Careers: How to Become a Forensic Scientist

A forensic scientist studies the messy details of a crime by analyzing evidences like blood sprays, spent shell casings, counterfeited signature, etc. This job is particularly important in identifying criminals. Forensic scientists are experts on different field of sciences including odontology, toxicology, document analysis, firearms and DNA analysis. This job is pretty popular, especially in crime movies where forensic scientists conduct investigations on DNA and chemicals. Most of the time, people are curious on how to become a forensic scientist.

To become a forensic scientist, an individual should have a post high school degree from an accredited academic institution. According to the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science, having an associate’s degree is not enough. An individual aspiring to become a forensic scientist should also have advanced bachelor degrees in natural or applied science. An extensive knowledge and study on these sciences are pre-requisites to acquiring certification or accreditation as a forensic scientist. Secondary trainings can be taken from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and or the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Individuals with criminal justice degree may choose to take up a few courses on forensic science to broaden their knowledge on criminal case analysis. The criminal justice degree itself is a four-year course on criminal justice, criminal procedure, criminal law, court systems, etc. With a wider knowledge on forensic science, a criminal lawyer can straightforwardly understand all forensic evidences presented.

There are basically five major areas in forensic science.

• Forensic Chemistry – the investigation of non substance evidences in crime scenes. These are usually, paint, chemicals, glass, liquids, etc.
• Forensic Biology – focuses more on DNA testing and analysis. Using tiny specimens like hair contacts, blood, etc, the source of DNA is identified.
• Documents Examination – the investigation of documents and writing to identify the source of the handwriting. This also assesses printers, fax machines, and lottery tickets.
• Firearms Examination – an analysis and matching of guns and bullets. Most firearms examiners have different backgrounds but usually finished a degree related to physics or engineering.
• Forensic Toxicology – the analysis of body fluids to identify the level of alcohol or drugs present in the body. This further determines the effect of the toxins on a person.

Many individuals are interested on how to become a forensic scientist not just because of fame and career adventure but also because of the salary. The payscale for Forensic Scientists differs, depending on the nature of work. For example, a crime lab director may earn up to $58,000 annually; but an assistant chief toxicologist can earn as much as $100,356 every year.

just like any other job employments,particular academic requirements on how to become a forensic are required. whether or not you have a criminal justice degree or any related degree, you may still take up some courses on forensic science. Becoming a forensic scientist is not easy as an individual must be very excellent in different sciences. But once you are already employed as a forensic scientist, you can receive a payscale between $50,000 – $100,000 or more, depending on the nature of your work.