Forensic schools owe the increase in their enrollment to movies and television shows like the three different CSI series, NCIS, Bones, and many more. But even before these shows made forensics look glamorous, Sherlock Holmes was already using forensic science in solving crimes in the 1900s.
Forensic scientists apply scientific practices within the confines of the judicial or legal process. They are part of a team that collects and analyzes evidence used in forensic cases. As such, forensic scientists may have one or more areas of expertise. Forensic careers focus on physiological sciences like: forensic pathology, dentistry, anthropology and entomology; Social sciences which include forensic psychology and psychiatry; and, other areas of specialization including fingerprint analysis, forensic accounting, ballistics, body identification, DNA profiling, and cyber technology (information and computer forensics), to name a few.
Forensic scientists work closely with members of law enforcement units like police officers, DEA, FBI and CIA agents, sheriff's deputies, prosecuting and defense attorneys and many more. Careers include but are not limited to:
- Criminalist
- Digital forensic examiner
- Forensic pathologist
- Forensic anthropologist
- Forensic dentist
- Forensic toxicologist
- Forensic engineer
- Document examiner
If you are looking for forensic degrees, the best place to start is with the American Academy of Forensic Sciences or AAFS. It is a professional organization that is committed to the ‘application of science to the law.’ The AAFS is also devoted to promoting forensic education as well as “the elevation of accuracy, precision and specificity in the forensic sciences.’
When you explore the AAFS website at aafs.org, you will find that part of the resources page is on careers in forensics. It has a comprehensive guide containing what you need to know to become a forensic scientist. You can also find a complete resource list with the official websites of the various organizations and institutions that are part of the forensic community.
More importantly, the AAFS website has an entire list of accredited colleges and universities offering various forensic programs. There are undergraduate, graduate and doctoral forensic courses. Online certificate programs are listed in the AAFS site as well.
Here are some of the schools offering forensic degrees:
- Cedar Crest College in Pa. Full accreditation (five-year term) for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, and Genetic Engineering with a concentration in Forensic Science
- Albany State University in Ga. Full accreditation (five-year term) for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Forensic Science
- Anne Arundel Community College in Maryland. Associate’s Degree in Forensic Science Technology/Studies
- Everest College in Arizona. Associate of Applied Science Degree in Criminal Investigations
There are many more colleges and universities that offer forensic education not listed on the AAFS website, like Hamline University College in Minnesota. Hamline has a Forensic Science Certificate under the College of Liberal Arts. Use the web to search for schools near you that can provide you with a forensics career.
Forensic science is an exciting field of study if you are a highly methodical individual who values accuracy and precision. There are many forensic schools all over the country. Choose one that is accredited by the AAFS to ensure that you get the best forensic education. Who knows, you may just be the next CSI star like Grissom or the future Sherlock Holmes.
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