Forensic Scientists are experts in different scientific fields who apply their expertise within the legal justice system. They answer questions based on their analysis and evaluation of evidence. Many of today's Forensic Scientists earned their forensic science degrees through accredited online schools; these programs are great options for older students, people who don't live near major universities, and people whose schedules are already packed.
Some examples of the disciplines within Forensic Science are: Criminalistics, Odontology, Pathology/Biology and Toxicology, to name a few. One exciting field is Forensic Chemistry. This discipline is dedicated to analyzing the chemical composition of different types of matter and substances connected to crime scenes.
Job Opportunities
Forensic Chemists are experts in chemistry, biochemistry and genetics. The expertise of a Forensic Chemist may be required in criminal cases involving drunken driving, sexual assault, breaking and entering, and terrorism, as well as in civil matters.
Forensic Chemists are needed in both the public and private sector. They can work in private laboratories, forensic laboratories, toxicology labs, hospitals, universities, police departments, local, state and federal government agencies like the FBI, and medical examiners or coroners offices.
Requirements for Becoming a Forensic Chemist
You will need the following educational background, skills and characteristics for forensic science careers and to become an effective Forensic Chemist:
- Bachelor’s degree in science with an advanced degree in chemistry. Criminal justice as well as law enforcement electives are a plus. Find reputable universities that offer Forensic Chemistry in their curriculum. Continuing education is important in Forensic Scientist jobs. Every year, more advanced methods are developed in the field of forensics. As a Forensic Chemist, you should constantly update your knowledge by attending conferences, seminars and conventions as well as other courses pertinent to Forensic Chemistry.
- Excellent speaking skills. Appearing in court may be required from a Forensic Chemist. As such, you have to be able to express yourself clearly and concisely. Public speaking classes, joining the school’s debate team or the toastmaster can help develop your oral communication skills.
- Proficiency in writing scientific reports. Forensic Chemist employment requires that all reports should be thorough, truthful and can easily be read and understood even by the layperson (non-scientist).
- Ability to take notes. Note taking is highly important, especially when at a crime scene. The notes have to be clear, complete and accurate. Knowledge of photography will come in handy, since this is a visual way of note taking.
- Intellectual curiosity. As a scientist, a Forensic Chemist must be a thinker who exhausts all possible scientific methods in coming up with a credible evaluation of the evidence at hand. You should be attentive to details and have the ability to put puzzle pieces together through your innate curiosity.
- High personal integrity. A Forensic Chemist, whether working for the prosecution or the defense, government or private sector, is there to uncover the facts through forensic analysis, based on the evidence at hand. You should be an impartial person who should state the truth and nothing else.
The avalanche of television shows and movies dealing with crime scene investigations has increased the interest in a forensics career. Watching characters collect and analyze forensic evidence and eventually discover the truth as to what really happened in a crime scene is very exciting. However, you shouldn’t base your decision on a Forensic Chemist job only on the current popularity of these shows and how cool it must be to be part of a CSI unit. Making the decision to become a Forensic Chemist should be based on understanding what the job entails, and the educational requirements for becoming one as well as whether you have the right mental attitude to do the job.