What is forensic science?

Forensic science is the application of natural sciences to matters of the law. In practice, forensic science draws upon physics, chemistry, biology, and other scientific principles and methods. Forensic science is concerned with the recognition, identification, individualization, and evaluation of physical evidence. Forensic scientists present their findings as expert witnesses in the court of law.

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What are the subdisciplines in forensic science?

Forensic science is a broad umbrella term. Forensic scientists are often involved in the search for and examination of physical evidence. This physical evidence is useful for establishing or excluding an association between a suspect of a crime and the scene of the crime and/or the victim(s) or between the victim(s) and the crime scene. The scientist will sometimes visit the scene to determine the sequence of events, any indicators as to who the perpetrator might be, and to join in the search for evidence. Forensic scientists can appear for the prosecution or defense in criminal matters, and plaintiff or defendant in civil ones. They present their findings and opinions in written form either as formal statements of evidence or reports. Most often, they are required to attend court to present their findings in person. Most professionals specialize in just one specific area rather than handling every type of evidence. 

 

The following is a general listing of sub-disciplines and associated examinations:

1. Biological Sciences (DNA & Life)

• Forensic Biology / DNA Analysis: The examination of biological materials like blood, saliva, and hair to generate DNA profiles for identification.

• Forensic Serology: The detection and identification of body fluids (identifying what a fluid is before DNA testing is done).

• Forensic Entomology: The study of insects on decomposing remains to estimate the "Time Since Death" (Post-Mortem Interval).

2. Chemical Sciences (Substances & Materials)

• Forensic Toxicology: Determining if drugs, alcohol, or poisons are present in a human body (often assisting the Medical Examiner).

• Seized Drug Analysis (Forensic Chemistry): Identifying illegal substances found at crime scenes (e.g., testing a white powder to see if it is cocaine or flour).

• Trace Evidence: The analysis of microscopic materials transferred during a crime, such as paint chips, glass shards, fibers, gunshot residue (GSR), or soil.

• Arson & Explosives: Analyzing fire debris to identify accelerants (like gasoline) or determining the chemical makeup of explosive devices.

3. Pattern & Impression Evidence (Visual Matching)

• Latent Prints (Fingerprints): Developing and comparing fingerprints, palm prints, and footprints found at crime scenes.

• Firearms & Toolmarks (Ballistics): Examining bullets and cartridge cases to determine if they were fired from a specific gun, as well as matching marks left by tools (like a screwdriver used to pry open a window).

• Questioned Documents: Analyzing handwriting, ink, paper, and alterations to detect forgeries in wills, checks, or ransom notes.

4. Medical & Anthropological (The Human Body)

• Forensic Pathology: Performed by Medical Examiners (MDs); involves conducting autopsies to determine the cause and manner of death.

• Forensic Anthropology: The study of skeletal remains to determine identity (age, sex, ancestry) or analyze trauma to bones.

• Forensic Odontology: Using dental records to identify human remains or analyzing bite marks.

• Forensic Nursing: Specialized nurses (SANE) trained to collect evidence from victims of sexual assault or violence.

5. Digital & Multimedia

• Digital Forensics: Recovering data from computers, smartphones, and hard drives (e.g., recovering deleted texts or tracking location history).

• Forensic Audio/Video: Enhancing and analyzing surveillance footage or audio recordings to identify suspects or clarify events.

6. Specialized & Behavioral

• Forensic Engineering: Investigating structural failures (like a bridge collapse) or reconstructing automobile accidents to determine fault.

• Forensic Psychology/Psychiatry: Assessing a suspect's competency to stand trial or providing criminal profiles (though profiling is less common than Hollywood suggests).

Where can I get information about forensic science?

General forensic information can be found in several locations in your local library. There are also many Internet sites that have information about forensic science. Reedy's Forensic Home Page at www.forensicpage.com is an organized site for specific links. Informational links for common disciplines and careers in forensic science can also be found there.

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What courses should I take in high school to prepare for a career in forensic science?

To prepare for a career in forensic science, you should prioritize a strong foundation in laboratory sciences and mathematics. Forensic science is the application of scientific methods to legal problems, so your high school curriculum should mirror the rigorous coursework you will eventually encounter in a university science program. Here is a breakdown of the essential courses to take, categorized by subject.

1. Core Sciences (The Most Important)

Forensic science degrees are essentially applied science degrees. You need to be comfortable in a lab setting.

• Chemistry (Essential): This is arguably the most critical science for forensics. You will need to understand chemical properties to analyze drugs, toxicology reports, and trace evidence (like paint or explosives). Take AP Chemistry if available.

• Biology: Vital for DNA profiling, serology (blood analysis), and understanding human anatomy.

• Physics: Crucial for understanding ballistics (bullet trajectories), blood spatter analysis, and the physical properties of evidence (like glass fracture patterns).

2. Mathematics

You will use math to analyze data and probabilities.

• Statistics: Highly recommended. Forensic scientists must often testify about the probability that a piece of evidence matches a suspect (e.g., "The likelihood of this DNA profile occurring by chance is 1 in a billion").

• Calculus: Many university forensic programs require at least one semester of calculus. Taking Pre-Calculus or Calculus in high school will give you a significant head start.

3. Communication & Writing

Forensic scientists do not just work in labs; they must communicate their findings clearly to juries, lawyers, and judges who may not have a science background.

• English Composition / Technical Writing: You must be able to write clear, concise, and unbiased laboratory reports.

• Public Speaking / Speech: You may eventually be called to testify in court as an expert witness. You need the ability to speak confidently and clearly under pressure.

4. Helpful Electives

If your high school offers them, these courses provide excellent context for the field:

• Computer Science / IT: Digital forensics (cybercrime) is one of the fastest-growing subfields.

• Psychology: Useful for understanding criminal profiles and the "whys" of human behavior.

• Law / Criminal Justice: Helps you understand the legal system, chain of custody, and how evidence is used in court.

• Foreign Language: In many jurisdictions, being bilingual is a significant asset for communicating with a wider range of victims and witnesses.

 

You may also want to consider doing an internship in a crime laboratory to gain experience in the forensic application of science and to determine if forensic science is right for you. Contact the laboratory you are interested in working for to find out further details. 

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What type of education do I need to start a career in forensic science?

The minimum acceptable training is a Bachelors degree in forensic science, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, medical technology, or in a closely related field which must have included or been supplemented by twenty credit hours in chemistry. Ideally, your coursework should include the following: microscopy, statistics, and laboratory work.
 

While requirements vary by specific job title, here is the educational hierarchy you will encounter.

1. The Minimum Requirement: Bachelor's Degree

For 90% of entry-level jobs (like Forensic Scientist, DNA Analyst, or Drug Chemist), you need a 4-year degree.

• Preferred Majors: Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, or a FEPAC-accredited Forensic Science degree.

• Crucial Note: A degree in Criminal Justice is usually insufficient for laboratory positions. It is a social science, not a natural science, and does not provide the necessary lab hours.

2. The "Coursework" Requirement

It is not just about the diploma title; it is about the transcript. Crime labs look for specific coursework to ensure you meet federal quality standards (like the FBI's DNA standards).

• Must-Have Classes: General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biology, Statistics, and Physics.

• Lab Experience: You must have extensive hands-on experience in a university laboratory. Online science degrees are often rejected because they lack this practical training.

3. Advanced Degrees (Master’s / PhD)

• Master’s Degree (M.S.): Not required for entry-level jobs, but helpful for promotion to management (Supervisor or Technical Leader) later in your career.

• Doctorate (PhD/MD): Only required for highly specialized roles like Forensic Anthropology (PhD), Forensic Pathology (Medical Degree), or Forensic Psychology (PhD/PsyD).

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The following website contains additional information about educational requirements for a career in Forensic Science and Crime Scene Investigation: 

https://www.criminaljustice.com/online-degrees/bachelors-in-forensic-science/

https://www.criminaljustice.com/online-degrees/bachelors-in-crime-scene-investigation/

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Which schools offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in forensic science?

When looking for a university, the most important keyword you need to know is FEPAC (Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission). This is the "gold standard" for forensic science education. While many colleges offer "forensic" degrees, FEPAC-accredited programs have been rigorously vetted to ensure their curriculum meets the high scientific standards required by crime labs and federal agencies (like the FBI). Below is a list of highly regarded universities with FEPAC-accredited undergraduate (Bachelor of Science) programs, categorized by region to help you search.

 

East Coast

• Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) – University Park, PA

• West Virginia University (WVU) – Morgantown, WV​

• John Jay College of Criminal Justice (CUNY) – New York, NY​

• Towson University – Towson, MD​

• University of New Haven – West Haven, CT​

South

• Texas A&M University – College Station, TX​

• University of Central Florida (UCF) – Orlando, FL​

• Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) – Richmond, VA​

• University of Mississippi ("Ole Miss") – Oxford, MS​

Midwest

• Loyola University Chicago – Chicago, IL​

• Bowling Green State University – Bowling Green, OH​

• Indiana University Indianapolis (IUI) – Indianapolis, IN​

West Coast

• San Jose State University – San Jose, CA​
   

If you cannot attend one of these specific schools, do not worry. Many lab directors actually prefer students who major in a pure science (like Chemistry or Biology) and simply take electives in criminal justice.

• Option A (Forensic Degree): You graduate with a "BS in Forensic Science." (Best if you go to a FEPAC school).

• Option B (Pure Science Degree): You graduate with a "BS in Chemistry" or "BS in Biology." (This is often a safer bet if the college is not FEPAC accredited, as it keeps your career options open for other industries like pharmaceuticals or medicine).
   

For a list and links to individual schools, please refer to the colleges and universities list on the American Academy of Forensic Science Web site, www.aafs.org, Reedy's Forensic Home Page at www.forensicpage.com, www.criminaljustice.com  or ForensicsColleges.com.

 

What major should I choose ?

This is the most common dilemma for students entering the field. The best major for you depends on whether you want the safest route to employment or the most specialized training. The majority of positions within a crime lab require a bachelor's degree in a physical science. Some universities offer a degree in Forensic Science. However, if the university you are attending does not offer such a program there are other majors you can consider. The major that you choose should reflect the forensic discipline in which you wish to work. For example, drug analysts should have a degree with a concentration in chemistry, while DNA analysts should have an emphasis on molecular biology. If you want to work in forensic DNA analysis, you must have coursework in molecular biology, statistics, genetics, and biochemistry. While Forensic Science degrees are not required, most provide a curriculum that includes ancillary courses that are helpful in the career. These include criminal law, courtroom procedures, and expert testimony courses.

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1. Chemistry or Biology

Most lab directors prefer these degrees because they ensure you have the hard science background to survive a rigorous court cross-examination.

• Chemistry (Best Overall Versatility):

  • Why: It qualifies you for the widest range of forensic disciplines: Toxicology (drugs), Arson, Explosives, and Trace Evidence (paint/glass).

  • Bonus: If you cannot find a job in a crime lab immediately, a chemistry degree allows you to easily work in pharmaceuticals or environmental testing while you wait.

• Biology (Best for DNA):

  • Why: Essential if you want to be a DNA Analyst. You must ensure your coursework includes the "Big 4": Genetics, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Statistics.

  • Bonus: It keeps the door open for medical school or genetic counseling.

2. Forensic Science (B.S.)

A degree specifically in "Forensic Science" can be excellent, but it carries a risk.

• The Risk: Some colleges offer "Forensic Science" degrees that are actually just Criminal Justice degrees with a few science classes added. These are often rejected by crime labs because they lack scientific rigor.

• The Solution: You must choose a program accredited by FEPAC (Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission). If the degree is FEPAC-accredited, employers know it meets the high scientific standards required for hiring.

3. Computer Science

If you are interested in Digital Forensics (cybercrime), do not major in Biology or Chemistry.

• The Path: Major in Computer Science or Cybersecurity.

• Why: You need to understand coding, operating systems, and file structures at a deep level to recover deleted data or track hackers. A general "Forensics" degree will not teach you this.

 

Avoid majoring in Criminal Justice if you want to work in a laboratory. Criminal Justice is a social science (studying laws and police procedures); it mays not qualify you to perform scientific analysis in a laboratory.

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Do I need to have a masters degree to get a job in forensic science?

No, a Master’s degree is not required for most entry-level positions in forensic science. The vast majority of forensic scientists start their careers with a Bachelor’s of Science (B.S.) degree. However, having a Master’s degree can influence your career path, promotion speed, and specific job eligibility. Here is the breakdown of when you need a Master's degree versus when a Bachelor's is sufficient.

1. The Standard: Bachelor’s Degree (B.S.)

• For most "bench level" jobs—where you are actually in the lab processing evidence—a Bachelor's degree is the industry standard.

• Jobs you can get: Forensic Scientist I, DNA Analyst, Drug Chemist, Crime Scene Investigator (CSI).

• Requirement: A strong B.S. in a hard science (Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, or FEPAC-accredited Forensic Science).

• Why: Crime labs typically train you on their specific protocols after hiring. They need you to have the foundation (from your B.S.), but they don't necessarily need you to be a specialized academic expert (from an M.S.) just to run standard tests.

2. When a Master’s Degree (M.S.) is Helpful

While not mandatory, a master’s degree is becoming increasingly common because the field is competitive.

• Experience: Some laboratories allow for a master's degree to substitute for one year of lab experience.

• The "Tie-Breaker": If two candidates apply for the same job and both have good grades, the one with the master’s degree often gets the interview.

• Career Advancement: In many government agencies, you may hit a "pay ceiling" or be ineligible for promotion to Supervisor, Technical Leader, or Lab Director without a graduate degree.

• Specialization: If your undergraduate degree was broad (e.g., General Biology), a Master’s in Forensic Science allows you to specialize in a niche like Toxicology or Serology.

3. When a Graduate Degree is Mandatory

There are specific sub-disciplines where a Bachelor’s degree is never enough.

• Forensic Anthropology: Requires a PhD to sign reports or testify in court.

• Forensic Pathology: Requires a Medical Degree (MD/DO) plus residency and fellowship.

• Forensic Psychology: Typically requires a PhD or PsyD.

• Forensic Odontology: Requires a DDS/DMD (Dentistry Degree).

 

​If you are just finishing high school or starting college, you can always decide to hole off on a Master's degree. You can always decide to pursue a master's degree after you have worked in the field for a few years—many employers even offer tuition reimbursement to help pay for it.

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if you are interested in employment at a specific laboratory, you should contact the director of the laboratory to determine what they require. 

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Is there any experience requirement to start a career in forensic science?

Short Answer: Technically, no. You can often get hired for entry-level positions (like "Forensic Science Technician" or "Forensic Scientist I") with just a relevant Bachelor's degree and zero paid work experience. However, because the field is competitive, "zero experience" on paper usually translates to "extensive laboratory experience in college." Below are example of how experience works in this field:

1. The "Training Period" (You Get Experience After You Are Hired)

Unlike many other industries, forensic science expects to train you from scratch on their specific protocols.

• How it works: When you are hired as an entry-level Scientist I, you typically enter a 6-to-24 month probationary training period.

• What you do: You are not immediately analyzing evidence. You are reading manuals, shadowing senior scientists, passing competency tests, and performing "mock cases."

• The Takeaway: Employers do not expect you to know how to use their specific ballistics software or DNA robots on Day 1. They do expect you to know the scientific theory behind them.

2. What Counts as "Experience" for a New Grad?

If a job posting asks for "1 year of lab experience," you may meet this requirement without having held a formal job.

• Master's Degree: Some laboratories allow for a master's degree to substitute for one year of lab experience.

• University Labs: The hours you spent in Organic Chemistry or Molecular Biology labs count. Be ready to discuss the specific instruments you used (e.g., "I have 200+ hours of experience operating GC/MS instrumentation").

• Undergraduate Research: Working with a professor on a research project is the closest thing to "real" work experience you can get while in school.

• Internships: This is the "gold standard" substitute for employment history and may be easiest to do while you are a student. In fact, some universities give credit for and/or require an internship.

3. The "Technician" vs. "Scientist" Distinction

If you are struggling to get hired, look at the job titles carefully.

• Forensic Technician / Property Specialist: These roles focus on collecting, cataloging, and preparing evidence. They often require only a High School diploma or Associate's degree and are excellent "foot-in-the-door" jobs to gain experience while you finish your Bachelor's. These positions can also allow you to gain experience needed for higher level postions.

• Forensic Scientist / Analyst: These roles involve interpreting data and testifying in court. They almost always require a Bachelor's degree (minimum) and often prefer advanced coursework.

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Why are internships important?

Internships provide students with the opportunity to experience the "real world" of forensic science and the crime laboratory. They also provide recent graduates with the relevant experience that crime laboratory directors seek from applicants. Getting an internship in any laboratory and learning about the theory behind the techniques that are employed can be helpful. This will provide experience in general laboratory procedures as well as safety processes that are employed in laboratories. Be prepared to perform basic functions such as washing glassware or clerical duties.

 

Do the subdisciplines within forensic science have any specific requirements?

While a general background in science is a good starting point, the specific requirements for different subdisciplines diverge significantly once you reach the university level. Some fields are strictly regulated by federal standards (like DNA), while others require medical degrees or advanced doctorates.  Below are examples for the major subdisciplines.

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1. Forensic Biology & DNA (The Most Strictly Regulated)

If you want to be a DNA analyst, you cannot just have a generic science degree. You must meet the FBI Quality Assurance Standards (QAS). These are federal standards that mandate every DNA analyst must have successfully completed coursework in four specific areas:

• Genetics

• Biochemistry

• Molecular Biology

• Statistics/Population Genetics

Why this matters: If your transcript does not list these specific classes, a crime lab legally cannot hire you as a DNA analyst. Avoid "Criminal Justice" degrees for this path. You need a hard science degree (Biology/Genetics) that includes these four specific courses.

2. Forensic Toxicology & Chemistry

This field focuses on identifying drugs, poisons, and trace evidence (like explosives). The requirements here focus heavily on instrumentation—knowing how to operate and repair the massive instruments that analyze samples.

• Key Requirement: A strong background in Analytical Chemistry and Instrumental Analysis.

• Why: You won't just be mixing chemicals in beakers; you will be interpreting complex data charts produced by instruments like Mass Spectrometers. You need to understand the physics and chemistry of how these instruments separate molecules.

3. Forensic Pathology & Odontology (The "Medical" Route)

These are not "lab tech" jobs; these are medical doctor roles. You cannot do these jobs with just a Bachelor's or Master's degree.

• Forensic Pathologist (Medical Examiner): You must go to Medical School (4 years), complete a Pathology Residency (3-4 years), and then a Forensic Fellowship (1 year). Total training time after high school is ~13 years.

• Forensic Odontologist (Dentist): You must be a fully licensed DDS/DMD (Dentist) first, and then pursue additional training or board certification in forensics. Most forensic dentists practice regular dentistry 90% of the time and consult on cases as needed.

4. Forensic Anthropology

This is the study of skeletal remains. Unlike TV shows where the "bone expert" is also the "bug expert" and the "gun expert," this is a highly academic niche.

• Key Requirement: A PhD is almost always required to lead cases or sign official reports.

• Why: There are very few full-time jobs in this field. Most forensic anthropologists are full-time University Professors who consult on police cases on the side. Without a PhD, you generally cannot become a professor, which limits your career stability.

5. Digital Forensics

This discipline is moving away from "police officers who are good with computers" toward "computer scientists who understand the law."

• Key Requirement: A degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or Computer Engineering is now preferred over a general "Forensics" degree.

• Certifications matter: Unlike the other sciences, professional certifications (like the CCE or EnCE) carry huge weight in hiring, sometimes as much as the degree itself.

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What is the starting salary for a career in forensic science?

The starting salary for a forensic scientist usually falls between $45,000 and $55,000 per year. While the national median salary for experienced forensic science technicians is approximately $67,440 (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics), your entry-level pay will vary significantly based on three main factors: location, education, and employer type. Below is a realistic breakdown of what to expect.

1. The "Real" Starting Salary

• Entry-Level (0–2 years experience): Most graduates start as "Forensic Science Technicians" or "lab assistants." In this phase, salaries typically range from $45,000 to $55,000.

• Mid-Career (5+ years experience): Once you become a fully qualified Analyst or Scientist (which often requires testifying in court), salaries generally rise to $65,000 – $85,000.

• Senior Level / Management: Lab directors or senior specialists in high-demand fields (like DNA or digital forensics) can earn $100,000+.

2. Location Matters Immensely

Salaries in forensics are heavily tied to the Cost of Living and state funding for crime labs.

• High-Paying States: California, Illinois, and Massachusetts often have starting salaries of $70,000+, but this is offset by the very high cost of living in cities like San Francisco or Boston.

• Average-Paying States: In states like Texas, Florida, or Ohio, starting salaries are often closer to $45,000 – $50,000, but your money may go further due to lower housing costs.

3. Public vs. Private vs. Federal

• State & Local Government (Most Common): Most jobs are in city police departments or state crime labs. These offer moderate pay but excellent benefits (pensions, health insurance, job stability).

• Federal Government (FBI, DEA, DOJ): These jobs pay the best. They follow the "GS" (General Schedule) pay scale. An entry-level federal forensic scientist typically starts at GS-7 ($49k–$63k) or GS-9 ($60k–$78k), with rapid promotion potential.

• Private Labs: Private DNA or toxicology labs may pay higher starting salaries to attract talent, but they sometimes offer fewer benefits than government jobs.

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What type of work environment can I expect?

The work environment in forensic science varies drastically depending on your specific role. You will generally fall into one of two categories: Laboratory-Based or Field-Based. Here is what you could expect from each.

1. The Laboratory Environment (90% of Jobs)

Most forensic scientists work in a clean, climate-controlled government or private laboratory.

• The Setting: It looks like a standard clinical or university lab—lots of white counters, fume hoods, and large instrument towers. It is quiet, orderly, and sterile.

• The Routine: You will spend hours sitting at a bench pipetting samples or at a computer analyzing data charts. The work is highly repetitive and requires intense focus.

• Dress Code: You will wear business casual clothes under a lab coat, along with safety glasses and gloves.

• Hours: typically a standard Monday–Friday, 9-to-5 schedule, though rush cases can require overtime.

2. The Field Environment (Crime Scene Investigation)

If you work as a CSI or Medicolegal Death Investigator, your "office" is wherever the crime happened.

• The Setting: Unpredictable. You could be in a messy apartment, a muddy ditch in the rain, or the side of a highway. There is no climate control, and you cannot control the lighting or smells.

• The Physicality: You will be crouching, lifting, and standing for hours. You must wear full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)—often "Tyvek" bunny suits, booties, and masks—which can be hot and uncomfortable.

• Hours: Crimes happen 24/7. You will likely work rotating shifts (nights/weekends) and be "on-call" during holidays.

3. The Courtroom (For Everyone)

Regardless of where you work, you will eventually end up in court.

• The Environment: Formal and high-pressure. You will be on the witness stand, explaining your scientific methods to a jury while defense attorneys try to find flaws in your work.

• Frequency: Some analysts testify only a few times a year; others may testify monthly.

A Note on "Sensory" Conditions

• Visuals: In the lab, you may look at photos of crime scenes, but it is detached. In the field (CSI) or morgue (Pathology), you will see violent trauma and decomposition firsthand.

• Smells: This is often the hardest part. Decomposing organic matter has a distinct odor.

• Chemical Exposure: You will work with hazardous chemicals (reagents) daily. Strict safety protocols are enforced to prevent long-term health issues.

 

Where can I find more information about forensic job opportunities?

In addition to job listings on this site, there are other sites which may be helpful. Check out the American Society of Crime Lab Director's home page at www.ascld.org. ASCLD members are laboratory directors and if they have a job opening, they usually send the information to the web master for posting. Also, go to the American Academy of Forensic Sciences' home page at www.aafs.org and click on "job opportunities". The AAFS lists job openings according to title and receive postings from numerous laboratory locations.

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What else will help me get a job in a crime lab?

Beyond the basic degree, there are several "resume boosters" that can separate you from the hundreds of other applicants. Since entry-level forensic jobs are highly competitive, these extras often act as the tie-breakers.

1. Join a Professional Organization (As a Student)

You do not need to be a working scientist to join these groups. Most offer "Student Affiliate" memberships for a low cost (e.g., $25–$60/year).

• Why it helps: It shows potential employers that you are already serious about the profession. It also gives you access to job boards that aren't public.

• Key Organizations:

  • AAFS (American Academy of Forensic Sciences) – The biggest national group.

  • IAI (International Association for Identification) – Essential for CSI, fingerprints, and crime scene work.

  • Regional Associations: Look for the one in your area (e.g., NEAFS for the Northeast, MAFS for the Midwest). These hold smaller conferences where it is easier to network with actual lab directors.

2. Master "Public Speaking"

This is the most overlooked skill in forensics. You will spend a significant amount of time testifying in court. If you are terrified of public speaking, you cannot do this job.

• Actionable Step: Join a Toastmasters club, take a Debate class, or even an Acting/Improv class.

• Resume Tip: Explicitly list "Public Speaking" or "Debate Team" on your resume. It tells a Lab Director, "I won't crumble under cross-examination."

3. Get Comfortable with Photography

Photography is the foundation of all crime scene work. If you take a bad photo, the evidence might as well not exist.

• The Skill: You need to understand ISO, Aperture, and Shutter Speed. Auto-mode is not used in forensics because it can alter how a scene looks.

• Actionable Step: Take a photography elective or get a DSLR camera and learn manual settings. Being able to say, "I am proficient in DSLR manual photography and macro photography," is a huge plus for CSI roles.

4. Be Willing to Relocate

The "CSI Effect" has made forensics popular, so labs in major cities (NYC, LA, Miami) are flooded with applicants.

• The Strategy: Apply to state crime labs in rural areas or less populated states. These labs often struggle to attract qualified candidates and are more willing to hire fresh graduates. Once you have 2–3 years of experience, you can easily transfer anywhere in the country.

5. Protect Your Background (The "Hidden" Test)

You can have a 4.0 GPA, but if you fail the background check, you are unhirable.

• Social Media: Scrub it. If you have posts joking about drug use or illegal activities, delete them.

• Credit Score: Many federal agencies check your credit history. They view high debt or financial irresponsibility as a corruption risk (i.e., you might be tempted to steal evidence to sell it).

• Polygraph: Be prepared to answer questions about your entire life honestly. "Experimental" drug use in the past isn't always a disqualifier, but lying about it is immediate grounds for rejection.

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What is the American Board of Criminalistics?

The following has been excerpted from the ABC:

The American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) was created in response to a need perceived by many criminalists for a national certification program. The ABC is composed of regional and national organizations, which represent forensic scientists. Certification is a voluntary process of peer review by which a practitioner is recognized as having attained the professional qualifications necessary to practice in one or more disciplines of criminalistics. The ABC offers a certificate in criminalistics, as well as in the specialty disciplines of forensic biology, drug chemistry, fire debris analysis, and trace evidence. Certification is but one of the avenues for improving the professional status of those conducting analyses in criminalistics. For further information or to become a part of this program,  visit http://www.criminalistics.com/