Degree Needed to Get Into Forensics in the FBI

by Clayton Browne

Forensic science is a broad discipline that includes specialists from all of the life sciences as well physics, materials science and computer science. This means someone who wants to work in a forensics lab can come from a variety of academic backgrounds. Most major forensic labs, including the FBI crime lab, even hire esoteric specialists such as handwriting analysts and entomologists.

Forensic Science Degree

A bachelor's degree in forensic science is the most obvious path to a job in a forensic lab. Coursework typically includes biology, general chemistry, analytical chemistry, anatomy, criminal justice, anthropology and psychology. Graduates with a degree in forensic science can find entry-level positions as lab analysts or crime scene or fingerprint technicians. Or, they can go back to school to earn graduate degrees in forensic science or other specialized fields. According to the FBI Careers - Laboratory Division website, the "most useful educational background" is forensic science, especially if you have a heavy concentration in chemistry of biology.

Chemistry/Analytical Chemistry Degree

Chemistry or analytical chemistry degrees are also good educational backgrounds for someone who wants to work at the FBI crime lab. Toxicology and materials science are two subfields of chemistry that are important in modern forensic science. Dale Nute, a faculty member at Florida State University's School of Criminology & Criminal Justice, writes on the university's website that "the best degree overall (for crime lab analysts) is chemistry." Many senior crime lab analysts have a master's degree or a Ph.D.

Biology/Botany/Zoology Degree

Biology, botany and zoology are all useful degrees for those interested in working in a forensic lab. With a background in one of these disciplines, you can identify a seed or piece of leaf to place a suspect at a specific location, or determine how long a body has been decaying based on insect spoor. Many of these specialists will also have one or more graduate degrees.

Physical Anthropology Degree

Some forensic scientists have a background in physical anthropology. Physical anthropology involves the study of the evolutionary changes in human body structure and the classification of modern races. Many of the measuring and descriptive techniques used in physical anthropology are also used in forensic science. Physical anthropologists can glean a great deal of information from human skeletal remains, including identifying the victim and the cause of death.

2016 Salary Information for Forensic Science Technicians


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