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Forensic Science Technician Job Description

Forensic science technicians often go by the title criminalist and have similar job descriptions and educational requirements. Forensic science technicians go to crime scenes and gather physical evidence such as DNA, fibers, hair, fingerprints, bullet casings, bullets, notes/handwriting samples and anything else that can be analyzed in the lab and link a suspect to the victim of the crime. Forensic science techs conduct physical evidence analyses at the lab and use the results to reconstruct the crime scene. Specializations in forensic science include criminalistics, engineering sciences, general, jurisprudence, odontology, anthropology, biology/physiology, psychiatry, document examination, and toxicology.

Employers include local, state and federal run labs as well as privately run laboratories that contract out to government agencies. Some forensic science technicians will hire themselves out as consultants. Typical organizations that hire forensic science technicians are hospitals, universities, police and sheriff departments and toxicology labs. Generally, a work week is 40 hours, but being on-call is not uncommon. Working weekends and holidays may be required during an investigation.

Forensic Science Technician Requirements

A bachelors degree in forensic science, biology, chemistry, criminalistics or a related natural or physical science discipline is required for most positions. College courses should include physics, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, biochemistry and biology with laboratory time. Some labs are moving toward requiring a masters degree in forensic science or criminalistics. Graduate level work will payoff in the long run, opening up opportunities for advancement and higher pay. Entry-level positions generally require a bachelors and some laboratory experience, preferably in a forensic lab environment. Laboratory experience in college course labs or working for a professor in a lab during college can often suffice for the required lab experience. Interning in a forensic lab is the best option. There are no certification requirements for this profession, though certain related professional boards do offer certification programs that can be professionally and personally beneficial.

Forensic Science Technician Salary and Job Outlook

Job growth in the forensics field is projected to grow at an average pace. Since most forensic science technicians work in local, state or federally funded departments, budgets will have an impact on the number of positions open each year. Based on the nature and prevalence of crime across the country, there will be a continued and growing demand for professionals that are formally educated and trained in forensic science. Our research found that median annual salaries are around $37,500 to $45,300 based on location, experience, responsibility, and authority and can actually be much higher.

Forensic Science Technician Related Degree Programs

= Staff Recommended

American InterContinental University:

BSCJ - Forensic Science
Bachelor's - Computer Forensics
Associates in Criminal Justice Administration
BSCJ - Law Enforcement
BSCJ - Special Populations

Ashford University:

BA in Biology
BA in Environmental Sciences
BA in Social Science - Criminal Justice

University of Phoenix Online: University of Phoenix will help thoroughly prepare you for careers in the field of criminal justice. University of Phoenix is the largest private university in the country and is dedicated to their students.

Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice
BS in Criminal Justice
BS in Organizational Security & Management
MS in Administration of Justice and Security

South University: Online

Bachelor's in Criminal Justice - Cyber Crime
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice - Crime Scene Investigation

Upper Iowa University: The University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association. UIU offers open enrollment for their Independent Study Programs (distance learning), which means students can enroll and start taking classes anytime.

BS in Public Administration - Fire Science
BS in Public Administration - Law Enforcement
BS in Public Administration
BS in Criminal Justice

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Colleges Offering Campus Based Forensic Science Degrees 

= Editor's Campus Program Choice

American InterContinental University:

Programs Offered: Bachelor's | Forensic Science.

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South Florida or Dunwoody, GA.

Central Pennsylvania College:

Programs Offered: Certificate | Forensic Criminalistics

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Harrisburg, PA

George Washington University:

Programs Offered: Master's | Forensic Sciences - Security Management, Forensic Sciences - High Technology Crime Investigation

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Washington DC

Albany State University: Offers a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science. This program is accredited by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS).

Bay Path College: Longmeadow, MA, Bay Path College offers a Bachelor's of Science in Forensic Science.

Cedar Crest College: Offers Bachelor of Science Degree Programs in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, and Genetic Engineering and a concentration in Forensic Science. These programs are accredited by the AAFS.

Eastern Kentucky University: Offers a Bachelor's of Science Degree Program in Forensic Science. This program is accredited by the AAFS.

Ohio University: Offers a Bachelor of Science Degree in Forensic Chemistry. This program is accredited by the AAFS.

University of Baltimore: Offers a Bachelor's of Science in Forensic Studies.

University of Mississippi: Offers a Bachelor of Science Degree in Forensic Chemistry. This program is accredited by the AAFS.

University of New Haven: Offers a Bachelor in Forensic Science. This program is accredited by the AAFS.

Virginia Commonwealth University: Offers a Bachelor of Science Degree in Forensic Science. This program is accredited by the AAFS.

West Chester University: Offers a Bachelor of Science Degree Program In Forensic and Toxicological Chemistry. This program is accredited by the AAFS.

West Virginia University: Offers a Bachelor of Science Degree - Forensic and Investigative Science Program. This program is accredited by the AAFS.