scientist

Many television shows portray (somewhat inaccurately) forensic scientists working in law enforcement to solve crimes. But forensics encompasses a much wider area. In criminal cases, forensic specialists may work for the prosecution or the defense. Forensic scientists are also involved in civil cases, from a forensic engineer helping determine the cause of an accident to a forensic psychiatrist involved in child custody cases.

For anyone interested in a career in forensic science, understanding the choices can provide a framework from which to choose educational options. Most entry-level forensic positions require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a related science. Many positions require advanced degrees. According to the largest forensic science organization in the world, the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (Aafs.org), careers in forensic science fall under 11 categories:

Criminalistics (criminal forensic science). Criminalists work in forensic labs to analyze, identify, and interpret physical evidence from crime scenes. Wildlife forensic science also falls in this category, where the victim (and sometimes the suspect) is an animal.
Digital and multimedia sciences. For example, forensic photographers take photos of crime scenes, autopsies, and more. Forensic computer analysts analyze computers looking for data. A forensic digital analyst may analyze computers, memory card, digital cameras or video, or any other form of digital media.
Engineering sciences. Forensic engineers look at anything requiring an engineering analysis. They may analyze why a structure failed, what caused an accident, how a fire or explosion started, and so forth. A forensic engineer may look at anything from an entire transportation system or communication network to the molecular composition of a individual component.
General. This catch-all category includes new and emerging areas of forensic science, including crimes against the environment.
Jurisprudence (lawyers). Although not generally thought of as scientists, lawyers must understand the application of “scientific, technical, or other specialized knowledge” in courts of law.
Odontology (dentistry). Forensic dentists help identify human remains by analyzing dental and facial features. This area of work is important not only in identifying crime victims but also in identifying victims of natural disasters and terrorist activities. Forensic dentists can also analyze bite marks on a victim to help determine the perpetrator.
Pathology. Forensic pathologists perform autopsies and analyze samples taken from autopsies.
Physical anthropology. Forensic anthropologists study human skeletal remains to identity the person to whom the bones belonged.
Psychiatry and behavioral science. Forensic psychologists, psychiatrists, and counselors work in many areas, including determining a person’s competence to stand trial, involuntary psychiatric hospitalization, child custody, domestic abuse, adoption, and foster care.
Questioned documents. Questioned document examiners analyze documents and related material, such as ink, paper, and toner, to answer questions such as: Who wrote the document? Is the signature authentic or a forgery? Has someone altered the document? Was a particular pen used to write the document or was it printed on a particular printer?
Toxicology. Forensic toxicologists can determine if medications, illegal drugs or alcohol contributed to a person’s death or can help determine if drugs were involved when a person committed a crime or were used to commit a crime (as in sexual assault). Forensic toxicology testing is also used in investigating wildlife crimes involving the poisoning of animals and in determining use of banned substances in human and animal sports.

In addition to the career titles mentioned above, other forensic career titles, which typically fall into the criminalistics or general category, include:

Forensic serologists analyze biological materials (bodily fluids), including blood, semen, saliva, sweat, urine, or fecal matter.
Forensic biologists analyze and identify biological evidence using serological and DNA testing.
Forensic chemists test and analyze evidence, such as hair samples, glass fragments or bloodstains.
Forensic entomologists analyze insects and insect activity.

Any science applied to legal matters is considered forensic, and more specialized educational programs for careers in forensic science are available today than ever before. Anyone interested in becoming a forensic scientist must be accomplished in a science and have an understanding of the law.