What's A Forensic Scientist?

A forensic scientist is first a scientist. When he applies his scientific knowledge to assist juries, attorneys, and judges in understanding science, he is a forensic scientist.

How Do I Become a Forensic Scientist?

You will need:

- a bachelor's degree — get one in science; some forensic sciences 
   require advanced degrees; take chemistry, biology, math, English 
   composition

- good speaking skills — take public speaking, join the drama club, 
   toastmasters, the debate team

- the ability to write an understandable scientific report

How Much Money Will I Make?

Income in the forensic sciences varies greatly depending upon your degree, your actual job, where you work, and how many hours you work. You may never "get rich" but you will have a good income. You will be satisfied with your job, knowing you are contributing to justice — keeping the good guys on the street and helping put the bad guys in jail. Forensic scientists work different hours, depending upon what they do. Some work in forensic laboratories and work 40 hours a week, Monday through Friday. Others work out in the field on digs and may work different hours. Still others are "on call" and work after their regular shift and receive overtime or compensatory (comp) time.

Where Will I Work?

Forensic scientists work in laboratories, at crime scenes, in offices, and in morgues. They may work for federal, state and local government, forensic laboratories, medical examiners offices, hospitals, universities, toxicology laboratories, police departments, medical examiner/coroner offices, or as independent forensic science consultants.

Disaster Mortuary Operations Response Team (DMORT) is a branch of the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA). Teams are sent on an "as needed" basis to mass disasters or large criminal cases. Members are sent for two weeks to any destination in the world and may extend their time as needed. DMORT is used to assist already existing forensic teams.