First popularized by the character, Scully, on "The X-Files" TV show, medical examiner is common major for criminal forensic degrees. The degree deals with anatomy and physiology more than criminalolgy majors. Students should be prepared to examine animal carcasses within school and human corpses if they continue in the field. Because of the medical nature of the job, schooling should be considered almost in line with becoming a doctor. Expect about seven years of classes and odd work hours once employed. Undergraduates typically study biology or chemistry before advancing.
Crime laboratory analysts are the scientists behind work like DNA testing and evidence examination. Although they don't spend any time at the crime scene and typically aren't considered flashy jobs, the lab analyst is the backbone of many unsolved criminal cases. Students should study chemistry, microbiology, botany or even anthropology before specializing in the field.
This degree has a similar background to the lab analyst but with more of an emphasis on criminal justice and general law enforcement. The crime scene examiner is the person who goes to the crime scenes and searches for forensic evidence. Students should expect to have a degree or minor in natural science and criminal justice. In addition, a semi-related field of study could possibly be archaeology. Florida State University, whose College of Criminology and Criminal Justice is considered one of the best among criminology and criminal justice programs, would be an good choice for study in this field.
The least flashy of the degrees, forensic engineers study the mechanics of accidents. This field may not always involve grisly homicides, but more likely than not car accidents, fires and other injury-related mishaps. Students should study within an engineering field before advancing to the graduate level forensic specification. The employment will be related to, but less direct than, a crime scene examiner. The pay is generally better as the work is often more challenging.