Forensic Science Education

“Neat-o. Maybe I want to be a forensic scientist.” Questions:  What does a forensic scientist do?  What type of education is needed? Forensic Education > The Beginning

Summary Jobs in Forensic Science Education in Forensic Science Finding a Job in Forensic Science

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Summary Jobs in Forensic Science Education in Forensic Science Finding a Job in Forensic Science

Jobs in Forensic Science  Investigation  Laboratory Work  Crime Scene Work  Performing Autopsies  Looking at Bones and Bugs

The police investigate crimes. Forensic scientists do not investigate. Forensic Education > Jobs Investigation of Crime

Scientists conduct laboratory analysis. Police investigators do not work in lab. Laboratory Work Forensic Education > Jobs

Who performs work at the crime scene? What do they do at the crime scene? Crime Scene Work Forensic Education > Jobs

Police or Scientist may collect evidence. Or collected by Crime Scene Technician. Crime Scene Work Forensic Education > Jobs

Crime Scene Tech only processes evidence. Does not investigate or conduct lab work. Crime Scene Work Forensic Education > Jobs

Crime Scene Tech only processes evidence. Does not investigate or conduct lab work. Crime Scene Work Forensic Education > Jobs

Many fields of study have forensic applications: Forensic scientists in these fields are educated in the general field, then specialize in the forensic application of the science.  Forensic Entomology  Forensic Anthropology  Forensic Odontology  Forensic Pathology Bugs, Bones, and other stuff

Many fields of study have forensic applications:  Forensic Entomology  Forensic Anthropology  Forensic Odontology  Forensic Pathology Entomologists and Anthropologists most likely work mainly in a University setting. Forensic Education > Bugs, Bones, Etc.

Many fields of study have forensic applications:  Forensic Entomology  Forensic Anthropology  Forensic Odontology  Forensic Pathology Forensic Odontologists are probably practicing dentists. Forensic Education > Bugs, Bones, Etc.

Many fields of study have forensic applications:  Forensic Entomology  Forensic Anthropology  Forensic Odontology  Forensic Pathology Forensic Pathologists are probably full-time Medical Examiners/Coroners. Forensic Education > Bugs, Bones, Etc.

Jobs in Forensic Science  Investigation  Laboratory Work  Crime Scene Work  Performing Autopsies  Looking at Bones and Bugs

Forensic Scientists in the Lab  Fingerprinting  Firearms  Documents  Trace Evidence  DNA  Drugs

 What would I do?  Where would I work?  How much money would I make?  What about advancement? Forensic Education > In the Lab Questions:

Two main areas of forensic science: Forensic Chemistry Forensic Biology Other areas (entomology, anthropology, psychiatry, odontology, etc.) Forensic Education > In the Lab

Forensic Chemistry  Drugs  Trace  Firearms  Fingerprints  Arson What does the analyst do? Forensic Education > In the Lab

Forensic Chemistry in the lab: Instrumental Analysis  GC/MS, Infrared spectroscopy Database Analysis  Fingerprint, ballistic search Microscopic Analysis  Fibers, drugs, hair, trace Forensic Education > In the Lab

Crime Scene Work  Not necessarily required Scientific Meetings  Presentations, continuing education Court Testimony Forensic Education > In the Lab Forensic Chemistry outside the lab:

Forensic Biology in the lab: DNA Extraction and Amplification  Pipettes and small tubes Forensic Serology  Detecting blood or semen stains Instrumental and Computer Analysis  Generates a genetic profile Forensic Education > In the Lab

Crime Scene Work  Not necessarily required Scientific Meetings  Presentations, continuing education Court Testimony Forensic Education > In the Lab Forensic Biology outside the lab:

 What would I do?  Where would I work?  How much money would I make?  What about advancement? Forensic Education > In the Lab Questions:

Forensic Scientist or Criminalist (entry level):  In Alabama, enter as Forensic Scientist I  Perform analysis & testify Forensic Scientist and Criminalist II - IV  Can have additional supervisory duties  Sometimes other titles (technical leader or coordinator) Director or Assistant Director Forensic Education > In the Lab > Advancement

 What would I do?  Where would I work?  How much money would I make?  What about advancement? Forensic Education > In the Lab Questions:

Where would I work? 1. State Agency 2. Federal Agencies  State Police  State Bureau of Investigation  County or City Crime Labs  FBI  DEA  ATF  Armed Forces  Secret Service  U.S. Postal Service Forensic Education > In the Lab > Where to work

3. Private Labs 4. Non Forensic Laboratories  Private DNA Labs  Paternity Labs  Drug Analysis  Analytical Chemistry  Research Labs  Pursue an advanced degree Where would I work? Forensic Education > In the Lab > Where to work

 What would I do?  Where would I work?  How much money would I make?  What about advancement? Forensic Education > In the Lab Questions:

 Marry a rich person  Entry Level: $30,000 – $40,000 Forensic Education > In the Lab > Money  Government job has benefits

Education in Forensic Science What do I need to get a job?  B.S.?  Masters?  Ph.D.?  Law Degree?  Medical Degree? In my opinion, a Masters Degree in Forensic Science will best prepare an individual for a career in forensic science.

Undergraduate Education: What’s my major? Myth: Forensic Science is half science and half criminal justice Fact: Forensic Science is mostly science Forensic Education

Undergraduate Education Chemistry or Biology (B.S.) Forensic Science (B.S.) (also Forensic Chemistry or Forensic Biology) B.S. in Forensic Science may help, but does not guarantee a job after undergrad. Forensic Education

Masters of Science in Forensic Science  Masters Degree makes you more competitive compared to B.S. applicants  Allows for additional lab experience including internships Graduate Education  Allows for promotion to supervisory positions Forensic Education

Education for Other Areas:  Forensic Entomology  Forensic Anthropology  Forensic Psychiatry Requires a Ph.D. Research mentor should work in the field. Forensic Education

Education for Other Areas:  Forensic Odontology  Forensic Pathology Requires a M.D. or dental degree (D.D.S.) May be specialized degree programs. Forensic Education

Note about Crime Scene Work:  Some, but not all, forensic scientists work crime scenes  System varies from region to region  Death scene investigator is a real job Landing your ideal job requires patience and the ability to relocate. Forensic Education

CSI: Fact or Fiction? Fact:  Crime scene investigators do exist.  Investigation system varies from region to region The Fiction:  They do too much!  Not very likely that they dramatically communicate with the victims or suspects Forensic Education

FORENSIC SCIENTIST I, II, or III (Posted 8/11/06) The Texas Department of Public Safety is seeking applicants for the position of Forensic Scientist I, II, or III. Qualifications include graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in biology, chemistry, or forensic science, including the successful completion of 16 semester hours of chemistry and a minimum of one 3-semester-hour course each in genetics, upper division molecular biology (molecular genetics), and biochemistry (transcripts required). Applicants must be skilled in the use of laboratory equipment/materials. Responsibilities include conducting analyses/examinations of tissue/body fluids of human/animal origin to detect the presence of blood stains/semen/other stains; examining/comparing hairs to establish origin/descriptive characteristics; conducting DNA typing tests on human tissues to compare criminal evidence with samples of known origin; evaluating/interpreting/documenting the DNA test conducted and testifying in court as to the findings; appearing at crime scenes to collect evidence and assist law enforcement officers; preparing reagents; reviewing work of other forensic scientists; maintaining records of evidence and its disposal; performing proficiency tests and other quality assurance duties; participating in continuing education; and performing other duties as assigned. On the job training will be provided for a period of about six months. All applicants must be U.S. citizens. Annual Salary: $39,312. Applicants may be compensated at a higher level when hired depending on previously qualifying Crime Laboratory work experience. Application deadline: August 23,

FORENSIC SCIENTIST I, II, or III (Posted 8/11/06) The Texas Department of Public Safety is seeking applicants for the position of Forensic Scientist I, II, or III. Qualifications include graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in biology, chemistry, or forensic science, including the successful completion of 16 semester hours of chemistry and a minimum of one 3-semester-hour course each in genetics, upper division molecular biology (molecular genetics), and biochemistry (transcripts required). Applicants must be skilled in the use of laboratory equipment/materials. Responsibilities include conducting analyses/examinations of tissue/body fluids of human/animal origin to detect the presence of blood stains/semen/other stains; examining/comparing hairs to establish origin/descriptive characteristics; conducting DNA typing tests on human tissues to compare criminal evidence with samples of known origin; evaluating/interpreting/documenting the DNA test conducted and testifying in court as to the findings; appearing at crime scenes to collect evidence and assist law enforcement officers; preparing reagents; reviewing work of other forensic scientists; maintaining records of evidence and its disposal; performing proficiency tests and other quality assurance duties; participating in continuing education; and performing other duties as assigned. On the job training will be provided for a period of about six months. All applicants must be U.S. citizens. Annual Salary: $39,312. Applicants may be compensated at a higher level when hired depending on previously qualifying Crime Laboratory work experience. Application deadline: August 23,

FORENSIC SCIENTIST I, II, or III (Posted 8/11/06) The Texas Department of Public Safety is seeking applicants for the position of Forensic Scientist I, II, or III. Qualifications include graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in biology, chemistry, or forensic science, including the successful completion of 16 semester hours of chemistry and a minimum of one 3-semester-hour course each in genetics, upper division molecular biology (molecular genetics), and biochemistry (transcripts required). Applicants must be skilled in the use of laboratory equipment/materials. Responsibilities include conducting analyses/examinations of tissue/body fluids of human/animal origin to detect the presence of blood stains/semen/other stains; examining/comparing hairs to establish origin/descriptive characteristics; conducting DNA typing tests on human tissues to compare criminal evidence with samples of known origin; evaluating/interpreting/documenting the DNA test conducted and testifying in court as to the findings; appearing at crime scenes to collect evidence and assist law enforcement officers; preparing reagents; reviewing work of other forensic scientists; maintaining records of evidence and its disposal; performing proficiency tests and other quality assurance duties; participating in continuing education; and performing other duties as assigned. On the job training will be provided for a period of about six months. All applicants must be U.S. citizens. Annual Salary: $39,312. Applicants may be compensated at a higher level when hired depending on previously qualifying Crime Laboratory work experience. Application deadline: August 23,

Finding a Job in Forensic Science Internet. Internet. Internet.  American Academy of Forensic Science (AAFS)  Crime Lab Directors (ASCLD)  State or Federal Web Pages  Word of Mouth (through University)

Interview Process: Extensive Background Check  Past Landlords  Past Employers Polygraph Relatively Strict on Past Drug Use Forensic Education > Finding a Job

Job Availability: 10,000 positions to fill, but no money to pay employees. Flexibility in relocation greatly enhances your chances of getting a job. Forensic Education > Finding a Job

Web Links  American Academy of Forensic Sciences -  American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors  List of Graduate Programs  FSU Professor Opinion