Forensic Science Information
Forensic Science Interdisciplinary Minor
Quick Facts
- TV shows such as CSI make forensic science look fast paced and exciting. In real life however, it is more likely to be methodical, utilizing detailed scientific/technical skills and increasingly sophisticated tools.
- Most universities don't have a bachelor's degree in forensic science because the job outlook can be limited for someone without graduate training. You may be benefit from choosing a more marketable major and getting a forensic science minor.
- Your major should reflect the forensic discipline you want to work in. For example, drug analysts should have a degree heavy in chemistry while DNA analysts should have an emphasis on molecular biology
- If you have a criminal record, you have virtually no chance of getting a job as a forensic scientist.
- Forensic Science is a very small occupation. In the United States, there are about 4,000 crime laboratories, administered by the federal, state, or local governments or private industry. Most crime laboratories employ scientists in the areas of forensic chemistry (drugs, toxicology, trace evidence, explosives, fires, etc.) forensic biology (mainly DNA and body fluids and tissues), and criminalistics (fingerprints, questioned documents, firearms, and toolmarks).
- Most Forensic Scientists work in larger cities or organizations and some can have irregular hours.
- The American Academy of Forensic Science, the largest forensic science organization in the world, is composed of over 5,000 scientists organized into ten sections: Criminalistics, Engineering Sciences, General, Jurisprudence, Odontology, Pathology/Biology, Physical Anthropology, Psychiatry & Behavioral Science, Questioned Documents, and Toxicology.
Job Listings
American Association of Physical Anthropologists
American Board of Forensic Document Examiners
American College of Forensic Examiners
American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors
Association of Firearms and Toolmark Examiners
International Association for Identification
International Association of Forensic Nurses
Mid-Atlantic Association of Forensic Scientists
National Association of Medical Examiners
Northwest Association of Forensic Scientists
Southeastern Association of Forensic Document Examiners
Southern Association of Forensic Scientists
Southwestern Association of Forensic Scientists
Internship Program - NC State Bureau of Investigation
Volunteer Opportunities - NC Office of State Archeology
Job Opportunities and Job Descriptions
Crime Scene Investigator Job Description
Career Planning Resources
Forensic Science Technicians
Forensic Technician - Career and Education Info
Carpenter's Forensic Science Resources
Education and Training in Forensic Science
Forensic Toxicology Laboratories
Locating Forensic Science Experts
Forensic Science Career Center
Professional Associations
American Board of Criminalistics
American Board of Forensic Anthropology
American Board of Forensic Psychology
American Board of Forensic Toxicology
American College of Forensic Examiners
American Society of Crime Lab Directors
American Society of Forensic Odontology
American Society of Questioned Document Examiners
Association for Crime Scene Reconstruction
Association of Analytical Communities International
American Academy of Forensic Sciences
American Association of Physical Anthropologists
Association of Firearms and Toolmark Examiners
Association of Forensic DNA Analysts and Administrators
California Association of Criminalistic
Evidence Photographers International Council
Forensic Toxicologist Certification Board
International Association for Identification
International Association of Bloodstain Pattern Analysts
International Association of Forensic Nurses
International Association of Forensic Toxicologists
International Homicide Investigators Association
Midwestern Association of Forensic Scientists
New Jersey Association of Forensic Scientists
Northeastern Association of Forensic Scientists
Society of Forensic Toxicologists
Southeastern Association of Forensic Document Examiners
Southeastern Association of Toxicologists
Southern Association of Forensic Scientists
Southwestern Association of Forensic Document Examiners
Southwestern Association of Forensic Scientists
