Types of Careers in Forensic Science

Crime scene investigation is only one of many forensic science career options.

The field of forensic science provides career opportunities for a variety of degree options. Whether your bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree is in forensic science, law, engineering, chemistry, medicine or dentistry, there is a career path for you in the field of forensic science. Although each is a specialty, all work together to achieve a common goal.

The Facts

All careers in forensic science share some similarities. No matter what your focus, you are, at heart, a scientist, and a career in forensic science always relates in some way to the criminal justice system. Your work seeks to find the truth, whether that truth does or does not connect to a crime. When your level of education and experience qualify you as an expert, you can expect to become a witness for the defense or prosecution when evidence you collect or process bears on commission of a crime. There are 11 disciplines within the field of forensic science, each offering a different career choice.

Crime Scene Careers

A common career choice is that of a criminalist or crime scene investigator. This choice involves a focus on comparing, identifying, and interpreting physical evidence. Or, you can become a digital forensic scientist who works to document and examine evidence with the aid of photography. A career as a forensic engineer allows you to combine principles of math and science in areas such as accident reconstruction or construction failures.

Medical and Research Careers

A degree in general dentistry allows you, as a forensic dentist, to perform bite mark analysis and the identification of human remains through dental information. A medical degree can lead you toward a career as a forensic pathologist, analyzing evidence both at the scene of a crime and in the autopsy lab. A career in forensic anthropology involves victim identification by using skeletal remains or facial reproduction. Forensic toxicology provides answers when the death of a person may involve alcohol or drugs. Choosing the career path of a forensic document examiner involves both document and handwriting analysis. A career in general forensics allows you to explore new areas and help develop new technologies.

Law Careers

If your interests also lie in the field of law, combining a degree in forensic science and law leads you toward a career as an expert in the theory and application of law as it applies to forensic science. If time in the courtroom interests you, a career as a forensic psychologist or psychiatrist allows you to become a criminal profiler, assess defendants, work with lawyers and judges, and provide expert testimony in a court of law.

Public versus Private Sector

Although most careers in forensic science offer opportunities for employment in both the public and private sector, public sector employment offers a wider range of choices. Possibilities in the public sector include working for a police department, sheriff or district attorney's office, regional and state agencies, or a medical examiners' office. You can also look to a variety of federal agencies, such as the Department of Justice, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the FBI, the U.S. Postal Service, the Secret Service, CIA, the military, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services. Private sector employment includes providing forensic services for private companies, colleges and universities.

References

• American Academy of Forensic Sciences: Choosing a Career
• Florida State University School of Criminology and Criminal Justice: Advice about a Career in Forensic Science; Dale Nute

Resources

• American Academy of Forensic Sciences: Current Job Openings