Forensic Investigator Education Requirements
Forensic investigators work with police departments to solve crimes. The minimum education requirement for prospective forensic investigators is a bachelor's degree in forensic science, biology or chemistry. There are various areas of practice within this field, and students should to be aware of these different practices prior to beginning their education program. These practices include crime scene examination, technical support, forensic engineering, crime laboratory analysis and medical examination.
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High School
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Aspiring forensic investigators can start taking various science classes in high school, including biology, chemistry, physics and psychology. In addition, students should also get some exposure to math and calculus. These high school classes will introduce some of the material later covered in college, which helps students get ahead on the material and understand it better when it is introduced in college.
Bachelor's Degree -- Forensic Science
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To work as a forensic investigator, a bachelor's degree is required. Students should choose their degree with careful consideration, as there are various degrees offered, and not all will qualify students for the job. A bachelor's degree in forensic science will teach students the knowledge necessary for an entry level position working in a crime lab. This program might also provide students with an opportunity to intern and do research in a forensics laboratory.
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Bachelor's Degree -- Chemistry or Biology
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A bachelor's degree in chemistry or biology from a four-year university are the other undergraduate options students have when preparing for a career as a forensic investigator. Students interested in drugs or trace evidence should focus on analytical and instrumental chemistry, while those more interested in DNA should focus on genetics and molecular biology. These two degrees will prepare students for forensic work, biological lab work and analytical chemistry work after graduation. Keep in mind that while these degrees are not forensics degrees directly, they provide some knowledge required for the job but might not meet all coursework requirements for every forensic investigator position.
Master's Degree
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Students who have successfully completed a bachelor's degree can begin applying for work, or they may attend a two-year master of science in forensic science (MSFS) graduate program. A MSFS degree will give the students a competitive edge over other applicants at entry-level positions, and it will qualify the student for supervisory positions. MSFS programs look for specific qualifications, including good science skills, good grades and a background in biology and chemistry. MSFS programs also accept students with a bachelor's degree in forensic science.
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