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Forensic Science Training: From CSI to Forensic Accountant
Forensic Science Training:
From CSI to Forensic Accountant
Did you know that forensic science training can prepare you for a vast array of fascinating careers? For example, a quick browse through the job postings on the American Academy of Forensic Sciences web site reveals sheriffs' departments seeking crime scene specialists to process crime scenes, government agencies looking for DNA technicians to help identify the remains of World War II soldiers, and many more fascinating job opportunities.
Whether you end up working in a laboratory, collecting evidence in the field, or entering another forensic science-related environment largely depends on the type of forensic science training you choose. After all, "forensic" means "pertaining to the law"—which opens up a wide range of careers that use science to resolve legal issues.
Forensic Science Technicians
Spent shell casings, blood splatter, and forged signatures might be the stuff of crime novels and hit TV shows, but as a forensic science technician, this could be your career. Most technicians have, at the minimum, an associate's degree in forensic science or criminal investigations. In these programs, you can learn how to collect evidence from a crime scene, properly preserve it, and then bring it back to the lab for analysis. You can also learn how to conduct interviews, and document evidence using crime scene photography.
Although some forensic science technicians act as generalists, others choose to specialize in specific areas of expertise, such as:
- Ballistics
- Fingerprinting
- Document examination (handwriting analysis, document dating)
- Biochemistry (DNA analysis, blood splatter)
- Toxicology (alcohol, drugs, and poisons)
If you have an interest in technology, the sub-fields of computer security and forensic investigations might appeal to you. You could spend your days searching electronic records for valuable evidence.
Forensic Scientists
Forensic scientists generally possess a bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, forensic science, physics, or physical anthropology. Like technicians, they can focus on a sub-field of forensic science. And, they can work for insurance companies, private investigation firms, or independent forensic science laboratories. Prosecutors' offices, police departments, and federal agencies, such as the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, also employ people trained in forensic science.
Most forensic science specialists who act as expert witnesses for legal proceedings have at least a bachelor's degree, many years of experience in their area of expertise, and the ability to explain complex, technical concepts to juries, attorneys, and judges. Often, they will receive special training prior to appearing on the witness stand, which can include court observation, moot court practice, and the study of reference material.
Forensic Science-Related Careers
The field of forensics extends beyond crime-solving and into such vastly different areas as health care and human services. For example, forensic accountants examine financial transactions to determine illegal or fraudulent activity, while forensic psychologists use their knowledge of human behavior to determine a defendant's mental competency, or to develop the psychological profile of a suspect.
The educational background and training of these forensic specialists varies, depending on the field. For example, a forensic pathologist (someone who performs autopsies to determine the cause of death) must earn a medical degree, complete a residency, and gain board certification in pathology and forensic pathology.
Some other fascinating examples of forensic science-related careers include:
- Forensic anthropologist
- Forensic economist
- Forensic nurse
- Forensic engineer
- Forensic social worker
Forensic Science Schools
If you're considering a career in forensics, you may want to start by earning a general degree in science, before pursuing specialized training in your area of interest. Or, if you're looking for career-specific skills that will allow you to enter the field in a shorter time, check out this guide to criminal investigations programs, and find the one that's right for you today!
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