Forensic Science Colleges

Finding the Right School for your Education

There are many forensic science colleges to choose from given the increasing popularity of this major. Colleges and universities are adding forensic science programs to their curriculum in order to meet this growing demand.

The field of forensic science is broad and offers a wide array of career opportunities. You could find yourself working in public and private forensic laboratories, as a police investigator, medical examiner or coroners offices as well as state and federal agencies. The media can give the impression that one person does it all, but as a forensic scientist you will either specialize for work in the field or in the laboratory. You will also work closely with an entire group of professionals, from police to medical examiners.

Those with a four year college degree and courses completed in chemistry, criminology, sociology and psychology will have many choices ahead of them. Like in any field, a master’s or a doctorate degree will lead to more job opportunities and career advancement options.

Most forensic science colleges have study programs that incorporate physical science, criminal investigation and the law to provide an entire picture of the process. Programs in this field will make you familiar with major components of the criminal justice system, protocols for investigation and collection of evidence as well as crime scene evaluation and subsequent presentation in court.

For most colleges the core requirements of the program include topics such as crime scene and death investigation, DNA technology, forensic biochemistry, forensic comparative science, legal issues and forensic science, foundations and fundamental of digital evidence as well as forensic analytical chemistry and trace analysis.

Forensic science programs at most institutions are interdisciplinary, spanning content areas such as biology, chemistry, physics, criminal justice, psychology and law and legal studies. The size of the class and the amount of individual attention you will receive varies between colleges. Make sure you research class-faculty ratio and the type of instructional methods and teaching philosophy implemented at your school of choice. There are benefits of any instructional model – the question really depends on the individual. Find a school that best fits your learning style and preference.

You will find that a large number of forensic science colleges will partner with the local police departments, with the goal of proving both theoretical and applied coursework. When selecting a school, see if such a partnership exists as this will provide a unique learning experience with law enforcement and scientific personnel. It will also give you a chance to test the profession and see real career professionals in action.

If you decide to pursue a career in forensic science, regardless of the forensic science college you chose you will need to take many science courses, spend long hours in the lab, use scientific physical evidence and be ready to keep up with developing technologies. You will need to excel in chemistry, math and be very detailed oriented and analytical to succeed in this major and later, in this type of career.

When selecting a college make sure you find out if the college is strong in the sciences, has courses in your area of interest, has labs that are equipped with the latest technology as well as if hands-on training in using the instruments of forensic science is provided. As mentioned earlier, find out if the school partners with local police departments and if you will receive help in finding internships so you can get on the job training and apply your knowledge.

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