In May 2021, the median annual wages for forensic science technicians in the top industries in which they worked were as follows: Percent change in employment, projected 2021-31, Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. You will need a university degree to become a forensic scientist. The highest paying states for forensic science technicians are the following (May 2021): However, these are not necessarily the highest employing states for these forensics professionals, a factor roughly correlating with state population size (May 2021): Finally, good news for Californians: four of the top-five highest-paying metropolitan areas are located in the Golden State (May 2020): For more information, please visit the forensic scientist salary page. For most profiles, this tab has a table with wages in the major industries employing the occupation. Because this is a small occupation, its fast growth is expected to result in only about 2,000 new jobs over the projections decade. New hires typically work alongside an experienced forensic professional to learn the ins and outs of the job. On-the-job training is typically required, bothfor both those who investigate crime scenes and for those who work in labs. Rural and homeless populations and people with disabilities are among disadvantaged groups premedical students can serve. This internship would help you network with experts in forensic science and would give you a firsthand look into the investigatory process. Some employers, though, require an advanced degree, such as a master's degree . To pursue your career as a Forensic Scientist, you need to first start with a bachelor's degree in this field such as BSc Forensic Science. of people to make informed decisions about their education. This investigation includes a urinalysis test for illegal drug use, credit and records checks, in-depth interviews with former and current colleagues, neighbors, friends, professors, etc. Detail oriented. On-the-job training is usually required both for those who investigate crime scenes and for those who work in labs. Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians collect samples and perform tests to analyze body fluids, tissue, and other substances. Arizona State University offers an online bachelor of science degree in forensic science teaching students about interpreting evidence and solving crimes using the latest technology. How did it become one of the most popular shows on television? 10 Things to Do Your First Week of College, Analyze crime scenes and collect evidence, Diligently record information and observations at crime scenes, Document and photograph crime scenes and evidence, Perform various biological and chemical tests on evidence, Collaborate with professionals in other fields such as odontologists and toxicologists. Some colleges and universities even have a specific forensic science degree program. Special Agents serve in assignments around the globe - even aboard Navy vessels. Critical-thinking skills. There are no legal requirements for certification or licensure for forensic scientists in most cases. In the UK, becoming a forensic pathologist involves the most rigorous training out of all three roles outlined in step 1. Do you have good logic and reasoning skills? On-the-job training is typically required, both for both those who investigate crime scenes and for those who work in labs. In rare cases, the hiring process can extend past nine months. For example, the American Board of Forensic Toxicologys (ABFT) five-year specialist certification calls for official transcripts; a recent passport-style photograph; three professional references; proof of three years of experience; a $150 application fee; and passing a comprehensive exam. A challenging and rewarding adventure awaits you at NCIS. The ideal candidate for the position of Special Agent will have at a minimum a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university, as well as at least three years' work experience in law enforcement, criminal investigations, and intelligence-related fields. The largest employers of forensic science technicians were as follows: Forensic science technicians may have to work outside in all types of weather, spend many hours in laboratories and offices, or do some combination of both. Forensic Scientists also identify the unknown objects and substances that may provide important information about the crime. A career in forensic science requires both academic preparation and training specific to becoming a forensic scientist. As wages tend to vary by region, experience, education, and other factors, the BLS provides a salary range breakdown for forensic science technicians. Credentials can vary widely because standards and regulations vary considerably from one jurisdiction to another. If you opt for a forensic science degree, you may choose between concentrations such as toxicology, DNA or pathology, etc. While theres not a single path toward becoming a forensic scientist, youll need to secure at least a bachelors degree, preferably aforensic science degreeorbiology degree. Are Special Agents required to attend formalized training? The median annual wage for forensic science technicians was $61,930 in May 2021. Special agent applicants are required to fully disclose all physical and psychological medical history to the designated Federal medical officer. If you want to opt for a specialized discipline in forensic science, then you will have to get advanced education. A list of schools that offer degrees in forensic science is available from the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. Understanding the requirements of being a forensic scientist can help you determine if the career is right for you. Is prior military or law enforcement experience a prerequisite? Forensic Scientist Salary and Career Outlook, How to Know if You Would Enjoy a Job as a Forensic Scientist Field. How is your first duty assignment decided? programs are more flexible and manageable, but students may feel excluded from some opportunities. For example, the University of Florida (UF) offers four distinct 15-credit, online graduate certificates in forensic science: death investigation, toxicology, drug chemistry, and DNA & serology. B-school applicants should consider a mix of schools with different levels of selectivity. Forensic anthropology is a sub-field of physical anthropology that applies anatomical sciences to law. The employment, or size, of this occupation in 2021, which is the base year of the 2021-31 employment projections. Hearing loss, as measured by an audiometer, must not exceed 35 decibels at 1000, 2000, and 3000 Hz levels. "Individuals should not get into this field to 'put bad guys away' it should be just as rewarding to assist in exonerating someone who has been wrongfully accused," Zannin, who earned a master's degree in forensic science from Syracuse University, wrote in an email. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. O*NET (2022)a reputable data organization sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labordetails some of the common job responsibilities for these professionals. They identify human remains, interpret trauma and how it occurred and provide an estimation of how long deceased a subject may be. Similar to many BS programs in forensics, UT provides a rigorous mix of laboratory experience and classes such as forensic chemistry; molecular biology; genetics; organic chemistry; forensic toxicology; introduction to criminal justice; biochemistry; and introduction to forensic research. Obtain A-level qualifications Boston Universitys (BU) School of Medicine hosts a FEPAC-accredited master of science (MS) in biomedical forensic sciences, one of the premier graduate programs of its kind in the country. Made up of 60 credits, the program includes courses such as human behavior in criminal justice; criminal investigation; introduction to criminal justice; forensic science; crime scene technology; basic fingerprinting; biotechnology methods and applications; and general chemistry & qualitative analysis. When applying for aSpecial Agent position with NCIS, individuals are required to submit the following documents: An official website of the United States government. "It's all about traceable, detailed investigations to solve a problem or solve a crime," says Catherine Jordan, who has a Ph.D. degree in organic chemistry and spent nine years working as a forensic scientist. Earning a Ph.D. from a U.S. grad school typically requires nearly six years, federal statistics show. This certification is also offered at the diplomatic level to those with relevant doctoral degrees and at least three years of experience. In addition to working on the crime scene and the lab, forensic scientists also make frequent visits to the court for testifying. Is a bachelors degree a requirement to apply? Coordinate with labs and other experts to analyze evidence. Forensic science technicians typically need at least a bachelors degree. The forensic science associate degree prepares students for employment as forensic identification specialists. How Long Does it Take to Become a Forensic Scientist? Therefore, if you plan on becoming a forensic scientist, you are advised to research into all the requirements relevant to it. Special Agent mobility is necessary to accomplish the agency's mission and helps support individual career development. Multiple physical, biological and chemical analyses are carried out on these samples to figure out how a particular crime was carried out. Job Outlook She also worked as an addiction specialist for two years in San Francisco. Beyond factors such as cost and degree program format, ask yourself critical questions about your professional goals. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and/or hiring process, please notify the Equal Employment Opportunity Office by e-mail at NCISEEOContact@ncis.navy.mil. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. But that median income only tells part of the storya forensic scientists location, experience, and specific role can significantly impact how much they earn. Special Agents travel the globe and may even be stationed aboard a ship.