Life In The Lab: Careers In Forensic Science
Written by Michelle Conner   
Thursday, 22 July 2010 07:10
Forensic science is one of the fastest growing careers according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The number of people working in this field that uses scientific principles to solve legal questions increased by 30%. Whether it's the popularity of television crime series or high profile trials, more people are investigating careers involving forensics and taking classes in criminal justice online.
by MichelleConner


Forensic science is one of the fastest growing careers according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The number of people working in this field that uses scientific principles to solve legal questions increased by 30%. Whether it's the popularity of television crime series or high profile trials, more people are investigating careers involving forensics and taking classes in criminal justice online.

Due to interest in the field, colleges and universities are adding forensic science to their curriculum. There are now more than 130 forensic science programs being offered across the country. Online colleges are also offering classes in forensic science. The course work is usually the same as at traditional colleges, but online college puts the student in charge. The online college student chooses when to attend lectures and labs and when to complete exams. This flexibility makes it easier to go to college while you work or add a second degree.

There are colleges that offer a online criminal justice program. However, people in the field may also have undergraduate degrees in physics, chemistry or biology. There are several careers for someone who chooses forensic science as a major. Some of these jobs require more schooling, while others are available to those with a bachelors degree.

For example, a medical examiner is a doctor trained in the science of pathology. This highly paid physician examines body tissue and fluids to determine a person's cause of death. While their work does not always revolve around a crime, their subject's are always the dead. To become a medical examiner, you must hold an undergraduate degree in science, be a licensed medical doctor and have specialized in pathology. That's a lot of time in school!

If it's the criminal mind that intrigues you,forensic psychology may be the field for you. Forensic psychologists may work in the justice system, helping to identify and analyze suspects, help victims recover or testify in court. Forensic psychologists not only have a bachelors degree, they also complete graduate work and sometimes a doctorate degree. Forensic psychologists earn an average salary of $53,000 a year.

A law degrees can also land you a job as a crime laboratory analyst. Crime lab analysts spend the majority of their work day in the lab. They evaluate evidence, tying to a suspect or eliminating someone else as a suspect. Crime lab analysts make an average salary of $28,000 to $45,000 a year.

While analysts spend most of their time in the lab, crime scene investigators work in the trenches so to speak. They are the people at the scene of the crime who gather and process the evidence. Crime scene investigators work closely with police officers and lab analysts. Depending on their experience, CSI's can earn $20,000 to $50,000 a year.

About the Author:

While most people with a associate criminal justice degree may end up working in a lab or with law enforcement, there are also teaching jobs available. If you have an interest in science, this growing field may interest you. Online college makes it easier to investigate law degrees.