1. Forensic Science Education Dr. Jason Linville University of Alabama at Birmingham jglinvil@uab.edu Forensic Science Education Finding a Forensic Job or

2. The Beginning “Neato. Maybe I want to be a forensic scientist.” Questions: What does a forensic scientist do? What type of education is needed for the job?

3. Jobs in Forensic Science

4. Many Areas: Fingerprinting Firearms Documents Trace Evidence DNA Drugs Related Areas

5. Jobs in Forensic Science What would I do? Where would I work? What are the advancement opportunities? How much money would I make?

6. Two main areas of forensic science: Forensic Chemistry Forensic Biology Other areas (entomology, psychiatry, odontology, etc.) Jobs in Forensic Science

7. Forensic Chemistry Jobs in Forensic Science Drugs Trace Firearms Fingerprints Arson What does the analyst do?

8. Forensic Chemistry (inside the lab) Jobs in Forensic Science Instrumental Analysis GC/MS, Infrared spectroscopy Database Analysis Fingerprint, ballistic search Microscopic Analysis Fibers, drugs, hair, trace

9. Forensic Chemistry (outside the lab) Jobs in Forensic Science Crime Scene Work Not necessarily required Scientific Meetings Presentations, continuing education Court Testimony

10. Forensic Biology (inside the lab) Jobs in Forensic Science DNA Extraction and Amplification Pipettes and small tubes Instrumental and Computer Analysis Generates a genetic profile Forensic Serology Detecting blood or semen stains

11. Forensic Biology (outside the lab) Jobs in Forensic Science Crime Scene Work Not necessarily required Scientific Meetings Presentations, continuing education Court Testimony

12. 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. Jobs in Forensic Science Forensic Entomology (study of insects, help determine time of death) Forensic Anthropology (study of skeletal remains) Forensic Odontology (Forensic dentistry) Forensic Pathology (Autopsy, medicine)

13. Many fields of study have forensic applications: Jobs in Forensic Science Forensic Entomology Forensic Anthropology Forensic Odontology Forensic Pathology Entomologists and Anthropologists most likely work mainly in a University setting.

14. Many fields of study have forensic applications: Jobs in Forensic Science Forensic Entomology Forensic Anthropology Forensic Odontology Forensic Pathology Forensic Odontologists are probably practicing dentists.

15. Many fields of study have forensic applications: Jobs in Forensic Science Forensic Entomology Forensic Anthropology Forensic Odontology Forensic Pathology Forensic Pathologists are probably full-time Forensic Pathologists.

16. Jobs in Forensic Science What would I do? Where would I work? What are the advancement opportunities? How much money would I make?

17. Forensic Scientist or Criminalist (entry level): In Alabama, enter as Forensic Scientist I Perform analysis & testify Jobs in Forensic Science Forensic Scientist and Criminalist II - IV Can have additional supervisory duties Sometimes other titles (technical leader or coordinator) Director or Assistant Director

18. Jobs in Forensic Science What would I do? Where would I work? What are the advancement opportunities? How much money would I make?

19. Where would I work? Jobs in Forensic Science 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

20. Jobs in Forensic Science 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?

21. Jobs in Forensic Science What would I do? Where would I work? What are the advancement opportunities? How much money would I make?

22. Jobs in Forensic Science Money? Marry a rich person Entry Level: $30,000 – $40,000

23. Education in Forensic Science

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

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

26. Undergraduate Education: What’s my major? 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. Education in Forensic Science

27. Undergraduate Programs: University of New Haven West Virginia University Florida International University Ohio University Education in Forensic Science Complete List: American Academy of Forensic Sciences www.aafs.org

29. Education in Forensic Science 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

30. Education in Forensic Science Graduate Programs: Complete List: American Academy of Forensic Sciences www.aafs.org University of Alabama at Birmingham University of New Haven Marshall University University of Illinois - Chicago George Washington University

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

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

33. 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. Jobs in Forensic Science

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

35. Finding a Job in Forensic Science Interview Process: Extensive Background Check  Past Landlords  Past Employers Polygraph Relatively Strict on Past Drug Use

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

37. Web Links American Academy of Forensic Sciences - www.aafs.org American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors www.ascld.org List of Graduate Programs http://www.gradschools.com/listings/all/forensic.html FSU Professor Opinion http://www.criminology.fsu.edu/faculty/nute/FScareers.html