My Career Forensic Scientist

About Forensic science is the scientific method of gathering and examining information about the past. This is especially important in law enforcement where forensics is done in relation to criminal or civil law,but forensics are also carried out in other fields, such as astronomy, archaeology, biology and geology to investigate ancient times.

How many years does it take? Associates Degree in Forensic Science Traditional 1 and 1/2 years with a maxed-out class load – super-full-time: at or above 16 credits 2 years is the norm – usually full time: 12 credits or more 2 and 1/2 years, or more – usually part time: below 12 credits Online 1 to 2 years depending on the school – usually you can’t manipulate the program to go faster or slower – but, there are exceptions to this rule Bachelors Degree in Forensic Science 3 and 1/2 to 4 years with a maxed-out class load – super-full-time: at or above 16 credits 4 to 4 and 1/2 years is the norm – usually full time: 12 credits or more 5 and 1/2 years, or more – usually part time: below 12 credits 2 and 1/2 to 4 years depending on the school – usually you can’t manipulate the program to go faster or slower – but, there are exceptions to this general rule Masters Degree in Forensic Science

How many years does it take? Continued… Masters Degree in Forensic Science Traditional 1 and 1/2 to 2 and 1/2 years with a maxed-out class load – super-full-time: this may depend on the school, prior permission may be required 2 to 3 and 1/2 years is the norm – usually full time: may depend on the school 4 to 5 years , or more – usually part time: this may depend on the school, prior permission may be required Online 1 and 1/2 to 3 years depending on the school – usually you can’t manipulate the program to go faster or slower – but, there are exceptions to this rule PhD / Doctorate Degree in Forensic Science 2 and 1/2 to 3 and 1/2 – with a Masters degree in certain desirable science based programs and/or Forensic Science degree: prior permission to take on higher class load may be required, usually having an advanced degree (MS in Forensic Science) expedites the fast track – not all schools work this way, so it’s always wise to make sure before you start. 4 to 6 years is the norm – usually full time: the length of the degree may depend on the school 6 to 7 years, or more – usually part time or a class at a time: colleges and universities often cap their PhD program at 5-6 year mark, prior permission may be required 2 and 1/2 to 4 years depending on the school – usually you won’t be able to manipulate the program to go faster or slower – but, there are may be exceptions

Classes you need to take? Biology, genetics, biochemistry, molecular genetics, toxicology and entomology Organic chemistry, physical chemistry and analytical chemistry Natural sciences, anthropology and criminal justice Master- or Ph.D.-level training in dentistry, medicine, anthropology or entomology

How much they make Industry And Hourly Wages A May 2009 Bureau of Labor Statistics report shows the median hourly wages for forensic science technicians was $26.47. Industry And Hourly Wages Local Government (OES Designation) $26.38 State Government (OES Designation) $25.51 Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories $27.43 Federal Executive Branch (OES Designation) $44.28 Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services $28.52 How much does a forensic scientist make per year? The median yearly salary for forensic science technicians according to a May 2009 Bureau of Labor Statistics report was $55,070. Industry And Annual Wages Local Government (OES Designation) $54,880 State Government (OES Designation) $53,070 Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories $57,060 Federal Executive Branch (OES Designation) $92,100

Good colleges to go to Boston University Drexel University School Name Distinction Location Boston University Only graduate forensics program offered through a school of medicine's anatomy department Boston, MA Drexel University Offers forensics graduate program for science majors and a master's for working professionals without a science background Philadelphia, PA George Washington University Master's degrees in crime scene investigation and high technology crime investigation Washington, D.C. Michigan State University Three concentrations in forensic anthropology, forensic biology and forensic chemistry offered East Lansing, MI Ohio University - Main Campus The oldest forensic chemistry program in the country Athens, OH Pennsylvania State University - Main Campus Offers forensic science workshop and short course series University Park, PA Syracuse University Features Dialogues in Forensic Science program Syracuse, NY State University of New York at Albany The DNA Academy at the Northeast Regional Forensic Institute is located at this university Albany, NY University of California - Davis Forensic science students won a national grant award in 2011 Davis, CA Virginia Commonwealth University Lab courses taught in the state of Virginia's Department of Forensic Science Lab Richmond, VA

Bibliography "Top Forensic Science Colleges in the U.S." Education Portal. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Mar. 2014. http://education-portal.com/top_forensic_science_colleges.html "How Much Money Does a Forensic Science Career Pay a Year?." Chron. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Mar. 2014. http://work.chron.com/much-money-forensic-science-career-pay-year-2500.html "What College Classes Do You Take to Become a Forensic Scientist?." Gobalpost. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Mar. 2014. http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/college-classes-become-forensic-scientist-15589.html "Forensic Science Training." Criminal JusticeDegree, College and Career Blog . N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Mar. 2014. http://criminaljusticeonlineblog.com/11/how-long-does-it-take-to-get-a-degree-in-forensic-science/