Hot Career: Forensic Science

Forensic scientists are also sometimes referred to as criminalists, and the field is sometimes called criminalistics.

Forensic evidence is often center stage during criminal trials, but it can be hard to understand. That's why forensic scientists are needed: they act as expert witnesses to explain scientific evidence to legal personnel, judges and juries.

The job may not be exactly as it appears on TV, but forensic science does play a crucial role in our legal system.

Due to the popularity of shows like CSI and Law and Order, forensic science is hotter than ever. But misconceptions about the field are widespread.

Forensic scientists essentially do two things in their work:

• Analyze physical evidence collected at crime scenes
• Provide expert forensic testimony before and during trials

When a crime is committed, investigators collect evidence such as blood, hair samples and other trace evidence, and send it to crime labs to be examined. Forensic scientists use chemical and biological techniques to analyze the evidence and document their findings.

They then prepare reports on their findings and provide expert opinions for people within the judicial system. Forensics experts must accurately document everything they do so that their testimony holds up in court.

There are many forensic science education and career options. Forensic scientists can work in one of the following fields:

• They can become forensic scientists and work in a forensics lab evaluating trace evidence and poisons, sometimes presenting their findings at trial.

• Those more interested in computers and technology can work in the world of computer forensics, scouring deleted hard drives for evidence that will help convict criminals.

• Students interested in psychology can work in forensic psychology. Forensic psychologists evaluate the psychological state of those on trial, convicts seeking parole, and witnesses, who may or may not be telling the truth.

• Finally, there are forensic pathologist careers for students with a more scientific bent who want to learn how to identify human remains.

All of these forensics specialties are important in the realm of criminal justice. Learn more about forensic specialties by clicking on the links above.

Forensic scientists work in the forensic labs of police departments, sheriffs' offices, district attorneys' offices, regional and state agencies, medical examiners' offices, private companies, colleges and universities.

They can also find employment in:

• Hospitals
• Toxicology labs
• Federal law enforcement agencies such as the DEA and the FBI

There were 12,870 forensic scientists in the U.S. in 2009 and according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job growth for forensic scientists will increase by 20 percent or more between 2008 and 2018.

Most work for local governments (7,140), followed by state governments (4,290), hospitals, investigation and security services, and labs.

As of May 2009, forensic scientists earned an average salary of $55,070. The top 25 percent earned $66,240 and the top 10 percent earned $84,260.

However, the highest paid forensic science technicians work for the federal government. They earn an average annual salary of $92,100, according to the BLS.

Salaries vary depending on your specific forensic career. Read about salaries for forensic psychologists and computer forensics experts.

If any of these salaries or forensic specialties seem interesting to you, get the best forensics training you can, and start your career today.

_{Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2009}