What Is the Work of Forensic Scientist
Sherlock Holmes was a detective and forensic scientist combined, using his microscope and test tubes to analyze blood, fibers and other findings from London crime scenes. Today, forensic scientists perform the scientific analysis for modern sleuths, both in fiction and in real life. Because of the technical nature of their work, forensic scientists need a minimum of a bachelor's degree, and many specialties require a graduate degree.
Bachelor's Degree
Entry-level forensic scientists usually have a bachelor's degree in forensic science or a related field, such as biology, chemistry or physics. A forensic science major typically includes those basic sciences, plus classes in pharmacology, statistics, computer modeling, biochemistry and criminal justice. The American Academy of Forensic Sciences also recommends English classes as part of the bachelor's program because forensic scientists need strong written and oral communication skills to write reports and testify in court.
Master's Degree
Because a bachelor's degree in forensic science only prepares you for general work, most colleges with the major also offer graduate degrees. During a graduate program, you can choose a specialty, such ballistics, forensic engineering, toxicology or digital and multimedia sciences. In addition to class work, master's candidates hone their practical skills in the laboratory. Many programs include a thesis or thesis option. Researching and writing a thesis helps develop the critical thinking and writing skills needed for a future career. Master's programs also qualify you for promotion to laboratory manager or supervisor.
Doctoral Degree
Some forensic scientists need a doctoral degree related to their field of practice. Specialists in forensic jurisprudence must have a law degree and belong to at least one state bar, according to American Academy of Forensic Sciences. Forensic dentists, whose specialty is called odontology, need a Doctor of Dental Science degree at a minimum. Forensic pathologists and forensic psychiatrists are medical doctors and therefore must have medical degrees. Specialists in forensic anthropology, who study and identify human remains, usually need a Ph.D. in anthropology. A Ph.D. in forensic science qualifies you for a position as a forensic laboratory director or college teacher.
Additional Training
The education of forensic scientists continues after they begin work. Employers train new hires on topics such as molecular biology or biochemistry. They send them to workshops on techniques of analysis, handling of materials and courtroom testimony. After initial training, those who have developed a specialty take continuing education classes to remain up-to-date. For example, criminalists, who analyze and interpret evidence, and forensic engineers must keep up with technical advances.
Certifications
Certification is optional for most types of forensic scientists, but some specialists must have professional credentials. For example, an odontologist needs a dental license, and forensic pathologists and psychiatrists, as medical doctors, must have medical licenses. Voluntary certifications for other forensic scientists are available from the American College of Forensic Examiners, the American Board of Criminalists and the International Association for Identification, or IAI. For example, the IAI offers certifications in various specialties, including bloodstains, crime scenes, forensic photography and latent prints.
Salary Information
Salaries vary significantly depending on many factors, such as level of education, years of experience and type of setting. For example, in 2016 forensic science technicians with a bachelor's degree in the field made a median salary of $56, 750, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Those working for the federal government made the most money with median salaries of $107,810 in 2016; whereas forensic science technicians employed in medical laboratories earned a median salary of $36, 020.
What Is the Work of Forensic Scientist
Source: https://work.chron.com/education-required-become-forensic-scientist-14661.html