My Career Forensic Scientist

About O Forensic science is the scientific

method of gathering and examining information about the past. This is especially important in law enforcement where forensics is done in relation to criminal or civil law,but forensics are also carried out in other fields, such as astronomy, archaeology, biology and geology to investigate ancient times.

How many years does it take? O Associates Degree in Forensic ScienceO TraditionalO 1 and 1/2 years with a maxed-out class load – super-full-time: at or

above 16 creditsO 2 years is the norm – usually full time: 12 credits or moreO 2 and 1/2 years, or more – usually part time: below 12 creditsO OnlineO 1 to 2 years depending on the school – usually you can’t manipulate

the program to go faster or slower – but, there are exceptions to this ruleO Bachelors Degree in Forensic ScienceO TraditionalO 3 and 1/2 to 4 years with a maxed-out class load – super-full-time: at

or above 16 creditsO 4 to 4 and 1/2 years is the norm – usually full time: 12 credits or

moreO 5 and 1/2 years, or more – usually part time: below 12 creditsO OnlineO 2 and 1/2 to 4 years depending on the school – usually you can’t

manipulate the program to go faster or slower – but, there are exceptions to this general rule

O Masters Degree in Forensic Science

How many years does it take? Continued…

O Masters Degree in Forensic Science

O TraditionalO 1 and 1/2 to 2 and 1/2 years with a maxed-out class load – super-full-time: this may

depend on the school, prior permission may be requiredO 2 to 3 and 1/2 years is the norm – usually full time: may depend on the schoolO 4 to 5 years , or more – usually part time: this may depend on the school, prior

permission may be requiredO OnlineO 1 and 1/2 to 3 years depending on the school – usually you can’t manipulate the

program to go faster or slower – but, there are exceptions to this rule

O PhD / Doctorate Degree in Forensic Science

O TraditionalO 2 and 1/2 to 3 and 1/2 – with a Masters degree in certain desirable science based

programs and/or Forensic Science degree: prior permission to take on higher class load may be required, usually having an advanced degree (MS in Forensic Science) expedites the fast track – not all schools work this way, so it’s always wise to make sure before you start.

O 4 to 6 years is the norm – usually full time: the length of the degree may depend on the school

O 6 to 7 years, or more – usually part time or a class at a time: colleges and universities often cap their PhD program at 5-6 year mark, prior permission may be required

O OnlineO 2 and 1/2 to 4 years depending on the school – usually you won’t be able to

manipulate the program to go faster or slower – but, there are may be exceptions

Classes you need to take?

O Biology, genetics, biochemistry, molecular genetics, toxicology and entomology

O Organic chemistry, physical chemistry and analytical chemistry

O Natural sciences, anthropology and criminal justice

O Master- or Ph.D.-level training in dentistry, medicine, anthropology or entomology

How much they makeO A May 2009 Bureau of Labor Statistics report shows the median hourly

wages for forensic science technicians was $26.47.O Industry And Hourly WagesO Local Government (OES Designation) $26.38O State Government (OES Designation) $25.51O Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories $27.43O Federal Executive Branch (OES Designation) $44.28O Architectural, Engineering, andO Related Services $28.52O How much does a forensic scientist make per year?O The median yearly salary for forensic science technicians according to a

May 2009 Bureau of Labor Statistics report was $55,070.O Industry And Annual WagesO Local Government (OES Designation) $54,880O State Government (OES Designation) $53,070O Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories $57,060O Federal Executive Branch (OES Designation) $92,100

Good colleges to go toSchool Name Distinction Location

Boston University Only graduate forensics program offered through a school of medicine's anatomy department

Boston, MA

Drexel University Offers forensics graduate program for science majors and a master's for working professionals without a science background

Philadelphia, PA

George Washington University Master's degrees in crime scene investigation and high technology crime investigation

Washington, D.C.

Michigan State University Three concentrations in forensic anthropology, forensic biology and forensic chemistry offered

East Lansing, MI

Ohio University - Main Campus The oldest forensic chemistry program in the country

Athens, OH

Pennsylvania State University - Main Campus

Offers forensic science workshop and short course series

University Park, PA

Syracuse University Features Dialogues in Forensic Science program

Syracuse, NY

State University of New York at Albany

The DNA Academy at the Northeast Regional Forensic Institute is located at this university

Albany, NY

University of California - Davis Forensic science students won a national grant award in 2011

Davis, CA

Virginia Commonwealth University

Lab courses taught in the state of Virginia's Department of Forensic Science Lab

Richmond, VA

BibliographyO "Top Forensic Science Colleges in the U.S." Education Portal. N.p., n.d.

Web. 10 Mar. 2014. http://education-portal.com/top_forensic_science_colleges.html

O "How Much Money Does a Forensic Science Career Pay a Year?." Chron. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Mar. 2014. http://work.chron.com/much-money-forensic-science-career-pay-year-2500.html

O "What College Classes Do You Take to Become a Forensic Scientist?." Gobalpost. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Mar. 2014. http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/college-classes-become-forensic-scientist-15589.html

O "Forensic Science Training." Criminal JusticeDegree, College and Career Blog . N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Mar. 2014. http://criminaljusticeonlineblog.com/11/how-long-does-it-take-to-get-a-degree-in-forensic-science/