There are primarily two separate distinctions of forensic scientists: those who work in the field as crime scene investigators and those who work within laboratories as forensic science technicians. Quite often, the latter of these professionals investigates and analyzes the information provided to them from within the field by the former of these professionals. Since there are two different types of these forensic scientists, there are multiple ways to go about becoming one (
Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Crime Scene Investigators
The vast majority of forensic scientists who work as crime scene investigators make their way into this profession by first obtaining a job as a police officer. Typically, the minimum education requirements to gain an entry-level position in a police department mandates that candidates have at least a high school diploma or some form of equivalency. Additionally, candidates for police officer positions must also attend and graduate specialized training at a police academy. Once candidates have successfully become police officers, they may choose to focus their career on working towards becoming a uniformed forensic scientist (
BLS).
Non-Uniformed Crime Scene Investigators
It is also possible for candidates to become a crime scene investigator without working as a police officer. People hoping to pursue this path towards being a forensic scientist typically need a bachelor’s degree in a field of science, preferably forensic science although focus in some other area of natural science will oftentimes work as well. After earning these degrees, candidates are qualified to apply for positions as non-uniformed forensic scientists at law enforcement agencies.
Additionally, candidates should note that smaller and more rural law enforcement agencies will occasionally higher candidates for non-uniformed forensic science positions with just a high school diploma or equivalent (
BLS).
Forensic Science Technicians
The vast majority of forensic science technicians work within crime labs. In order to be eligible for this position, candidates typically need a bachelor’s degree in science, either forensic science, chemistry, biology, or some other natural science. The coursework for forensic science bachelor degree programs can be intense, and covers disparate areas of math and science. Once candidates have earned a bachelor’s degree, they are eligible to apply for positions within law enforcement agencies for forensic science technicians who specialize in crime laboratory work. Students are encouraged to find out additional information about
what forensic science school is like. There is a significant amount of on the job training that needs to be performed for both types of forensic scientists before candidates are awarded the degree of autonomy afforded to established professionals in this field (
BLS).
