Physical evidence gathered at the scene of the crime--such as hair and fiber samples, blood, tissue, fingerprints and other vital materials--can make or break an investigation. The crime scene investigator should have at least a bachelor’s degree in a hard science, preferably chemistry or biology although physics, microbiology and other scientific areas are acceptable. Additionally, the investigator should have some criminal justice background, perhaps as a college minor.
Examining, testing and verifying evidence in a crime lab requires a scientist with at least a bachelor’s degree and more likely a master’s in a hard science. Chemistry is the preeminent degree; however, biology runs a close second. Other degree areas that some forensic scientists hold include zoology, botany, genetics, anthropology and entomology.
The forensic psychologist probes psychological motivations and perceptions as well as dealing with defendant competency, eyewitness testimony, interrogation techniques, jury selection and other areas where psychology and criminal justice intertwine. Specific degrees in forensic psychology are limited; however, degrees in developmental, cognitive, social, clinical or criminal psychology are a major plus for entry into the field. Marymount University in Virginia offers a master’s in forensic psychology that covers various psychological areas such as neuropsychology, psychopathology, psychology of criminal behavior and other areas crucial for the forensic psychologist. The Marymount program is capped with a 300-hour internship.
The forensic anthropologist uses a wide variety of skills to investigate a crime scene. A specialist in human beings and their social, cultural and physical activities, he has in-depth knowledge and understanding of human behavior. While applying anthropological techniques and data to a crime scene, he also needs more than a little familiarity with human skeletal anatomy and biology and archaeological techniques to be applied when recovering skeletal remains or other evidence. There are a few colleges and universities offering forensic anthropology degrees or emphasis in forensics. Several offer master’s degrees such as California State University, Chico and Boston University School of Medicine.
The forensic DNA analyst examines specimens of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from a crime scene. The sample may be blood, semen, saliva, skin, hair or even bone. The analyst runs tests to determine to whom the sample belongs. At the University of North Texas Health Science Center, a master’s degree in forensic genetics requires two years of study. The first years covers biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, immunology, biostatistics and ethics. The second year delves into studying biological evidence, forensic anthropology, analysis of genetic data and other key genetic and forensic areas. The program concludes with a six-week to two-month forensic DNA lab internship.