Get a degree in forensic technology.
Forensic technology is the processes of using knowledge and tools to answer questions of interest in relation to crimes and crime scenes. Many schools offer forensic technology or forensic science courses as part of their criminal justice programs. Forensic technology schools will teach you the necessary skills for forensic photography, ballistics, DNA forensics, cyber-forensics, toxicology and crime scene investigation techniques.
Forensic Technology Certificate Programs
A certificate is a form of continuing education; certificate programs typically require a minimum of an associate's degree for enrollment. Many schools offer certificate programs in forensic technology. For example, Green River Community College, located in Washington State, offers a certificate program in forensic and fingerprint technology with daytime or evening courses available. The University of Massachusetts offers a certificate program in forensic criminology. West Virginia University offers an extended learning course in forensic photography that teaches documentation techniques and how the evidence will be used in court as well as other photography fundamentals. The fee for this non-credit course is $199; you must have access to a camera and be able to upload the pictures to a computer as prerequisites for the course.
Associate's Degree Programs
An associate's degree in sciences or arts with a focus on criminal justice forensics will enable you to begin working in some entry level positions. Most large colleges and universities offer associate's degrees with concentrations on forensic sciences. These programs will give you a basic understanding of the science and math you will need as well as a general knowledge of some forensic sciences. An associate's degree can take up to two years to complete and will require approximately 60-70 credit hours to earn.
Bachelor of Science Programs
Obtaining a bachelor's degree in forensic technology includes approximately 60 credit hours of coursework and generally requires four years to complete. Specific forensic technologies are available as concentrations or minors complimenting a bachelor's degree. Once your bachelor's is complete you will be eligible for employment in state and federal agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security and State Bureaus of Investigation. American Intercontinental University, for example, offers concentration program in forensic science as part of their criminal justice degree. The University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW) offers ten forensic minor options including forensic anthropology, forensic pathology, forensic toxicology, and forensic botany as part of their degree programs.
Master's Degree Programs
Only a few select colleges and universities offer master's degree programs in forensic sciences; these typically require 60 additional credits beyond a bachelor's degree over the course of about two years. Achieving a master's degree in forensic science will allow you to obtain a successful career in any forensic science agency. Drexel University in Philadelphia offers a Master of Science in Forensic Science degree that takes 18 months to complete. Some programs, such as the degree from Arcadia University, also include guaranteed internships to further enhance your success.
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