Education and Training

A forensic science degree can take two years for an associate levels degree or four for a bachelor’s. As with most careers, a higher level forensic science degree will increase your likelihood of finding employment within the field. Coursework required to complete a forensic science degree includes DNA analysis, firearm examination techniques, and testing for various types of substances on evidence.

Employment Opportunities

Earning a forensic science degree will put you in the position to be employed as a biological technician or a forensic science technician.

As a biological technician, your job is to study living organisms. With the education you receive while earning your forensic science degree, you may splice genes and perform other experiments with DNA in order to create new products for pharmaceutical companies.

As a forensic science technician, you will play a role in investigating criminal activity by collecting and then examining physical evidence. You may specialize in just one are of forensics, such as DNA analysis or the examination of firearm activity. If the case comes to trial, you will also be called upon to testify about your collection and examination techniques.

Job Outlook and Salary

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for individuals with a forensic science degree are expected to grow faster than the average occupation over the next several years. As methods used to solve crimes become more advanced, the forensic scientists will be required more often in order to help but criminals behind bars. According to the Bureau, the median hourly wage of a forensic scientist was $21.16 in May 2004. Those choosing to be biological technicians earned a median hourly wage of $15.97.

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