Careers in Forensics Most careers require a Bachelors
Careers in Forensics • Most careers require a Bachelor’s Degree in a science • Most commonly forensic professionals major in chemistry, biology, physics or criminal justice
Forensic Toxicologist • Detect toxic substances in the bodies being investigated • Must hold at least a master’s degree in forensic toxicology • Ph. D. preferred • Seek employment in: – Crime laboratories – Medical Examiners Offices – Police departments – Criminal defense and prosecution attorneys – Hospital and Clinical Chemistry Laboratories
Crime Scene Investigator • Tasks vary from drug identification to footprint examination to chemical identification • Minimal 2 year associates degree but bachelor’s degree preferred • On-site training • Seek employment in: – Crime lab – Police/Sheriff departments
Forensic Nurse • Examine rape victims, testify on behalf of medical examiner • Licensed Nurse or Registered Nurse (LPN or RN) • Specialized graduate degree or on-site training • Seek employment in: – Hospital Emergency Rooms – State Medical Examiner’s Office
Forensic Odontologist • Examine bite marks and dental molds to identify victims and suspects • Doctor of Dentistry required with specialization in forensic science • Seek Employment in : – – Crime labs State Offices FBI Medical Examiner’s Office
Document Examiner • Investigate forgery, document originality, handwriting comparisons • Bachelors Degree required • On-site training • Seek Employment in: – Crime labs – Local law enforcement offices – State/Federal Investigations
Forensic Pathologist • Perform autopsies and examine bodies involved in unexpected and violent deaths • Also known as medical examiner • MD required, highly specialized training and years of medical experience • Seek employment with: – State Offices
Forensic Psychologist • Determine the ability of a suspect or victim to mentally be able to withstand trial • Must have doctorate in counseling or forensic psychologist and complete fellowship/internship in forensic psychology • Seek employment in: – State and local agencies – Private practice
Forensic Anthropologist • Identify bones and bone structures • Ph. D. required • Usually work in a college or university
Forensic Chemist • Identify unknown substances, drug residue • Bachelor’s degree or higher degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Toxicology, or Pharmacology • Work in crime labs or private labs
Forensic Entomologist • Identify time of death based on presence of insects and other organisms • Ph. D. Required • Work in college or university
Dactylographer • Identify suspects based on latent prints • 2 year associates degree or higher • On-site training • Work in: – Private labs – Crime labs – Local departments/offices
Serologist • Identify and examine body fluids • Bachelor’s degree with coursework in biochemistry, statistics, genetics, & molecular biology • Work in: – Crime labs – Private labs
- Slides: 13