Forensic Science Majors

[Anonymous]

DC is interested in forensic science, not cyber or accounting forensics, probably chemistry, CSI stuff.

We have done some research on colleges with this major, and there doesn't seem to be a whole lot of colleges that offer this major as an undergrad.

For those who know about this career, should DC major in something else like chemistry and then get a masters in forensics science? Or is an undergrad in forensics science good enough, and so DC is limited to what colleges they can go to for this major?

TIA

[Anonymous]

First thing to understand is that CSI TV show is not real and it does not portray the reality of that kind of work.

[Anonymous]

You’re looking for a forensic chemistry major
https://www.towson.edu/fcsm/departments/chemistry/undergrad/forensic/

[Anonymous]

Forensic Science is a combination of chemistry, biology, entomology, lab science, and crime scene investigation. The majority of people do not do the slick crime scene stuff.

GMU and VCU both have programs. Watch out for the “murder house” on the GMU campus!

People working in forensic science are part of a team that has one goal: delivering expert testimony at criminal trials. Because the testimony - and evidence gathering and handling - must be beyond reproach, the people involved must lead squeaky clean lives. I was looking at the VCU website a few years ago and they had a passage that said, basically, don’t choose this program if you plan to do drugs.

The BLS predicts that forensic science jobs will grow faster than average but at the same time, there are a lot of people entering the field due in part to the popularity of the TV shows.

I personally think that forensic science is a really interesting broad based discipline. I wonder if the programs would provide enough chemistry and biology to permit one to teach those in schools.

[Anonymous]

OP here..

I've checked out Towson, GMU and VCU and other college websites.

What I'm finding is that there aren't that many colleges out there that offer forensics science as an undergrad major.

So, I'm wondering if the better route for DC is to major in chemistry at any college, and then get a masters in forensics science.

Curious what industry experts think. Anyone in that industry?

[Anonymous]

WVU and Syracuse both have it as a major. A number of other schools have it as a minor so you could major in something like chemistry or biology and then minor in forensic science.

[Anonymous]

Contact a few people who work in that field (like at the FBI) and ask what they like to see in their new hires.

[Anonymous]

Cyril Wecht is the OG of criminal forensics. His bio said he had a BS in bio. Then went on to med school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Contact a few people who work in that field (like at the FBI) and ask what they like to see in their new hires.

+1 This is good advice regardless of what field you're interested in.

[Anonymous]

WVU has an excellent Forensic & Investigative Sciences major. It's ranked #3 in the world or something like that, and the university is very affordable and pretty easy to get into for kids in this area.

My niece had zero issues getting a very good job upon graduation. Her government position is now paying for her PhD.

[Anonymous]

I don't know what would be best for your daughter re which school to attend, but I work with med students and one of them majored in this in undergrad, worked in a coroner's office, and is now in med school with plans to do residency in pathology. She is amazing and loves the field.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:WVU has an excellent Forensic & Investigative Sciences major. It's ranked #3 in the world or something like that, and the university is very affordable and pretty easy to get into for kids in this area.

My niece had zero issues getting a very good job upon graduation. Her government position is now paying for her PhD.

This. WVU has a good program.

[Anonymous]

A lot of job in this field are technician roles that don't pay well at all. Beware.