Forensic science teaches keen attention to details and analyses of materials. It requires good organizational, filing, and reporting skills. Most forensic scientists are used as witnesses in crime litigations and are called upon to defend their findings. Forensic scientists are therefore meticulous in their methods and processes when processing pieces of evidences. They must also exude a certain level of confidence and credibility to withstand cross-examinations.

Forensics, as it may be referred to more popularly, involves the use of different techniques that other laboratory technicians have mastered such as DNA profiling from samples such as blood, hair, saliva, and fingerprints. It also requires application of knowledge in physics for calculating speed, time, weight, and other factors to determine causes and the exact period or time that something occurred.

Interest in forensic science has grown in recent years, perhaps driven by the popularity of hit TV shows such as CSI, or Crime Scene Investigation, and Alias. To address this growing demand, most universities offer courses on forensic science topics that may be taken as electives to supplement any of the pure science courses such as biology, chemistry, and physics.

Law and medical students are also exploring their interests in forensic science, perhaps to aid them better when they become professionals. And even professionals such as journalists and litigation lawyers enroll in forensic science courses to enrich their work experiences. But to be very good in the field of forensics, one must be well versed in the different fields of science and must have experience using scientific and mathematical procedures to arrive at conclusions and analyses.

Before choosing an FEPAC accredited forensic science school, be sure to check out all of the available programs. Different programs have different focuses, and are aimed toward preparing people for different forensics jobs. Bachelors degrees are usually meant for those who wish to work in a lab but not supervise. The Masters program at SUNY Albany is focused on preparing people to work in DNA labs, while the forensic science degree at Cedar Crest College is more focused on crime scene investigation.

Those wishing to get a forensic science degree would do well to start preparing while they are still in high school by taking as many science classes as they can, and participating in things like debate clubs to get their oral skills up to par. If there is no Bachelors degree program in Forensics available to you, get a degree in Biology or Chemistry.

In order to gain admittance into one of the colleges that result in a forensic science masters degree, students must have taken classes such as Genetics, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Calculus, Physics, Biostatistics and Immunology. They need to have taken the GRE exam and have a Bachelors degree. Work experience in forensics is helpful. At Cedar Crest College, those accepted to the Masters program who don’t have work experience need to take three extra courses: Crime Scene Reconstruction and Pattern Analysis, Trace Evidence and Microscopy, and Forensic Molecular Biology and Population Statistics.

When choosing a program for a forensic technician, you should also be sure to check that it is affiliated with a lab where you can gain experience in the different techniques you will be learning about. Most accredited programs also include a research or internship component which will be helpful to you in gaining experience while you work toward your forensic science degree.

One thing you should know before applying to forensic science colleges – you need to have a squeaky clean background. Due to the nature of the work most employers will insist that you have no criminal record and no history of drug use. You will most likely have to submit to a background check, fingerprinting, drug testing, and a polygraph test in order to get a job.