How Do I Become a Forensic Scientist?
Forensic science is a challenging and exciting career, but it is essential that aspiring forensic scientists be aware of the requirements for achieving certification and employment. Prospective forensic scientists must have perseverance, curiosity, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently. They should enjoy math and science, considering their work will rely heavily on these two methods of analysis. Additionally, individuals pursuing forensic scientist careers must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills because they will be required to report their findings in written reports and testify in court as expert witnesses.
Training & Education - Resumes - Cover Letters - Internships - Possible Employers - Job Boards
Training & Education
At a minimum, entry-level forensic scientists must have a bachelor's degree in forensic science, biology, chemistry, physics, or physical anthropology. Required college courses include biology, chemistry, physics, pharmacology, quantitative analysis, and statistics. Laboratory experience is valuable for undergraduate students, as is experience with computer programs. Employers will give preference to job applicants who have a background in computer science because they will be able to conduct computerized simulation and modeling, and operate computerized equipment in the lab.
At the undergraduate level, students who want to become forensic scientists do not need to pursue a specialized bachelor's degree. In fact, pursuing a general forensic science degree will allow for greater flexibility in the job market, and provide exposure to many areas of forensic science, thereby making it easier for an individual to discover his or her preferred specialization. What's more, employers generally provide additional training and/or education for new employees with bachelor's degrees. And certainly before a forensic scientist appears in court, he or she will typically receive training in the form of court observation and court practice.
Most colleges and universities that offer an undergraduate degree in forensic science also offer advanced degrees in various specializations. At the graduate level, most students will choose to specialize in one of the subdivisions of forensic science. A PhD in forensic science is only required, however, for advancement to administrative or teaching positions.
While forensic science certification is voluntary, it allows a forensic scientist to demonstrate professional competence in his or her specialty. Certification is available to forensic scientists through non-governmental organizations, such as professional societies or certifying agencies including the International Association for Identification and the American College of Forensic Examiners. The American Board of Criminalistics is just one example of a certifying agency for a specific specialization. All forensic scientists should expect to take continuing education courses in order to maintain certification and to stay apprised of new technology in the field.
Forensic Science Resume
A resume is an essential part of applying for a job as a forensic scientist. It provides the context for the qualifications and experience you will bring to a potential employer. Be sure to customize your resume for each unique position you apply to, and write it with the goal of securing an interview in mind. Here are the steps you should follow when writing your resume:
- Begin your resume with a statement of purpose. This concise sentence should name the company and describe the position to which you are applying.
- Next, include a section that highlights your education and training. Name the academic institutions you have attended, the dates you were enrolled, and your grade point average.
- If you have received professional certification, list them next, and indicate your specialization.
- Next, describe your professional experience. List the positions you have held in chronological order (starting with the most recent). State the company you worked for, the dates of your employment, and provide a thorough yet concise description of your responsibilities.
- Finally, conclude your resume with information about any accomplishments related to the field of forensic science. This may include a role in a college club, a board that you served on, or a publication in which your writing appeared.
Forensic Science Cover Letter
Use your cover letter as an opportunity to formally introduce yourself to the hiring director. A cover letter is similar to a personal letter of introduction, yet it should address and expound on the information included in your resume. It will allow you to frame yourself as a viable candidate for the position, and provide your potential employer with a more in-depth look at your past experience.
A cover letter is typically comprised of three to four brief paragraphs. Follow these steps when writing yours:
- To begin, identify the position you're applying for, and state how you became aware of the job or internship. Use intentional language to demonstrate your knowledge of the position, and clearly identify why you are applying. Your enthusiasm for the position should be evident in the first paragraph.
- Next, demonstrate how your past experiences will help you execute the duties of this position. You may choose to discuss specific responsibilities or key competencies you from your past positions. State how your involvement with the new company will expand upon your past professional experience.
- Briefly summarize your academic qualifications and certifications in the next paragraph.
- Finally, conclude your cover letter with a paragraph describing your wish to continue a conversation with the hiring director about your potential employment. Include your contact information and availability.
Be sure to proofread both your cover letter and resume. Good written communication skills are a basic requirement for most forensic scientist positions, so a cover letter or resume full of grammatical errors will surely reduce the likelihood of your being selected as an intern or hired as an employee.
Forensic Science Internships
If you're an undergraduate hoping to confirm your interest in forensic science, or a graduate student who wants to network with professional forensic scientists, an internship is an ideal opportunity for you. Check with your academic advisor or your school's career office for information regarding local internship opportunities. Also, do not hesitate to contact local forensics agencies for a list of internship opportunities.
Agencies where you might find an internship include police departments, state-operated forensics laboratories, or even federal agencies. In your search, you will most likely find a range of programs. Some will accept applications from students who are just generally interested in the field, while others will only consider applicants who can demonstrate their commitment to pursuing a professional career as a forensic scientist. The following internships are a sampling of what you will encounter:
- The Orange County Sheriff-Coroner Department, Forensic Science Services Division offers internships to applicants who have completed—or are nearly finished completing—a bachelor's degree in natural science or related field.
- The Minnesota Department of Public Safety offers the Epstein-Rhoads Intern Program to undergraduate or graduate students seriously interested in the field of forensic science.
- The FBI Honors Internship Program offers undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to gain an understanding of the careers offered by the FBI. Students need to be fully dedicated to the study of forensics.
- The Westchester County Forensic Laboratory offers an internship where college or high school students who are interested in forensic science are exposed to a number of forensic disciplines.
Possible Employers
Forensic scientists commonly work in labs, at crime scenes, in offices, and in morgues. Most work in crime labs run by city, county or state governments. However, the following federal agencies also employ forensic scientists: the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Secret Service; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms; the U.S. Postal Service; Health and Human Services; and the Criminal Intelligence Agency.
Additionally, forensic scientists may find employment in private forensic labs, medical examiners offices, hospitals, toxicology labs, police departments, medical examiner or coroner offices, colleges and universities, or as independent consultants.
Employment is contingent upon an individual's completion of a background test and passage of a random drug test. Since most forensic scientists work for the government, you will most likely not be hired if you have a criminal record.
Forensic Science Job Boards
There are a number of forensic science job boards available on the Internet. If you are searching for employment as a forensic scientist, peruse the following sites to jumpstart your search:
- The American Academy of Forensic Sciences
- Midwestern Association of Forensic Scientists
- Southwestern Association of Forensic Scientists
- Northeastern Association of Forensic Scientists
- Northwest Association of Forensic Scientists
- Mid-Atlantic Association of Forensic Scientists
- Southern Association of Forensic Scientists
- Forensic Magazine
- The American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors
- Forensic Advisors International
- International Association for Identification
- Society of Forensic Toxicologists Inc.
- National Association of Medical Examiners
- The Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners
Article Resources:
Forensic Scientists: A Career in the Crime Lab
So You Want to Be a Forensic Scientist!
Young Forensic Scientists Forum Newsletter
