Analyzing evidence at a crime scene such as fingerprints, blood, semen and other typical items, is the job of a forensic scientist. It is crucial that the justice system be able to confirm the relevance of that evidence to the suspect's innocence or guilt in the court of law. Forensic scientists are an important factor in determining innocence or guilt when presenting evidence and testifying to their conclusions in court. read more [+]
Not only does the forensic scientist analyze and collect data from the scene of the crime, it is also their responsibility to reconstruct bones and crime scenes to create a better understanding of the events and chronology of the crime scene.
Browse our Forensic Science schools by State:
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Argosy University
Master
Master of Arts (MA) in Forensic Psychology
Arizona, California, Virginia, Florida, Colorado, Minnesota, Texas, Georgia, Utah
Kaplan University International
Bachelor
BSA/Auditing-Forensic Accountancy, BSIT/ Information Security and Forensics, BSCJ/Forensic Psychology
Online School
Rasmussen College
Bachelor
Criminal Justice Bachelor Degree - Criminal Offenders (Online Only), Criminal Justice Bachelor - Criminal Offenders
Minnesota, Wisconsin, Florida, North Dakota
The Chicago School
Master, Certificate
M.A. in Forensic Psychology - Sex Offenders, M.A. in Forensic Psychology - Corrections, M.A. in Forensic Psychology - Child Protection, Certificate in Applied Forensic Psychology , MA in Applied Forensic Psychology, ..
Illinois, Online School, District of Columbia
Other responsibilities include the preservation of evidence, submission of written reports, courtroom testimony, and sharing their findings with attorney and law officials during the deposition and discovery process.
Even entry-level jobs as a forensic scientist require the candidate to have a four-year degree in biology, chemistry, genetics, or similar field. Study in criminal justice and law would also enhance the candidate's application. Starting salaries for a newly graduated forensic scientist begin at $24,000 per year; however, if the candidate has previously worked in a lab environment or has other relevant experience, their salary can be as much as $36,000 per year, or more. More experienced forensic scientists earn at least $35,000 per year and as much as $55,000. Forensic scientists employed by the government usually work a standard forty-hour week, although an increase in cases and deadlines can occasionally require overtime.