Forensic Science Information
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
- Dr. Midori Albert's Website
- Forensic Science Technicians
- Forensic Technician - Career and Education Info
- Carpenter's Forensic Science Resources
- Education and Training in Forensic Science
- FBI Laboratories
- Forensic Toxicology Laboratories
- Locating Forensic Science Experts
- Reddy's Forensic Websites
- Zeno's Forensic Websites
- 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