Resident expert, Anthony Falsetti, is the voice behind Forsensic Science. Read more about Anthony and his resource here.
“I chose to study forensic science because I have always wanted to get involved with the court system. I want to help people who have been affected by tragedy to move on by finding resolutions to their issues. Forensic science allows me to continue my education while keeping up with recent technology and helping people make peace through justice.”Read the Full Interview
“My advice for students who are interested in studying forensic science online is to speak with students who are currently enrolled and research all of your options.”Read the Full Interview
“The study of forensic science is not the dramatic process shown on TV programs like CSI. It actually requires a very firm foundation of scientific knowledge and practice.”Read the Full Interview
“Those who want to learn about forensic science need to earn science degrees, not criminal justice degrees. Forensic scientists need to be able to understand how to operate analytical instruments in a laboratory, not the principles of social science. A lot of forensic programs that are nested in criminal justice departments are not very high quality.”Read the Full Interview
“I have always loved investigation, so what I enjoy most is the feeling of personal satisfaction that I get out of providing my expertise in a case. During the time that I worked in a lab, I also gained satisfaction from giving back something useful to the community.”Read the Full Interview
Here is a quick quiz to help you decide if you have the personality it takes to succeed as a forensic scientist. Rate, on a scale from 1 to 5, how well each of the following statements describes you.
I am attentive to details.
Forensic scientists must follow procedures exactly and take careful notes while collecting and analyzing evidence. If you are not detail-oriented, you may not be able to do forensics work.
I am dependable.
Many people rely on forensic scientists to do their jobs correctly, including crime victims, law-enforcement officers, judges and attorneys. If you are a dependable person, you will be able to meet the expectations that are required of forensic scientists.
I work well under stressful circumstances.
Forensic scientists may see disturbing things at crime scenes, or have to describe evidence that was part of a violent crime. Many people find these things stressful, but if it upsets you too much, you will not enjoy working in forensic science.
I enjoy public speaking and giving presentations in class.
Many forensic scientists provide expert testimony in a court of law, explaining to non-scientists what analysis was done and what the results mean. If you enjoy presenting information in speeches or slide shows, forensic science may be a good career for you.
I enjoy explaining things in writing.
Forensic scientists write reports explaining what evidence was collected, how it was collected, and what conclusions can be drawn from the results. If you enjoy writing expository essays or reports, it will be a great help to your career in forensic science.
I am honest and always tell the truth.
Many forensic scientists have to testify in a court of law, where they must swear to tell the truth. You must be a truthful person in order to be a forensic scientist.
I am curious and enjoy solving puzzles.
Forensic science involves reconstructing events by using clues and incomplete information. If you enjoy puzzles, your curiosity will prompt you to think of tests that you can run, and possible explanations for test results.
I am patient and willing to wait for results.
The work of collecting and analyzing evidence can be painstaking, and results can take a long time, especially if there is a backlog of work to be done in the lab. If you are not patient, you may become frustrated or tempted to take unadvisable shortcuts.
I am goal-oriented and able to keep a long-term perspective.
The daily work of forensic science can be tedious. If you able to keep the end results of lab analyses and experiments in mind, you will be better able to stay engaged with the daily tasks of a forensic scientist.
I am flexible and able to adapt to a variety of schedules and locations.
Some forensic scientists work unpredictable hours and may have to respond during 24-hour on-call shifts or travel to a variety of locations on short notice. Flexibility will be a definite plus in forensic science.
*Note that this is not a scientific quiz. The result is simply my rough estimate of how well I believe your personality matches that of a successful forensic scientist.
By my assessment, a career in forensic science is probably not a good fit for your personality. Please go to the Admissions Advisor homepage for a listing of other careers you may want to consider.
By my assessment, although a career in forensic science may not be an ideal fit for your personality, if you are willing to adapt in a few areas, you can still find success in the field. Please see the list to the right for information on the areas that you may need to work on.
By my assessment, your personality is a good fit for a career in forensic science. Scroll through our site to gain valuable insight into what it will take you to earn the necessary credentials.
If you are interested in working in forensic science, you will need a degree, but it does not have to be in forensic science. For many forensic science positions, you can become qualified by getting a bachelors or masters degree in the natural sciences, like chemistry or biology, with additional coursework or certification in forensic science. The requirements vary depending on what type of forensic science you are interested in. Additional requirements may include becoming a sworn officer of the law or passing a background check.
Many forensic scientists get bachelors degrees in a related field such as chemistry, biochemistry or biology, and then go on to get masters degrees in forensic science. In addition, some areas of forensic science require a specialized degree. For example, forensic pathology requires a medical degree, forensic odontology requires a dentistry degree and forensic engineering requires an engineering degree.
In some law-enforcement agencies, crime scene investigators (CSIs) and criminalists are sworn officers of the law. They may be police officers who have received additional training in evidence handling. In other agencies, CSIs and criminalists are civilians. If you are interested in working for a particular law-enforcement agency, contact that agency to find out its requirements for job applicants.
Even in positions where forensic scientists are not sworn officers of the law, job applicants may be required to pass background checks similar to those required for law enforcement officers. A background check is a review of both confidential and public information to investigate a job applicant’s history. The employer may review:
• Drug tests
• History of drug use
• Criminal history
• Personal associations
• Polygraph examination (lie-detector test)
• Driving record
• Past work performance
• Credit history
• Medical or physical examination
A majority of students who pursue forensic science degrees eventually continue their education in other related fields. Below is a listing not only of the professions you can pursue with a forensic science degree, but also of the professions you can pursue after obtaining supplemental education.
Bachelors (4 years)
$56,000
Law-enforcement agencies, crime scenes, morgues, criminal courts
A crime scene investigator (CSI) documents, identifies and collects physical evidence at a crime scene. This includes taking photographs and notes and following protocols for packaging, securing and transporting evidence that is collected. A CSI may also assist a pathologist with collecting physical evidence from a body.
Bachelors (4 years)
$61,000
Law-enforcement agencies, crime laboratories, criminal courts
Criminalists work in crime laboratories with the evidence that CSIs collect. They identify and analyze the evidence, write reports describing their findings and may testify in courts of law. Criminalists should not be confused with criminologists, who study the causes of crime. Criminalists may also be known as crime lab analysts and forensic science technicians.
Bachelors (4 years)
$67,000
Law-enforcement agencies, crime laboratories, criminal courts
A crime lab analyst or examiner is a criminalist who specializes in a particular type of evidence or analysis. Some example job titles are firearms examiner, document examiner, latent print examiner, DNA specialist and forensic serologist. A forensic serologist identifies, analyzes and interprets samples of blood and other body fluids. They determine whether samples are from animals or humans, what the blood type is and what segment of the population the sample came from.
Bachelors in computer science or computer forensics (4 years)
$70,000
Government agencies, crime laboratories, private consulting, city or state agencies, civil courts, criminal courts
Forensic computer examiners, also known as digital forensics examiners, evaluate computer evidence. They may determine what files have been deleted from a digital device, what Internet sites were visited by a computer or whether an audio or video recording is authentic.
Associates (2 years)
$49,000
Law-enforcement agencies
Evidence technicians perform different tasks depending on the law-enforcement agency that they work for. Many are responsible for receiving, cataloging and storing evidence in a local facility. Evidence technicians package and ship evidence that must be sent to off-site laboratories.
Bachelors (4 years)
$57,000
Corporate businesses, private consulting, home offices, law firms, surveillance locations
Private investigators find and connect clues to uncover information. They work for individuals, law firms or insurance companies. Some work is done by searching computer databases and making phone calls. Other work involves visiting the home or workplace of the subject of the investigation. They may protect celebrities and political figures, verify employment, perform surveillance and investigate computer crimes.
Doctorate in medicine (4 years of medical school, plus a 3 – 4 year residency and a 1 – 2 year fellowship)
$201,000
Coroners’ offices, morgues, criminal courts
Forensic pathologists investigate how people died. This includes violent deaths, sudden deaths of apparently healthy people, deaths occurring in police custody, deaths that may be due to medical malpractice and suspicious or unusual deaths. Forensic pathologists examine bodies externally and perform autopsies to examine the internal organs. They write their findings in reports and testify in courts of law.
Doctorate in entomology (4 – 7 years of graduate school)
$92,000
Government agencies, research laboratories, private consulting, city or state agencies, civil courts, criminal courts
Forensic entomologists apply the study of insects to criminal and legal issues. By examining insects found at crime scenes, forensic entomologists can figure out when an incident occurred or if poison and drugs were involved in a crime. A forensic entomologist can also estimate how long ago a person died and determine whether the body was moved after death.
Doctorate in anthropology (4 – 7 years of graduate school)
$104,000
Government agencies, research laboratories, private consulting, city or state agencies, civil courts, criminal courts
Forensic anthropologists assist coroners’ offices and medical examiners’ offices in identifying bodies by examining the bones. They are often called in to help when someone has found a skeleton or a body that is badly burned or decomposed. Forensic anthropologists can tell whether skeletal remains are human, how old they are and other characteristics like race, sex, age and health status. Some forensic anthropologists can also model what the face of a person looked like, based only on a skull.
Doctorate in dental surgery or doctorate in dental medicine (4 years of dental school, plus continuing education which may include a 2-year fellowship)
$162,190
Private consulting, city or state agencies, civil courts, criminal courts
Forensic odontologists use their expertise as dentists to identify human remains. Dental identification is particularly important after catastrophic events such as airplane crashes, fires, floods, earthquakes or terrorist attacks. Forensic odontologists also analyze bite marks on victims of violent crimes and analyze dental injury in cases of abuse or neglect.
Doctorate in medicinal chemistry, pharmacology or toxicology (4 – 7 years of graduate school, plus 1 additional year of training)
$61,000
Crime laboratories, research laboratories
Forensic toxicologists identify and analyze evidence of drugs, alcohol and poisons. They may work with forensic pathologists to determine whether drugs or other chemicals caused or contributed to a person’s death. Forensic toxicologists may work with law-enforcement agencies to determine whether a suspect was legally intoxicated during a crime. Forensic toxicologists also work with laboratories to perform workplace drug testing.
| Profession | Employment 2010 | Projected 2020 | Average Growth |
| Forensic Science Technician | 13000 | 15400 | 19% |
| Clinical Psychologist | 154300 | 188000 | 22% |
| Fraud Examiner | 164900 | 174900 | 6% |
| Profession | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 |
| Forensic Science Technician | 48130 | 50310 | 52960 | 55070 | 55040 | 55660 |
| Clinical Psychologist | 66110 | 68150 | 70190 | 72310 | 72540 | 73090 |
| Fraud Examiner | 59600 | 61760 | 63880 | 64810 | 66920 | 65700 |
| Pathologist | 142220 | 155150 | 165000 | 173860 | 180870 | 184650 |
| Profession | 10th | 25th | 50th | 75th | 90th |
| Forensic Science Technician | $32760 | $40790 | $52180 | $67160 | $84980 |
| Clinical Psychologist | $39060 | $50820 | $67880 | $88030 | $110410 |
| Fraud Examiner | $35370 | $44370 | $59810 | $79960 | $103660 |
| Pathologist | $55190 | $112020 | $187200 | $187200 | $187200 |
Most positions within the field of forensic science require a bachelors degree in life science or physical science. Bachelors degree programs take 4 years to complete.
If you are interested in more specialized positions, like becoming a forensic pathologist, forensic odontologist or forensic anthropologist, you will need to earn a PhD or MD. Doctorate programs take between 4 to 7 years of graduate school and sometimes include additional practical or clinical requirements. If your doctorate program requires students to hold a masters degree before they enter, expect to spend 8 to 10 years pursuing higher education before you begin your career in forensic science.
Medical degrees usually take students 4 years to complete before they fulfill 3 to 8 years of internships, residencies and fellowships. If you are required to earn an MD in order to pursue your career in forensic science, you will likely spend between 8 and 13 years in school.
In addition to degrees, you may also need to earn professional certification for some areas of forensic science. For example, to work in a crime laboratory as a criminalist, you may need a Diplomate Certificate of Professional Competency in Criminalistics from the American Board of Criminalistics. The length of time to obtain a professional certification varies. For more information, contact the individual accredited board that offers certifications in each area of forensic science.
In studying forensic science, you will gain a strong background in natural sciences. Additional classes will build on basic science knowledge as you learn how to apply scientific principles to the collection and analysis of physical evidence.
Forensic chemistry is the study of using chemical tests to identify and analyze evidence. You will learn how to examine evidence left by arson and explosives and how to analyze fibers such as fragments of cloth left at a crime scene. You will also learn how to test people for intoxication by examining blood alcohol levels.
Forensic biology is the study of biological evidence such as body fluids collected from a crime scene, tissue samples collected from a body or hair samples collected from suspects. You will learn methods to analyze and confirm if a sample of blood matches other samples from a particular person. Classes will also include laboratory work to learn the procedures used to extract and analyze DNA.
The study of criminal evidence covers how physical evidence is used in the criminal justice system. You will learn about legal considerations involving search and seizure, different kinds of evidence and rules governing what evidence can be used in a court of law. An important rule for forensic science is chain of custody, a legal term meaning a record of the individuals who have had physical possession of a piece of evidence. The chain of custody must be maintained all through the process of collection, transportation, analysis and storage of evidence.
Crime scene investigation is the study of recognizing, documenting and collecting physical evidence in a location where a crime has occurred. You will learn how to recognize and enhance physical evidence. It will be important to document your investigation in a case folder of notes, sketches and photographs, and to communicate your results with formal reports.
The study of courtroom proceedings will introduce you to the environments where expert testimony can be given by a forensic scientist. In addition to a trial, a forensic scientist may also have to testify in a deposition or a grand jury proceeding. A deposition is an appearance under oath to answer questions from an attorney. In a grand jury proceeding, a jury decides whether a person accused of a crime will be formally charged with the crime. You will learn procedures and courtroom expectations that will prepare you for providing expert testimony.
As you progress through your forensic science courses, you will learn to document your work with notes, photographs and sketches. You will also have to write many reports explaining your technical work in a way that will be understandable to a non-scientist.
Your classes in courtroom proceedings will prepare you for public speaking, since the work of a forensic scientist includes giving expert testimony. You will need to explain what evidence was collected, how it was analyzed and stored and what the findings are. This must be done in a way that is clear to the judge or jury. It is important that a forensic scientist use impartial language to avoid even the appearance of bias in favor of 1 side in a legal case.
Many of your classes in forensic science will include laboratory work. While working in the lab, you will learn basic protocols like sterile field technique, which is how scientists and technicians keep their labs and samples free from contamination. You will also learn how to use common equipment like fume hoods, microscopes and measuring devices.
Your classes in forensic science will build your skills in critical thinking. You will develop your understanding and use of logic to solve problems and suggest possible answers for scenarios and simulated crimes. You may have to resolve contradicting evidence and consider situations that might cause a test to give a false result.
Your study of forensic science will involve group projects, mock crime scene investigations and mock trials. You will need to coordinate with other students to complete projects, just as a professional forensic scientist must coordinate with fellow scientists, law-enforcement officers, attorneys and staff of the coroner’s office.
In the field of forensic science, you can pursue associates, bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees. By itself, an associates degree is not enough to qualify you for most forensic science positions. An additional undergraduate or graduate certificate will be of some value, while a bachelors or masters degree will qualify you for most positions in forensic science. Doctoral degrees will allow you to pursue researching positions or qualify you for more specialized positions.
A certificate in forensic science can be helpful for someone trying to get started in forensic science, particularly if it supplements a basic education in science. Certificate programs are also useful to people already employed in forensics or a related field such as law enforcement, healthcare and public administration. Certificates are offered at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Several schools offer certificates in forensic science, or in specific areas of forensic science, like forensic accounting. Some types of certificate programs are listed below:
For a comprehensive list, see the American Academy of Forensic Sciences list of undergraduate and graduate programs, which includes undergraduate and graduate certificates.
Please note that undergraduate and graduate certificates offered by schools are different from professional certifications, which are offered by forensic specialty boards to forensic science professionals who are already practicing in the field.
Undergraduate Certificate in Forensic Science
Many undergraduate certificates are intended for students who are getting an associates degree or a bachelors degree at the same time, as a supplement to the main degree program. Some undergraduate certificates are open to anyone with an interest in forensic science.
Graduate Certificate in Forensic Science
A graduate certificate is useful for someone with a bachelors degree in a natural science who would like to start a career in forensic science. Some graduate certificates are also useful to professionals already employed in forensic science who need additional skills.
Undergraduate Certificates
There is a lot of variation in undergraduate certificates in forensic science. Some certificate programs are specific to undergraduates pursuing a degree at a particular school, and are meant to be completed at the same time that students study in their associates or bachelors degree programs. These certificates can be completed during a 2-year associates program or a 4-year bachelors program.
Other certificates are open to anyone with experience or interest in forensic science, and are sometimes offered by the continuing education college of a university. These certificates often take 1 year to complete.
Graduate Certificates
A typical graduate certificate program in forensic science takes 1 year or 18 credit hours to complete.
Undergraduate Certificates
To earn your undergraduate certificate in forensic science, you may need to complete some basic science courses in chemistry and biology. You will also be required to complete courses in subjects including criminalistics, basic forensic analysis and trace evidence. Additional courses may cover specific types of work, such as fingerprint analysis or crime scene photography, depending on the focus of your certificate program.
Graduate Certificates
Graduate certificate programs in forensic science require that you already have a background in natural science. A general certificate in forensic science will involve courses in criminalistics, basic forensic analysis and trace evidence. Additional courses may cover advanced criminalistics or forensic computing, depending on the focus of your certificate program.
Undergraduate Certificates
With an undergraduate certificate alone, you will not qualify for most jobs in forensic science. You might be able to work as a junior technician in a law-enforcement or government agency that is large enough to need a specialist. However, if the certificate is part of or in addition to a bachelors degree in a field of science such as chemistry or computer science, a certificate could make you a more competitive candidate for many forensic science positions.
Graduate Certificates
A graduate certificate in forensic science is a good way to gain some specialized knowledge after you have already earned a bachelors degree in forensic science or in the natural sciences, like chemistry or biology. Depending on the focus of the certificate and your bachelors degree, you could become a crime scene investigator, a criminalist or a forensic computer examiner.
Undergraduate Certificates
As of 2012, there are no online undergraduate certificates in forensic science. However, this could change. For an up-to-date catalogue of programs, see the American Academy of Forensic Sciences’ (AAFS) list of online forensic science certificates.
Graduate Certificates
Pursuing a graduate forensic science certificate online is not recommended. The main drawback to studying online is that you will not have the opportunity to conduct laboratory work, which is a major component of forensic science. However, if you have gained practical experience by taking science classes during your bachelors degree or while working in the field, enrolling in an online forensic science program might be a good option if programs at brick-and-mortar schools are not offered in your area.
Though bachelors degree programs in forensic science are offered at many schools, many forensic science professionals do not hold bachelors degrees in the field. Instead, it is common to earn a bachelors degree in the natural sciences, like chemistry or biology, and gain specialized training in forensic science by enrolling in a masters degree program. The advantage of earning a bachelors degree in forensic science is that these degree programs have been developed in response to the demands of employers for qualified job applicants. Therefore, you may have an easier time finding a job in the field after earning a bachelors degree in forensic science.
A BS degree in forensic science provides a foundational education in forensic science. It will prepare students for a variety positions within the field.
A BS degree in chemistry, biochemistry, biology or genetic engineering with a concentration in forensic science is an option for students who attend a school that does not offer a bachelors program in forensic science.
A BS degree in forensic chemistry includes specialized courses on the chemical analysis of physical evidence. This degree is a good option for students who would like to work in crime laboratories.
A bachelors degree in forensic science, forensic chemistry or in a related field typically takes 4 years to complete, or 120 credit hours.
To earn your bachelors degree in forensic science, you will take introductory science courses in chemistry and biology in addition to advanced science courses. You will also be required to complete courses such as criminalistics, basic forensic analysis, trace evidence, criminal justice and report writing. Some forensic science programs offer tracks in physics and anthropology, which include courses in crime scene reconstruction and skeletal remains identification. Your bachelors program will also include general education courses in mathematics, English, history and social sciences.
If you pursue a bachelors degree in a natural science with a concentration in forensic science, expect to take many of the same courses that you would in a bachelors program for forensic science. Coursework will vary between these 2 options only in the number of forensic science courses that you will be able to take if you earn a degree in a natural science. And if you pursue a bachelors degree in forensic chemistry, you will take classes such as criminal justice, biology, pharmacology and multiple advanced chemistry classes as well as general education classes.
A bachelors degree in forensic science will qualify you for many jobs, including crime scene investigator, criminalist, crime lab examiner and private investigator. A degree focusing in chemistry is particularly good preparation for jobs that require you to analyze trace evidence such as fibers and fragments of glass. A degree in biology, biochemistry or genetic engineering will qualify you to work as a DNA analyst or forensic serologist. If you have professional experience or additional education in information technology, a bachelors degree in forensic science will also qualify you for a job as a forensic computing examiner.
If you are thinking about earning a bachelors degree in forensic science, you should look for a school with a program accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC). As of 2012, there are 17 accredited bachelors degree programs in the U.S. If the only programs near you are not accredited, FEPAC’s list of Frequently Asked Questions suggests that you compare the curriculum with the course requirements of a FEPAC accredited program. According to FEPAC, many good forensic science programs have not yet applied for accreditation, so unaccredited programs may still be a good option.
As of 2012, there are no online forensic science bachelors degree programs. Because forensic science curricula contain many hours of laboratory work, it would not be possible to complete a forensic science bachelors degree online. However, online bachelors degrees are offered in related subjects, such as criminal justice.
It might be possible in the future for a school to offer a hybrid online forensic science bachelors degree program. A hybrid program would allow students to complete lecture-based classes online and take laboratory-based classes in a brick-and-mortar facility. To check current offerings of online forensic science bachelors degrees and related online degree programs, see the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) list of online undergraduate degree programs.
Masters degrees in forensic science are useful to people who have a basic science education and are seeking entry into a forensic science career. Professionals who are seeking continuing education or advancement also pursue masters degrees in the field. Some programs are specific to a type of job, while others are broader and may appeal to people in related professions, such as law enforcement.
The MS degree in forensic science provides a general graduate-level education in forensic science.
The MS degree in criminalistics prepares students to analyze and evaluate physical evidence. The curriculum is laboratory-based.
The MS degree in forensic biology may also be known as an MS in forensic genetics. This degree prepares students for jobs as DNA analysts in crime laboratories.
The MS degree in biomedical forensic sciences prepares students for jobs as forensic scientists, DNA analysts, chemists, death investigators and crime scene investigators.
Masters degree programs in forensic science require 35 to 48 credit hours to complete. They can be completed in 2 years by students who are enrolled full time.
As a masters student in forensic science, criminalistics, forensic biology or biomedical forensic sciences, you will most likely choose an area of interest, and choose electives and a research project or thesis related to this area of interest. Some common courses offered in masters degree programs in forensic science are crime scene reconstruction, trace evidence analysis, forensic serology and DNA analysis, forensic microscopy, forensic toxicology and courtroom and legal issues.
Most masters degrees in forensic science require a thesis. Others offer a non-thesis option, particularly for part-time students who are taking classes in the evening while holding a full time job in forensic science. Pursuing a thesis is recommended if you are interested in continuing into a PhD program or would like to hold a position in the field that involves research.
A masters degree qualifies you for most jobs in forensic science, including working as a crime scene investigator (CSI), crime scene supervisor, criminalist, crime lab analyst and crime lab supervisor. If you are applying to positions in government agencies, having a masters degree may give you an advantage over candidates with bachelors degrees.
If you plan to pursue a masters degree in forensic science, you should look for a program accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC). As of 2012, FEPAC has accredited 17 masters degree programs in the U.S. If you are not able to attend an accredited program, FEPAC suggests comparing the curriculum with the course requirements of a FEPAC accredited program.
Some masters programs are associated with forensic science laboratories or agencies. This association can provide excellent resources to the students, such as state-of-the-art equipment and faculty who are working in the field professionally.
Applicants for masters degrees in forensic science must have completed bachelors degrees in forensic science or the natural sciences. A bachelors degree in forensic science would meet this qualification, but so would a bachelors degree in chemistry, biology or biochemistry.
In deciding whether to pursue an online forensic science masters degree, consider that you will not be able to learn laboratory techniques and practices in person. In general, this means that getting your forensic science masters degree online is not be a good idea.
However, forensic science or law enforcement professionals who are working in remote areas might want to consider online forensic science schools. The staff of a law enforcement agency may need additional education, but may be unable to leave their jobs to attend a brick-and-mortar school. For these professionals, some education is better than none, and an online forensic science program will supplement their experience on the job.
At the doctorate level in forensic science, there are 3 types of degrees available: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Doctor of Medicine (MD) and Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), which is sometimes called Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD). These 3 degrees are very different, and which 1 you choose depends on what specialty in forensic science you want to pursue.
PhD programs are available in forensic chemistry, forensic biochemistry and forensic plant pathology. In addition, many PhD programs in other science areas can be completed with research and coursework in forensic science. This degree program is a good choice for those who plan on conducting research or teaching in forensic science. It is also ideal for those who choose to work in certain specialized areas of forensic science, such as forensic anthropology or forensic entomology.
MD programs train students to work as medical doctors in a variety of capacities. Unlike the PhD which is a research degree, an MD is a professional degree. It is a good option for forensic science students who are interested in pursuing careers as pathologists or medical examiners, who help to determine causes of death.
DDS and DMD programs are oriented to dental practice. Like the MD degree, DDS and DMDs are professional degrees. These programs are ideal for those who are interested in working as forensic odontologists.
Doctoral programs vary in length. An MD or DDS program takes 4 years to complete, plus an addition 3 to 8 years of medical residencies and fellowships. A PhD program generally takes 4 years or more, requiring a range of 60 to 72 credit hours to complete. The amount of time required depends on the research project you choose and your educational background. Biological research projects can take multiple years due to the life cycle of organisms and the amount of time it takes to conduct experiments.
A PhD is a research-oriented degree, so you can look forward to specialized courses and individualized study that involves conducting original studies and experiments. However, most programs have some courses required of all PhD students, such as criminalistics, toxicology, spectroscopy, serology and genetic marker identification.
While studying for your MD, you can expect a fixed curriculum for the first 2 years, which will include classes in anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, pharmacology, psychology, microbiology, pathology, medical ethics and laws governing medicine. The last 2 years are spent working with patients in clinical rotations, where medical students spend a few weeks working in each medical specialty.
In a DDS program, the curriculum consists of classroom and laboratory work in anatomy, microbiology, biochemistry and physiology for the first 2 years. The last 2 years are spent working with patients in dental clinics.
With a PhD in forensic science, you might become a consultant in forensic entomology or forensic anthropology, or an expert on a particular type of chemical or biological analysis. You might also teach classes in forensic science at a college or university.
If you earn an MD, you could become a pathologist or medical examiner, most likely working in a coroner’s office. With a DDS, you could become a forensic odontologist.
When you are choosing a graduate school in forensic science, you may want to consider what, if any, agencies are associated with the forensic science program, and how much access you will have to laboratory equipment. Some graduate programs are offered by a school in partnership with a forensic science laboratory or agency. This can mean that the curriculum has been designed by practicing professionals at forensic science laboratories and agencies, and they may even teach some classes.
In addition, some graduate programs in forensic science that receive more funding, are more established or are associated with certain agencies may also allow students to have access to special state-of-the-art facilities. Since forensic science education involves learning the latest equipment and analytical methods, it is important to make sure that you will have access to top-notch laboratory facilities.
If you are considering applying to an MD program, you should look for a school accredited by the Liason Committee on Medical Education (LCME). In order to become licensed as a medical practitioner, all states require professionals to graduate from an accredited medical school.
For a DDS or DMD program, you should look for a school accredited by the American Dental Association’s (ADA’s) Commission on Dental Accreditation. In most states, graduation from an accredited school is a requirement to become licensed as a dentist and in some cases, as a forensic odontologist.
Applicants to doctorate programs in forensic science must have completed bachelors degrees or masters degrees in forensic science or a relevant natural science. For example, a PhD program in forensic entomology would require a bachelors degree or masters degree in a biological science, such as biology, chemistry or biochemistry.
Admission to medical school is highly competitive. Applicants must complete at least 3 years of undergraduate coursework, though most applicants have bachelors degrees. Undergraduate coursework must include premedical courses in physics, biology, mathematics, English and chemistry. Applicants must take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) before they can gain admission to medical school.
Admission to dental school is also competitive. Some schools require student to have earned a bachelors degree, while others require students to complete 2 to 3 years of college-level predental classes in biology, chemistry, physics, health and mathematics. All applicants are required to take the Dental Admissions Test (DAT).
There are no schools that offer online forensic science doctorates. PhD programs are research-based degrees, and you could not complete a forensic science PhD online due to the need for access to laboratories and other research facilities. Medical and dental programs require both laboratory classes and clinical experience with patients, so an online forensic science program for an MD or DDS is also not possible. If you are interested in pursuing a forensic science PhD online, and attending a brick-and-mortar school is not an option, you might be able to find an online PhD program in a related subject such as criminal justice.
To hold certain jobs in the field of forensic science, a particular degree may be required. The following list contains several specialties and their degree requirements.
Many forensic scientists who are employed by laboratories and agencies receive professional certification from a forensic specialty board. In some areas of forensic science, professional certification is a requirement to advance into a supervisory role or maintain employment. Professional certifications typically require a certain number of years in professional practice, continuing education hours and an exam. If you are interested in pursuing a particular career in forensic science, make sure to research the continuing education and certification requirements that you may need to earn after completing your degree program in forensic science.
The Forensic Specialties Accreditation Board oversees the accrediting boards for various specialties within forensic science. They have accredited the following agencies who meet standards for certifying forensic scientists:
Aside from jobs that involve the medical knowledge and training, the vast majority of jobs in forensic science do not require professionals to earn a license in order to begin a career. However, 1 exception is forensic computer examiners. In some states, forensic computer examiners are required to become licensed as private investigators (PIs). If you are interested in becoming a forensic computer examiner, you should contact the professional licensing board in the state where you would like to work.
Occupational Information Network (O*NET OnLine)
American Academy of Forensic Sciences
American Board of Criminalistics
International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists
High Technology Crime Investigation Association
International Society of Forensic Computer Examiners
American Society of Forensic Odontology
American Board of Forensic Anthropology
American Society of Questioned Examiners
