Forensic Science Major
What is Forensic Sciences?
Forensic science is the application
of science to legal issues. The objective of a forensic
scientist is to be objective, search for evidence, and
serve justice by determining facts involved in a case.
Legal issues occur in criminal and civil cases. Forensic
science, applied to criminal cases, deals with the observation
and collection of evidence such as bodily fluids, hair,
textile or fiber materials, paint, handwriting analysis,
glass, or tool marks. Forensic science, applied to civil
cases, is concerned with determining responsibility for
accidents. There are many sciences or activities that
can be considered ?forensic? such as medicine, dentistry,
photography, fingerprints, crime scene investigator, and
voice analysis.
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What are Some Specializations Within
this Broad Major?
MyMajors.com cannot pinpoint your interests
beyond recommending this general major. Various specializations
related to this major may be offered by colleges and universities.
These specializations may be of greater or lesser interest
to you. A few of the specializations related to this field
include, but are not limited to:
Chemistry
and Criminalistics |
Forensic
Toxicology |
Forensic
Anthropology |
Criminalistics |
Forensic
Investigator |
|
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What Kinds of Students Major in
Forensic Sciences?
A student of forensic science will be
objective, curious, logical, and analytical, and like
to solve problems. This student may enjoy the challenge
of solving a mystery. A successful student must possess
good verbal and written communication. Often a strong
interest in chemistry is important.
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What Courses Do Forensic Sciences
Majors Take?
The required and elective courses you
would take for majors vary considerably among institutions.
Courses are listed here that are illustrative of the breadth
of topics you are likely to experience were you to major
in this field.
Clinical
Laboratory Practices |
Forensic
Serology |
Constitutional
Law |
Court
Procedure |
Molecular
Genetics |
Investigation
and Identification |
Criminal
Procedure |
Criminal
Evidence |
Principles
of Chemistry |
Report
Writing and Research |
Criminology |
Research
Statistics |
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What Types of Positions do Forensic
Sciences Majors Take After College?
These professions and professional organizations
illustrate the types of positions you might qualify for
if you complete this major. Some majors are more directly
related to employment than others, however. You should
consider the likelihood of employment after graduation
carefully, if you do not plan to go on for graduate work
in a field. Even with the completion of graduate work
in some fields, however, employment is difficult, so you
should determine what the prospects are for this or any
major. Employment possibilities are often enhanced by
the selecting employment-related courses and by the enrollment
in second major or in a minor.
Crime
Scene Investigator |
Ballistics
Analyst |
Forensic
Nursing |
Criminal
Investigator |
Forensic
Social Work |
Forensic
Pharmacist |
Forensic
Accountant |
Fingerprint
Expert |
Forensic
Toxicologist |
Forensic
Counselors |
Law
Enforcement |
Handwriting
Analyst |
Sexual
Assault Examiner |
Forensic
Dentistry |
Linguist |
Forensic
Examiner |
Forensic
Engineer |
Nurse
Attorney |
Psychological
Profiler |
Forensic
Medicine |
|
Are you interested in detailed information
about the forecasted demand for a particular profession?
Are you interested in the estimated salaries such positions
are likely to pay? This government Web site allows you
to search on a particular job, whether listed here or
not, to give you this information.
Bureau
of Labor Statistics
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Related Links
If you are interested in learning more
about what professionals in this field do and what kinds
of activities they engage in, you might want to begin
with the following web sites. Also check the departmental
web sites of colleges and universities, which offer this
major.
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University Departments to Consider
The following institutions are the featured
institutions on MyMajors because they support MyMajors
and you in your search for the best major available. They
offer excellent curriculums in well-rounded programs for
you to consider.
For information on options available
to campuses wishing to see their majors listed
on MyMajors, contact: admin@mymajors.com for details. |
Other fine institutions offering this
major offer excellent programs to consider.
For information on options available
to campuses wishing to see their majors listed
on MyMajors, contact: admin@mymajors.com for details. |
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Two-Year College Curriculums to
Consider
Suggest to your two-year college
advisor that their institution's majors be included
to show you their course requirements and unique
resources. Two-year college representatives should
contact admin@mymajors.com for details. |
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Want
More Information? Look at major descriptions prepared
by university academic advisement staffs.
More on Choosing Your College Major 
